I think $27K may be a little high. He should be able to find what he is looking for for around $23K. I have a lovely '96 SL500 which is all black here in Atlanta which I am not trying to sell, but if someone were to come along and offer $24K I would let it go in a heartbeat!

I would not hesitate to rely on an SL as my only car. If your friend becomes convinced otherwise, for $27K he can own a pair of nice 300SLs or not-quite-as-nice 500SLs.