Just bought 1989 560sl

[Hatebreed]

I just purchased a 1989 560sl.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/car/593222553.html

I also have 1983 300D Turbo (Running on Jet-A). I saw it and bought it on the spot. I paid $6,000 for the car. Does anyone have any feelings on this price? The car is in excellent condition but does have 3 small rust spots. They seem to be surface corrosion and will clean up pretty easy. I purchased it from an attorney who represented the estate of the former owner. I have no experience with these cars but I feel in love with its style. Can anyone give me some place to look for problems? The only price reference i have found is Kelly Blue Book but I find that to be less that realistic. Any info will be helpful Thanks!!

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by Hatebreed

I just purchased a 1989 560sl.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/car/593222553.html

I also have 1983 300D Turbo (Running on Jet-A). I saw it and bought it on the spot. I paid $6,000 for the car. Does anyone have any feelings on this price? The car is in excellent condition but does have 3 small rust spots. They seem to be surface corrosion and will clean up pretty easy. I purchased it from an attorney who represented the estate of the former owner. I have no experience with these cars but I feel in love with its style. Can anyone give me some place to look for problems? The only price reference i have found is Kelly Blue Book but I find that to be less that realistic. Any info will be helpful Thanks!!

Sounds like a very good price for a good running 560SL even if it has high mileage.

John Roncallo

[Strife]

This will leave you a lot of "headroom money" to make it up to snuff and/or for the unexpected/or premium gas. You should read this and other boards thoroughly to get an idea of what is needed at what miles (and years) to get the car to a nice "baseline" maintainable, no-surprises condition. The "surface rust" thing is a little scary, because this can be the tip of the iceberg, but at that price...still not bad.

[Skid Row Joe]

Originally Posted by Hatebreed

I just purchased a 1989 560sl.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/car/593222553.html

I also have 1983 300D Turbo (Running on Jet-A). I saw it and bought it on the spot. I paid $6,000 for the car. Does anyone have any feelings on this price? The car is in excellent condition but does have 3 small rust spots. They seem to be surface corrosion and will clean up pretty easy. I purchased it from an attorney who represented the estate of the former owner. I have no experience with these cars but I feel in love with its style. Can anyone give me some place to look for problems? The only price reference i have found is Kelly Blue Book but I find that to be less that realistic. Any info will be helpful Thanks!!

Considering there's some joker running around trying to sell his '89 560SL, for $40,000, I'd say your price paid was spot-on.
Paying $6K for it on-the-spot, was about right. Good buy!

Congratulations. You are a sane buyer.

[KCM]

Sounds like you got a real good deal for the condition. I would get that rust taken care of right away before it gets away from you. One area to take at look at right away is the timing chain and guides. Don't know how many miles it has, but if something fails in that area, you will be in deep trouble. When I bought mine, found out one of the plastic chain guides had broke and wedged itself between the chain and block. A disaster waiting to happen. Would not hurt to change the plastic oil connections on top of the camshaft as they can get brittle. Also check all plastic vacuum lines and hoses under the hood, as the heat and age can also make them brittle.

Be prepared for sticker shock when buying parts. These are considered prestige or executive cars, so parts are higher. And figure on putting a little money in it to get it up to your standards. Seems like there is aways something on the to-do list to make it just a little better. But for what you paid, you have room to spend some on it.

I bought mine the same day I saw it too. Sometimes you just know right away when you've found the right car.

Enjoy!

[Hatebreed]

Thanks for the replies! I am a little angry that no one mentioned how addictive these cars are!!! This site has helped me with lots of maintenance questions and is an excellent tool for us DYI guys.
Thanks again