I bought an immaculate although slightly unusual colour r129, 1999 with 36200 miles and full service history 6 weeks ago. Although under warranty I spent £100 sorting out a couple of minor issues that I just wanted done to get it perfect and I didn’t want a debate. Have achieved between 17 and 26 dependent upon driving conditions, have had a couple of long runs and it is incredible.
When you look back at the choices the original owner would have had before making the decision to buy an SL, presumably F360 or 911 would have been the only 2 in the price bracket, you realise you are buying a supercar for peanuts. Whilst not a sports car as such the straight line speed once inertia is removed is phenomenal, handling more than adequate, ride excellent and build quality seems pretty bomb proof to me.
I quite often drive home past the supermarket in my other car-a truly excellent 530d, I really am very lucky to have the cars I do-and drive the 5 miles back in the SL to do some shopping just for the sheer thrill of driving it.
I have a feeling good ones, reasonable mileage and well maintained are probably near to depreciation proof now and probably represent a great buy.
Having wanted one of these for years my only regret is waiting so long before buying one but I did look at 10 or so other examples in 3 months before committing because there is a lot of tat about and I bought purely on history, service record and condition and as I probably won't sell, the colour which I rather like but appreciate might put others off wasn't really a factor other than when I haggled over the price.
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