Looking for a new home for my SL320

GraemeB

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Hi All

A bit of a sad day - I need to sell my SL320 as my daughter has grown so much of late that she no longer fits in the back seat - so I need something else.

I'd appreciate any advice on what is the best way to sell it as it's probably not a simple sell, and is difficult to price.

It's a 1994 (M) SL320 in dark blue with 249,000 miles.

For those of you that have SL's you will know they have their quirks and things that don't work. That said I drive it every week.

The main elements that need attention (but someone may also decide to live with):

  • Reverse belts are slipping in the autobox - can reverse with a shudder on the flat or downhill but won't reverse uphill. Great in forward gears.
  • Remote central locking and alarm failed many years ago - just use keys now with a Thatchem2 immobiliser.
  • Sump leak.
  • The hood works first time 60-70% of the time. Sometimes have to turn engine off and on again to get it to start or complete a cycle - so probably a limit switch problem somewhere.
  • I changed the stereo earlier in the year - Sony unit - works great. But the battery died the following week - replaced this and fitted a battery isolator in case the stereo had drained it. I use the car a few times a week but isolate when it's going to stand for a few days so don't know if this is really an issue.
  • Alloys - need refurb.
  • Headlight wipers/washers not working, also pump motor for these missing.
  • No bonnet insulation.
  • AC does not work, assume a leak in the unit somewhere, would not recharge. So I fitted a switch to bring the high speed fans on.
  • Some minor bodywork detailling needed - but not much. Was resprayed by previous owner circa 9-10 years ago and hood replaced at that time too.
  • Cruise works when it wants to.
  • Few nicks here and there to the trim and wear to drivers seat.
That said - it's the best car I've ever had and driven and will be sad to see it go.

So my ask is this:

How do I price it and where is the best place to try and sell it? I live in Leeds.

Many thanks

Graeme
 

John Laidlaw

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Looks like a brief welcome then!
You could try the SL shop and see if they’d take it off your hands , they have the skills to fix the faults you mention to sell on
Or there is a for sale section on here maybe someone is looking for a project car
 

bembo449

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think johns right , with the miles on the clock ( not bad for its age ) and the niggles that need attending to , you may be better to put it up as a project OR put it for sale on here , someone may just be looking for one ??
 
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GraemeB

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Looks like a brief welcome then!
You could try the SL shop and see if they’d take it off your hands , they have the skills to fix the faults you mention to sell on
Or there is a for sale section on here maybe someone is looking for a project car
.
Thanks John - apologies not much of an intro - I joined yesterday and wasn't sure of etiquette here. I've sent a message to the SL shop so will see what advice I receive back. Kind Regards. Graeme
 
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GraemeB

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think johns right , with the miles on the clock ( not bad for its age ) and the niggles that need attending to , you may be better to put it up as a project OR put it for sale on here , someone may just be looking for one ??
.
Thank you for your response also. I'll take a few photo's and prep some text ready for a listing here if the SL shop are not interested in this. Many thanks. Graeme
 

John Laidlaw

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Thanks John - apologies not much of an intro - I joined yesterday and wasn't sure of etiquette here. I've sent a message to the SL shop so will see what advice I receive back. Kind Regards. Graeme
Not a problem Graeme , all very laid back on here as you can see from my current ride!!
 

Srdl

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Not a problem Graeme , all very laid back on here as you can see from my current ride!!
Well we need someone to take the pi55 out of! Mind you, I moved over for an i8 on the A3 today and I was very impressed with the way he accelerated past me and I wasn’t hanging about either!
 

Srdl

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Graeme, if you have some time to spare and fancy a bit of sport ;), you might ask We Buy Any Car what they would pay. I suspect your list of faults might crash their system and give their local rep some headaches but you would, at least, have a fall back price in mind as a useful starting point.
 

davidsl500

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If you don't get any takers then give www.sellthecar.co.uk a go. They tend to give good prices on the more unusual cars and take damaged/ non runners/ flood damaged etc., They sell them on to the trade for repairs via auction. My mate used them and was pleasantly surprised at the price he was offered. He gave them the details and they gave him a fixed price, they collected via a car transporter and he got payment via bacs as the car was being loaded. He was well pleased..

They have some link up with www.copart.co.uk - a salvage auction site that do the collections. That's worth a look when there is an online auction going on! I see they buy as well so maybe sellthecar is an agent for them..
 
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GraemeB

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Thank you for your response also. I'll take a few photo's and prep some text ready for a listing here if the SL shop are not interested in this. Many thanks. Graeme
Hi John. Waiting for the rain to end :) to take some photos. Will put on ebay and here to see what interest this gains. Tahnks. Graeme
 
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GraemeB

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Graeme, if you have some time to spare and fancy a bit of sport ;), you might ask We Buy Any Car what they would pay. I suspect your list of faults might crash their system and give their local rep some headaches but you would, at least, have a fall back price in mind as a useful starting point.
Hi Steve. I did try this - but they only go back to 2008 so no joy there. Did go to local MB dealer today for F2F sport on this - again no joy - but my daughter got a great hot chocolate and biscuits :)
 
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GraemeB

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If you don't get any takers then give www.sellthecar.co.uk a go. They tend to give good prices on the more unusual cars and take damaged/ non runners/ flood damaged etc., They sell them on to the trade for repairs via auction. My mate used them and was pleasantly surprised at the price he was offered. He gave them the details and they gave him a fixed price, they collected via a car transporter and he got payment via bacs as the car was being loaded. He was well pleased..

They have some link up with www.copart.co.uk - a salvage auction site that do the collections. That's worth a look when there is an online auction going on! I see they buy as well so maybe sellthecar is an agent for them..
Hi David. I've dropped them a line. Thanks Graeme
 
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GraemeB

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Not a problem Graeme , all very laid back on here as you can see from my current ride!!
John. I do like the look of these. Out of my range, but nice looking motor. Cheers. Graeme
 
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GraemeB

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Hi David. I've dropped them a line. Thanks Graeme

Hi David
I've received a price back from Lyndon at sellthecar.co.uk which I'm happy with. Awaiting details of pickup etc and what happens next. I'll post back once I've been able to conclude this.
Many thanks
Graeme
 
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GraemeB

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Hi David
I've received a price back from Lyndon at sellthecar.co.uk which I'm happy with. Awaiting details of pickup etc and what happens next. I'll post back once I've been able to conclude this.
Many thanks
Graeme

Hi All

The SL was picked up this morning by Copart - very slick operation, good comms and everything went well.

Now left with an empty garage to fill :)

Many thanks

Graeme
 

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