basis

Hello all,
I'm looking at a 2005 SL65 that was cleaned up from a flood title. It's hard to know the definition of flood (or this flood). It's currently priced about $10 - $15k lower then comparables. I've been reading on the fairly high maintenance costs on these older models - I'm wondering how much more something like this may run if the parts are going to fail anyways.

Visually, the car looks an smells fine (there's wear and tear that any 12 year old car would have). I'd like to repaint and reupholster anyways. The custom wheels are in terrible condition and need to go. I'd have the cost of new wheels, tires, and most likely brakes and rotors from the looks of the rust.

The car drives fairly well, the exhaust (custom) backfires after getting on it and letting off the accelerator - hard to tell if that's the exhaust or something else. I'd like to put back on the OEM exhaust (I want it quiet). There are some rattles in the roof, but that also sounds fairly common - perhaps just some tighening of bolts. It's been sitting on the lot for at least a few months - all batteries were drained and no air in tires when I looked at it.

I may see if I can take it to a local dealer to have them look at it mechanically.

My goal with the car is to restore, keep it, and drive it mostly on weekends during nice weather in the northeast. I've always wanted an SL65 since I had a new SLK32. I would also like to add some of the Renntech upgrades.

Let me know if I should stay far away or take the risk.

Thanks,
Jonathan

BlownV8

Only if the price is what you can get for it if you had to scrap. The SL is very expensive to maintain with lots of electronics. I would not take that risk.

Vendetta

Me personally? I would never consider purchasing a flood car, let alone one so dependent upon electromechanical wizbangery as an SL. Even if you get it right, the next thing that goes wrong (and something will, even on well-kept cars) will have you wondering if it was due to the previous damage. Not worth what's left of my sanity.

Also, $10-15K is not outside the realm of potential maintenance costs to completely bring a "kept" car to spec. Engine mounts (for the 12cyl) are a 20+ hour job. How's that trunk lid? Transmission mount, full service including plugs and sleeves, an ABC flush and a hose or two, lower control arms - those dang bushings - throw in a few pulleys, belts, and maybe a coil pack or two and you're already easily there. And if a strut goes,... Yahtzee!

The wisdom that's been shared here many times probably applies here: "The most expensive car in the world is a cheap Mercedes Benz."

-V

cnterline

Stay away from that

okbarnett

Parts car

jtse

Hell no! Even regularly maintained cars will break and cost a fortune. Unless this car is free, don't bother even thinking it.

J

Viper98912

What's the price? You may be better off buying a high miles car

[Reason I say so is because I debate selling my high miles SL65, but it needs rotors, pads, and a coil pack, so I can do these myself and keep enjoying the car or give it to someone who's looking for a slight discount on a beautiful car that isn't an accident or flood car]

Nor Cal SL55

As most people here have indicated - it's all about the money...

basis

Thanks for the feedback. You mostly confirmed my independent conclusion. It's hard to not be tempted by low price!

carguyshu

this should help temp you away from the low price:

coil packs- $1000 each
front rotors- $1000 each
by the time you add the other things you said are wrong (not including paint and upholstery) you are going to be at least at 10 grand. That's assuming nothing is wrong with the ABC system, turbos, transmission, engine, etc. from the water damage and assuming there are 0 electrical gremlins from it.

as others have said stay far, far away. you can drop 10 grand on even one that appears everything is fine in a hurry.