I have an opportunity to buy a 94 SL500 with 64,800 plus miles. Private sale, original owner, has all service records, car is in good to very good condition, what can I expect in the way of maintenance and repairs with this car and the mileage. I have a 99 C280 now, but I looking for something with a little more sport to it, the asking price is $19,860. Is this a fair price for the car or should I offer a lower price. One thing I did notice the car is going to need tires by spring. Car hasn't been hit, I brought my two hugh magnet with rubber covering and checked all the panels, no bondo, the car is straight, steering feels good, brakes very good, everything works. Needs a polishing, not badly oxidated, but you can tell it wasn't polish and wax three times a year like I do mine. Probably a moderate cut polish will clean it nicely, Interior is nice, typical wear on the drivers seat left bolster, but that's about it. It's red by the way. THANKS!

 

Low miles for a 10-year old car. Check the carfax to make sure the owner's story checks out -when I was looking I had people tell me they had "1-owner" cars, but car registration data usually doens't lie..

Mercedes V-8 engines are pretty bulletproof if properly maintained, but the electronics, convertible top hydraulics (and the top itself) and the a/c system can cost big bucks to repair - I'd check all of those systems out...thanks

 

Yes, I was waiting to do a CARFAX after I got a feel from you folks about these cars, I really feel in love with them and the mid 90's body style a while back. Thanks so much for the advice and the prompty reply.

 

Right on the money about the tops and hydraulics costing a bunch. I just purchased a 93 with 66K miles on it. Looks great, runs great, but the top hydraulics went out (had it a week). Got estimates from $750-$2600 to fix it.

 

I was told on the S500 and SL 500 of this era the AC system is mostly under the dash and as someone said it cost a fortune just to pull the dash and then there is the matter of parts. But I am going again tomorrow to look at the car one more time, the CARFAX checked out OK, I still don't have 100% faith in CARFAX, but I guess it is a good as it is going to get. especially with registration, mileage rollback. Carfax said the car was eligible for some kind of money think if they are not correct.

 

Check the driain plug under the air conditioner evaporator coil. If the drain has been stopped up for a while, could mean a corroded evaporator coil. I spent 3k to replace mine.