No SL For Me... :(

[Merc-C180K]

So on Friday I went car shopping.

Her indoors needs a replacement vehicle. I've had my eye on an SL500 (2nd hand, 3 yrs old ish, black) for her for a while. She was up for the idea.

She only does about 4000miles a year thus making a car like the SL a feasible option (as opposed to my 30k + miles per year)

We went, she thought it was lovely but said it was waaay to big for her to drive and really didn't fancy trying to park it.

So as much as I tried to persuade her it was a no.

Not that I couldn't buy it for me mind you, but I can't really justify the costs, plus I wouldn't want to turn up to a clients site in an SL...

The new SLK I can't even fit in. Same goes for the S2000. BMW = NO
CLK she said was too big. Same goes for the A4 cab. Saab = NO. Don't really fancy going down the Astra/Focus convertible route.

Any ideas for a car a woman could drive and park which would be fun on a weekend and I could fit in? (I am tall and broad btw)

 

[television]

I do agree that the SL is near impossible to park in bays as you cant get out of the door, its 2045mm wide

 

[Merc-C180K]

I suggested parking across two parking bays or trying to get a 'Blue Badge'

 

[grober]

CHRYSLER Crossfire roadster?? based on the SLK but maybe a bit bigger inside for the AMERICAN MARKET ? and its got a MERC V6!

 

[Merc-C180K]

Now its funny you should say that... Thats a car she suggested but as I know nothing about it I'd kept schtum...

Are they any good? Can they corner?

 

[PAPA]

Im tall and wide and fit in a r170 with no probs, And i know of 6"6 guys who drive them, with no probs.

So maybe a slk32 may be the car for you

 

[Merc-C180K]

Not that keen on the old shape (R170) so didn't try and fit in to be honest.

Those CrossFires look fairly cheap - do they just not hold their value??

 

[television]

Again just putting it into context a V70 is only 1760 wide, making the SL 12" wider

I will soon be 73 I might just go and get one of those blue cards, nothing wrong with me other than the principle.

It would not solve the problem either by having more kids as its only a 2 seater

 

[BTB 500]

I do agree that the SL is near impossible to park in bays as you cant get out of the door, its 2045mm wide

I agree the big doors are a problem but I don't think it's quite that wide ... M-B say 2033:

Which is considerably narrower than the housewife's favourite ML Class!

Judging the length of the SL can be hard because you sit low down and so far back, but Parktronic would address that.

 

[Merc-C180K]

We have no kids at the moment hence why I was trying to convince her now was the time to get an SL.

When we have kids I'll no doubt get overly concerned and buy a Chelsea Tractor. With Bull bars. And then get the A-Team to modify it with extra armour plating ect

(Appologies when you say V70 do you mean a Volvo??)

 

[BTB 500]

When we have kids I'll no doubt get overly concerned and buy a Chelsea Tractor.

Nah you just want an older SL (R129) with rear seats

(yes, that's a dog in the front as well!)

 

[PAPA]

Have a look at a 32 they are really very pritty, And very much an animal, not alot will live with it TBH, On the plus side not many 32's came to the uk, So should hold good money.

slk32 amg..... I would have a look or you may end up kicking yourself later

And no the crossfire will not hold its money to well IMO.

 

[television]

We have no kids at the moment hence why I was trying to convince her now was the time to get an SL.

When we have kids I'll no doubt get overly concerned and buy a Chelsea Tractor. With Bull bars. And then get the A-Team to modify it with extra armour plating ect

(Appologies when you say V70 do you mean a Volvo??)

The 2003 sales book shows 2045 and the 2006 book shows 2033 ?? the 129 is 1982mm so not that different

Yes the V70R is my Volvo

 

[Merc-C180K]

I agree the big doors are a problem but I don't think it's quite that wide ...

Judging the length of the SL can be hard because you sit low down and so far back, but Parktronic would address that.

I think its more the doors - where we live is renowned for having tight parking spaces. She won't drive my C class until I get Parktronic on it.

The other comment was she thinks the SL is more of a 'cruiser' she wants something 'nippy' to whip around town traffic.

(N.B. She is currently a Punto driver...)

 

[Merc-C180K]

Have a look at a 32 they are really very pritty, And very much an animal, not alot will live with it TBH, On the plus side not many 32's came to the uk, So should hold good money.

slk32 amg..... I would have a look or you may end up kicking yourself later

And no the crossfire will not hold its money to well IMO.

I'll have a look. I noted the dealer had an SLK55 AMG in stock.

I think head/legroom may be the issue with me...

 

[verytalldave]

Nah you just want an older SL (R129) with rear seats

(yes, that's a dog in the front as well!)

Thats not a very nice thing to say about the lady..........oh I see what you mean......sorry....my mistake.....

 

[Merc-C180K]

The option remains of course to just purchase the SL and have it delivered with a Pink bow on and some flowers... That should change her mind right...?

 

[BTB 500]

Thats not a very nice thing to say about the lady..........oh I see what you mean......sorry....my mistake.....

Oi, behave!

 

[grober]

Not that keen on the old shape (R170) so didn't try and fit in to be honest.

Those CrossFires look fairly cheap - do they just not hold their value??

They handle reasonably well and have mostly merc mechanicals so should be reliable enough. Just dont expect merc levels of quality trim-wise for example. They were first introduced in coupe form and the looks were an acquired taste to say the least. This sort of spoiled the market for the roadster which was introduced slightly later and is a much better looking car IMHO. They depreciate a lot from new but that means there should be some good secondhand bargains to be had. Servicing costs would be on a par with Mercedes I would guess. http://www.whatcar.com/car-review-summary.aspx?NEW_USED=1&MA_TYPE=1&MA=37&RT=609

 

[BTB 500]

I think its more the doors - where we live is renowned for having tight parking spaces.

Yes the doors are big. I keep a 6" long piece of split grey foam pipe lagging in the door pocket of my R129 in case of emergencies! Slip that over the rear edge of the door and you can open it hard against anything to squeeze out, if necessary.