Which SL????????

[caterham7]

Hi i would like some advice from you more experienced and knowledgeable people. :lol:

I currently have a caterham7 as my real car for sunny days and drive a tin top the rest of the time. :twisted:

I would like a bit more comfort and style and something i could take the wife out in the evening without having to climb in and out showing more than she likes too.

I am considering a SL will have a max of £15,000 to spend if i can bear to part with the caterham7. I like the Pagodas but these seem a bit rich for a decent one so may have to settle for a later model say a 1970's 350SL.

Your advice please ? :?: :?: :?:

 

[Andy]

Hi

You should for 15k get yourself a 129sl. No probs at all. Especially in the winter.

92 onwards. Have a good look around. Or if you want the early shape, 107 go for latest one you can find. Otherwise you will buy trouble on yourself.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedeservicing.com

 

[Nigel Cobb]

SL

I have a 1978 450 SLC. We've had it in the family since the early eighty's and have found it to be wonderful. Very reliable, a bit thirsty and fun to drive - and takes 4 passengers easily. Ideal for the odd trip to the theatre with the wife.

 

[Malcolm Brown]

I agree about the Pagoda. They are the most desireable, hence the high price. You might be lucky and find a fair one via private sale for £15k, but you will need to be patient and prepared to wait for the right one to come along.

Pesonally, after the Pagoda, I prefer the 107 (1971-89) model to its sucessor the 129 - which is why I've got one. However, don't expect a driving experience like your Caterham from either of them. They are built for cruising rather than sport, and are big and heavy. This is not a criticism of the SLs at all, just an observation.

You should get a very good 107 for less than (but not much less than) £15k. Don't worry about mileage provided there is good service history, concentrate on sound bodywork. A search should reveal several old threads on this forum on what to look out for. As Andy says, the later the better. As for choice of engine, I find the straight 6 perfectly fine, but sometimes wish I'd gone for a V8!

Happy hunting, and let us know what you decide.

 

[Matt Crooke]

My Stepfather has a D Reg (1967?? i cant remember) 230 SL auto. With the hard/soft top. Very nice car, but although its only a 2 seater it does feel like it needs a bigger engine to haul it along. I would imagine the 280 is a nicer drive.

They are certainly a head turner i can tell you!!