A buddy of mine is looking into buying a new MB SL500. Does anyone here have any pluses/minuses experience? What is it priced at for 2004? And new?
Tom - New (ie MY05's) typically run b/w $92K - $100+K, nicely optioned. MY04's run in the low $80's depending on mileage. MY03's can be had in the low- to mid-$70's.
thanks Vik..... you have one of these gorgious cars? she was telling me something about wanting to get a designo model? What is that?
Hey buddy - Actually I don't have one of these bad boys - there is only room for a limited # of vehicles in NY City. I DO think they look gorgeous as heck, and have seriously considered picking one up. Per your PM: PROS: - Super-sexy styling - Vast array of comfort-options - Super-sexy styling - MB quality - Super-sexy styling - Some great deals to be made now CONS: - Depreciation, depreciation, depreciation (for a MY04 / MY05 cars) - Earlier versions had problems with retracting hardtop - Usual criticisims of being under-powered - MB quality Bottom-line: oozing with sex appeal, and great deals to be had for. Perfect car for "X," per the PM. Designo Edition refers to the "first" batch of '03 cars delivered - unique "designo" paint-scheme (kinda like a light crema green) and rims set the car apart. No biggie - lots of DE cars available today. Hope that helps.
Actually, designo editions are available in all years and are custom color schemes inside and out. They add about 6k to the price. It was the Launch edition you are thinking of that was the first cars in 03. Even though some say they have no soul, the SL55 is an almost perfect daily to me!
I don't know for 04s, but the first ones had a bunch of electrical problems. Maybe these cars ahve all been bought back by now under lemon law. Sorry to throw a brick in the pond like that, but that's something to be aware of. It is indeed a VERY beautiful car. A bronze SL with 5 spoke AMG wheels always makes my head turn.
Jeff is right - I was thinking of the Launch Edition cars. I also think the SL is a beautiful, beautiful car. And a practical one at that.
It is a AMAZING car! I had a 01 before I traded it in for the Viper. It was a great everyday driver. The new ones are even better. More comfortable and more refined. Nice no matter how you look at it (unless you are looking at depreciation).
You can go to www.mbusa.com and "build" the car you want. You start with the exterior color and proceed and can get it priced out just the way you want. We did that with our two MB ('04 C 320C and '05 SLK 350) then went to the dealer and ordered exactly what we wanted. Carol
There is no doubt the old ones were nice. But new ones are (stylistically) in a different league IMHO.
the slk 350 is a more sporty car and better performer for 40k less, and the amg slk is even a better deal, and you can get a 6speed with the slk....the sl500 is more of a cruiser...i hate to say it, but an old man or divorcee car....and i had one!!!..the 03 and 04 had significant elelcrical glitches..the sl55 is a different beast but still wastes its massive hp with 4400lbs weight...
the 500 is nice...take into account its an old mans cruising car...no performance really.. i drove the crap out of one and wasn't impressed. my superharged suburban felt faster..the good things are that the interior is AWESOME! the convertible hardtop is top quality, space is plenty. maintenence is minimal. very stabil whether going 20mph or 120 mph. the ride is awesome! the only few problems i saw, where depreciation is kinda on the large side, and the performance (in my eyes). overal, great handling, braking, performance for the guy who just likes to cruise and look good. but.... if u get the SL55, thats a whole new story! u get performance, ultimate luxury, and being in that car will turn heads. it is a rare one too... i have done a lot of research on these cars since my dad will be buying one soon, hopefully...that or the Maserati QP, but the 55 has the best overall retaining value than its 3 other brothers (600, 65, 500), best sounds, least amount of problems. the motor and tranny are rock solid! it can't be beat. u could find one for about $100K (03'), $115K (04'), $125K (05'). soo, overall, if u can afford it (by this i mean depreciation and minimal maintenence, then go for it. Aj
Agreed - the SL55 is quite a performer. As a side note Tom, I hear the SL65, which has just been released, is INSANE, but who wants to spend $180K for a MB. Unfortunately, depreciation on both is a killer. The SL55's are available a dime a dozen on eBay right now, and their prices reflect that. Hey, but if you're up for spending $125 on the car, what's $10K here or there for a little depreciation.
The SL500 is an incredible car. Everything about it is so classy. Not to mention, it actually has a great sounding motor as well. If you get one, check out getting the exterior in Pewter, the interior in Stone w/chestnut wood, and the AMG turbine wheels. It looks absolutey stunning!!!
Vik..... You are crazy, man. When I become homeless from cars spending, I will come to live w/ your family
A fellow with a 65 traps 10s in the 1/4, so he claims, and has dynoed over 630 hp...to the wheels factory stock. Torque is even crazier...
