Help Do I But A 2003 Sl500 Or Sl55

[Janusrolex]

I am trying to work out the best buy. I have inherited a little money and have decided to buy my first ever quality car. I love the looks of the SL55. But am I gonna get lumbered with huge maintenance bills. I have noticed that the price for a 2003 sl55 is not much more than the sl500.

 

[100%Bitch]

The sensible option will always be the 500 with it's smaller bills.

I was in the same position 3 months ago and I went for the 55 and haven't looked back since. It gives soooooooooooo many smiles per mile. If I hadn't bought the 55 I would always have regretted it and wondered "what if?"

It's not that easy a decision but ........................................


WHAT A FANTASTIC CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Alex M Grieve]

If I hadn't bought the 55 I would always have regretted it and wondered "what if?"

Its a perennial question - will I get nearly the best, which would be fine, or the top of the choice range? Helen's advice is correct. If you don't, you will always wish you had.

There is a reasonable choice at present and prices are competitive, so list the options you would like and be selective.

Helen seems to have had good value from her warranty too, so that is another consideration.

Keep us posted on the outcome (with pics) please.

 

[NewMB]

When I was on the lookout for my E55 and were also in between the E55 and E500.

In the end I went for the E55 with all the extra toys you get as standard (never mind the extra power).

As Helen say, it certainly does put a BIG smile on your face every time driving it!

 

[television]

I have had the 500 now for 2 years and I love it , with all of the speed checking things around it suits me fine, sure the 55 is a tad faster on acceleration but 6 sec to 60 can knock the rear tyres out quite quickly if you are driving hard all of the time. It returned 28.8 on most of my last 4k mile trip and is very stable at 145 mph.

 

[Janusrolex]

I am in Kent. And to be honest, I would not really know what I am looking for in an SL55. Is there any members in my area that might be able to help me get a good car. If I got one from a Mercedes dealer. Can I get a warranty that would eliminate having to pay huge bills

 

[television]

I am in Kent. And to be honest, I would not really know what I am looking for in an SL55. Is there any members in my area that might be able to help me get a good car. If I got one from a Mercedes dealer. Can I get a warranty that would eliminate having to pay huge bills

Right now MB SW in Exeter have a 2004 55 with a very high spec, 17k miles and as new. it comes with a 12 month warranty. its in dark blue and looks fantastic the best that I have ever seen and I am a fussy bugger.

I would certainly go down there with you, I know the cars very well

 

[Alex M Grieve]

and I am a fussy bugger.

Not you Malcolm, surely?

 

[television]

Not you Malcolm, surely?

Afraid so

 

[Dave's E55 AMG]

The 55 is always the best choice if you can afford it, it would soon make a sizeable hole in your inheritence through running cost. The speeding fines alone are a minimum of £60 a time but they will stop after 4 fines max because there's no points left. Joking aside I spend £200 per week on fuel alone, 10K out of a set of back tyres at £180 each approx..
they are cheap to buy but expensive to run!

 

[st4]

I'd be more tempted, although the 55 is a belter of a car, to go for the 500. MB costs are really bad, but AMG ones are a whole new level.

For the money surely you'll get an newer 500, try and go for 2004 onwards car as they're galvanised, an early car may still be prone to rust.

 

[Alfie]

I am trying to work out the best buy. I have inherited a little money and have decided to buy my first ever quality car. I love the looks of the SL55. But am I gonna get lumbered with huge maintenance bills. I have noticed that the price for a 2003 sl55 is not much more than the sl500.

The 500 is a good looking car. the 55 is a stunning looking car. The mid range acceleration is simply phenominal. you are getting 500bhp as opposed to just over 300bhp so you would expect it to be awesome. Drive it considerately and you'll not see much difference in running costs to a 500. Go easy on the brakes etc and it will last you well.

The one in Exeter sounds a peach. well worth a look.

What I would say though is go for a MY 2005 car or newer. These are the MOST based cars and they have the DVD based comand as opposed to the CD one. MY 2005 cars came out mid to late 2004.

If you ever intend to use a phone in the car make sure you get one with phone pre-wire. It is hugely expensive to retrofit it.

 

[Janusrolex]

Thanks Alfie. But I am afraid that I only have around 30k. which rulesout anything other than a 2003 sl55 at best. If I got one from a MB agent, then the warranty should eliminate the worry of huge bills. Although it is only a 12 month warranty. A 2 year extension is a available at £2500 (12 month extension is £800). In your opinion would MB agent rather than private sale be the route to take. Thanks

 

[Blobcat]

IMO I would want a Mercedes warranty so buying from a MB Dealer would be the way to go.

 

[st4]

£30k would get a much newer SL350 - probably a 2005 model, still plenty of power, cheaper maintainence etc. I heard one the other day and the V6 growl was excellent, more tuneful than a V8.

 

[100%Bitch]

Give me the 55s thunderous growl anyday.

Actually, why don't you drive them to find out. Personally, I didn't think there was too much between the 350 and the 500. There was a huge leap to the 55, see what you think.