TheRealMatt

Hi,first off I'll caveat this post by saying that I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this, so I apologize if it's not. Anyways to the main issue at hand:
-I've been looking at the SLK series and then the SL series for a while now and would like to get an '03-'04 (can't afford anything past that, preferably '03), and after searching ebay and being unable to find anything I decided I'd try asking here.

Ext: White, Black, Pewter
Int: Red, Black (Charcoal?)
Features: Keyless go, [parktronic would be a plus]
Mileage: Under 80,000
Would prefer going through a dealer so I have some coverage, but would consider a private seller if the deal is good enough

**I have scoured ebay and everything seems to be going too high, or has performance upgrades I don't NEED (would like) that boost the asking price too much [an extra 2000 for a carbon fiber air box is steep].

Money is a concern and a 55 would be pushing the budget, but the car seems amazing. I'm only looking for a car for around 3-4 years.

Other plausible options I've considered: CPO'd 2007+ E350 4MATIC, 2010 E350 Lease, SLK350, SLK55, Lotus Elise, '00-'01 Porsche 911, '05 Porsche Cayenne


Okay, sorry about the long winded post- if you know of a specific car that's a great deal please let me know, or even if you know a good place like dealer auto auctions.
-M


****Revision: I am young and so while I can afford a certain amount on my own- I can't do anything extreme like a Renntech custom. (I'm one of the younger people on here and know I'll catch flak if I don't address it up front: I'm only 18, and am financially set = I have the capability to pay for this on my own thanks to a job and lucky investments [ie. I'm not some spoiled punk > catch flak on every board for misperceptions (SRT, BMW, etc.)])

InTheBenz0

you forgot a huge part... what is your BUDGET

and where do you live? if you live in a snowy state I would recommend a 4matic vehicle, like you said you are also interested in.

TheRealMatt

My mistake, my budget is 20-40,000. I plan to spend at least 20 on a car, but I know 55's are generally 40+. I live in Nebraska (icy winters, and hot summers)... but don't know about college next year. AWD or 4WD makes a lot of sense, but the Cayenne is not the greatest looking SUV, and the 4Matics I've seen around here tend to have condition issues... [I have no problem with the E-Series being perceived as an "older person's car", but I will admit that I'm a much bigger fan of the facelifted '10 which would require a lease.]

charles pearson

I would not buy an SL55 over 30K regardless of my finances, those cars can become a nuisance if you are the unfortunate owner of a worn out SL. I paid 65K for mine w 20K on her back in 2006, so maybe you should just sit back and wait until you can afford a lower mileage one at a decent price. Remember, "It Cost to be the Boss"!

andy_meng1024

I got my 03 two weeks ago for less than 30k 45k miles plus warranty. The deals are out there so good luck finding one.

kamilclk430

mine is for sale check out my thread if you like. I can probably work something out so taht we are close with the price

Benz-O-Rama

Make sure, with whatever year and engine flavor you decide, that you DO NOT own one of these vehicles outside of a warranty.

I can't stress that enough. Especially as it sounds like you're stretching financially, just to get in the car. Even general maintenance costs are eye opening if you're new to the MB family. Where $125.00 oil changes, $1500.00 brake jobs and $4000.00 suspension repairs are the normal for us.

When you purchase, budget another $3500 or so for a warranty.

mdotpoker

I Live in CO and I got mine from Phoenix. There were alot of deals down there. I would check autotrader for the tempe/phoenix/scotsdale area.
I would also be prepared to fly down(One way flights on southwest are cheap) to drive the car home which is fun and preventive. If the car isn't exactly as advertised you can fly home and save yourself a headache. I would also purchase a warranty/service contract( there are many company's do a search on this topic).

FLSL55

Andy,

03's with 45k miles are going for more than 30k wholesale. Dealers are paying more than 30k for the 03's with 45k miles and reselling them for more.

Maybe you should check to see if you car has been in an accident or had major paint work.

OR....the seller was a flake and had no idea what he/she was selling. Take Andy's buying price with a grain of salt.

mdotpoker

FLSL55, what you're saying is probably true, but I found someone going through bankruptcy and was able to steal the car.
To be clear it takes time and patience to find a screaming deal. I know, I should have paid at least 20K more than what I did for an '03 SL55 with 35K miles.

jmf003

This isn't the question you asked but if you're working to stay within a budget a Mercedes CLK or BMW 1 Series might be a better fit for your requirements.

The CLK55 doesn't have the supercharged engine but it's still an AMG engine and can run a low 13 second 1/4 mile in stock trim.

The BMW135 has a twin turbo engine that is very easy to mod to make additional horsepower.

FWIW....

TheRealMatt

I think I'll pass on the Bimmer and the CLK- not a huge fan of either (don't really like BMW's in general, but if I were to get one it'd probably be a 545,328xi or something along those lines). Thanks for the suggestion though.

From the looks of it and the messages I've received, I think it may be in my best interest to skip looking for an SL. They seem amazing but
1: it'd only be practical 2/3 of the year, the other 1/3 would be a mess.
2: From what I've read on the market is bad for sellers and getting worse ("What is my car worth" thread)
3: Speed is not my main concern (I'd be happy with a E350 W212)... although a huge bonus

I guess I'll jump over to the W211 boards and look around... '10 4Matic lease is looking like the worst, but most likely option... Thanks guys for your assistance though.
-M

Benz-O-Rama

Sounds like a level headed stance for an 18 year old.

I think a W211 4Matic might be best suited for you. Look at a 2006 E350 4Ms.

When I was 18, I wanted the fastest, coolest, most expensive piece of metal I could afford.

IngenereAMG

What amazed me most about this thread were the words SL55 and going to college, in the same sentence. When I was bustin' hump to get through school, I couldn't afford to 'pay attention' let alone buy a Merc. Times change, I guess. Anyway, judging by your responses, "I don't need speed", and where you live, I would stick with a 4matic as it will work year round and give you adequate power..... and we can make those faster too!

SL55 BLACKBIRD

Be patient and find a low mile car. I picked up an 03 Sl55 with under 6k miles close to the top end of your range. I wouldnt consider one with over 20K miles. Low mileage pampered cars are out there and it's worth paying a little more for one. The right car will find you, take your time, they are only getting cheaper

charles pearson

+1, agreed.

andy_meng1024

It was from a private seller from Chicago. He drove up to Madison and I had the dealer inspect everything before I handed him the check. It's a 3 owners' car but the seller brought me all the service receipts since the 1st owner. Overall it's in really good shape and fully stock. One minor accident from the 1st owner and the left side skirt was replaced. No other paint work was done to the car. I think I got a pretty good deal.

andy_meng1024

The SL is actually not bad in the snow. I was driving in a pretty heavy snow storm the other day but as long as I keep it at speed limit it was pretty good. My car has the Michelin Pilot A/S on it. Good luck finding the best car that suits you.

I think I still have that feeling even though I'm turning 24 in a month.

andy_meng1024

A 7 year old car that has less than 20K miles is really hard to find. My car had 45K miles when I got it which is 6-7k miles per year. If you don't mind, can you PM me what you got your car for?

SL55 BLACKBIRD

Here in Cailifornia , especially in southern cal there are low milage cars to be found. Many are second or third cars, garage queens. Mine came from Newport Beach, Owner needed cash fast. He wound up taking almost 9 k less than his orig asking price, needed to make his monthly nut of almost 30 k I had cash when when others needed time to get a loan etc. I may sell it if I can find a low mileage silver 65. Drove the V12 it's pretty awesome and black is a pain in the A$$

PS I found a 66 toronado with 36k orig miles. They are out there