SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Looking for some practical advice
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 212
Likes: 75
From: Arizona
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
Hi all. I have read quite a bit here and thought I would seek some advice.
I am a 53 year old attorney and perhaps having a midlife crisis of sorts. For me, cars have always been a purely practical thing. But now I am intrigued by the notion of a used Mercedes SL.
I know next to nothing about cars, so the idea of fixing it myself is out. I also am not a maniac driver, but it seems like an SL55 AMG, SL 63 or SL 65 AMG would be a lot of fun. Models from 2005 to 2007 with 60 to 80,000 miles seem readily available for $25K or less. Then there are the SL 500, SL 550, and SL 600.
What I have read scares the bejesus out of me in terms of ownership costs. My Mazda never needs anything and it gets me where I want to go.
So my questions are whether the SL 55 AMG would have significantly lower costs than the 63 or 65, and whether if i was going from a Mazda, an SL 500 or SL 550 would such a big step up that I don't need any more. I guess also whether the maintenance costs of the 500 and 550 are a lot lower. I can't tell if there really is a difference between them.
I would be looking at something in the 2005-09 year range unless that is a bad idea. Just want something fun for me.
Thanks in advance for any help. I have this nagging feeling that I am thinking about something something really stupid.
--Matt
I am a 53 year old attorney and perhaps having a midlife crisis of sorts. For me, cars have always been a purely practical thing. But now I am intrigued by the notion of a used Mercedes SL.
I know next to nothing about cars, so the idea of fixing it myself is out. I also am not a maniac driver, but it seems like an SL55 AMG, SL 63 or SL 65 AMG would be a lot of fun. Models from 2005 to 2007 with 60 to 80,000 miles seem readily available for $25K or less. Then there are the SL 500, SL 550, and SL 600.
What I have read scares the bejesus out of me in terms of ownership costs. My Mazda never needs anything and it gets me where I want to go.
So my questions are whether the SL 55 AMG would have significantly lower costs than the 63 or 65, and whether if i was going from a Mazda, an SL 500 or SL 550 would such a big step up that I don't need any more. I guess also whether the maintenance costs of the 500 and 550 are a lot lower. I can't tell if there really is a difference between them.
I would be looking at something in the 2005-09 year range unless that is a bad idea. Just want something fun for me.
Thanks in advance for any help. I have this nagging feeling that I am thinking about something something really stupid.
--Matt
The SL's you are thinking about are $100K to $200K cars, with all the associated servicing and parts costs. If you did your own work, you would save some money. But if you are going into this expecting a Mazda experience, you will not be happy.
Having said that I bought my SL55 new in '03 and it has been an extremely good and reliable car and easy to service.
Just keep in mind that even though you are spending $25K, it is a $100K car. Besides, you are 50+, a professional, spend a few bucks on some enjoyment. It just may put a smile on your face!
