Consider This Before Buying Sl's

[elau]

Lynn,
I am not trying to thrash your FX. Just to let you know about the facts. Please don't take it personally.

I appreciate your input. I think in ice and snow my FX will do considerably better than the sl. My FX will not need to be garaged for the winter. It can be admired by all year round. PLease do not take this personally

Lynn.

I have been reading these posts with great interest since it has been going. Iwould like to know just out of curiosity as what made you decide on an SL to begin with?

Also I like your choice of SUV.

[jjrodger]

Mine is a daily driver: 40k miles a year. And it's parked outside in the rain right now.

Hi Rayson, I just really like the style ever since I saw it on the tv show Dallas. I really wasnt looking to buy one but saw it there, and decided I wanted it. Thats the problem with disposable income. Its gets you in lots of trouble. Its a beautiful car and I still do like it. Its not even really the repair cost that bothers me, its the reliability and performance. I guess I intended it to drive like a new car. It looks cool, but when Im in it I kinda feel like Im in my grandpa's car. I cant really explain it. It just feels old. Again Ill ride it out until Spring . I don't hate the car, just the upkeep. I like hassle free things. Im just not a tinkerer I guess. Thanks for the reply.

[E320Coup]

I like JJRoger's 99500SL- that is beautiful and I'll bet it doesn't drivel like your Dad's Oldsmobile!

Another thing for Lynne is that the 380SL, although a good car is fairly slow in terms of excelleration. That could be why you equate it with an older-person's car. In terms of reliability, you have had the major (and apparently minor) stuff looked after, I'll bet from here on out it might be a fairly reliable beast. Keep it and enjoy it for its convertible feature- nothing like having the top down in the summer!

No actually the pick up was always quite good, even when I was experiencing the problems. Mechanic states that it is even better now. I guess its just the size, the length of the front end in particular. cars just arent made that long in the front anymore. I guess thats what makes it seem old to me. It is a nice car though.

[Steve Gutman]

1. Glad the zone rep helped you.
2. Heat problem sounds like a monovalve insert. Very inexpensive and a 5 minute swap.
3. See if the pump makes noise when someone pulls the washer lever. If not, it's the pump (or wiring). Cheap and easy fix. Replace the groment too.
I have had to do these fixes. I replaced the pump, washer fluid lines and check valve as they were clogged.
My Euro 500SL has cost me $5500 in parts and $1700 in, ahem, "professional" service over 4 years and 30,000 miles. I am not even close to done yet. When certain systems fail they are very expensive to replace. A/C, ACC, engine controls... I want a new soft top too. I read that regarding an old Benz, if you buy a bad one, the cheapest thing you will do is to buy it.

Luck,

Hi STeve, thanks for the info. I will certainly check those items. Bottom line is that these cars really are a money pit, but if you enjoy the car I guess its worth it.

[suginami]

Originally posted by lynn tassin
Bottom line is that these cars really are a money pit, but if you enjoy the car I guess its worth it.

I made this point in a previous page on this thread, but I will make it again:

You will spend significantly more money due to depreciation on your FX45 than you will ever spend on your 380SL.

The fact is that maintenance and repairs are low on the list of car ownership expenses - less than the cost of depreciation, insurance, and fuel.

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine in the December 2003 issue lists the 2 year and 4 year depreciation of all new cars. The FX45 will be worth 63% of its value after 2 years, and 45% of its value after 4 years.

The magazine lists the target retail price on this car at about $36,000 (92% of MSRP). Thus, after 2 years, your car will have lost 37% of its value, or a loss of $13,320.

You are going to spend $6,660 in each of the first two years on your new car, which is significantly less than what you've spent on your 380SL

It gets even worse when you consider that after 4 years, your FX45 will be worth only 45% of its original value, a loss of $19,800, or an average of about $5,000 per year for 4 consecutive years.

After 2 years and 4 years, the value of your 380 SL will not have changed at all.

See what I mean? You won't think twice of buying an FX45 and losing about $20,000 in the first 4 years, but are incredulous in spending whatever amount you've spent fixing up the 380 SL.

Just my $0.02 (and another $0.98 will buy you a cup of coffee).

Didnt mean to irritate you. Its just my opinion. If I were to keep the car Im sure that I would have a steady stream of bills ( Hopefully small) not because its an MB but because it is OLD. Just like healthcare for an older person will always be more than a younger one. PLease leave my poor infiniti alone. Green is not a good color on you.

And again just to repeat its more about the reliability issue, not the cost per se. I'll pay $100,000 if I know that the car will start everytime and will not leave me on the road. Even with the Sl now totally repaired, I will still not feel confident in it. Thats all Im saying

[E320Coup]

You both have a point, Suginami from a practical dollars and cents perspective, and Lynn from a security standpoint- and she's willing to pay whatever for that feeling- fine.

I personally would not make my SL a daily driver, and will always own a second car unless I move somewhere dry and warm all year. It would break my heart to see my car (or any SL for that matter) dissolving before my eyes. Plus it is great to make driving it a special occassion. It may feel like an old car to Lynn, but I and think many of us, get a thrill from the type of handling and excelleration, sound and looks that these cars give- they are gorgeous and in my opinion nearly timeless in their form.

Another thing is that older SL's probably by virtue of their age and mileage, may not have that tight, quiet, superintegrated
feeling that Nissans, Toyotas, Mazdas and other Japanese cars have. However, I find these cars boring, cookie cutter, cheaply constructed and as a result uninteresting. Give me a car with some personality and is still fun to drive when its 15 years old!

Thats my $.02

[Steve Gutman]

Mine is the 5.0 Euro model and it really scoots. AMG package, lowered and small AMG wheel makes it fun and sporty. But if you want everything right, it will cost a small fortune to keep it up. I still have to replace a lifter, shim the rest, replace some ACC servos, adjust (then likely rebuild) the steering box, F&R sub frame bushings, motor and trans mounts, differential mount, a door lock, Air conditioning, reseal a loose rear windshield (refused by 5 glass shops including the dealer recommended one), front brakes with repack of wheel bearings not to mention a new soft top, seat buns and covers and paint would be nice.

This doesn't include the yearly brake fluid replacement and 8.5 quart oil changes.

One mechanic says the car is fine, but I know the difference. Only 1 out of 10 even think it needs a lifter but the good mechanics pick it right out. One of my favorite mechanics says it's not so bad and a lot of work to change (and shim) it.

It's true; you have to be rich, a nut, a mechanic or any combination of the above.

Most people won’t do the maintenance in the book because of cost. Who ever changed the power steering fluid and filter, except me? Most people don't even know there is something wrong until something doesn't work. That doesn't mean it doesn't need replacement. IMHO.

Very very eloquently said. Bravo