88 560sl - what do you think?

[cvgbenzlover]

My other half has found an 88 560SL with 86K and all service records since it had about 35K miles. Many items have been addressed (mono valve, leaking rear shocks, radiator, steering shock/damper, water pump, fuel pump, reseal of trans gasket etc, stalling problem fixed caused by a short with starter are all that I can remember). The exterior and interior are in great condition. We plan to have a PPI, but before doing so thought it would be good to get some input from the SL folks on here! They are asking $14,800. From reading the forums these cars appear to be fairly reliable. Some questions I have are:
1) what do you think about the price? - it is at a Cadillac dealer
2) we plan to use it as a fair weather daily driver (less than 5-7K miles a year) - looks like they are reliable enough to do that - do you agree?
3) anything else we need to know/think about?

p.s. the current daily driver is a 1990 LS400 with 215K on it, that has served us well for 16 years and understand the risks associated with using older cars as a driver. We also have 2 other newer cars to use if the SL has an issue or the weather is bad (snow etc).

Thanks

[450slcguy]

Originally Posted by cvgbenzlover

1) what do you think about the price? - it is at a Cadillac dealer
2) we plan to use it as a fair weather daily driver (less than 5-7K miles a year) - looks like they are reliable enough to do that - do you agree?
3) anything else we need to know/think about?

Thanks

1. Cadillac dealer probably making a bundle of $$$ on it if it was a trade-in. I think 13k would be a very fair offer.

2. Probably reliable enough, but do expect to spend some money for minor things. Their will always be something. Make sure the climate control and all the air ducts work as they are suppose to.

3. Put it on a lift and inspect the whole undercarriage. Look at the exhaust system, check for fluid leaks, and of course any rust.

[mowoc]

FWIW I found a 96 SL 500 for $9500 with 84k on the odometer. I too had looked at a car at a dealer and found one I thought was good. It turns out that they were way overpriced (16900 for a 96 with 41k on it).

[MTUpower]

There are plenty on FL over this last year that have sold for half that price. There were several with less than 100K miles around 8 grand at one time. The market for 107's is at an all time low IMHO.

[rocky raccoon]

Coincidence Rules!

I bought an 88 560SL with 86k miles two years ago. I now have almost 107000 on it. A literal daily driver. Superb car.

Repairs have been:

Timing chain upper guides and tensioner slipper. Chain inspected at that time and not replaced since unstretched and in good shape. Cam oiler clips at that time also.
Installed monovalve repair kit.
Replaced engine temperature sensor.
Tie rod ends
R&R one head for oil leak
Fixed a couple of vacuum leaks
Everything else (belts, hoses, etc.) considered normal maintenance.
It has been dead reliable, fast and fun. You will love it. But ... from reading other posters, I don't think they take inaction well. Drive it as much as you can.

IRT cost; I believe an above average car is worth paying a premium for. Just make sure it is an above average car. Your maintenance records are a big confidence builder. Some years ago, I paid $10k for a 123 that booked at $7500 and was never sorry that I did. I wish I still had it.

[cvgbenzlover]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

There are plenty on FL over this last year that have sold for half that price. There were several with less than 100K miles around 8 grand at one time. The market for 107's is at an all time low IMHO.

What is "FL"?

Thanks everyone for the feedback to date.

[David Langsam]

Probably meant 'in FL' - in Florida.

David

[David Langsam]

Or, now that I think about it, could have meant 'on CL' - on Craigslist. I think this is more likely.

[sokoloff]

IMO that price is WAY too high.

[MTUpower]

Originally Posted by cvgbenzlover

What is "FL"?

Thanks everyone for the feedback to date.

Sorry- I was typing fast. On Craigslist in Florida is what I meant.

Originally Posted by sokoloff

IMO that price is WAY too high.

Which is what I was sayin'

[kchemers]

If the car is in great shape the price is in line, can find these cars listed from $4000 to $40000, found mine 2 years ago in Scottsdale, paid $15000 for an 87 560 with 72000miles and all service records, only needed a new top, love the car, bullet proof, changed the oil and drive it whenever weather permits. If you feel its a fair price, buy it!

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by 450slcguy

1. Cadillac dealer probably making a bundle of $$$ on it if it was a trade-in. .

The Cadillac dealer is making roughly $5,600 on the car. How badly do you REALLY want that particular car? As opposed to: one like it.

I'll be happy to sell you my 380SL with less miles and an extra top for that money. It too is a R107

and extra rims
and all service manuals
and a year's supply of car wash concentrate
and a big Hershey bar...
well, you get the idea.

[kchemers]

How would you have any idea what the dealer has in the car, you have no idea if they took it in trade or bought it at the auction!
380's are nice but smaller engine, much slower and prone to chain problems unless converted to double chain for a large amount of money

[dwcars]

I have a personal friend who is the GM at a Caddy/Chevy dealership. Even with the economy in the dumper, the dealership is still maintaining an average gross profit of $4950 per car. The number of units they are selling is way off. If I really liked the car, I would offer them $10,000 plus tax and tags; firm, no bump!!!! Remember, there is no reasonable financing on a car that old. They have to find a 'countin cash' buyer.

[B.Bear]

Originally Posted by kchemers

How would you have any idea what the dealer has in the car, you have no idea if they took it in trade or bought it at the auction!
380's are nice but smaller engine, much slower and prone to chain problems unless converted to double chain for a large amount of money

Hey don't knock the 380sl, later models came with double chains, cheaper to repair fuel injection system, runs on regular gas, and they start in first gear. Yes my car may not be able to beat a 560sl, but it will get up and go more than fast enought to beat most cars off the line, and has great passing speed on the highway.