R231

[RDclk]

Hi Guys, I'm 79 and currently running a CLK240 cab, which I love and has been bulletproof to date. However, with 2 years to run before I reapply for my licence, Im thinking of having some fun in what could be my last two years driving. I've always had a yen for the SL, although I could never afford one. I know enough about the SL230 to leave them alone. (there is a gorgeous 500 for sale near me) I've never heard of leaks or the other similar problems with the SL231, so could anyone who's lived with one of these for a few years please advise?
It will be used as an everyday car.

Regards
John

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Hi Guys, I'm 79 and currently running a CLK240 cab, which I love and has been bulletproof to date. However, with 2 years to run before I reapply for my licence, Im thinking of having some fun in what could be my last two years driving. I've always had a yen for the SL, although I could never afford one. I know enough about the SL230 to leave them alone. (there is a gorgeous 500 for sale near me) I've never heard of leaks or the other similar problems with the SL231, so could anyone who's lived with one of these for a few years please advise?
It will be used as an everyday car.

Regards
John

How many miles a year, John?
And any long trips planned?

 

[RDclk]

Hi Mike, Probably around 7/8000. Some of around 250miles.
Cheers

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Compared to the R230 they are pretty bombproof. They sorted virtually all issues. Very rare to hear of any issues.

I've jinxed mine now

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Agreed with Killerhertz, the R231 really is far more reliable than the R230, and doesn’t have the reported issues of the 20 year old Vehicle.

For hopping around and long distance touring it’s hard to beat, especially if you can find one with low miles / few owners.

(TBF the facelift R230 of 2006 eliminated many of the problems in the first design))

The bigger engines car is a bargain because of the extras included, but the smaller engine will give you more power than you will ever need and better mpg.

 

[TooFunny]

What's your budget? Some R231 SL350s and 500s are getting to 13 years old now and don't seem to have the same gremlins that the R230s had; as KillerHERTZ said they mostly sorted the issues. You can pick up a nice SL63 AMG for ~£30k if you can swallow the fuel consumption and other ownership costs, but the lower end models are perfectly sufficient for everyday use.
Just be sure to check for the regular things, how worn are the brake disks + tyres and will they need changing in the next two years. If the original batterys are still in there, they probably need replacing at 10+ years. Full service history is a strong recommend.

 

[RDclk]

HI, thanks for the replies. it would seem that they are much better than the 230 and I thought that would be the case having never seen any adverse comments. The 3ltr would be fine for me and a budget of around 25K. Believe it or not, my CLK (jasper blue with cream leather) still attracts lots of comments when I go out in it.

Cheers
John

 

[TooFunny]

HI, thanks for the replies. it would seem that they are much better than the 230 and I thought that would be the case having never seen any adverse comments. The 3ltr would be fine for me and a budget of around 25K. Believe it or not, my CLK (jasper blue with cream leather) still attracts lots of comments when I go out in it.

Cheers
John

You may be able to get a facelift SL400 for ~25k, I think they had the updated infotainment and open/close roof whilst moving, plus open and close the roof separator automatically.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

In defence of the R230, I'd point out that 90% of the first generation R230's are still in use, two decades after they were sold

And, as mentioned before, the 2006 facelift took away many of the issues with the 2003 design. (Water in the boot, ABC maintenance, electrical gremlins)

So choosing between the different models can come down to whether you want to lay £8k or £18k on the table for vehicles with similar mileages. (The old financing / depreciation trade off against maintenance costs.)

 

[Slartibartfast]

HI, thanks for the replies. it would seem that they are much better than the 230 and I thought that would be the case having never seen any adverse comments. The 3ltr would be fine for me and a budget of around 25K. Believe it or not, my CLK (jasper blue with cream leather) still attracts lots of comments when I go out in it.

Cheers
John

You probably won't find a better SL400 for your budget than this, but I am a little biased

SL400 for sale

 

[RDclk]

Hi, yes, I have already looked at it. Very nice, and the one I like most from what's available at the moment. However, as I said, I'm at the thinking stage at the moment with decisions to be made about finance and, more importantly, insurance. Your also 200+ miles from me (Lancs), but I'm interested.
I can't PM on here, even though I'v been a member since 2012, but I have your mob no from the Autocar ad.
Regards
John

 

[Slartibartfast]

Hi, yes, I have already looked at it. Very nice, and the one I like most from what's available at the moment. However, as I said, I'm at the thinking stage at the moment with decisions to be made about finance and, more importantly, insurance. Your also 200+ miles from me (Lancs), but I'm interested.
I can't PM on here, even though I'v been a member since 2012, but I have your mob no from the Autocar ad.
Regards
John

John, call me anytime for more info if you like. A meet up halfway may be a possibility. Cheers. Col

 

[RDclk]

Being the age that I am. several of my previous motors have been wood and leather "Gentleman's Club" kind of interiors. I know these are no longer fashionable, so imagine my surprise when I found this. 42000 miles. It's certainly a change from the usual colours. A kind of quiet "understatement"about the colour, I think. I may soon be the owner of this.
Birthday on Saturday.

 

[TooFunny]

Being the age that I am. several of my previous motors have been wood and leather "Gentleman's Club" kind of interiors. I know these are no longer fashionable, so imagine my surprise when I found this. 42000 miles. It's certainly a change from the usual colours. A kind of quiet "understatement"about the colour, I think. I may soon be the owner of this.
Birthday on Saturday.

Wow, never seen one spec'd like that! What model and year is it?

 

[RDclk]

No, neither have I, as I say, I couldn't believe it when I saw it. It's as though it was meant for me. It's a 2012 SL350, older than I would have liked to be honest, but it's not bad mileage and I couldn't resist it.

Cheers

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

That is lovely, the unicorn exterior in particular. I also think a cream interior is the way forward. The wooden trim and steering wheel definitely suit the car and I couldn’t imagine myself saying for many cars.
That Sir is a great find, if everything else is as it should be I would snap that up before someone else on here does (it’s been known before).