1987, 560SL for Sale - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lakeside · #1 06-07-2008, 09:19 PM

My SL is in Texas, two hours east of Dallas off I30. I bought the car from a neighbor who was the second owner. This is a good runner(189K), it's good mechanically and, for the most, part good cosmetically. It has been repainted (red) and there are a couple of paint blisters. There is no evidence of any impact damage, no rust, no drips. The diver's seat needs reupholstering and the dash is cracked. A previous owner installed a CD changer, which didn't work when I bought the car, so I had it removed but the rear speakers are still installed and work. The radio is original and works. The air conditioning works but cuts out occasionally then restarts, as does the cruise control. The tires are new (a few hundred miles on them).

The SL has both tops in good condition and I have a manual top lift. This car has been protected with an all-weather cover.

VIN# WDBBA48D1HA064332

If I go by the rating services I would ask $10,750, but I don't really know what the market is for this car. What do you think?

lakeside · #2 06-07-2008, 09:25 PM

More Photos.
This car is located in Texas, two hours east of Dallas off Interstate 30. If interested my email is jerry.coover@gmail.com

JimFreeh · #3 06-08-2008, 09:13 AM

You've got a mixture of good and bad here....

Red/tan - good
Texas, no rust - good
Flakey air - bad
flakey cruise - bad
Paint flaws, seat work, dash cracks - bad
189K miles - not bad, but a real devaluator nevertheless

The mileage stated makes the price quoted optimistic, there are lots of low mileage cars out there.

Also, $4 plus / gallon fuel prices are killing the value of these 560 V-8s.

I suspect my "perfect" 560SEL would be a hard sell in this climate.....

Depending upon what you financial/time position is, you could address some of the less costly flaws. Dash cover, new seat cover, A/C and cruise may have common symptom that could be inexpensive....

Jim

lakeside · #4 08-01-2009, 08:02 PM

My '87, 560 SL is till available. While I haven't aggressively advertised any place, I'm beginning to understand the market for this car is limited. All of the pluses and negatives listed above are still there plus the addition of a non-working original radio. I replaced it with contemporary radio. Now, I'm thinking about repairing the items listed above and installing a working Becker radio, if that would get me another $1K or $2K. Of course that's a gamble. I'd probably be lucky to get back my investment for the fixes.

It appears that the NADA pricing is unrealistic. So, I have no idea what the car is worth, today. The odometer has turned to 190,000 miles. I'd appreciate your advice.

sublettd · #5 08-01-2009, 08:25 PM

I'm not trying to run your vehicle down, but with 190,000 miles and the other defects you mention, my guess is $4,500 - $5,500. The reason my estimate is so low is there will be major repairs to the engine in the not too distant future, and those repairs are not cheap. If it was a diesel engine, it would just be getting broken in. Since it's a gas engine with that many miles, I think it's about worn out.

I just rebuilt the engine in my 500SL w/147,000 miles on it at the time. the rebuild cost ~$10,000. Of course we did a complete rebuild all the way down to the rod and main bearings, rings, cams, etc.

You can buy a rebuilt engine from Adsit for $5,000.00, but then you will likely have to pay somebody to install it, set the pressures, ship the core back, etc. So, buying an engine is still roughly $7,000 when everything is said and done. Yes, I paid more with the rebuild, but I know what I have under the hood.

Somebody who buys the car on faith that it has no "issues" may well give more than what I estimate. I think that somebody who knows these cars will be skeptical of even buying it at all.

lakeside · #6 08-01-2009, 09:53 PM

Thanks for your honesty. Well, do you suppose I could get a $4500 rebate turning it in as a clunker? One of my grandsons would like to have the car but I don't want to give him a money pit. Maybe this car would by ripe for somebody want to restore it. That's a long, long shot.

This car is a head turner for sure. I live in the boonies and when I drive into town, I get people admiring the car, some ask if it's for sale. I always say, "yes," but I get no offers.

sublettd · #7 08-01-2009, 10:14 PM

I really hated to post my opinion, but I am a realist (sometimes). It may be that the car goes another 100,000 miles without a problem, but...

Mine, too, is a head turner. Probably 70% of the time I have it out somebody compliments me on it or wants to talk about it. I spent the money to do the engine work because I plan to drive it until I die. I'm also redoing the seats--cushions and covers--this week.

After I die and the wife tires of the car, my son will get it. Maybe he'll let the grand daughters drive it. They already love to put the top down and drive to the Dairy Queen. The SL is a well built and safe automobile. So, maybe the idea of giving it to the grand son isn't such a bad one.

One thing about it if you do. The girls will love him!!!

Chadahar · #8 08-01-2009, 11:51 PM

What a great way to help your Grand son. And help him with the repairs, such a bonding time will never be forgotten by either of you...worth well more than mere money for the car.

Mistress · #9 08-07-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakeside

Thanks for your honesty. Well, do you suppose I could get a $4500 rebate turning it in as a clunker? One of my grandsons would like to have the car but I don't want to give him a money pit. Maybe this car would by ripe for somebody want to restore it. That's a long, long shot.

This car is a head turner for sure. I live in the boonies and when I drive into town, I get people admiring the car, some ask if it's for sale. I always say, "yes," but I get no offers.

Clutches chest as she falls to the floor (cash for clunker car????????)

MTUpower · #10 08-16-2009, 03:36 PM

$5000. The market is is just not good for 107's.

Wodnek · #11 08-16-2009, 04:37 PM

Honestly Lakeside, my opinion is keep it. Unless you are in finantial problems, you will not get what it is worth in today's economy. However; the smile factor of driving it, priceless.