Researching SL500, SL55, SL400

[Bobby Dazzler]

Up to £20k. I could spend a little more or I could spend a lot less. High mileage doesn't bother me too much, as long as it's looked after.

At £20k or a little more you could add the SL 63 to your list. It has the M156 6.2 litre V8 engine which really is a wonderful musical instrument to listen to as you make progress in your super GT.

 

[pioneercollector]

I agree with the comments about the size of the SLK and the general refinement compared to the SL. I originally road tested an SLK but found it to be about the same as my then current car the Mazda MX-5 Roadster, in fact the MX-5 appeared to handle sharp corners better!

The SL is a completely different beast, I took it for a test ride and then immediately bought it.

 

[Mark9999]

I agree with the comments about the size of the SLK and the general refinement compared to the SL. I originally road tested an SLK but found it to be about the same as my then current car the Mazda MX-5 Roadster, in fact the MX-5 appeared to handle sharp corners better!

The SL is a completely different beast, I took it for a test ride and then immediately bought it.

I had a test drive in an SL to rule it out as it was much bigger than my SLK 350. I was completely amazed by how good the SL was. 7 years on I’m still thoroughly enjoying it.

 

[BTB 500]

The SLK is smaller than the SL but unless you use the tiny rear seats in the SL for tiny people or luggage

I thought the R129 was the last SL to have rear seats??


FWIW the road tax for my R129 SL500 is £345.

 

[6cyl]

I can’t believe there is so much misinformation floating around regarding road tax at the moment. Every week there seems to be a post or thread suggesting that the VED is - or will be - significantly higher than reality.

Easily done.

2004 SL500 - £415
2008 SL500 - £715
2014 SL500 - £415
2018 SL500 - £190**
2019 SL500 - £600 (or a late 2018 car)

** need to check this
The 2018 and 2019 are essentially the same car, same options, same emissions.
Looking at the tax figures, the sweet spot is sometime during 2016 when the 9G box was introduced and the emissions lessened.

Add in more variables like the SLK, SLC or the (proper) AMG models ...

The newer the car, the cleaner the emissions and usually better fuel economy

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I thought the R129 was the last SL to have rear seats??


FWIW the road tax for my R129 SL500 is £345.

Well technically it’s the R232 SL but of course before that it was R129 SL. My mistake rushing, I mean the tiny space behind the seats which can be used for suit carriers, soft bags, etc if road tripping - that doesn’t exist in the SLK or equivalent age.

 

[E55BOF]

Istr there was a rear seat option for the R230, but only children with no legs and less than about three feet tall would have been able to use them...

 

[ToeKnee]

Istr there was a rear seat option for the R230, but only children with no legs and less than about three feet tall would have been able to use them...

Never was for the R230, fuse box behind UK drivers seat and lidded cubby hole behind the passenger seat. Early models had the option for securing straps for luggage.