saw a 1999 Mercedes Benz SL500, good condition for 18K, 110K miles, both tops, going to drive it tomorrow. What is the gneral opion of these cars?


thanks

 

An exceedingly fun car to drive. They handle like a dream.

They aren't very practical, being a two-seater. Makes most sense as a second car.

They're heavy and use lots of premium gas.

Seems like a good price, but I haven't looked it up.

SLs usually have less miles. They normally aren't daily drivers. You could probably find one easy with a lot less miles. The price might be higher, though.

 

I would only buy it as a "toy" and not a daily driver, winter will soon be here in New England, and traction could be a problem, Do you think the mileage is against it, I would think the previous, owner or owners used it as a daily driver with those kind of miles. These cars are very hard to find around here, I have seen a couple of 95's with a lot less miles, in the 80K miles range, but this car looks good, and that bothers me. Once the get the VIN correct, I'm going to CARFAX and see where it was since 99 is nothing else. Thanks

 

I'm sure it has many more miles in it. Most SLs are garage queens, that's all.

When you test drive it, check those things sleepwalker mentioned. Drive it enough to get the drivetrain heat soaked. Don't forget to use your nose, too.

 

Will Do and thanks again

 

When you test drive it keep the radio off. When you test the radio use balance & fade to test the 4 speakers indiviually, while car is stationary.
Maybe the high milage is due to cross country driving & not as a daily stop go commuter.

Where do I mail the bill?

 

The test drive was a disaster, My magnet fell off of both rear quarter panels, bondo. The car smoked on accleration, and if rode band, the engine had oil all over it, and it smellee like burning oil. The salesperson wouldn't let me take it on the highway, some BS about insurance, I said OK. BUT I the salesperson told me I could take it away for $16000 with $1000 down and the balance in cash on Monday, I said no thanks. Also the car would't say in a straight line and there wer new tires, but probalby to hide bad suspension parts?

 

Oh, well. Sounds like it's seen better days.

FYI, many late model cars have a combination of steel and plastic panels.

 

Yes, that is a fact, however I don't know if a SL 500 did and even at $1600, I am still cautious. The dearler called me today and asked it I were still interested, (yes they are open on Sunday), I asked if I could take it to my mechanic, this was the owner, by the way, he said no as my dealer plates won't allow that. I said no I am not interested thanks anyway. My neighbor has sold Cadillac's for years and he has a "company" car with dealer plates and he drive all over the country, so I have to assume this car is a lemon. In my mind this dealer is a no, no?

 

I don't know if an SL500 has any plastic panels either. That's why your test, though a good one, may be giving you erroneous info unless you're familiar with the car's construction. Just something to keep in mind. Not a big deal.

Something sounds a little shady with that dealer. I'd cross him off your list of sources. There are plenty of SL500s around. Maybe not in your neighborhood right now, but you can still get one easy enough. They aren't rare cars.