tiggold

I'm purchasing a 2003 SL 55 with 55K miles. It has Keyless go, Pano roof, cooling seats, park assist. and a Lemon law buy back from CA.

I'm not too concern about the Lemon law as I am about the milage.

The first four years the owner drove it 44k to 2006 then sold and 52K in June 2007. and 54K in Jan 2009..

Is there a discontenct on the odometer or can it be changed or the gauage pack be replaced?

anyone know a way to make sure the miles on the odometer is correct?

IngenereAMG

This may be ripe for the old saying, "You get what you pay for"

BeltFedBob

Well I did a quick check on Autotrader and see there are 32 SL55's for sale under 40K. Looks like 55's are tanking fast...

tiggold

Well Dino, having sold Mercedes I know what the dealer offers for trade in. so it is not out of line in the price for the mileage and title brand. I'm just asking is there a way to check the actual mileage.

I have not paid for the car yet and only have a deposite now with the dealer. Since this is not a Mercedes Dealer I was asking if there was a way to check the Mileage. If not there are three others I'm currently working on.

BenzBoy12

Yeah, the SLs were holding fast for a while, but I think finally people have come to their senses, and realized they aren't gonna get 45k+ in this market, especially for an 03 or 04.

IngenereAMG

It seems to me that there must be cars available that aren't buy backs and have true, verifiable miles for the price you want to pay.

tiggold

There are several SL500 in the low to mid 20's

Most SL 55 are in the Mid 30's. I've been able to get them to go down to the low 30's.


From Dealer auctions from Mercedes benz financial they are getting High 20's. so getting one for Under $30 is still reasonalble.

Take a SL55 to any mercedes dealer and see what he offers as a trade in.

I should be in the Low to Mid 20's.


I'm just wondering if the miles are rolled back as everything seem reasonable except the last 18 months. 2K in 18 months is too low.
before June of 2007 the miles were in line and with service records.

tiggold

Dino,

thanks, so you think I should pass on this one. This one just has the most options and the lowest price. I'm getting this for $27k. Like you said you get what you pay for.

There is one with less options 32K miles. At a Bently/ Lamborghini dealership in NY. I've offer 31 to them but they have another offer of $32,500. they other person has a deposit but had not paid the car in full yet. He was suppose to on Friday. As of Sunday the car is still on the lot NOT SOLD.

There is a 2005 SL55 with 70K. Newer but that is a lot of miles and the dealer wants 35k I got them down to 32K.



there are a few more in the works.

I just would like to get something soon.

damian155

it sucks to hear those prices..this summer a 55 will be as common as a honda accord.

BenzBoy12

I can see it now, all the kids that were driving around in Passats and 330i's and new Accords will now be in 500 hp SLs without a clue how to handle the power. And some girls I've seen drive...OMG.

150shot

I dont think just yet. Maybe other MB's such as C, E, CLS, CLK and others.

The SL is a two seater and pretty impractical for ALOT of the population, especially the 55- its just "too much" car for the average person. If you think the kids who have kids will pick one up, I dont think so as they will need enough $ for a diff car. It appeals to me since I dont have any and could care less for a four door at most times....also even though prices are low its still a $100k car plus, and anyone that has their head on straight will do the math and research on the SL's , especially the AMG.



I have been searching mainly the so. calif ads for both a 55 and 500, I havent seen a real good 55 for less than 35k ( miles, condition, etc..). Also for an 05 SL500 mid 30's seem to be the bottom for now. I passed on a nice one at 36k and hopefully I find another a bit lower in the next month or too.

AMGNSX996TT

I will be driving my SL55 into the ground before I give her up for $20K. It's still the standard for a luxury convertible, and the driving impression it leaves me is priceless.

The Godfather

It's a lemon buy back. RED FLAG. Don't buy it, even for $5K. Well maybe for $5k.

AZBENZ-CTSV

Current state
you can buy lo miles well equiped 03 sl55's for 33-37k
2006 car on ebay loaded with 22k just sold for $48,000
i saw the car it was mint (local)

not a better time to buy SL AMG cars than now.
Shop around there are plenty out there and they are not selling.

BenzBoy12

True, although there are always those that don't do any research...
I was just on Autotrader, I know some of you hate that site for some reason, but I think I saw a few nice 500s in the very low 30s or even <30.

damian155

Me personally I wouldn't buy a lemon buy back especially on a 55 car. That's clear signs of problems down the road.

And 150shot, i suggest you get at least an 05 or up, I love my car but I regret not waiting for an 05 for that updated DVD navi sysytem and not to mention the fixes and patches that were made by then but once again its just my opinion.

tiggold

the SL55 runs great. Took it to Ewing to get it checked out. everything is fine. So turns out to be a good car.

EXECMALIBU

It is truly scary! In this economy all luxury cars are a give away! 4 year leases are expiring and tons of luxury used cars a flooding the market. The prices are dropping like a rock Especially if the warranty has expired. Plus there is a new body style that dates the first generation R230 body style and this also kills the desirability.

If you do your homework you will find several low milage 2003 SL55s offered at $30,000-35,000 asking prices. With cash these probably can be had in the mid to high $20K range..

These are no drama/excuses low milage(15-20K) SL55s. There are also many later SL55s (2004-2006) offered for just a little more.

The really terrifying part is how big a hit the SL65s are taking! New (YES NEW unsold) 2008 SL65s are taking a $60,000 hit! Plus there are lots of 2005-2007 SL65 advertised in the $60,000-75,000 range. I am talking about SL65s with less then 5,000 original miles and like brand new in the wrapper!

A Mercedes used to be a good investment..

G_KATS

well in canada the prices arent that steep cheap ...... even if someone here were to buy a SL55 for 35 k US, once all papper work is done and all conversions .... ur looking @ close to 50 K .

I know personally ide never sell my SL55 for 25 grand ..... it wont happen unless its a car full of problems .

tiggold

It was just the end of year push. I found three Dealers wanting to unload SL55. These were big dealers that just wanted to get rid of some cars before the end ot the year. Looks like the prices are coming back up to just above $30k to $40k range. or should I say this is what they are wanting.

I'm enjoying my SL55. It's great to know i can drive this everyday and know my biggest expense is the gas and maintance and not the depreactiion.

sikhkd

I just put down on a SL55, 03 with 40k miles. Black/red with pano roof - listed for $40k, brought down to $36.6k

BENZITCH

I see you are from Plano Texas.

Are there a lot of wholesalers located there?

The reason why I ask is I see so many cars from that area on Ebay Autotrader and others.

Brent72

I bit the bullet a couple weeks ago and picked up an '03 Brilliant Silver/Charcoal w/ 33k mi. for $38k delivered. Probably paid a couple grand too much, but the car had a completely clean history(both mechanically and cosmetically) and I didn't mind spending a little extra for a car that met all my criteria. I'm just happy to be a part of the SL55 club.

drpasteur

you may want to check directly with the dealer where the car has been serviced. sometimes things can happen and not reported on carfax.

sikhkd

No, not that I know of..

I'm actually getting my car from Arizona! found the dealership through eBaymotors