shnitzel

Hello all.
I'm in the hunting down phase of car shopping. Looking to buy in spring, or possibly sooner. Ideally I would like a 2007-08 SL55 in Capri Blue. Having seen a few different sets (all low) of U.S. release production numbers, I'm fairly certain that this may be a German needle in a haystack. I saw a post somewhere where you can email MB and ask for specifics, but that it took a few weeks or more. I was hoping someone on here either knew the number, or perhaps knew someone looking to sell one. I have already been trying settle for the 'popular' colors.

Also, I have seen a few people on ebay suggesting that you should buy now, as the prices will go up in the spring. I know this is a good dealer ploy for new cars, but I figured for used cars, the age would offset any benefit of buying in the winter, seeing that the car would only be about 6 months older by the spring/summer. Personally, it doesn't apply to me, as I had an SLK before, and top down driving was only occasional, and I tend to drive all year round depending on weather. Any forum input on this?

I have been watching the SL market since last spring, trying to get used to prices to recognize a good deal when I see it, and I have been studying various bits about the lines in general. I think my next step is to line up potential warranty companies.

Anyway, I thought I would try to get the word out on the forum about the evasive blue series.
Thanx for reading.

LukasBMW

A blue SL55 of any year is absolutely a needle in a haystack. Finding one in good condition at a reasonable price will be even more difficult. A friend and former Benz sales guy once joked with me that you could buy a Mercedes only in silver or black and sure enough, it seems every SL55 is either silver or black. But seriously, I think those with blue SL's know how rare they are and demand a premium.

As far as trying to time the market, it is true that in the past you could get a better deal during December for convertibles, but I'm not sure that is now the case. I got my deal on my SL600 in July (San Diego Car) at the height of "convertible season". My friends in the car business tell me that while you could typically steal cars at auction during the holiday season (used cars tend to sell slowly during the holidays while new car sales boom), auction prices have been fairly resilient the last two holiday seasons. Additionally, when looking for a rare Capri blue SL55, you probably need to be ready to jump at any month at any time.

As for warranties, check out Fidelity. I have them and so far they have been great.

abiazis

See attached for color.......car was sold....oops.......

zneB-sedecreM

There's a Capri Blue SL55 for sale 10 minutes or so, away from me. Oh *****! You're in PA too! I don't think it's in perfect shape, but it's worth a look if you're that interested the place is called Bristol Auto Mall or something like that, but it's located in Bristol, PA

IngenereAMG

That car has issues. I had looked into it for a client of ours.

The hole 'rare color' thing is funny. If you are the seller, it is rare and in demand. But the reality is that it's rare because nobody ordered that color, thus demand is not strong.

abiazis

Aegean Blue is also very nice different color.......nicer than Capri Blue in the eyes of this observer......

alx

this.

rare color usually means hard to move inventory.

it is true however that convertibles are seasonal. a third of the financially-capable folks in the nation hiatus from november until end of march. dealers dont stock them and wholesale demand drops. retail follows suit.

shnitzel

How long ago was this? I have been checking ebay for months, and don't remember seeing this one, as many of their cars are on ebay. I just did an image search, and got the link. 2008 SL65. I haven't ruled out the Sl65 as of yet, although I have heard that they are a little more pricey on the fixes. I would probably have to stick with an older model to be in price range. That is one beautiful car, though. Shame I don't like red. There is a dealer about 25 minutes from here with a 2005 SL65 in Capri Blue...with red interior.

That is a good perspective on the color/demand issue. Makes prefect sense. As a buyer, I don't think that the color should affect the price, unless the paint actually costs more, such as the DuPont chameleon or whatever that was called. I'm sure yellow would be a much rarer color, but it would have to list for less than a used Kia for me to be caught in one. Lambo green? Well now I'm listening The one in Bristol is a little is older than I would like, as I'm going for the upgraded HP, and some of the other features. I see they listed the car's condition as mint. Could you disclose the issues that you found? I need to keep track of those unlisted things I should be looking out for. PM me if open forum disclosure is taboo. Or not. Understood either way.

Thanx everyone for looking out.

Tai Phun

According to MB, there were only 157, 2007 SL65s sold in the U.S. Of course Black & Sliver are the majority. The color MB 359 is called Capri Blue, Capri Metallic & Tanzanite Metallic. They are extremely rare. Here is one of my SL65s in the 359 color. As for it being rare because no one wants it, how does a Major Eye Roll work for ya? Mine has 9,300 miles on it. It has matching 359 calipers with white AMG Logo. The color is absolutely magnificent. It appears as various shades of blue to shades of purple, depending on the lights and time of day. Enjoy.

mark anderson

Very nice