Would anyone want to trade with me? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Abadjay · #1 03-19-2012, 06:48 PM

I have been meaning to get a 560SL for some time, but don't really have all the money to get it. I was wondering who would be interested in trading me a 560SL for a 300SDL. 220,000 miles and no accidents.

PM me if you want some details...

Now I know I'm posting this in the SL forum so this question may seem biased, but...

Does anyone think this could be a fair trade?

Walrus · #2 03-19-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abadjay

I have been meaning to get a 560SL for some time, but don't really have all the money to get it. I was wondering who would be interested in trading me a 560SL for a 300SDL. 220,000 miles and no accidents.

PM me if you want some details...

Now I know I'm posting this in the SL forum so this question may seem biased, but...

Does anyone think this could be a fair trade?

If you are talking trade even, I don't think you'd want any 560SL that would trade even...

Abadjay · #3 03-19-2012, 08:40 PM

Yeah I didn't think so.... Oh well

PLeeson · #4 03-19-2012, 10:58 PM

The 560's are worth more than the R129s nowadays...

meltedpanda · #5 03-20-2012, 02:12 PM

no way even up, best to save up some $ ,sell yours,and see what you can find

deanyel · #6 03-20-2012, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLeeson

The 560's are worth more than the R129s nowadays...

That doesn't sound right. I'd say it's about half on average, there's still some newer 129s in five digits or even in the teens. Other than an occasional high asking price for a low mileage 560 they seem to be about as dead as a doornail.

JPMOSE · #7 03-20-2012, 05:50 PM

Never judge by what people are asking in price! Look at completed items on Ebay...that gives you a more realistic view point. While I like R129s, they are at that point where they are neither old enough to be classic looking or new enough to still be considered a status symbol (no disrespect meant!!!). They are also more complicated...loosing the "bullet proof" status that a R107 had. BUT!!! I still think R129s are wonderful cars.

Will_w202 · #8 03-21-2012, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanyel

That doesn't sound right. I'd say it's about half on average, there's still some newer 129s in five digits or even in the teens. Other than an occasional high asking price for a low mileage 560 they seem to be about as dead as a doornail.

The early 129s are at rock-bottom right now, so it's the time to buy one. Whereas the 107 may end up being a dud as far as collector-status value, ie not a popular style, no great engines, and lackluster handling, the 129s had the first-ever power top on a production car, the 500s came with 322hp, 32 valves and 4 cams, had a sleek, advanced body design by 80s MB standards, and they also handled well. Much more potential long-term price appreciation, IMO. That said, if any 107s are ever worth anything, it would be a 72-74 350/450 like "Panda's" car, or an 86-89 560 in the right color and condition.

Personally, I'd rather have a 20yo 2-owner, original paint with all records 92 500SL (mine) for $8k than 4-decade old design and nowhere near the fun for the same price.

Just my 2c!!

Will_w202 · #9 03-21-2012, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPMOSE

Never judge by what people are asking in price! Look at completed items on Ebay...that gives you a more realistic view point. While I like R129s, they are at that point where they are neither old enough to be classic looking or new enough to still be considered a status symbol (no disrespect meant!!!). They are also more complicated...loosing the "bullet proof" status that a R107 had. BUT!!! I still think R129s are wonderful cars.

Ironically, and based on personal experience, I've read from techs on here and in collector articles online that the m119 and 104 129s are, quote, "bulletproof."

If you pick up a model that hasn't been well-maintained, just like with a 107, you're in deep doo-doo potentially., as far as top hydraulics, peripherals, etc. But a properly-maintained model will last indefinitely. Also, we're talking the early 119s and 104s here.

JPMOSE · #10 03-21-2012, 11:59 AM

"Whereas the 107 may end up being a dud as far as collector-status value, ie not a popular style"

While I agree with you on a lot of your comments, this one is way off! The R107 styling is considered an IKON for Mercedes. I am really more into the fifties and sixties cars, but I do think the R107 was the envy of most when they were new (at least in New York and LA, where I spent my first 36 years).

But I am glad to hear that some of the R129s are more-less bullet proof....I am just going by here-say. I had an S320 LWB that I bought used (two years old) and found it to be problematic...but that's a different story!

meltedpanda · #11 03-21-2012, 01:48 PM

w202 , thanks for the nice comment on my 107, I do think the early ones are more desirable,but even those and one like mine do not get the respect they deserve, at least outside of the MB nuts. ( me included

) like any old car , service history and care is the key. The 560 has its attractions , so does the 280. 350 and 450. But the OP was about a trade even for a 300SDL and a 560, and that is still a "I doubt it"

JPMOSE · #12 03-21-2012, 03:02 PM

Ron...my personal favorite is the 1972 350SL (4.5)! I have followed "Pearl" posts for a while now...I shuddered when the brake hose failed..hoping I didn't read an accident to follow!! I seriously looked for one but ended up with my 560SL as it was a friend's and original owner (and babied all it's life). I also like the brand new SLs and would consider purchasing one....it's the only one that has excited me since the R107!!

Will_w202 · #13 03-22-2012, 09:27 AM

To continue on the tangent of collectibility, Panda, I think the reason yours (to me and possibly in general) is collectible is because it's a 72, it has the old-school color-matched caps, and especially with the hardtop, has that vintage look. Keep in mind, in 1972, this car probably WAS a hot new design, and therefore, much like the Pagodas, represent a period in MB production that, for its time, was the standard in style.

By the early 80s, these cars were not as "stylish." The design ran for 17 years! Nobody was passionate about 107 SLs by the 2nd term of the Regan administration - they were out of style, plus the 3.8 developed a (fair or unfair) reputation. To me, early 450s like Pandas will be collectible because they look like a classic Benz from the early 70s. For an 88 model 560 that everyone knows was antiquated and behind its time, not so much.

Same, I think, with 129s. That's why I bought a 92. The original 90-92 style, the first of its breed, which wowed me and my friends when it hit the magazines in 89 - and btw, the highest-powered V8 of all the non-AMG 129s, all the way through 2002. I don't see any late-129s being collectible, unless it's a 97 with pano hardtop, a 40th ann edition, or a silver arrow.

JPMOSE · #14 03-22-2012, 12:15 PM

Will...I'm not sure how old you were when the R107 was in production (I am 54)...but I lived in Beverly Hills in 1988 (I rented...so not trying to sound impressive!!) and saw plenty of my neighbors STILL buying 560SLs with excitement and they had more money than God. I think one of the main reasons MB extended the R107 was because of it's popularity (it was originally suppose to end in 1985). There were still penty of fans, but on paper they were pale in comparison to the latest technology of the time. I think there was a "cult" image that went with the R107 in LA and NYC...I know because I lived in both and traveled back and forth a lot.

I know in the late 1980's I thought "when are they finally going to update this car??", but I did observe how many wealthy people were still buying them! I remember when the 300SL/500SL came out in the model year 1990thinking, "what a welcome change!".

What the future will bring for R107s and R129s has yet to be seen. I know I have a lot more confidence in my other two vehicles appreciating with age. But I grew up with the R107 (14 when it arrived and 32 when it departed), so I have a soft spot for it. I have driven R129s and love them! I have NEVER bought a car for investment, as I always have more into them versus what they are worth. But to me, the passion is worth it's weight in gold!

By the way, none of my observations are meant to argue or offend you in any way...it's just my point of view, having been a huge car fan since1968.

JimFreeh · #15 03-22-2012, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPMOSE

What the future will bring for R107s and R129s has yet to be seen. I know I have a lot more confidence in my other two vehicles appreciating with age. But I grew up with the R107 (14 when it arrived and 32 when it departed), so I have a soft spot for it. I have driven R129s and love them! I have NEVER bought a car for investment, as I always have more into them versus what they are worth. But to me, the passion is worth it's weight in gold!

By the way, none of my observations are meant to argue or offend you in any way...it's just my point of view, having been a huge car fan since1968.

I've got you by a few years, and my "ideal" SL was the W113 pagoda. Life has a way of giving and taking, and the W113 was always just a bit more reach than I could justify, for years they have outpaced my capacity (or inclination) to spend on a toy.

I finally decided that if I was ever to get an SL again (190SL was my first Mercedes), I needed to look at the R107 cars. I intensly disliked the large crash bumpers, so that limited my choices. Back in 2005 a listmember that I had bought a car from previously offered me a 1984 280SL grey market car that had been a southwest car and had no rust at all.

Just what I needed. Small bumpers, and a six cylinder engine for economy and easy access. I like this car for it's relative simplicity compared to the R129. Don't get me wrong, the R129 is a great tour de force, but complexity is not your friend as the cars get older. I have an E320 cabriolet, and I'm happy that the R107 doesn't have that same top system. I'm no stranger to complex tops, I've owned and maintained a 64 Lincoln retractable for near 40 years....

Just because they made a lot of them doesn't mean they won't be collectable (think Mustang), but as the herd thins, the really good R107s will become coveted. This is good because it not only keeps the price managable, but also encourages support for the cars enabling you to get the parts you need to improve or maintain your car. The R107 may be common, but I'll wager it will have a better return on investment in the long run than any of it's contemporary 4 door Mercedes models. As they say, when the top goes down, the price goes up.

I've got a good friend who has owned a 91 500SL for near ten years and I've got a pretty good idea what it takes to work on his car. I prefer the simplicity of the R107, as I feel it's more in keeping with the mission of the car. I love the way the R129 performs, and I like the looks, but I do not think I'd want to trade my 280SL for one.

Again, just my opinion, and the fact that I've got to divide my time and resources across a number of old cars probably enters into my opinion. I sold my 1969 6.3 years ago when I realized I could have 1 nice 6.3 or I could have several other cars for the same amount of effort and cost....

Jim