Sl500 2002 R230

[tyl_uk]

I'm very new to the forum and would like some advice. Currently i have a CLK Cabriolet (current shape) and have had it for about 2 /12 years. I'm considering part exchanging it for a second hand SL500 2002 model at a dealer (values are currently in their low 40's - say between 42-45k depending on mileage and spec,etc.) Also buying from a dleare has its advantages with a years warranty and full history.

Does anyone have a crystal ball and know if its a good buy and whether i would lose much in 2-3 years. Kind of feeling that the current SL has come down to good price as the early ones have already taken a 45% hit in depreciation. And also if there is anything i should know about his model and any recalls or known problems.

Many thanks in advance to you, also must say a very good forum with some very knowledgable members.

Cheers

 

[television]

There is a facelift version coming in april with new engine and interior, I will have more details overr weekend, that should lower the price of the S/H.

Malcolm

 

[tyl_uk]

There is a facelift version coming in april with new engine and interior, I will have more details overr weekend, that should lower the price of the S/H.

Malcolm

So is it the wrong time to buy?

Also, how much do you think i will lose over the next 2 years on this 2nd hand SL?

In a real dilemma over this at the moment - thanks for your advice in advance

 

[angus falconer]

Hi there,

All big engined, expensive-to-maintain cars lose lots of value in the first 5-6 years and I don't see the SL as any different. As a rule of thumb looks at the year on year % depreciation of a 1990 SL in Glasses Guide and use those %'s to forecast where a 2002 SL will be in 2, 3, 4 years's time. You won't be far wrong. If you want to drive a car like this (and who wouldn't?) you are either going to take a hit on depreciation on a newer car or maintenance of an older one.

 

[tyl_uk]

Thanks for your advice - do you think the current SL will dive like the older one did - you can pick up 6 year old SL's for around £15-17k which is a big hit to take even from the £43ish mark? So going on these figures i would probably lose about 20-25k in 2-3 years ....

Starting to get cold feet as my sensible head is starting to talk ;o)

 

[Brett]

Thanks for your advice - do you think the current SL will dive like the older one did - you can pick up 6 year old SL's for around £15-17k which is a big hit to take even from the £43ish mark? So going on these figures i would probably lose about 20-25k in 2-3 years ....

Starting to get cold feet as my sensible head is starting to talk ;o)

There have been a number of leasing offers on new SL350's recently that are "cheap as chips". One source told me that it is not difficult to get a 20% (!) discount off the price of a new SL - factor that into the residuals of the cars you are looking at, and it suggests a further big drop in values is on the cards.

Personally, if I didn't need the occassional four seat capability that my CLK gives me, I'd have gone for one of these leases. Timing is everything.

 

[tyl_uk]

Brett - very interesting what u have suggested - do you know of anywhere with these great deals? As i have considered leasing but was put off by the 4 figure sums quoted. If you know of any contacts i would be really interested in pursuing it further, thanks.

Ty

 

[Brett]

Brett - very interesting what u have suggested - do you know of anywhere with these great deals? As i have considered leasing but was put off by the 4 figure sums quoted. If you know of any contacts i would be really interested in pursuing it further, thanks.

Ty

Follow this thread on another forum...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=23388

 

[Brett]

Ah, I see you have already seen it - speak to Tilly?

 

[tyl_uk]

Do you know how i can get in touch with Tilly?

 

[Brett]

Do you know how i can get in touch with Tilly?

Click onto his name and send him a PM - if you give him your details he'll reply or call you.

 

[television]

Thanks for your advice - do you think the current SL will dive like the older one did - you can pick up 6 year old SL's for around £15-17k which is a big hit to take even from the £43ish mark? So going on these figures i would probably lose about 20-25k in 2-3 years ....

Starting to get cold feet as my sensible head is starting to talk ;o)

you will not pick up a 129 worth having under £20k at 5 to 6 years old, OK the last price of a loaded one was £68k. So lets take the 230 at £65k new, a few around at 4 years old for £35k up, not the best ones, they are more £40k.
New model around the corner they will drop to a good one for £37.5k.
After a life span of 10-12 years a new model will come along knocking the price of the old one, so in 6-7 years it will drop to £20k ish, and so it goes on.
For me I always wanted the last version of the old model. in 6 years it will be 2 models old, but the fun I have had in that time, is pricless.

Malcolm