Hello people. This is my first thread here. Forgive me but I have owned cars like my old 1973 Trans Am SD 455, Caddys, and my current toys are a highly modified 1987 Mustang LX which is a money pit and getting new paint and too many mods to discuss without a drink in my hand. I am trying to decide between a 1989 MB 560 SL and a 1991 560 SEC. This car will be a summertime only ride for my Dad. My Dad has owned his 1996 Town Car for over 7 years now. It is a decent car but I want my Dad to drive something a lot classier. He is 79 years young, but he still has his reflexes and is a good driver. With my heart I would buy the 560SL, but I am thinking the 560 SEC might be a smoother ride for my Dad. I have two cars to choose between. Both have complete mechanical repair documentation sets of "books." Both cars also look and run superbly. I would pick the 560 SL in a heartbeat. But the 560 SEC is a very fine looking car. I am hoping to get some input as to which would serve him better? This car will be put to sleep in a garage each winter and only driven in the summer time. So I am hoping for some input from the more experienced MB owners here to help me decide, I am the kind of car owner that changes oil every 1500 to 2000 miles. I also have my transmission fluid power flushed every two years with all new tranny filters replaced when the fluid is drained. I have my brake fluid changed yearly in my Mustang, and in my GMC truck. I do not think there is a huge difference between the two cars for their used price. The 1989 560 SL may not depreciate as rapidly in value as the 560 SEC over the next few years. I am also smart enough to know from my used car selling days that buying a new car is the worst single investment any human being will ever make. But buying a classic MB car can yield less of a loss when selling it compared to the new car, meaning the financial loss when you drive it off the lot and lose 25%. So which is the more reliable car to own? My heart tells me the 560 SEC is most likely the better car for my Dad. Either way I will be the one washing and waxing it by hand each week for him. Thanks for reading this from a Mustang owner, and for any advice that you can share with me. John Chleapas, Framingham, MA

 

the sl is squrrly on the road when stopping ..the sec is a better car ,,,but as no conv.top...

 

Is this a surprise gift for him? Why not let him drive both and decide?

One thing to consider is the ease of getting in and out of the car. At his age that is a consideration. The SL will be more difficult to get in and out of.

Greg