500 SL advice

[MBFAN]

Am considering buying a 500sl automatic, 1983 with 77K on clock. Appears to be in good nick. Hood good, very slight tear in rear 1/4 window when roof up. Includes a colour coded hard top and stand. Could anyone advise me of a reasonable price for a car of this age & mileage (incl hard top). Also any tips on what I should look out for as possible faults on this age of car. Believe the car has had a new autobox. The vehicle is being purchased as a "TOY" only to be used occasionally. :?

 

[Ken500SL]

I went through exactly what you are about to 6 months ago. Walk away if you notice any water leaks in the front footwells - a sign of rotten steel in the vents at the front. As long as there's good history, and you pay someone several hundred quid to give it a look over you should be OK. Price ranges masively with condition / history. I paid £12k for my 1989 500SL with 71k miles, full history, and very few marks. Not sure of the cost for repairing the soft top window - but I would look into it. Another thing to watch for is vague steering - the steering box is £800 + labour.

 

[MBFAN]

Thanks for the advice and info Ken, goin to look at car on Saturday...
Not sure about fuel economy though?? Although being bought as a "toy" I do intend to drive the car when the weather permits. Will have a good look at car first before getting someone else to do so. I am slightly open minded, going to look at an E class convertable & a Porsche 944 S2 convertable....(looking at fuel economy)..

 

[Ken500SL]

I get 22 MPG with mine - could probably do a lot better, but I like the kick-down a lot! I suspect the earlier 500s may not do as well, as they are a bit heavier I think (cast iron block/heads).

Buy a Merc!