High Mileage SL55 AMG...
Discussion
So I am considering waving goodbye to my current car- 08 Audi s3 8P with 58k on the clock, milltek and revo... very reliable never had a problem and love it but with a few extra k's an sl55, like the below, is too tempting. I have gone from doing over 15,000 miles a year to under 4,000 so I am not concerned about fuel consumption and the usual costs such as new tires being greater. I fancy something fun & impractical for a year or two whilst i can, before I raid the piggy bank and buy something more "sensible". I am not looking to spend big money buying just yet so £14-15k is the limit- please don't tell me to save up and spend £20 on a newer lesser mileage, its either swap and add 1 or 2k or stick with the s3!!
My only concern is that something important goes POP and I am left with a bill for 4k + out of the blue. I know nothing is certain and for all I know the s3 could do the same tomorrow so I am willing to take a risk to some extent! Also I would have a Warranty on the SL for 3 months and would probably extend to a year if I could- s3 currently NO warranty.
SO... WOULD YOU?!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
My only concern is that something important goes POP and I am left with a bill for 4k + out of the blue. I know nothing is certain and for all I know the s3 could do the same tomorrow so I am willing to take a risk to some extent! Also I would have a Warranty on the SL for 3 months and would probably extend to a year if I could- s3 currently NO warranty.
SO... WOULD YOU?!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
High Value Car
High Value Maintenance Requirements
High Value Bills
Irrespective of age.
Unlike lots of people who buy this type of car, you appear to have a good grasp of the running costs. As a rule of thumb, for a car of this age and miles I would ensure that I had an additional 25-50% of the purchase price sat in a bank account for when something expensive goes wrong (Ok, so it might never happen, but then again.....)
What's the point in buying and enjoying a car if you are forever going to worry about the implications of what will happen if something goes pop. If you have a cash reserve go ahead, if not, why bother with the hassle?
High Value Maintenance Requirements
High Value Bills
Irrespective of age.
Unlike lots of people who buy this type of car, you appear to have a good grasp of the running costs. As a rule of thumb, for a car of this age and miles I would ensure that I had an additional 25-50% of the purchase price sat in a bank account for when something expensive goes wrong (Ok, so it might never happen, but then again.....)
What's the point in buying and enjoying a car if you are forever going to worry about the implications of what will happen if something goes pop. If you have a cash reserve go ahead, if not, why bother with the hassle?
I would as I love them, and Mercs, but not without someone who's very clued up on them going over it with a fine tooth comb, and only then with a decent warranty.
ABC, IC pump and electrical gremlins terrify me, having seen what a big bill from Merc can look like. Even a good one will be an expensive car to keep tip-top.
ABC, IC pump and electrical gremlins terrify me, having seen what a big bill from Merc can look like. Even a good one will be an expensive car to keep tip-top.
Ha B3ALP I like your attitude! This is very much one of those sorts of decisoins... but want to know what the risk is so I know how foolish i am being!
If I am under warranty are these big issues not negated?
Davidsc, I have considered slk but i just don't think I could pull that one off- sl is a slightly more "manly" sort of convertible in my opinion and I also far far prefer the loosk of the sl.
BJW, I hear what your saying- my thoughts are once/if i make the plunge I will just accept whatever comes my way provided i feel I gave it due diligence- a measured risk is what this is! You say why bother with the hassle- well i fancy a year or two in a mad RWD hard top convertible!!
If I am under warranty are these big issues not negated?
Davidsc, I have considered slk but i just don't think I could pull that one off- sl is a slightly more "manly" sort of convertible in my opinion and I also far far prefer the loosk of the sl.
BJW, I hear what your saying- my thoughts are once/if i make the plunge I will just accept whatever comes my way provided i feel I gave it due diligence- a measured risk is what this is! You say why bother with the hassle- well i fancy a year or two in a mad RWD hard top convertible!!
After being seriously impressed with the 'lowly' SL500 my father purchased of the same vintage I would say go for it. These cars are their looks and their engines; and both have sufficient character and pace to stand the test of time. Though single figure MPG is the base line cost and its uphill from there...
AD77 said:
Ha B3ALP I like your attitude! This is very much one of those sorts of decisoins... but want to know what the risk is so I know how foolish i am being!
If I am under warranty are these big issues not negated?
Davidsc, I have considered slk but i just don't think I could pull that one off- sl is a slightly more "manly" sort of convertible in my opinion and I also far far prefer the loosk of the sl.
BJW, I hear what your saying- my thoughts are once/if i make the plunge I will just accept whatever comes my way provided i feel I gave it due diligence- a measured risk is what this is! You say why bother with the hassle- well i fancy a year or two in a mad RWD hard top convertible!!
I think you misunderstood me If I am under warranty are these big issues not negated?
Davidsc, I have considered slk but i just don't think I could pull that one off- sl is a slightly more "manly" sort of convertible in my opinion and I also far far prefer the loosk of the sl.
BJW, I hear what your saying- my thoughts are once/if i make the plunge I will just accept whatever comes my way provided i feel I gave it due diligence- a measured risk is what this is! You say why bother with the hassle- well i fancy a year or two in a mad RWD hard top convertible!!
I'm not saying don't go ahead - all I am saying is that with cars like this you should factor in something big and expensive going wrong, so keep a war chest to one side. Personally, I wouldn't buy any car that I couldn't afford to service, maintain and repair properly (this being the measured risk) once it had been purchased.
I guess it depends on whether your measured risk is based on something going wrong and you having the funds to sort it, or measured risk based on keeping your fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong - because if it does you don't have the spare cash to fix it?
Buy it. Love it. Worry about costs later! You're only young once....when you are choosing which Diesel avant to buy you will kill yourself for not having had your moment in the sun (literally!). When you are 60 and contemporaries are talking about their hay day...are you going to be remembered in a 500bhp supercar or a fast hatchback?!?.
B.J.W said:
I guess it depends on whether your measured risk is based on something going wrong and you having the funds to sort it, or measured risk based on keeping your fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong - because if it does you don't have the spare cash to fix it?
I could probably find the funds within reason... but would obviously rather not have to so if its likely would avoid the purchase, hence why I am asking for guidance on here as to what the odds of a big spend appearing over the next 15,000 miles/2 years is. Even if it all goes belly up and in a year I am left with an sl55 that has sadly got an issue I would be happy I had a (hopefully!) hell of a year with it and if i get £6000 back I'd view it as a success!
Try a Merc forum and find out what other owners have had happen at this mileage and beyond.
It will be expensive to run, tyres at £250 a corner, fuel at 15 mpg, brake prices dont look too bad considering, eight plugs to change but the service looks like it could be done yourself for £150 if so inclined and want to keep the cost down, air filter ten quid, oil filter 8 quid, I think some garages see £ signs and ramp up the price for a basic service, at the end of the day, its only a car engine, just twice of much of it
For me I would be worried about air con, gearbox, engine and random electricals.
A car like this shouldn't be bought on a whim and dont use your entire budget, as has been said, keep a float and learn as much as you can about them.
It will be expensive to run, tyres at £250 a corner, fuel at 15 mpg, brake prices dont look too bad considering, eight plugs to change but the service looks like it could be done yourself for £150 if so inclined and want to keep the cost down, air filter ten quid, oil filter 8 quid, I think some garages see £ signs and ramp up the price for a basic service, at the end of the day, its only a car engine, just twice of much of it
For me I would be worried about air con, gearbox, engine and random electricals.
A car like this shouldn't be bought on a whim and dont use your entire budget, as has been said, keep a float and learn as much as you can about them.
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