alan111

Hey Guys,

Looking to purchase an '03 SL55 with about 50-60k miles.
Anything specific I should look for, or can use as a negotiating tactic?

I'm a long-time Porsche 996 owner, and am all too familiar with those cars and their issues. Looking to hop into a SL55 not too long from now!

Please chime in guys.

Thanks!

kustom2k1

I bought an 03 in 09 with 36k miles and have 49k today. I've changed (once) trans mount, motor mounts and AC compressor. She's a heifer but after a few performance upgrades you can basically run with just about any fast street car. How much you looking to spend?

iAMGod

If you are going to get an SL55, you need to invest in a very good aftermarket warranty. They are beautiful things but can be very expensive to maintain.

abiazis

+1 on the warranty OR...save about an average of $ 2,500 a year for maintenance, repairs, tires........

I had a 996 C4s that I unloaded due to the IMS issue...the ticking time bomb if you will.........I repaired it about 3 times for IMS/RMS related leaks...spent $ 12,000 under warranty in 6 years and when warranty was out, I dumped it after 70K miles......

SLs weak area is the struts which can now be found for $ 599 each through Arnott Industries. OEM struts are $ 1,200 each......

The Vacuum pump the runs the doors and massaging seats, etc....is about a grand to fix and goes over time.......

As far as the 55 engine, it is pretty rock solid, although a present 55 owner can assist there with the weaknesses.....I have a 65 and only know about the weaknesses there.....

The 55 will give you a smoother ride, you'll enjoy the hardtop convertible better than the cloth top from a noise standpoint while riding and the power of the 55 will make you wonder if your C4 was a Honda 4 banger in disguise........

Good luck in your search..beautiful cars.......

cal1

The guys postings above provided some great info. As far as additional things to look for, it would be great if the owner of a car you are interested in could give you a list of the repairs he had done. You could then post them here and we could give you some good feedback.

There are a few items on the 55 especially that if they have yet to be replaced, they will need to be at some point. A couple that come to mind are: supercharger clutch pack, intercooler pump, crank shaft positioning sensor, motor mounts and tranny mount.

M3nv

Struts are probably going to be the first to go. I have a 2005 with 39k miles and the only issue ive had is a bad brake switch ($15 fix).

jrgator

Guess I've been pretty lucky. I have 72,000 on my '07, and none of these problems (yet).

cal1

I'm pretty sure your 07 has a bunch of updated parts that won't have the same issues as some first few years of the R230.