Hello people,

I want to first thank this forum and what a wonderful forum it truly is.

This is my situation, I currently live in Southern California but I am moving to Indianapolis in January. I have a 2000 BMW 328i I will sell and get the money for that, but I was originally looking in getting a car in Indianapolis (like a 530i or E350 or so...) but then I figured everything, once I move back to California 6 months later, I will have to pay 3-4 thousand dollars in shipping my car back!!

The last couple days I have been looking for an alternative. Obviously car dealerships do not do 6 month leases, but I found this guy who is leasing a 2003 Mercedes Benz SL 500. He wants me to take over his lease and the car is in excellent condition, and he has agreed that I take over his lease in January until his lease expires and his lease expires in July. That is the perfect timing for me since my lease for my apartment will expire in July as well and I can then return the SL 500 to any Mercedes dealership. He is also in Illinois, so it is only about a 3 hour drive to Indianapolis...

Now his lease payments for this car is $1,560 which will be about $9360 by the time I return the car. I will sell my BMW I have and have that cash in order to pay the lease amount and when I move back to Cali I can buy a new car...This car will also allow me to drive about 1000 miles a month and I will be living in downtown Indianapolis...right in the dead center of it which is close to my work.

I want everyone's opinions on this and what they think and I also had a question, is the 2003 SL 500 any different than the new 2005 or 2006 SL 500 models? Is the look any different? I heard the hardtop for the 2003 model is rectrable which is different than the new one but I believe the body is the same...

He also said he had the standard rims which came with the SL 500. Does anyone know how many inches comes with the standard SL 500?

Again, any suggestions or concerns would be deeply appreciated. I really think this would be a good alternative instead of leasing a car and paying a ridiculous amount to ship it back plus a new car may be damaged on those trucks.

The car is black too....and it comes with the options and navigation system and all that which I will need....I would deeply appreciate feedback. Thanks!



S.K.D.

 

SL500 is nice, but 1500/month nice? no. You also have to pay for insurance.

 

It is only for 6 months afterall. On top of that, it is better than going out and leasing a car and paying 3-4 thousand to ship it back to California.

 

3-4 thousand? I'm having my car shipped from LA to CT for less than $500. http://www.dasautoshippers.com/