SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: CONSIDERING 2005 SL 65; WOULD APPRECIATE RECS

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 02-11-2013, 03:47 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
RufGmbH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
SL65
CONSIDERING 2005 SL 65; WOULD APPRECIATE RECS

Hi All.
I'm new to this forum and have enjoyed reading the posts. I'm coming over from the P-cars on 6speedonline.

I am considering purchasing of 2005 SL65 (see several options below). I've read the post about SL65 reliability, which was extremely informative (great info, thanks).

Would appreciate people's opinions on these few cars. My thoughts:

Car #1: spoke to current (2nd) owner. He purchased directly from Brumos of Jacksonville at 27,000. Currently 52,000. Wife's car. All docs from day one, impecccable service records, etc. Sounds like a straight shooter, older middle aged gentemans who's owned Ferraris, Porsches, etc. Probably not in financial hardship looking to screw someone. Doesn't have rear spoiler lip (cheap add-on) or panorama roof (nice, but not a biggie). Asking 49,900, but open to offers (???$45ish).

Car #2: Local exotic dealership with good feedback on ebay. 3 owner car recently traded in on 2013 SL65. Has all docs since new, and just had schedule C (which I think is cheap one) done. Locally serviced. Positive: has both spoiler and pano roof. 68,500 miles (???? Too high ???). $42,000 takes car.

Car #3: 75,000 miles don't know as much about records on this one; WARRANTY UNTIL 91,000. High miles makes me nervous on this one. Asking 49,900 which seems way too high to me.

Car #4: different flavor. 2003 SL55 with some Renntech work (~555 hp), only 32,000 miles, with SL65 front valance, Renntech 20" rims, lowered suspension, etc. Asking $39,000, but could probably get it for $34-$35kish

#5: just saw this one. Lower miles SL65 with Renntech work.

Would really appreciate feedback. Sorry for long post

Thanks,Jason

#1. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...38614826&Log=0

#2 http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=6&Log=0

#3 http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...24755083&Log=0

#4 http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=338599220

#5: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...39911084&Log=0
Old 02-11-2013, 08:03 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
canes85's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: ATL
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2012 S600
I say Car #1 with taxes/ fees on car #2 you are $45k.
You can't beat private seller with all service records. Have a PPI plus check engine & transmission mounts. It's a very expensive repair. Also have the spark plugs & front rotors/ pads been done? I have a 2006 CL65 good luck & enjoy!
Old 02-11-2013, 08:09 PM
  #3  
alx
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
alx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Received 248 Likes on 214 Posts
I say #2 dealer is talking out of his ***. There is no service c on the 05s. The services alternate between 1- minor and 2- major. All three cars should have had their tranny, rear diff and brake fluid flushed once at the mileage they are at.

Said that- pick the car that has the valve blocks, tandem pump and front hose already replaced. Ideally throw in the coil packs in there too. The rest is noise

Last edited by alx; 02-11-2013 at 08:11 PM.
Old 02-11-2013, 09:39 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
RufGmbH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
SL65
THANKS FOR RESPONSES!!!

Hi Guys. Thanks for the two responses that I have received thus far. Very helpful. I will definitely look into those items AXL. Good advice. I agree with car #1. I spoke to the salesman/service manager at Brumos who has been involved with this car since day one. He is going to fax over all service records for my review. To show how **** this owner is: he got some curb rash on one of the wheels. Instead of having $200 repair/refinish, he ordered a new OEM wheel at the tune of $2600!!! These cars will certainly require repairs, but I figure if I look into the big problem $$$ areas, I don't think I am going to do much better than this car.

Thanks again.

JD
Old 02-18-2013, 12:57 PM
  #5  
Member
 
pjdough's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
1999 E55, 2005 SL65
For what it's worth - I just picked up an 05 sl65 from a private owner w/34,800 miles, all service records, 2+years remaining on Fidelity Platinum Insurance policy, BBS-GT wheels (w/OEM wheels), and some xtra parts. No-pano or distronic but everything else. PPI checked out fine (some minor repairs but Fidelity covered it). I paid $45k in Northern Virginia.
The 65 is a beast; you'll love it!
Old 02-19-2013, 11:14 AM
  #6  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
RufGmbH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
SL65
WOW!!! WHAT A STEAL!!!

Hi There.

Sounds like we both did well this past week. I can't believe the deal that you got!!!! I think that truly constituted HIGHWAY ROBBERY (PUN INTENDED). I think you probably paid about $15k under book value. I looked up mine and KBB was ~$56,700. I paid $46k. I can't believe you have 2 FULL YEARS left on your warranty. Awesome!!! I'm very happy with mine too. It's really as close to showroom condition as any car I've ever seen with 52k miles. The ONLY flaws (I'm super OCD) I can find are a few pixels out in the command center, a few very small nicks on the wheels, and that's about it.

What a beast. I cannot get over the torque. I was in 4th gear at 70 mph on the highway, stomped on it and the tires wouldn't even hook up. Amazing. Good luck with your beast. I'm psyched for you!!!

Cheers,
Jason

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: CONSIDERING 2005 SL 65; WOULD APPRECIATE RECS



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:26 PM.