300SL wanted 86-89 and help!

[dominic dors]

looking for SL 86-89 model but the variance is price is staggering even for seemingly similar mileage and condition cars. 80k mileage vehicle shifting for 6-8k but others sat in garages (eg Chelsea cars in wandsworth) for 12months trying to get 15k! can anyone help in price guidance and also help locate local London classic car checks? help!

 

[mxs]

Oakmere cars in Potters Bar have a low mileage near perfect example - I have seen it in the flesh and it is very clean - paint colour lets it down a bit, but it is sensibly priced! £9,995

 

[dominic dors]

thanks; btw what is the colour you refer to? i know my own preference but happy to suffer bad colour for mechanic/condition. (does that make me a philistine?)

 

[glojo]

Far better to pay a bit extra for one in pristine condition as opposed to one that 'might' need a little work.

Mileage should be secondary to condition and all prospective cars MUST be given a thorough examination. One person's idea of immaculate might be different to your or my idea of immaculate

Price wise, spend what your happy with, but be prepared to part with a few bob.

John

 

[mxs]

thanks; btw what is the colour you refer to? i know my own preference but happy to suffer bad colour for mechanic/condition. (does that make me a philistine?)

its a kind of aubergine metallic - google Oakmere Cars, they have a website showing the car.

 

[wobbly]

Before you buy a 300, please drive a 500.

The running costs for the 500 are only marginally more than the 300.

When I was looking, I test drove a 280, but as soon as I drove the 500 I knew which one I wanted, the V8 is just much better than the straight 6.

 

[television]

Before you buy a 300, please drive a 500.

The running costs for the 500 are only marginally more than the 300.

When I was looking, I test drove a 280, but as soon as I drove the 500 I knew which one I wanted, the V8 is just much better than the straight 6.

Very true Wobbly, in my case over 5k miles per year the difference is £172 with double the fun

 

[stats007]

As much as I love V8s (I had a 350SL) I would go for the 300SL over the 420 and 500 if you're looking at post '86 cars. None of them are sports cars so the balance of the 300 just feels right in a 107.

 

[JC180]

Oakmere cars in Potters Bar have a low mileage near perfect example - I have seen it in the flesh and it is very clean - paint colour lets it down a bit, but it is sensibly priced! £9,995

The Oakmere car is a 1994 example

 

[jaymanek]

As much as I love V8s (I had a 350SL) I would go for the 300SL over the 420 and 500 if you're looking at post '86 cars. None of them are sports cars so the balance of the 300 just feels right in a 107.

Do not agree at all, the 300 is way underpowered for the R107, the 500 gives it that edge and means you dont miss more modern engines... Nothing like the muscle of a V8... the 300 was the wifes whereas the 500 is a proper all out mans car....

 

[dominic dors]

hell now confused. i had aimed for the as described as "wife's" 280/300SL as the vehicle is for about town and some motorway sprinting. for my miles and location the 280/300SL was preferred and also recommended choice!

 

[jaymanek]

maintenance is no more, fuel consumption is marginal, they are similar prices to buy, why go for the baby... trust me, you wont regret going for the 500 but you may regret going for the toy version..

 

[dominic dors]

jayman,
if you were saying 500SL is better, then are you offering your 500 for sale? lol

 

[glojo]

looking for SL 86-89 model but the variance is price is staggering even for seemingly similar mileage and condition cars. 80k mileage vehicle shifting for 6-8k but others sat in garages (eg Chelsea cars in wandsworth) for 12months trying to get 15k! can anyone help in price guidance and also help locate local London classic car checks? help!

I think we need to reassess the question. The gentleman is asking about the variations in price and some local classic car checking advice?

Regards
John the curious

 

[stats007]

maintenance is no more, fuel consumption is marginal, they are similar prices to buy, why go for the baby... trust me, you wont regret going for the 500 but you may regret going for the toy version..

I agree with you totally if you're talking about the R129 or R230 - however have to disagree regarding the later R107s. The 500 is just unnecessary in what should be a refined and balanced car. Prices generally reflect this unfortunately.

 

[jaymanek]

jayman,
if you were saying 500SL is better, then are you offering your 500 for sale? lol

no way, would never sell mine ever.... ever .... ever....

 

[jaymanek]

I agree with you totally if you're talking about the R129 or R230 - however have to disagree regarding the later R107s. The 500 is just unnecessary in what should be a refined and balanced car. Prices generally reflect this unfortunately.

sorry am never going to agree to that...

 

[stats007]

No need to apologise - you drive a yellow W123 after all .

 

[jaymanek]

No need to apologise - you drive a yellow W123 after all .

lol... i do indeed and love it to bits... but i never went out and bought the W123, its been in the family for 27 years and now i use it for my every day running around... i would never sell that either...

anyway back to R107's for dominic.... 5 litre V8, just drive one on a long test run and then tell me you want the pokey 300...

 

[stats007]

I've driven a lot of R107s - rubber spoilered 500s included and even a Californian 560. If I were to buy another it would be a late model 300 or another pre '73 350. I've had two R129 SL500s because the sixes are too 'pokey' - however this doesn't translate to 107s.

Like you say the best thing to do is drive them and decide.