SL600 to buy or not to buy.

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SL600 to buy or not to buy.

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Mercedes >> Mercedes Benz Models >> Mercedes SL Class >> SL600 to buy or not to buy.

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SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 5/23/2007 2:23:55 PM

UK Texan

Posts: 10
Joined: 11/5/2006
Status: offline

One of my neighbors has had a Black 94 SL600 sitting in his garage for the last couple of years. He drives it occasionally just to charge the battery, but apart from that it just languishes there. I have offered a low sum for it, but so far he wants more than I want to pay.

It has only 68k on the clock, and drives like it's new. The truth is, that I'm scared of any major problem, and any prodding at it could trigger a harness problem or the like. Just things that I could fix on a simpler type, but not on this beastie.

It takes a lot to impress me, but this car did. What sort of value does it have?

Post #: 1

RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 5/23/2007 5:33:09 PM

chassis221

Posts: 809
Joined: 2/17/2007
From: Philadelphia, Pa
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hello not sure of value... but if you don't have money I would avoid it. anycar that is a V12 that is a Benz you are looking at rediculous prices on parts and that car does have alot of running complaints and some electrical component issues. They are also more complicated to work on especially for the aftermarket mechanic. you will end up taking it to a dealer most likely and that is also recommended too. It has 2 mass airflows and 2 EZL modules and they do go bad. So if you don't like to spend money i would stay away from it.

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RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 5/23/2007 6:59:09 PM

bobterry99

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Joined: 1/19/2005
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Bad news: '93-'95 Mercedes are notorious for having problems with disintegrating wiring harnesses. Worse news: the V-12 SL is particularly susceptible to the problem and is also the most expensive to repair. You might try to find a '99 or newer car (problems with trannys in '96 and to a lesser extent in '97 and '98) or take a look at the newer R230 SL.

< Message edited by bobterry99 -- 5/23/2007 7:00:34 PM >

(in reply to UK Texan)

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RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 5/24/2007 2:55:18 PM

flyfishingbear

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Joined: 8/16/2006
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The car is worth about $20K per bluebook, and you can plan on routine maintainance of about $10-12K a year. Mine has averaged about $10 a year the last two years and I'm looking back longinly at the SLs I had that were not loaded with computers and gadgets that tend to fail. I am used to Mercedes parts costs from my other MBZs, but the 107 SLs and my ML don't cause me anywhere near as much as the 600 has. When it is working the performance is unmatched by any vette or porsche (no fussing from the porche guys please), but I also need a very dependable vehicle so I'm planning on switching to a different car.

(in reply to bobterry99)

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RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 5/24/2007 6:32:00 PM

TheV12pwr

Posts: 93
Joined: 8/28/2004
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I guess I am the luckyest 600 owner on the planet!!!!
Own the car for 5 years as a dayly,yes DAYLY driver and so far so good.Bought it with 41000 on the clock and now is 87347
Rides like a limo,but if you step on IT is a bullet.Love it ,love it, love it...

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DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!

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RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 8/1/2007 1:49:40 PM

jeffbre

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Joined: 7/31/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: flyfishingbear

...plan on routine maintainance of about $10-12K a year. .....

I'm new around here. How did you end up spending that amount? Thanks.

Jeff

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Post #: 6

RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 8/9/2007 7:18:40 PM

fastforward

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Joined: 8/9/2007
Status: offline

I, too am looking at buying an SL600. 96 20K mi. I am concerned about the claim of $10K annual maint. in another post. what's up with that?

any other experiences or links to posts on buying an SL600?

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Post #: 7

RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 8/10/2007 5:52:59 PM

Scott M

Posts: 33
Joined: 9/27/2006
Status: offline

Don't buy it... older SL500s and 600s are junk. Nothing but problems. I have one that I'd like to drive off a cliff somewhere.

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RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 8/15/2007 9:28:32 AM

GDRIII

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Joined: 3/27/2006
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I presently own (5) cars:
-1993 Ferrari mondial t Cab.(valeo) about 11,000 mi. on it (pleasure use)
-1994 MB SL600 about 64,000 mi on it. (My daily driver, even through snows in Ohio winters)
-1993 MB SL320 about 133,000 mi on it (My wife's daily driver she claims she will never get rid of it)
-2002 Ferrari 575M F1 about 10,000 mi on it.(sheer joy)
-2005 MB SL500 about 12,000 mi on it (fantastic car I bought to replace a 2003 SL500 that was totaled in a head on collision with a dump truck. Still can't believe I wasn't injured!)

All of these cars are supposed to be maintenance nightmares.I struggeled over buying each one of them. But I wanted each one (knowing when buying and keeping them after the warrantee's were over )I was taking risk. I must be the luckest guy in the world since none of them has given me any major problems.I enjoy them all. I believe the worst risks can be the ones you don't take. If you want a SL600 go for it! Life is too short. Right now I Think the used SL 600 is the best car available for for the money period. Just make sure it has a good history, been properly maintained, and have a good mechanic you trust do a pre purchase inspection. The SL600 has been the best all around car I have ever owned and I have owned a lot of cars.

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RE: SL600 to buy or not to buy. - 8/15/2007 11:01:31 PM

TheV12pwr

Posts: 93
Joined: 8/28/2004
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Scott M

Don't buy it... older SL500s and 600s are junk. Nothing but problems. I have one that I'd like to drive off a cliff somewhere.