SL for under £10k - good idea?

[Keith]

Hi
I have fallen for older SLs and am considering finding one for under £10k. I have basic mechanical skills but am not looking for something that needs lots of attention. Mileage will be very low but I hope trouble free also (like my 95 E300D which is high mileage and trouble free).

Is it a good idea picking an SL up for this money and if so are there any recommended models/years or ones to avoid?

Any advice welcome.

Keith

 

[Malcolm Brown]

You should be able to find a good one for under £10k, but you'll need to be patient and look at quite a few ropy ones on the way.

Funnily enough, I had a look over one in a local showroom yesterday - £9,500ish 1982 280SL with less than 40k miles, bodywork was immaculate - so it looks as though they can be found.

 

[Keith]

what to avoid ?

thanks Malcolm

since you already own one , is there anything to look for and avoid ?

 

[Malcolm Brown]

Keith

Here are a few past threads that include some SL buying advice...

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2903
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2152
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=679
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=1467

If you are talking low mileage, so fuel consumption not an issue, then I'd think about one of the V8s - I often wish I had, although I do like the straight sixes. You might need to go for one of the pre-85 models to get a good one on a £10k budget, e.g 1980-85 380 or 500SL. I suggest you have a good look around and test drive a few to see which you prefer.

Try this site to find out more about the variants... http://www.sl-mercedes.com/

Happy hunting