kalantar

Not sure which to choose, I did a search and a few people mentioned they have had issues with their 03 ( obviously many first year cars do have issues). There seem to be quite a few 03's available with the color and options I like, which I can buy tommorow or is it better to wait around for the perfect 04?

Any suggestions?

rbtronnie5

if the 03 has an extended warranty then sure go for it....but either way you should get a warranty....

iguess

dont feel like you have to rush into a used car. wait till you get what you want

damian155

If your going to wait you might as well shoot for a 05 if it fits your budget. I have an 03 , by 05 most of the kinks are out and I believe that's when the (dvd) based navi system was started(1 dvd). I have the CD based system where you have a pack of different CDs for each region of the US. Either may warranty is a must with this car.

blazinginder

I may be a little biased just based on that "Murcielago" in the signature ...but honestly, go with an 05, you get the updated DVD navigation screen (which IMO looks much nicer/cleaner) and you have more warranty left & you won't have any issues since the kinks were all taken care of ...the 05 is well worth the slight premium over 04s

Stricks

Newer is almost always better, but even then it has to be within the budget.

IngenereAMG

'03 is actually not the first year for this car. I believe that it was released in Europe almost a year before the US.

I took delivery of one of the first SL55s in the west and it has been with me ever since. I have experienced very few problems. There were a couple of recalls, but no mechanical issues. I think the worst thing was the tire pressure sensors, but they got them figured out. A few weeks ago, I had an AC compressor fail. That's it in 4.5 years, lots of track time, and more software revisions that I can count.

kalantar

Price difference between 03 and 05 is roughly $25,000+ .... Is it worth the price difference? That is a 50% price increase...

rbtronnie5

all in the person who is buying the car....i don't think it is...but some prefer the newer nav system....which i think sucks either way. i am upgrading to an aftermarket system which is superior imo....but loses steering wheel controls...just what i see fit

blazinginder

If you can find a problem free, low mileage 03 then go for it...otherwise with 10-15k difference between 04-05, I'd go with the 05 simply due to more warranty etc.

55-BEAR

Had to lemon my '04 due to many electrical problems.

Just a few minor repairs with my '05 ..

Above all get one with a balance of the factory warranty available