Advice on buying an SL

[ackie]

:?:


I hope you will be able to help me. I'm looking to buy a used SL which would be used for town use and some motorway use.

Are there any better years in the 80/90's
Are there any better models to go for.
Looking to spend around £10-12k
Which years qualify for special insurance rates and road tax
Where would you recommend me buying from? I live in London. the Garages in Wandsworth seem 3-5k over priced
Are there any faults or things to look out for in certain models?
What is the most important factor to consider when looking at resale viability? Obviously FSH/FMBSH
Are there any models that are holding their value? I know the 60's are doing well but can't afford one!


I hope you are bale to help

Kind Regards


Adrian Atkinson

 

[MarkSL]

Are there any better years in the 80/90's
Are there any better models to go for.
Looking to spend around £10-12k

10-12k will buy you a nice decent W107 - or a high mileage (possibly LHD ) R129
the R129 from 1990 on is an absolute gem - but there are quite a few horror stories out there. I rejected over 20 cars by phone/ email and actually looked at 17 different SL's (hundreds of miles) before getting mine - and 9 of them had "stories" - whereby mileage or history couldnt be verified - and this is after having spoken to the "owners" on the phone.

Lots of cars were not registered to the sellers - and they were "not traders" - I eventually found mine less than 1.5 miles from where I work !!! - always the way

Which years qualify for special insurance rates and road tax
Where would you recommend me buying from? I live in London. the Garages in Wandsworth seem 3-5k over priced
Are there any faults or things to look out for in certain models? What is the most important factor to consider when looking at resale viability? Obviously FSH/FMBSH

Cant help too much here - I dont think any W107 SL qualifies for cheap tax - though I would have thought they qualify for specialist insurance

W107's - look for rust - use the web as a research tool for rust points - there are a few very good sites out there.

R129s - rust shouldnt be a problem at all - but the hydraulic softop mechanism is complicated and expensive - I have a 129 checklist if you want it !!

Resale viabilty seems to hinge on FMBSH, Overall condition , softop/hardtop condition, and mileage - though not necessarily in that order.

My R129 is the best car I have ever bought - and I love it!


Mark

 

[Malcolm Brown]

If you opt for a 107 model, I suggest you get as late as you can - say 85 on. There are several past postings with advice on what to look out for - the search facility should find them for you.

Happy hunting!

 

[wertyuio]

I have a 1972 350 SL V8 (107) which is tax exempt. This does mean that there are no toys (ABS, A/C, Cruise Control, Elec Windows) to go wrong which suits me as I am trying to keep problems to a minimum. I was originally considering a 280 six cylinder, but the eight cylinder is hardly stressed and lasts for ever with good service history. The fuel consumption (16 - 18 mpg) is marginally poorer (3-4 mpg) but the performance is better. It depends on where you will be driving it.

Its already been said, but FSH (dealer or good independant) and genuine mileage are a must.

You don't want blue smoke from exhaust when engine is 'blipped' and rattly timing chains are easily heard. It would be nice to get the cars up on ramps and look from underneath and I would suggest you drive as many as possible to determine how differently the cars sound, look and perform, even those with the same engine. This is where those friendly dealers come in.

If you are really keen, try mercseller.com who will, for a fee (I think £350), find the car for you. This will also get you free membership to an owners club which in turn will give you a reasonable discount with several classic car insurers. Or just check out their website as they have plenty of classifieds.

If you have got 10 - 12,000 to spend, I would recommend budgeting 8 - 10,000 to purchase and keep the rest back as there are always things to change or put right within the first year of ownership. Oil and filters should be done every 3,000 miles to get the best from the car.

Don't know about the 127.

Good Luck and go slowly.

 

[vacillator]

Hello Adrian - I am embarking upon exactly the same task as you and also have been down to see the Wandsworth garages, with the same result. Do you have any gems of information you can share with me? Alternatively is there anything you need to know which I might be able to help you with?

Joe

 

[ackie]

Hello Adrian - I am embarking upon exactly the same task as you and also have been down to see the Wandsworth garages, with the same result. Do you have any gems of information you can share with me? Alternatively is there anything you need to know which I might be able to help you with?

Joe

Joe

Sorry not repplied sooner but other things have taken over. Did you have any luck? I'm still at square one!

Thanks

Ackie (Adrian Atkinson)