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Mercedes 380--450--560 SLs

437 messages,  Last post on Aug 26, 2009 at 7:45 AM

You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Convertible

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#78 of 437 by Mr_Shiftright HOST May 23, 2001 (5:42 pm)
Yes, I think a budget of $150/200 a month for a used luxury sedan is about right if you take excellent care of it. The 380SEL is too old I think. The 300SD is a great car in that you get big car room and comfort but with great diesel economy and reliability. Most common issues with the Mercedes sedans of the 1980s is faulty climate control systems and silly radios. So you need to have the climate controls checked thoroughly and you can throw any Becker radio over the fence. Also check for slow power windows.   The 300E Series would be a nice choice. The problem with the 420 and 500SELs is that they are HUGE cars, and parking or maneuvering in traffic could be a real pain.
#79 of 437 Dubo Revisited by merckx May 24, 2001 (4:47 am)
I started with the Q45 as I thought money was an issue.It's a car not many seem to want-that's why you can get a great deal on one. The Lexus LS400 is also an excellent car.It and the Q45 sold for about the same price new,but now the Infiniti is thousands less.If you are not on a strict budget,by all means go Mercedes-they are wonderful cars. Many seem to feel the various S-class sedans 1981-1991 were a high point for the marque.But they are quite large,and,indeed,the air conditioning typically goes south.The six cylinder SEL,the 300, is a good one.I've heard the first all aluminium 8,the 380,is troublesome.The last generation S,1992-1999,are rather ponderous-notice the current ones have been pared back.The Sd is 4 inches shorter in the back seat,and therefore a bit more maneuverable.The diesel is bullitproof,but noisy and a little truck-like. The smaller E-class is more reasonable in every way,but they lacy the presence of the larger S-class. How about a 1990 300SEL?
#80 of 437 Starting Point by dubo1 May 24, 2001 (9:50 am)
Mr. Shiftright & merckx, thank you both for some good advice and the starting point I needed as I begin my search.   Given your advice, I know where to begin looking and comparing. I'll take a look at the 90 300 SEL, as well as try to find a SD, which I am imagining are a bit more scarce. I'm glad to hear about the issues with the climate control in the sedans. I was wondering why some of the ads I have seen make specific mention of the AC working well.   If you don't mind, I may eventually be back with more specific questions as I narrow down my choices.   All the best and thank you again.
#81 of 437 parts website by nszabo Jul 08, 2001 (6:20 am)
www.adsitco.com It has all the mercedes parts
#82 of 437 1988 560SL by jhpgh Jul 19, 2001 (12:24 pm)
I drove the above car today. The dealer has most of the service records and the odometer reflects about 58,000 miles. The body has no visible rust and has had some minor body work. It handles very nice but hesitates from a start. What are the possible reasons for the hesitation? The dealer's price is $24,000 but is willing to negotiate. Does this seem like a good price? What else should I check before making an offer? I know I'm asking alot of questions but I'm trying not to make a mistake. Any assistance is greatly appreciated!
#83 of 437 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jul 19, 2001 (3:44 pm)
I think the car is priced a bit too high for a less than pristine example, and there should be NO hesitation whatsoever. So the dealer needs to drop the price to reflect the cosmetic mishaps and fix the car, then you can talk.   You should remember that Mercedes prices drop DRASTICALLY if the cars are not absolutely spotless.   A perfect '88 560SL can sell from $23K-27K....so less than perfect? Low 20s on down.
#84 of 437 1989 300 TE by samzurc1 Aug 03, 2001 (11:07 pm)
This car is in good condition , Has 110,000 miles for 11,000 obo. Good price or what.
#85 of 437 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 04, 2001 (4:58 am)
It's just retail. You can buy them all day long for that. But it's market rate, so no complaints about the asking price. A "good" price would be under $10K.
#86 of 437 What's a fair asking price? by joanfy Aug 11, 2001 (9:05 pm)
Hi Mr. Shiftright,   Been reading through the bulletin board postings and noticed that you have an affinity for the 560SL. I happen to own an '89 and am in the process of selling it. Getting lots of calls, but nothing serious. It's in excellent condition both mechanically and cosmetically, but has 150K miles. Valve guide seals were repaired at 120K. I love the car and hate to sell it, but I'm a family of 4 now and it's very impractical. Could hang onto it as a classic, but it wouldn't get driven much. Can you give me some advice on a fair asking price? I know you suggest a deep discount once the car has reached 150K. Just how deep?   joanfy
#87 of 437 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 12, 2001 (9:40 am)
I like the 560SL as the best of the V8 SLs, but it's not really my ALL-TIMEfavorite SL.   But that's not your problem! YOUR problem is selling your car.   Yes, high mileage is a discouragement to buyers, there is no doubt about it. Maybe if you gave me an idea of what you have been asking, I could suggest some negotiated price.   Also a factor is the car's cosmetic appearance (more important than how it runs, sad to say but true) and also your maintenance records---these are additional factors that will determine price.   So give me some more info and maybe we can come up with a strategy. Also, what is your approximate geographic location? (If you are in a climate with a "long thermometer", these cars are harder to sell at summer's end.

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