A word from the wise, please............

M

MrBenzine

Guest
Hello, I am about to do something I've never done before. Join the ranks of the SL500 owners.

I've owned lots of classic Fords over the past 25 years but I have been offered a stunning SL500.

The car is red, convertible, auto, hard/ soft top.

1988 with 58000 miles on.

Of course it's the chrome and metal version which I understand makes it a tad more collectable than the later models?

The car is pretty near perfect, and I am expecting to pay around £17000 for the beauty. Not sure if that's good value and whether it's a car that will mature like a good wine or devalue...............

Just wondering what the thoughts of MB owners are regarding the car in general and the particular one I'm about to but this weekend?

Any thoughts and advices would be appreciated.

many thanks Chris
 

Mic

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2009
Messages
4,271
Reaction score
130
Age
74
Location
Oxfordshire
Website
www.bennettgibbons.co.uk
Your Mercedes
MB SL500(2003), MB SLK320(2001), Volvo V70 XC AWD(2001)
Hello and welcome......it sounds a beauty......and I have to say at that price it has to be one of the very best money can buy I would have thought.
Nothing wrong with that.

Mic
 
OP
M

MrBenzine

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Hello and welcome......it sounds a beauty......and I have to say at that price it has to be one of the very best money can buy I would have thought.
Nothing wrong with that.

Mic

Hi Mic, do you think that cars like the SL500 as described are maybe worth somewhat less than that? Are there exceptions?

cheers Chris
 

SL63 Mark

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 1, 2012
Messages
4,514
Reaction score
2,589
Location
The South
Your Mercedes
R231 SL63 AMG
Prices range enormously depending on condition. If you are paying that sort of money, you need to be confident you are buying a good one. Have it professionally inspected.
 
OP
M

MrBenzine

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Prices range enormously depending on condition. If you are paying that sort of money, you need to be confident you are buying a good one. Have it professionally inspected.

OK will do - it looks amazing to be fair.

I'll post some pics when possible.
 

mikestrivens

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 21, 2008
Messages
2,715
Reaction score
147
Location
Stockport
Your Mercedes
1995 W124 320TE, 1998 R129 SL500, 2016 Triumph Tiger 800 XCx
OP
M

MrBenzine

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Here are a couple of examples from a dealer. £17k would be top price for a private deal.

http://www.ccbenz.co.uk/?page_id=2611

http://www.ccbenz.co.uk/?page_id=2487

As already said you need to get it professionally checked as they are prone to rust underneath. But if it all checks out then you'd have a wonderful motor that would give years of fun.

Thanks for the links.

It's clear that price depends entirely on the car itself. Book means not a lot when it comes down to it.

A 'book' can't tell me whether to buy or not, or whether I like the car or not - a guide is just that 'a guide'.

Classics, of which I think the SL500 circa 1988 is, are meant to be enjoyed. I never met anyone yet who 'needed' a classic. Met loads who want one though!

I shall get the SL on a ramp before parting with the readies;)
 

robparker

Senior Member
Authorised Forum Supporter
Joined
Apr 18, 2006
Messages
2,695
Reaction score
426
Location
Taunton
Your Mercedes
220d (115), 190d (201), c63 (204), 220ce (124)
Just to say.. its a 500SL not an SL500.. picky I know, but SL500 makes people think of the next generation of them as appose to the one you have/are looking at, even though I know you put the year!
 
OP
M

MrBenzine

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Just to say.. its a 500SL not an SL500.. picky I know, but SL500 makes people think of the next generation of them as appose to the one you have/are looking at, even though I know you put the year!

I know what you mean - I've been a fan of Shelby Mustangs for decades and still can't recall if it's a 350GT or a GT350............

A good way to remember I suppose is 500SL metal and chrome - SL500 plastic and ABS...............
 

Jav.MKI

New Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2012
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Location
Valencia, Spain
Your Mercedes
Mercedes 560 SEC
In my humble opinion, every models of Mercedes SL are collectionable.

Obviously, the models build in '80 are cheaper than older model, but I'm sure that in the near future, the model that you pretend buy will be more expensive every year.

Best regards
 
OP
M

MrBenzine

Guest
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #12
In my humble opinion, every models of Mercedes SL are collectionable.

Obviously, the models build in '80 are cheaper than older model, but I'm sure that in the near future, the model that you pretend buy will be more expensive every year.

Best regards

A typo I think. You probably meant 'intend to buy'?
 

Peter Best Insurance is a leading specialist in Mercedes-Benz insurance. All MBO members are eligible for exclusive rates on all our classic car policies.
Call now for our 'BEST' quote. Tel: 01376 573033
Top Bottom