Should I buy a 9 year old Mercedes SL

[chrisawesome]

I saw an amazing looking 2004 Mercedes Sl500 for sale for $19,000. That is about what they are worth by now. Most people buy a new Mustang or Camaro but that 9 year old Benz still attracts me much more!

-I am wondering if someone who owns a 2004 or knows someone can tell me if they are high maintenence. And if my desire is not worth the cost. Please dont say anything like the engine blew up because that is either bad driving or a bad lemon.
- I would like to know if there are any concurrent problems with 04 SL roadsters.

I really want this car and cant find a way to convince my parents its worth it.

- I know that 2003 was the first year that body style came out and in 2004 they must have fixed all the problems, Right? So what about now 9 years later?????

[David29]

I saw an amazing looking 2004 Mercedes Sl500 for sale for $19,000. That is about what they are worth by now. Most people buy a new Mustang or Camaro but that 9 year old Benz still attracts me much more!

-I am wondering if someone who owns a 2004 or knows someone can tell me if they are high maintenence. And if my desire is not worth the cost. Please dont say anything like the engine blew up because that is either bad driving or a bad lemon.
- I would like to know if there are any concurrent problems with 04 SL roadsters.

I really want this car and cant find a way to convince my parents its worth it.

- I know that 2003 was the first year that body style came out and in 2004 they must have fixed all the problems, Right? So what about now 9 years later????? Well what is your budget for everything for the car and everything you plan to do?

[PinkFloyd]

Yesss! Get it!! Make sure that it's in good working order though because maintenence and imsurance on a European Import is really expensive.

[chrisawesome]

Well what is your budget for everything for the car and everything you plan to do?

I want to spend $1,000- $3,000 in AMG upgrades and swap the ugly ass stock rims for something similar to a Black Series. And then sell it in 5 years or so. But I've read reviews that say they have spent almost $8,000 in the past 5 years due to expired warrenty repair costs. I just dont think that in 5 years it will be worth the $30,000 put in it. Keep in mind we are cheap ass Republicans LOL and freak at the idea of losing money! I just wonder if it will be as valuable as a 1950's Gullwing!!!! In that case that would be the best investment I've made...

- Just tell me what exactly the annual repair cost is for something to go wrong in that type of car!!
- I know they are swift and showy cars, but that may not be worth $30k invested ...?

[David29]

Well the repair cost definitely would be a lot my grandpa has a 2003 Mercedes SL and they don't make some of the parts anymore and it they break he is basically screwed. I think the SL also has the weaker wheels like the CLS-Class so if you go over a pot hole to hard they wheels might burst
are you looking for a older or vintage Mercedes? because with the $30k you invest in repairs and AMG upgrades you could probably get a used E-Class they are amazing Mercedes and are also swift and showy.

[chrisawesome]

Well crap, but 2003 was the first year that bodystyle came out. And they must have fixed those problems in 2004? I dont know, but I dont really like the older E classes. If I did buy an E class it would be a new E63 AMG. But thats a family sedan not a sexy convertible.

[David29]

Well crap, but 2003 was the first year that bodystyle came out. And they must have fixed those problems in 2004? I dont know, but I dont really like the older E classes. If I did buy an E class it would be a new E63 AMG. But thats a family sedan not a sexy convertible. Well by 2004 I know they fixed the wheels in the CLS-Class so I am sure they fixed them on the SL-Class as well and yeah i see what your getting at you don't need a family car I know my friend just got a 2013 E550 Coupe with the AMG Body style and the AMG Interior he loves and and i have both ridden in it and drove ti fantastic car It as two seater so a little less family carish

[David29]

http://imganuncios.mitula.net/2010_mercedes_benz_e_class_e550_diamond_white_metallic_in_hicksville_new_york_97 177759082731901.jpg
Kinda looks like this

[chrisawesome]

I dont know, I dont really like how high the space is above the wheel, I know the old CLK class was horrible at that. If you get a chance, not to be rude, but ask your grandpa how much he spends a year in repairing the SL not oil or gas or anything, just if something on the car went out!!

[David29]

I dont know, I dont really like how high the space is above the wheel, I know the old CLK class was horrible at that. If you get a chance, not to be rude, but ask your grandpa how much he spends a year in repairing the SL not oil or gas or anything, just if something on the car went out!! Will do! I know the car take supreme/premium gas
Do You Currently have a car?

[Wakesetter03]

I know one of the issues with the SL's is with the hard top convertible.
The motors don't last, and often need replacing.

Apart from standard wear, suspension bushings, air bags if it has air suspension etc, there are also a few well known documented issues are found with them. Perhaps try Google instead of a forum of teens who won't be interested Grandpa's convertible XD
I know they aren't known to be the most reliable Mercedes of all time. I believe they were one of the models designed/built in Albania.

Particularly, add parts such as electronic motors, air bags, the right tires for a Merc Convertible (they're a heavy car) and you're looking at expensive maintenance.

I do like that E Class above though, personally I'd prefer the practicality of a sedan/coupe over a convertible, particularly when the convertible wouldn't be as nice to drive.

[chrisawesome]

I know but that is around 50 or 60k
Im in the market for something like this... for half that price.
http://www.cksperformance.com/images/GCL230BM.jpg

[David29]

If you buy like a 2010 Pre Owned The drop down to like $30k

[chrisawesome]

And the problem is, I want it to be a convertible. And being a preppy person I dont like my hair blowing around in it. The E550 can be a convertible, but i HATE soft tops. The SL500 is the only car I like that looks just as good with the top up as it does down!

And you know what, if the hard top motor does break, I can still use it as a coupe. That is unless it is down and wont go back up!!!

[Wakesetter03]

I know but that is around 50 or 60k
Im in the market for something like this... for half that price.
image (http://www.cksperformance.com/images/GCL230BM.jpg)

Maybe perhaps look at a newer SLK if you want less upkeep?

They were focussed on driving quality over the wafty, smooth ride that comes with an SL due to the owners generally being... older.

A newer model will have less issues, still has a hardtop and good equipment.

Buy the SL if it's what you want, but it will cost you money.

[David29]

Have you looked at any of the BMW convertibles?

[IAMWILL]

Dont buy it. Out of warranty maintenance costs are HORRENDOUS. Literally like anything breaks (which it will at some point) and its totaled. Air suspension goes? Totaled. Transmisson goes? Totaled. Any damage to the engine? Totaled. It's ridiculous. For 19,000 or the 30 you would put into it buy a new Subaru BRZ. They look good, and extremely fun to drive, and since its made by Toyota, are completely bulletproof and cheap to repair. And old Merc will only lose value. Trust me, just how the car looks isnt everything.

[Wakesetter03]

This ^

The Z4 is a nice drive, and looks great top up or down.

[chrisawesome]

Honestly, my friend had a bmw M3 and something went wrong with the engine. Never seen it since. My neighbor has an 03 M3 coupe and they kept it in good condition. Im just not that much a BMW enthusiast like M-B. Just dont even mention a Lexus. I wouldnt want to be caught dead in it. No, really it may uncontrollably accelerate and I may die... They are just a fancy version of Toyotas

[Wakesetter03]

My parents have never had any major issues with BMW's. Not anything not under warranty anyway.

I will give it to Toyota/Lexus, you get a lot of reliable, well built car for your money. Lexus in particular are extremely underrated.

[David29]

Agree with you on the Lexus well the thing i would also suggest is if the dealer is close to your house drive or walk there and take a look at what condition the car appears to be in

[chrisawesome]

I think we are going on friday or saturday. What do you think I should watch out for. If I sense something going bad do you think I can put it up for sale the next year? I will loose money but not all of it

[David29]

well if you have your licenses ask to take it for a test drive or something but yeah I agree if you do buy it and something goes wrong you could sell it you wont use a lot because its a Mercedes and it has a feeling of Luxury

[Plane And Simple]

Things to watch:


Open hood and look for wetness, as if there were leaks or such.
If the cambelt is visible, make sure it looks strong, and has no heavy marks
Check oil and coolant levels - that'll tell you a lot avout if the previous owner/dealer cared for the car
Moving to the exterior, check for paint scratches.
Check the rims, and tyre draw depth
Check all lights work
Interior: check visually that everything is in its place undamaged
Start the engine and watch:
Idle - shouldnt be over 1200rpm when cold and under 600 when hot.
Sound of the engine

Then just teat drive it and watch for suspension, noises, and the sound of the engine.


Good luck with the car!

[chrisawesome]

After really thinking about that SL I dont think it is worth it. The car looks awesome, but looks unfortunatly arent everthing. How about this, a 2006 CLK 550 cabriolet with 65,000 mi. and it is $17,000. If I put $1,300 in cosmetic upgrades... I want to put...
-amg style side air vents
-tinted tail lights
-custom exhaust
-amg bumper side vents
-swap the rims with a buddy- free : )
-do some kind of performance upgrades ( IDK yet)
This is what it should look like afterwards...
http://mercedesusnews.com/blog/media/07-clk-hero-amg.jpg

[Wakesetter03]

High mileage though?

[chrisawesome]

Hell, no that isnt high milage... 65,000/7years = 9,285 per year. From where I'm from we usually drive about 12,000-14,000 miles per year.

[Wakesetter03]

Overall it still has over 60,000 miles on it. Doesn't matter how many per year, it's about the overall wear and tear of the car.

[Plane And Simple]

How much is that in kms? :?

If it's about 120k km then I dont see a problem. At very short last you got car for 250k km = 130k km more. I'd just get it checked by a mechanic before buying it.

[Wakesetter03]

That's roughly 100,000km.

Thats starting to get high mileage, a newer Mercedes will not get 250,000km.

Not without a lot of money spent on parts, coupled with the fact that motors in today's day and age rev a lot higher than older cars, and whilst synthetic oil is good, it doesn't change the fact that higher end cars generally are neglected when it comes to servicing.

If you check it with a mechanic it may be fine, but it isn't an investment. It will only keep dropping in value.

[chrisawesome]

Uh yeah I know that, Im not trying to make a $1million off of it!!! The market in Australia is way different from the one in America. Unless the milage was above average, that would be a bad thing to buy... Age of car wouldnt be worth the milage. If the car were free then the 60k wouldnt bother me that much. If I had to pay $20,000 for it then it would bother me

[Cicero]

I'm the same way. I'd rather have a 8 year old car that's in good condition and is a luxury car rather than a brand new Camaro or Mustang. Anything that's imported from another country will be expensive to have maintenance on. If it looks like a 2008 model or something around that, I would snatch that car up fast.

[chrisawesome]

I'm the same way. I'd rather have a 8 year old car that's in good condition and is a luxury car rather than a brand new Camaro or Mustang. Anything that's imported from another country will be expensive to have maintenance on. If it looks like a 2008 model or something around that, I would snatch that car up fast.

Every fucking car I see that I like gets sold before I testdrive it. Then when I get a 2nd choice, that one is gone too. It really pisses me off...

[Plane And Simple]

Let's finish it off. If you don't mind spending 1000$ in parts, upgrades and replacements a year, gp for it, but If you want a reliable cheap car then look for something else. The car may be amazingly reliable, or an utter piece of crap. Buying second hand is like a lottery. Of you decide to buy it, test drive it in depth and take it to a mechanic for a very exaustive revision.

Good luck :)

EDIT: Saw it got sold. Feel free to bring up the next choice

[chrisawesome]

What the hell are you implying a dumb ass prius? You've got to be kidding me. I wouldnt mind spending $1,000 in repair per year, I've been concidering purchasing a used car warranty. No, the CLK didnt get sold, but the SL did. If this CLK gets sold, I still have a 2nd choice, but it has ugly ass interior color but it has more h/p. I am a car guy, repair costs dont get in the way when your rich and a car enthusiast. -- Do you dump your girlfriend because she buys an extra box of tampons, doesnt make sense does it? If shes a hot topic,your going to keep her no matter what she costs you. Same goes for a Mercedes. All though its kind of hard to fuck a car, insert into gastank or washer fluid container protection or no protection?

[Wakesetter03]

Uh yeah I know that, Im not trying to make a $1million off of it!!! The market in Australia is way different from the one in America. Unless the milage was above average, that would be a bad thing to buy... Age of car wouldnt be worth the milage. If the car were free then the 60k wouldnt bother me that much. If I had to pay $20,000 for it then it would bother me

The market may be different but common business sense isn't.
You have a car with 60,000 miles. It is less than 10 years old. The Mercedes Gullwings, prime examples of automotive investments? 50-60 years old. Plus they were the top of the range, fastest production car at the time, and were post war vehicles (high economy, many were bought). It was an investment.
A 5-10 year old basic CLK is not a valuable car, you will loose money as it's only getting older and getting higher mileage.

If you like the car get it, in terms of safety and technology, it's a suitable choice for a young driver. Don't kid yourself though that it's an 'investment'. Cars aren't investments, they are money pits. As an enthusiast, you take the losses for the love of it.

What the hell are you implying a dumb ass prius? You've got to be kidding me. I wouldnt mind spending $1,000 in repair per year, I've been concidering purchasing a used car warranty. No, the CLK didnt get sold, but the SL did. If this CLK gets sold, I still have a 2nd choice, but it has ugly ass interior color but it has more h/p. I am a car guy, repair costs dont get in the way when your rich and a car enthusiast. -- Do you dump your girlfriend because she buys an extra box of tampons, doesnt make sense does it? If shes a hot topic,your going to keep her no matter what she costs you. Same goes for a Mercedes. All though its kind of hard to fuck a car, insert into gastank or washer fluid container protection or no protection?

Ease up here. He wasn't implying a Prius. However, if you are, as you so eloquently put it, "rich", why not raise your budget over 20k and perhaps purchase a newer car? This may perhaps be a better answer instead of spending thousands a year maintaining an older car. I am not sure how second hand car warranties work in the US, however I would read the fine print and go over that document like a hawk. I would hazard a guess it isn't even worth the paper it is written on, due to clever wording (perhaps, not covering wearable items, which if you ask me, is every item in a car) and other bits and pieces.

One thing I will agree with though, as a car enthusiast, you deal with the costs. You do it for the love of driving and owning a car that is a little bit different, a little bit better than what everyone else drives. If you want the car, the simple answer is buy it. If it makes you happy, what is a thousand or so a year?

However, do not think you will buy the car, have no issues (second hand cars, you are bound to have something, from tires to electronic motors), and then be able to sell it in two years for profit.

You will not make money buying a second hand car unless you are certain that it is something rare (so this rules out CLK's and SL's), that you will keep it for many years in good condition.

[Plane And Simple]

What the hell are you implying a dumb ass prius? You've got to be kidding me. I wouldnt mind spending $1,000 in repair per year, I've been concidering purchasing a used car warranty. No, the CLK didnt get sold, but the SL did. If this CLK gets sold, I still have a 2nd choice, but it has ugly ass interior color but it has more h/p. I am a car guy, repair costs dont get in the way when your rich and a car enthusiast. -- Do you dump your girlfriend because she buys an extra box of tampons, doesnt make sense does it? If shes a hot topic,your going to keep her no matter what she costs you. Same goes for a Mercedes. All though its kind of hard to fuck a car, insert into gastank or washer fluid container protection or no protection?

Lol.

[chrisawesome]

The market may be different but common business sense isn't.
You have a car with 60,000 miles. It is less than 10 years old. The Mercedes Gullwings, prime examples of automotive investments? 50-60 years old. Plus they were the top of the range, fastest production car at the time, and were post war vehicles (high economy, many were bought). It was an investment.
A 5-10 year old basic CLK is not a valuable car, you will loose money as it's only getting older and getting higher mileage.

If you like the car get it, in terms of safety and technology, it's a suitable choice for a young driver. Don't kid yourself though that it's an 'investment'. Cars aren't investments, they are money pits. As an enthusiast, you take the losses for the love of it.



Ease up here. He wasn't implying a Prius. However, if you are, as you so eloquently put it, "rich", why not raise your budget over 20k and perhaps purchase a newer car? This may perhaps be a better answer instead of spending thousands a year maintaining an older car. I am not sure how second hand car warranties work in the US, however I would read the fine print and go over that document like a hawk. I would hazard a guess it isn't even worth the paper it is written on, due to clever wording (perhaps, not covering wearable items, which if you ask me, is every item in a car) and other bits and pieces.

One thing I will agree with though, as a car enthusiast, you deal with the costs. You do it for the love of driving and owning a car that is a little bit different, a little bit better than what everyone else drives. If you want the car, the simple answer is buy it. If it makes you happy, what is a thousand or so a year?

However, do not think you will buy the car, have no issues (second hand cars, you are bound to have something, from tires to electronic motors), and then be able to sell it in two years for profit.

You will not make money buying a second hand car unless you are certain that it is something rare (so this rules out CLK's and SL's), that you will keep it for many years in good condition.

Rich people dont get rich by blowing budgets. Part of being rich is managing your budget, another point of common business sense that you dont know! That is why the U.S. is so far in the crapper financially. : (

When I said investment I was talking about the SL500 not CLK!!!! And I was kidding about it being an investment, ease off dude!

[Plane And Simple]

Sorry but not helping a "rich" lad just because he presumes he's rich. Find the car yourself. Good luck.

Oh, please be modest next time, thanks

[chrisawesome]

Only small people are modest, go live in your middle class ghetto

[Wakesetter03]

Okay, first, if you knew anything about business, you'd realize that budgeting is done more than just in a purchasing price. Clever budgeting would be perhaps raising your budget to avoid higher cost over the life of the asset.

Modesty is a value of class.
I doubt you would realize that.
Your vulgarity is disgusting.

I seriously wonder why people feel the need to lie about their personal finances on an online forum.

[Plane And Simple]

Only small people are modest, go live in your middle class ghetto

I have an Audi A6 2012 In the garage. Did I say it? I have a big ass house. Did I say it?

Learn some manners then come here.

[Apollo.]

Only small people are modest, go live in your middle class ghetto

You now sound like a class A bellend! A 'rich' man would spend way more than 20000$ on a car! That's probably below what an average person spends on a car, so calm the fuck down, YOU ARE NOT FUCKING SNOOP DOGG!

[chrisawesome]

I have an Audi A6 2012 In the garage. Did I say it? I have a big ass house. Did I say it?

Learn some manners then come here.


No, you didnt say you have a big ass house, but you probably blow all your money on cars and live in a trailer house! I was just asking if I should buy that car out of curiousity. Its not like that would be my only car. I do own a silver 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo. I asked if I should 1.)trade in the 911 for a new SL or
2.)just keep the 911 and buy the 03 SL or the CLK convert.

I'm really a nice guy, but if you piss me off or insult me, Its war. Have a nice day!!!!!

[Plane And Simple]

Want pics of both things? This is pointless

[chrisawesome]

Yuup this is pointless. I am thowing in the towel. I will give you a positive rep if you give me a positive rep and no more war, deal???

[Plane And Simple]

Don't need Rep. I saw you negrepped me and I don't really mind that. Let's keep speaking about what we're here for without saying "I'm rich" or "I have this".

[David29]

I'd keep a 2010 Porsche over a nine year old Mercedes or trade in the 911 for a newer Mercedes model

[chrisawesome]

No, thats not what I meant. What I was trying to say was...

option 1.
Keep the 2010 911 Turbo and buy and older Mercedes (SL or CLK)
or
option 2.
Trade in the 2010 911 Turbo and spend that extra 20-30k on a new SL

I think I will keep the Porsche for now and keep looking for some kind of mercedes to buy. I actually like the new CLS amg bodystyles they are sexy and stylish, kind of reminds me of a Lazzara motoryacht... Heres a CLS amg
http://file.kelleybluebookimages.com/kbb//vehicleimage/evoxseo/cp/m/8537/2013-mercedes-benz-cls-class-front_8537_032_580x435_799.png

[David29]

What about a 2014 CLA-Class

[chrisawesome]

I actually am impressed with the new CLA. But no, If I'm going to spend my money on a car, its going to be the full $100k

[Plane And Simple]

The A class is a beast. You should really consider it

[David29]

The A class is a beast. You should really consider it We don't have the A-Class here in the United States

[chrisawesome]

I heard in 2014 M-B is going to make a S class convertible. Might take the place of a Maybach Landaulet. Maybe without the price tag of a Landaulet?

[Plane And Simple]

If you wish to wait so long... It hasn't even been anounced yet.

[chrisawesome]

Just curious too see how it looks. Really want a Benz but I can wait. My mom just bought a 2013 E63 amg. I guess I can (borrow) it for a while. Its amazing how a fully loaded sedan can go almost as fast as a Porsche 911 T.

I like that cat on your avatar!! Its cute

[Plane And Simple]

Hahahah Thanks!

[Stuey1]

Get it it is a bargin, if it is mint condition

[MAD0325]

Deff. Depends on budget, but sound like a nice car

[sparkles]

Those new-er mercedes are not well known for their reliability. My friend's S-class was always in the shop and his dad's SL went through 3! transmissions before he got rid of it. The previous model SL's though are beasts. I like the 70s/80s ones.

If you want a roadster/convertible there are better options out there.

[Plane And Simple]

Those new-er mercedes are not well known for their reliability. My friend's S-class was always in the shop and his dad's SL went through 3! transmissions before he got rid of it. The previous model SL's though are beasts. I like the 70s/80s ones.

If you want a roadster/convertible there are better options out there.

Agreed. If you want a German consider a TTRS or such.

[Hugh Jass]

My uncle has a 2003 SL55 and it certainly requires a bit of maintenance even more so because it is the precision engineered AMG V8. I don't think the SL500 will require as much maintenance, but definitely more than, say, a 2009 Honda. Great car though especially for 19k

[David29]

So what did you decide on?

[Plane And Simple]

So what did you decide on?

Being rich and proud :P lol

[chrisawesome]

i dont know yet, I'm considering the SL or upgrading a new Camaro. But I think I will stick with my porsche 911 Turbo for now, I have to admit, I dont think I can let the Porsche go. But I do want to put a big chunck of change into my savings by selling it ! I havent decided yet!

[Jamesison]

Yes go for it if it is in good shape. Make sure it is looked over first. They are good cars...