Info before I buy
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
From: Northwest Washington State
Info before I buy
I'm considering buying an SL300, 320 or 500 between the years of 1996-2000. Could someone please take the time to tell me what I should look out for of known troubles, to stay away from for what ever reason and what to look for that is desirable. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Marty
Marty
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 839
From: heaven on earth, the s. Oregon coast
If I was to get a 129 again, I would look for a low mileage 97 SL320 or SL500 to 98 on the 500. I like the little better mpg on a 6 and my 300sl has great high end torque, passing is not a problem. slow on takeoff. not so on the 500. I got my 90 300sl in 02 w/65k on her. I paid 18k at the time and in 7yrs time I've put 50 thousand miles on her and spent another 35k in getting her into far better shape now than when I bought her.. If I couldn't do a lot of work myself it would be a bunch more expensive to maintain. For me she's a hobby. I like working on her and that way I can justify dumping money into her, in search of perfection. for me it's worth it, but they demand tender lovin' care. plastic parts can be a problem on older SLs, like any car. most problems were solved on the 97 and then they quit making the 320, go figure. I wish they would sell the 230 chassis SL280 & 350 in the U.S... I don't know why, I'll probably be buried in my 300sl and with all the crazy stuff going on in Washington DC I'm keeping my CHANGE in my pocket while I have a pocket, at least til we know what all these changes are going to be, scary. BTW the SLK is fun car, it's not a SL.
Thread Starter
|
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
From: Northwest Washington State
If I was to get a 129 again, I would look for a low mileage 97 SL320 or SL500 to 98 on the 500. I like the little better mpg on a 6 and my 300sl has great high end torque, passing is not a problem. slow on takeoff. not so on the 500. I got my 90 300sl in 02 w/65k on her. I paid 18k at the time and in 7yrs time I've put 50 thousand miles on her and spent another 35k in getting her into far better shape now than when I bought her.. If I couldn't do a lot of work myself it would be a bunch more expensive to maintain. For me she's a hobby. I like working on her and that way I can justify dumping money into her, in search of perfection. for me it's worth it, but they demand tender lovin' care. plastic parts can be a problem on older SLs, like any car. most problems were solved on the 97 and then they quit making the 320, go figure. I wish they would sell the 230 chassis SL280 & 350 in the U.S... I don't know why, I'll probably be buried in my 300sl and with all the crazy stuff going on in Washington DC I'm keeping my CHANGE in my pocket while I have a pocket, at least til we know what all these changes are going to be, scary. BTW the SLK is fun car, it's not a SL.
I'm with you on the scary crap that's happening in Washington. If I didn't need a vehicle, I would take the sale money from my truck and bury it on my property somewhere. Thanks again,
Marty
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
From: Northwest Washington State
I went shopping this morning and drove 7 different 320's and 500's. I ended up buying a 1997 SL320. I liked the nimbleness of it's handling, 83k miles and in excellent condition. It's got brand new AMG wheels and HP tires. I think I did ok.
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