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Hey how's it going guys. So I currently put a refundable deposit down on an 05 sl65 AMG the car has 105k miles on it. I've done a ton of research on these cars in the past and am aware of the common faults and costs associated with maintenance and upkeep and am ready for unexpected repairs. I am planning on having a MB dealership do a pre purchase inspection before I buy the car I tried to check everything to the best of my ability without getting the car on a lift. The brakes don't feel as great as some people have said they're supposed to be, they feel on par with my E55 which aren't great so I'm guessing they need to be done and am aware of the cost. This is the first SL and convertible car I've ever driven and noticed that the headliner/roof panels are a bit loose and rattle pretty bad when the top is up. I also noticed the design of the compartments in the door panels and those seem to rattle as well. The interior of the car makes quit a bit of noises, creeks, and rattles I did not expect this for a car that is so expensive. I have been told by my tech that it is common on these cars but just wanted to make sure. Another issue I noticed was the air conditioner had that musty smell to it. Overall the car pulled extremely hard and smooth the steering/suspension felt a little floaty so probably needs to be refreshed. Please let me know what you guys think about these rattles, thanks.

okbarnett

they are very expensive to fix. Did you look at carfax? After it is inspected youll probibly have a shock of what it needs and how much they want to fix it up. But taking into consideration it needs some mechanical work the last thing you need is to start doing body or interior work to make it decent. Sounds like it isnt a good candidate from the start. And over 100k mi, look further.

try m3

Carfax is clean 2 owner car that looks to be dealer maintained for most of its life. I have a great mechanic who's a Mercedes Benz Master tech I would never take a car without a warranty to the dealer for repairs. I can do a lot of work on my own but as a medical resident I just don't have the time. I'm aware of coil packs, abc, suspension, motor/trans mount cost for parts and labor. The exterior and paint looks to be in great condition but I'm going to be doing a BS wide body if I end up buying the car, engine and trans seem fine as well. I'm sure the car needs some work but for the price difference of a lower mile car that will eventually need the same maintenance I can have everything replaced on this car and money left over. My main concern was mostly the interior rattles as those are pretty annoying and a pain to track down. If the PPI comes back very bad and the car has engine/transmission issues I will definitely pass and pick up a lower mile car.

euphoriaDSM

Keep searching. What's your range?

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For an SL65 I'm willing to spend around $45K, I was originally set on a 997 turbo in manual it's a bit more expensive but is still my second option. I can pick up an SL65 for much less as a fun weekend car and I have an M3 in 6speed manual for when I want to drive stick or do some track events. There are a few cars with much less miles in my budget but I figured if I could get this car for significantly less I can do a full refresh on it as long as the motor, trans, and turbos are good. I'll definitely have a compression test done as well.

boostd

How much is that 05 you're looking at?

try m3

I can get the car for $30k maybe a little less.

boostd

For reference, I bought my 05 in December with 29k miles for 37K. The car came with some Renntech parts too.

eyedoc000

I think you can do better. Renntech with 52,200miles in ORE for $34k. Car Gurus.

Black on black. But maybe you can't finance that one as it is a private sale. Anyway I bought a real nice CL55 for 17k last year with 66000 miles. In the south and west are the best cars.

Georgia or Tennessee are great places for these cars. Shouldn't have really any rattles. I didn't in mine. Super quiet though not a cab.

Lower miles always better though you will have plenty of age related issues. Engine mounts and suspension issues common problems as well as dumb stuff like window regulators and trunk latches and supports. Now have a cherry Designo 2009 CL65 I stole for under 50k with 62000 miles so new issues but all minor so far. Amazing engine same one pretty much you'll get.

Good luck!

okbarnett

I would think you can find a converted wide body car and pay alot less for it as is, than doing the work yourself

try m3

Wow that's a great deal, I'm gonna pass on this car as there seems to be much better deals out of state.

CL65 is one of my favorites I was actually considering a CL63 but want the v12. Looks like the cars local to me are a bit overpriced and there are some really good deals out of state. I think I'll continue looking for the right car and go out of state if needed.

Yea if I can find one that already has the work done that would be great but most cars I've came across in the past for sale with the wide body were SL55's.

Viper98912

Mine is for sale @ $40k and 95,000 miles. It isn't perfect, but doesn't have any of those rattles and stuff. Yes, it does creak a little bit because it's a hardtop convertible, but it's nothing I truly notice.

I thought when I bought this two years ago that prices had leveled off (especially on the 07's and 08's), but they've continued to tank. Couldn't touch an 08 w/ CF for less than $58k, now you can buy them for $38k.

I debate keeping this car just because it's an amazing car, but downsizing (with a 1 car garage) and moving to a cold weather state has forced me to search for something AWD...

abiazis

Buy the Porsche.....you will enjoy the experience better due to less cost of ownership and headaches.....

aeroman

Best days of Porsche ownership is the day you buy and the day you sell.

aeroman

I might be willing to let mine go for $48K with 30K left on a bumper to bumper no deductible warranty. Its a 2007 white on Burry interior with ~52K miles. Dealer maintained its entire life. Front brakes are new and back are good. Absolutely nothing wrong with car. Pulls hard and rides right. Has Renntech tune, full exhaust and V3 lowering module. 700HP @ 850 ft lbs of torque

abiazis

sold SL 65 when $12k in repairs to sort the car after owning 7 years and 30k miles.....best day when I sold it,.....

have the Porsche after 20 years and don't plan to sell....no issues and everything works....continued enjoyment, so first day I bought was the best and it continues....

mercedes are over engineered creating reliability issues and high costs....

Ed954

Mine doesn't have any major rattles or creeks inside the cabin.

coldhammer

just for reference i just picked up an fully loaded 07 sl65 w/ 85k miles in atlanta for $35k. Dealer paid for new front rotors and pads to boot $2800.

tandan

Same here.