It's a future SL thing...

[Momo]

As my budget and my dreams will eventually overlap, I am keeping an eye out on prices for recent new-model SLs. Saw a beautiful SL500 with 8k km /5k miles at the local M-B dealer today for $95k (SFr. 130k). Fully loaded, except for keyless go. New price, with receipt was $125k. Very dark blue outside, beige inside with light-colored wood.

(Odd sales pitch for keyless go from the sales guy: "If you go to Italy and get carjacked, the people who take the car will not be able to start it again when they turn it off." Entertaining, in this country where you can leave your SL parked almost anywhere with the top down, and radio in, with no risk.)

Anyway, I still ordered an E320 4-matic station wagon from him to keep him happy. The 4-wheel drive models are only sold in the alipne areas. 7-month delivery.

Probably have to wait for either (1) stock options to triple or (2) second-hand prices to go down another 25% before the SL becomes possible. Please keep on buying HP printers!

In the meantime, blasting along the roads through the Jura mountains today was fantastic. I'll be up in the high alps around Villars tomorrow. As has been said so well in another thread: "It's an SL thing", and it can still get better.

Momo
Momo

[CDNC36AMG]

Good stuff Momo.

Got my next two cars planned out.

In three years - Lexus SC430.

In six years - 2003 SL.

I can afford the SL now but I have a problem with losing $ via depreciation.

I have to admit, I have been cruising the SL Forum lately and have plans to add a clean preowned car late this year if not next year.

Immediate plans - 96-98 SL500 Sport Package or maybe even a SL600. Truthfully, I like the added power of the SL600 but the V8 growl of the SL500 sounded much more to my liking.

Late next year - a white 2003 SL600 with full options! Twin turbos, Renntech chip upgrade and ABC suspension please.

[Momo]

Looked at the same car mentioned in the base note again yesterday evening. Odd thing. The tag on the car showed $15k of options. The car is from Jan 02. In April 03, $12k of these options became standard equipment over here, without a change in the list price! This has created unrealistic price expectations on the second-hand market. When I went through the full price calculation, including the fact that I get a 5% fleet discount on a new car, the price difference from new, for this 18-month-old car, is $6k. No way. $16k might leave room for discussion, though I am not certain I could get it into my garage without the folding mirrors (standard on new cars, but not on this one.)

I suppose I could work out the budget thing by buying an SL350 new, but I am soooo used to the 500 engine. The 350 has something like a 9-month waiting list.

Momo

[Momo]

What can I say... this morning I ordered my new CLK500 convertible. 9-month delivery lead time.

The need to be able to transport my two kids in the SL arises about twice a month, and I decided I could not live with just two seats until they leave home about 10 years from now, even if I also have another car. Ho hum. At least it's the 500 engine, even if the CLK does not look like having the new 7-speed gearbox by the time it will be delivered.

In the meantime, I will do my best to continue to extract maximum enjoyment from my SL. I will get about $20k as a trade-in, possibly $25k if I sell privately, despite the low mileage. From 1990 to 1993 or so, the 500SL was the top-selling convertible in Switzerland, so there are a lot of them about.

Momo

[G-Benz]

I'm going backwards...

My future SL will be an R107...always loved those cars!

[luvmy84300sd]

I am awaiting the right time to pounce on an 86-89 560 SL....mostly the cash. Very envious of you guys who can afford the newest SL