[Esparza27]

What do you guys thin about this SL ? I personally went to go see it. I swear I fell in love and felt like a traitor to mine! It'll be my first time buying from a dealer and Idk what I should inspect. Or check out before I do. Any advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated- Andy


1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 500 Roadster Only 65K Miles Heated Seats Fallbrook, CA 92028 - So Cal Autohaus


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[eric.dewhirst]

Too bad it is so rough!

I would check this thread out (http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1563124-r129-sl-purchasing-tips-advice-archived.html) . Looks like it is in amazing condition and I would not worry so much about buying from a dealer. I would have it taken in for an inspection by a MB dealer - they could point out stuff that you may not catch.

Cheers - Eric

 

[SL BRABUS]

Are you trading your 92 for the newer one....??

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r12...sting-articles-dave-knows-cars-regarding.html

Quote by Dave knows car...^^^.....
"I would absolutely have a pre purchase inspection done of any car your serious about. You can take it to a Mercedes-Benz dealer and have them do a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) for the cost of an hour of labor. Just spend the money and have it done."

 

[Pete S]

Looks good from here. I agree get a PPI from an MB dealer it will be well worth it if you are serious about buying the car. What they find may help you negotiate. Good luck!

 

[Esparza27]

Are you trading your 92 for the newer one....??

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r12...sting-articles-dave-knows-cars-regarding.html

Quote by Dave knows car...^^^.....
"I would absolutely have a pre purchase inspection done of any car your serious about. You can take it to a Mercedes-Benz dealer and have them do a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) for the cost of an hour of labor. Just spend the money and have it done."

I love my SL but Im not too happy with the mileage at 187,000 and other things ,and that's because the odometer stopped working at that point with the PO. I'd figured it would be best if I invest money into a newer one. It's just so much nicer than mine. (But to answer your question Tony) No


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[Esparza27]

Thankyou guys I appreciate the help and if things go smooth tomorrow I will have the SL inspected and maybe take it home.


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[Pete S]

I think the interior overall is nicer in the 96-02. The one you are looking at has all the bells with whistles, wheels, xenon, AMG Body panels, and heated seats, only missing the Pano. I say if you can afford it and its the right price go for it!

 

[wlb50]

It looks like my car - a 96 - and the irony is while I paid $7K I have put over $5K in it - making $11K. But I can guarantee that you will put some money into this - shocks? Tires?

But it looks nice

BTW one thing I am sure hasn't been done - change that ATF and filter every 60K (on the 722.6)

 

[scottejupiter]

It says "warranty included". I'd find out what's included in that.

I agree with wlb. If the car is absolutely perfect, been maintained with records and needs no repairs it might not be a bad buy. But if you have to put another $5k into it, it's way over priced.

 

[Esparza27]

Today I test drove it and man.. Really smooth powerful ride.
Unfortunately ..I can't afford it some other day


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[Pete S]

That sucks. Did you try various lenders? State farm has some great programs and give you an answer rather quickly.

 

[SinSL]

Buying SL is only half the battle. You have to be able to afford to drive it. No matter how good starting condition, it will need something. Then if you can only afford bi-weekly payment you will be stuck with dead gorgeous car in your driveway while payment will still roll.

 

[SL BRABUS]

Today I test drove it and man.. Really smooth powerful ride.
Unfortunately ..I can't afford it some other day


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Andy.... Why not trade in your 92...It could help & might be worth it in the long run....

 

[Esparza27]

Buying SL is only half the battle. You have to be able to afford to drive it. No matter how good starting condition, it will need something. Then if you can only afford bi-weekly payment you will be stuck with dead gorgeous car in your driveway while payment will still roll.

I know what to expect out of an SL. I Fortunately have a 92 with many major problems I've been able to repair. And I have learned so many things and put amounts of money I never thought I would. I guess it's not practical for me to have one but I don't like to give up.

 

[Esparza27]

That sucks. Did you try various lenders? State farm has some great programs and give you an answer rather quickly.

You can say I'm naive and I don't much experience on what options I have or what I can do. All I do is work and school. I'm 22 and maybe I should have already built some credit but I never have! What I don't get it that the guy told me that I needed to have credit.. But you need credit to refinance right? But then he said no bank will refinance the car because it is too old and it must be paid in cash or a BIG down payment. So who understands him

 

[Esparza27]

Andy.... Why not trade in your 92...It could help & might be worth it in the long run....

Well I agree with you Tony, in the long run it will be good(I hope) I was just about to replace all suspension but.. Then I thought. I'm investing money into a car that has more than 200k on it + everything else that's wrong with it. Not a good investment.

I cannot trade the car in because it is too old I guess and too many miles,he said. I would have to sell it on my own

 

[Pete S]

Guy sounds like a crappy saleman. If you don't have any credit I recommend you apply for a credit card or a store card such as a Macy's or Bloomingdales, maybe a gas card anything to build and establish credit. Not sure how CA is but if the car has value there is always a bank that will lend you the money.

You at the moment probably do need a big down payment due to lack of credit history and considered high risk.


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[LWB250]

For future reference you might want to consider joining a credit union.

Since credit unions are owned by the depositors, they are a bit more lenient when it comes to lending decisions, both for the borrower and the car.

They will also help you to build your credit, too.

Good luck,

Dan

 

[vipergts]

Care and feeding is expensive after the initial cost...

 

[Esparza27]

For future reference you might want to consider joining a credit union.

Since credit unions are owned by the depositors, they are a bit more lenient when it comes to lending decisions, both for the borrower and the car.

They will also help you to build your credit, too.

Good luck,

Dan

I didn't want to give up so today me and my girlfriend went to navy federal credit union and asked for a loan on her behalf, she just started her credit but it's worth a try. I'm determined to obtain that SL


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