SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Considering an SL55 AMG.....questions?
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4
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From: Near Seattle
996TT,FX35,S2000,Tundra
Considering an SL55 AMG.....questions?
Hi all,
I'm considering adding an SL55 AMG to the garage as a comfy weekend cruiser and something my wife wouldn't mind driving (she hates manuals). I've been looking at used prices and it seems these have been dropping like rocks (similar to my 996TT). Is the market on these soft or what? For example there is an '04 with 10k miles for 64K and also a CPO'd '03 with 15k miles for 69k.....both near me from private parties. Seems like a great time to pickup a very nice 3-4year old car for about half price!
I haven't checked either of these out yet so there certainly could be stories with each but even the dealerships don't seem too high. Should I consider avoiding the '03s due to first model year problems? What about all the Silvers.....the adds say silver but one I looked at was kind of a baby blue (Diamond silver I think)...then there's Brilliant silver, and a couple of others. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but is there any consensus on which is the richest looking silver?
Please excuse the noob questions. I'm new to the Mercedes world any help or insight you can provide will be appreciated.
Thanks,
-Glen
I'm considering adding an SL55 AMG to the garage as a comfy weekend cruiser and something my wife wouldn't mind driving (she hates manuals). I've been looking at used prices and it seems these have been dropping like rocks (similar to my 996TT). Is the market on these soft or what? For example there is an '04 with 10k miles for 64K and also a CPO'd '03 with 15k miles for 69k.....both near me from private parties. Seems like a great time to pickup a very nice 3-4year old car for about half price!
I haven't checked either of these out yet so there certainly could be stories with each but even the dealerships don't seem too high. Should I consider avoiding the '03s due to first model year problems? What about all the Silvers.....the adds say silver but one I looked at was kind of a baby blue (Diamond silver I think)...then there's Brilliant silver, and a couple of others. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but is there any consensus on which is the richest looking silver?
Please excuse the noob questions. I'm new to the Mercedes world any help or insight you can provide will be appreciated.
Thanks,
-Glen
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
Hi all,
I'm considering adding an SL55 AMG to the garage as a comfy weekend cruiser and something my wife wouldn't mind driving (she hates manuals). I've been looking at used prices and it seems these have been dropping like rocks (similar to my 996TT). Is the market on these soft or what? For example there is an '04 with 10k miles for 64K and also a CPO'd '03 with 15k miles for 69k.....both near me from private parties. Seems like a great time to pickup a very nice 3-4year old car for about half price!
I haven't checked either of these out yet so there certainly could be stories with each but even the dealerships don't seem too high. Should I consider avoiding the '03s due to first model year problems? What about all the Silvers.....the adds say silver but one I looked at was kind of a baby blue (Diamond silver I think)...then there's Brilliant silver, and a couple of others. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but is there any consensus on which is the richest looking silver?
Please excuse the noob questions. I'm new to the Mercedes world any help or insight you can provide will be appreciated.
Thanks,
-Glen
I'm considering adding an SL55 AMG to the garage as a comfy weekend cruiser and something my wife wouldn't mind driving (she hates manuals). I've been looking at used prices and it seems these have been dropping like rocks (similar to my 996TT). Is the market on these soft or what? For example there is an '04 with 10k miles for 64K and also a CPO'd '03 with 15k miles for 69k.....both near me from private parties. Seems like a great time to pickup a very nice 3-4year old car for about half price!
I haven't checked either of these out yet so there certainly could be stories with each but even the dealerships don't seem too high. Should I consider avoiding the '03s due to first model year problems? What about all the Silvers.....the adds say silver but one I looked at was kind of a baby blue (Diamond silver I think)...then there's Brilliant silver, and a couple of others. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but is there any consensus on which is the richest looking silver?
Please excuse the noob questions. I'm new to the Mercedes world any help or insight you can provide will be appreciated.
Thanks,
-Glen
As far as color it is all a matter of prference. The most traditional silver is brilliant silver but a while back I saw an SL 500 in the diamond silver. It is a gorgeous color and somewhat rare on the SL. I have owned a number of brilliant silver cars and have loved them. My Sl55 is black and when clean it is in my opinion the most stunning color but a true pain to keep looking good especially if you are an obsessive/compulsive owner like myself.
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 134
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From: DFW
LS460L
The SL55 is a great car for couples. Has power for the guy, and style with a drop top for the lady. The values drop because of a few reasons. They made a lot of them, so there is no demand. Many people that drive these cars prefer a new one, rather than one that has possibly been abused by the previous owner.
It's an awesome car, and I had a 03 when they first came out, and now an 05, and the 05 is much better. The Built-in MP3 CD/DVD player is awesome. I have over 900 songs on my DVD, and it's all controlled on your nav!
It can become a little boring, and that is why I am selling my SL. It is actually already sold to a family member, but he is out of the country, and the car is stored in my Garage.
It's an awesome car, and I had a 03 when they first came out, and now an 05, and the 05 is much better. The Built-in MP3 CD/DVD player is awesome. I have over 900 songs on my DVD, and it's all controlled on your nav!
It can become a little boring, and that is why I am selling my SL. It is actually already sold to a family member, but he is out of the country, and the car is stored in my Garage.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I have had an '03 since new and it has been perfect.......zero problems. Actually, these were not first year cars as they were released in Germany in '02.
As far as DVD's and the rest of that nonsense. What these cars are about is going fast, sounding great and sticking in the corners. For that I turn the radio off.
As far as DVD's and the rest of that nonsense. What these cars are about is going fast, sounding great and sticking in the corners. For that I turn the radio off.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
I think it's hard to make sense of the reliability picture. The Consumer Reports numbers show '03s, '04s, and '05s as all having "much worse than average" reliability. The '03s and '05s look about equally bad while the '04s are marginally better in some categories.
Forum consensus seems to be to avoid the '03s. However like some other forum members I also drive a '03 and it's been terrific. Only two minor, minor service issues.
Color-wise, silver is classic MB while black is the AMG "house" color. I went in between and bought the Tectite Gray with a Berry interior, which I think is absolutely fabulous.
Good luck with your choice and enjoy the buying experience!
Forum consensus seems to be to avoid the '03s. However like some other forum members I also drive a '03 and it's been terrific. Only two minor, minor service issues.
Color-wise, silver is classic MB while black is the AMG "house" color. I went in between and bought the Tectite Gray with a Berry interior, which I think is absolutely fabulous.
Good luck with your choice and enjoy the buying experience!
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Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
05 SL 55 AMG, 01 Turbusa/8.43 @ 183..1/4 mi.
A "thinking" man with means, (and it is apparent that you are one), will realize that a 04-05-06 SL55AMG, with less than 15K miles, is what you should have..............period.
Car would need to be pristine..........
And you would have leverage to negotiate simply because this is 2007.
Perfect scenario, in my opinion, to get a great car.....CHEAP.
SD
Car would need to be pristine..........
And you would have leverage to negotiate simply because this is 2007.
Perfect scenario, in my opinion, to get a great car.....CHEAP.
SD
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