[npmccallum]

I should soon be the first time owner of an SL. I'm torn between two options, and I could use some experienced advice. First is my dream option:
1986 Used Mercedes-Benz 560 SL at Music City Motorsports Serving Nashville, TN, IID 9077341

Next is my budget option:
Mercedes-Benz : 500-Series CONVERTIBLE in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

As you can see they are pretty similar cars with a substantial price difference. I definitely prefer the tan interior of the more expensive car. But the price (and repairs I can do myself) on the cheaper car are attractive.

Any advice?

 

[dgosh28]

The first one is a great car, but the price is nuts. Bid on the one on eBay first. If you don't get it you can always call the guy in Nashville.

 

[npmccallum]

The first one is a great car, but the price is nuts. Bid on the one on eBay first. If you don't get it you can always call the guy in Nashville.

I actually called the dealership on the cheaper car. There is no way it will sell for their reserve price. However, they offered me a price that was substantially below their reserve. My plan was to just drive to Nashville on Wednesday, view both cars, and buy one of them.

I agree that the price is too high on the nicer car. But I'm not sure what a good price is. Care to venture a suggestion?

 

[isthisdave]

.


http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1663796-1988-560sl-good-deal.html

ourSL, 560SL BOOTCAMP


Read the Boot Camp link, and give a look through the EGv107 for pertinent threads to read before you go look at these cars. The timing chain and suspension rubber maintenance are key.

If that MCM car has records showing the suspension rubber, flex discs, and at least the timing chain guides have been serviced it's probably a good buy at 14-16K.

 

[tcalixto]

Dear NPMcallum,

Specifically on the two links, I would go with first one (more expensive). And if you can negotiate the price even better.

The tan interior gives a nice and classy contrast with the black body.

She looks like a head turner.


Best regards,
Tarso.


Sent from my iPad using AG Free

 

[dgosh28]

I actually called the dealership on the cheaper car. There is no way it will sell for their reserve price. However, they offered me a price that was substantially below their reserve. My plan was to just drive to Nashville on Wednesday, view both cars, and buy one of them.

I agree that the price is too high on the nicer car. But I'm not sure what a good price is. Care to venture a suggestion?

I'm not really qualified to advise you on SL pricing, but several of the members here will give you some guidance. Personally, I would prefer the 1978 450SLC 5.0 listed on eBay. I can appreciate the SL's though and hope you get a great deal.

 

[SoonerCPA]

Take Dave's advice and read up. My general rule of thumb is buy the best car within your budget. From the photos only, the MCM car appears to be the better of the two (discounting the superior detailing it received). I also agree with Dave regarding the front-end rubber. Age is the problem so it will be an issue for either vehicle. Since the MCM car is advertised as having a complete service history, it's a wealth of pre-purchase information. I'd also invest in an independent pre-purchase inspection. Check the Recommended Repair Shops forum for Tennessee -several recommended in Nashvile. There's a lot of nice 560s on the market, so you should be able negotiate a fair price. Good hunting.

Cheers,

 

[Last R107]

Low Mileage - More Significant Than I Had Originally Thought

I'd go for the lower mileage car - if the price is reasonable - never overpay. Yesterday, I spent almost an hour, talking to the owner of a prominent, national auction house for classic cars. My 89' 560SL was in a Concours show - and, he was attending the show. My SL has just over 67,000 miles on it. While reviewing my car, this guy told me that anything under 100,000 miles sells for reasonable money. He sells tons of Southern California SLs - and, he said that 100,000 miles seems to be the breaking point for most owners. So, I'd say, if you can afford it, go for the lower mileage car and get the best deal possible. The good news for all of us is that the auction house owner told me that in the last 6 months, he has seen '86-'89 SL prices increase by 5% to 10% (for cars with fewer than 80,000 miles; and in reasonable (3- to 2+ condition)). Let's hope that this trend continues!

 

[rewillia]

I voted. Car # 1, 58k miles. Likely if you go with option 2 car you'll end up spending close to the Car #1 price on repairs and getting it into near same condition. #1 looks great including engine bay plus my preference is the palamino on black vs black interior.

Either way good luck with your decision.

 

[OldWorldShepherds]

Agree with rwillia's logic and one other factor. You indicated you prefer the combo on car #1, which is important, I think in the longrun.

Last R107, interesting feedback and kind of inline with my comments on market watch post.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[nobby]

If I had had the money at the time I would have spent more on a better version. As it is I spent MORE than an expensive version fixing it up and it's still not as nice as an expensive version.

Does that make any sense?


Like the old trotted out saying....there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

 

[JetPauls 107.026]

That car on Ebay has already exceeded it's potential value, and it still shows reserve not met.

Buy the nicer one, and call it a day, you will have that much in the other car anyway, and still have double the miles.

JetPaul

 

[hornetball]

Lower miles. Money well-spent (if such can be said of spending money this way).

Are you USNA '85 by chance?

 

[RenatoMB]

As an owner of an SL with black interior I can tell you that the sun will cook your behind when you leave the car sitting in the sun for just a few minutes (I had to buy seat covers only for that reason).

The rest of the comments seem spot on. Go for the least milage and color combo you desire.

Cheers,

 

[dugald]

Looks like #2 has sold already (to someone else?) but the the question is, is one worth 3x the other??
Hint: I am the lone vote for car #2.

 

[dugald]

Drum roll ....
The outcome was ....