CD Article: 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

[CD_Editor]

Used Vehicle Review:


Few cars say "you've made it" like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase, but even used ones are pricey, especially their repairs.

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[Thinking Out Loud]

I've always wondered - are repairs on high end cars (most similar-purpose components of which are largely available in less costly autos) high in part due to the fact that if the owners can afford to spend $150,000 on a (USED) car, they can and will afford to pay (brag) about the $500 oil change - turned service appointment?

A friend of mine had his Lexus RX in for service and (not surprisingly) found that the oil filter going onto the same engine on his car as goes into 'mundane' Camrys was effectively one in the same, but he of course was charged more for it.  However, the lounge is much nicer, and the filter had an 'L' logo on it.  Lexus' at least don't regularly break, tho.

I guess that differentiates the new money from old though - the really rich don't flaunt it - and got rich by not blowing thousands out the door on unjustifiable expenses or cars notoriously known for failures.

But as Chris pointed out, correctly, people want to know/show 'they have arrived'.

To each, their own.

[dave]

"And second, you don't have to own one of these cars to feel special in it: borrow one and drive it downtown on a Saturday night and I promise you, you'll feel like a rock star."

Couldn't agree more.   

My parent's 2003 SL500 hasn't had any real issues.  Sweaky brakes have been a bit of an issue.  I still haven't gotten used to those "electro-hyrdraulic" brakes.  They feel really grabby and don't really give a lot of feel/feed back.  Hard to describe.  Another issues was the battery.  During the first 2 years, the battery would always be next-to-dead in the Spring.  All the extra electronics (nav, radio, etc.) wouldn't work during the first couple drive of the season.  Since then we have purchased a battery warmer that we plug the car into over the winter.  No issues since then. 

Overall, it's a great blvd. crusier.  Lots of power and style.  It's an '03 with less than 50k km on it...what a garage queen 

[johngenx]

The previous gen SL (1990-2002) were pretty good cars, but anytime anything went wrong, your wallet would take a huge hit.  The soft top systems were trouble prone and could cots thousands to repair and reset properly.  The AC systems had failure prone evaporators, which are so deeply buried it's a $3K or more job.

These cars have no room in the engine bays, all the electronics are intertwined and systems are very complex.  Parts can be pricey when they're unique to the SL line.

These are wonderful driving cars, but people need to be realistic about what it will cost to own.

[wing]

It's an '03 with less than 50k km on it...what a garage queen 

Ha my S2000 is an '01 with about the same!

[Giant Dwarf]

It's an '03 with less than 50k km on it...what a garage queen 

Ha my S2000 is an '01 with about the same!

Yeah, but in that situation, the SL's garage mate is an M6 with a proper transmission.  What's your excuse?   

[Demosthenes X]

The SL is a lovely cruiser, and looks great top up or down.  But for that kind of money, I'd take just about all of the competition before the Merc.

You're passing up the M6, 911, R8, and a bunch more I'm missing, to buy that automatic transmission barge...  unless you have enough dollars to call the SL your winter beater. 

[wing]

It's an '03 with less than 50k km on it...what a garage queen 

Ha my S2000 is an '01 with about the same!

Yeah, but in that situation, the SL's garage mate is an M6 with a proper transmission.  What's your excuse?   

Exactly he should have LESS KM then

[johngenx]

I think the latest SL is one FINE looking car, but I agree that there are too many $$$$ competitors that would keep me out of the MB.  Can live with a fixed roof?  I'd love a Z-06.  The 911 line is nice, though I admit that the last of the air cooled cars would be at the top of my list.  So what if they're used?  Those cars have pedigree and the cash I'd save for new would be a bonus.

From a pure driving standpoint, the S2000 is one of my faves, and such a bargain!  Other than roofless capability, the S2000 has nothing in common with the SL, but for my wind-making money, I'd buy an S2000, enjoy the slot car handling, Honda reliability and 4500rpm+ "hooooleeeee!!!!"

[Demosthenes X]

I'd sooner have an NSX over an S2000 (though I, too, love the S2000).  Starting in 1995 they came with a targa top, too.    NSX with low kilometres + turbo setup = a 500hp go-kart, and for a lot less coin than an SL.  And, imo, the NSX wins the beauty contest hands down (but roof up or down).

[dave]

  Ummm...why are we comparing the Z06, S2000, and NSX to a posh cruiser like the SL?  Totally different ball game.

[Demosthenes X]

They might be in different leagues, but that doesn't mean people don't cross-shop them.  My old man went from an NSX to a Porsche to an SL.

[Marc_]

NSX:      Just happened to see this yesterday

http://www.acurasherway.com/en/usedcars/listing/details.spy?id=1808023

[dave]

They might be in different leagues, but that doesn't mean people don't cross-shop them.  My old man went from an NSX to a Porsche to an SL.

  Pretty sure people aren't crossing shopping the SL with any of the above (besides the 911).  I agree that for the money there are a lot of different cars you can get into.  I would definitely have a 911 or Superformance Daytona before an SL.  But people shopping the SL aren't looking for track weapons like the S2000, NSX, and Z06.  They're looking for something to cruise in downtown or to the golf club.  Something "to be seen in".  Competitors/fat cats - XK8/R, XLR(V), 911, SC430, 650ci, etc. etc.

It seems your old man went from sports car to sporty GT to cruiser.

[Demosthenes X]

  You say people wouldn't cross-shop the NSX and XL because the NSX is a track car, then go on to say people will cross shop the 911 with the SL?  The Porsche has more in common with the NSX than it does the SL.

People buying any of these cars new are in all likelihood not taking them out to track days anyway.  So they're all buying them to be seen in.  No reason they wouldn't cross-shop the NSX and the SL when new.

I agree they wouldn't cross-shop the S2000, though...

[airbalancer]

But who would want to be be seen in a expensive Ricer like an NSX?
SL cross shopped would be with Z4, maybe a 6 cab and TT

[tpl]

JohngenX's dire warnings notwithstanding when I look at the 2nd hand prices of those cars in the article I'd rather have a cream puff 2nd hand E320 and keep the change for repairs!

[johngenx]

I know some rich dudes that have an SL, a 911 and either an E63 or M5.  If you can afford it, I guess you don't have to choose...

[Demosthenes X]

But who would want to be be seen in a expensive Ricer like an NSX?
SL cross shopped would be with Z4, maybe a 6 cab and TT

  Who in the world cross-shops a $150 000 SL500 with a $40 000 Audi TT?  People will compare the SL with the R8, not the TT...

[2hondas]

The NSX is a ricer?