- Joined
- Oct 15, 2008
- Messages
- 2,842
- Car
- wme451 a124 r129 s211 r230
There's a dilemma on both sides! With the SL, they are greater in numbers, but even so, wasted journies become frustrating, time consuming and expensive after a while. Honest descriptions can even be subjective, according to the seller's standards (unmarked interiors to some, for example, appear to be grubby and dirt engrained with cracked leather to others!). Pricing is also difficult to accept, with a car such as mine, which has averaged 9k miles pa since 96, with proper service history. Having just spent a little over £2k on a gearbox overhaul, service and tyres, I couldn't part with a car I have loved for nine years, and one which drives superbly, for the net of what ever it's worth after those costs have been taken out!
Air con is another pita to consider. Over the years, I have been to four different workshops to trace a minute leak in the system. I've spent nearly £1500 in doing so, including condensor, pipes, unions etc, and it was recently regassed, with no apparent leaks reported. I suspect, as it's about the only thing left, that the leak will be in the evaporator, and I have the genuine replacement part. However, the dashboard has to come out, so is it now beyond economic repair? I've never felt the need for a/c in a convertible, and the heater works regardless, so I won't bother replacing it in the forseeable future, as a re-gas has always brought it back to life when I've felt the need (sounds familiar!). Climate control is all well and good, but in such a small cabin, there's nothing that the flick of a window switch won't fix in a few seconds! The car still drives perfectly.
Cosmetically, a 16 year old car will be showing signs of age, and mine was painted prior to my ownership, but the bumpers want attention. A full respray would benefit the car, but again, it's down to economics at this mileage. For what I'd get back for mine, I've decided to keep it, and when it's time to serioulsy consider the paintwork, I have a new colour scheme in mind, one that's original, but I've never seen in the flesh!
The worst part of buying a 'to be cherished' car is the bonding with the unknown, which is no doubt why we all look for transparency, amongst other things. Any older car will always need work, but if a 500 has been properly maintained, don't let higher mileage put you off.
Sorry for the ramble, just trying to help with your compromise!
