SL500 - To sell or not to sell ?

[mirras]

Having had my 2003 R230 for just over 2 years, adding some 40k to the current 80k mileage, I have the itch to sell and go for something with a roof and some back seats again. Having replaced all the worn and cosmetically iffy bits, had a full detailing done, all the expensive ABC work done and refurbished the alloys it is now in excellent condition and runs like a dream. I'd be looking for decent money as it is the best I can see within 100 miles.

Trouble is, I could still have the rest of this this summer to enjoy it but to delay and sell this time next year puts me in exactly the same position... summer ahead...

What are your thoughts, are SLs selling well with summer here or am I too late to get the best cash? Am I just daft getting something with a roof and back seats ( w221 is appealing just now ) and losing that big smile ?

 

[MicB]

I have no plans to get rid of mine......I adore everything about it.

Mic

 

[LTD]

If your car is in better order than it was at the Govan GTG then you really ought to keep it and try and stretch to the W221 as well.

I'd love an SL500 to marry with my S500 eventually although that's not happening at the moment due to the 8 year kids/univ thing ... eldest should graduate next summer - just as the youngest starts her course ...

 

[mirras]

Thanks LTD, it's actually in better nick now having had a fair bit of work done... I can't stretch to another car, 3 at the door already enough Got to the stage it's not as much of a novelty ... mind you a long run through Galloway yesterday certainly was fun... Fancy something softer now.

 

[st4]

Thanks LTD, it's actually in better nick now having had a fair bit of work done... I can't stretch to another car, 3 at the door already enough Got to the stage it's not as much of a novelty ... mind you a long run through Galloway yesterday certainly was fun... Fancy something softer now.

If you still enjoy driving it and its in tip top nick I'd enjoy it for a tad longer and if the yearning for a s class crops up why not pick one up next spring when demand for open tops will be high

 

[mirras]

I actually drafted a paragraph for Autotrader and now I think my mind has been made up.... I think it'll appear on there in the next week or so.

 

[mirras]

Well, submitted advert into Autotrader, will post a link in the classified section once it's on the AT site.... now wondering if it was the right thing to do... maybe nobody will offer the asking price....

 

[LTD]

Remember that your advert is not a binding contract to sell.

You can still withdraw if you want.

(Goes to raid kid's piggy banks)

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I've just seen your ad for your SL.

I don't know how bothered you are about selling it, but you will alienate 50% of potential buyers with the 'no offers' on a car that is strong money already.

Other than that; I love it. There will always be something majestic about the SL 500 to me.

 

[mirras]

Thanks Sweetpea, I thought the comment may alienate some folk but hopefully only those not willing to pay the asking price. I'd be happy to keep it another year or two but I do fancy another w211 E-Class or w221 S-Class so am in no hurry to sell it. It is a cracking car and I've been a little over zealous when doing 'repairs' as I've replaced lots of trim, any clips or fasteners that are in any way loose or rattly and even the underpanels where they were marked were replaced with brand new ones. It owes me nothing and will be a great buy for someone.

 

[MicB]

Thanks Sweetpea, I thought the comment may alienate some folk but hopefully only those not willing to pay the asking price. I'd be happy to keep it another year or two but I do fancy another w211 E-Class or w221 S-Class so am in no hurry to sell it. It is a cracking car and I've been a little over zealous when doing 'repairs' as I've replaced lots of trim, any clips or fasteners that are in any way loose or rattly and even the underpanels where they were marked were replaced with brand new ones. It owes me nothing and will be a great buy for someone.

I am of course biased and I think your car is competitively priced assuming, and I would expect it to be so, it is all as described. If the price has been set correctly you should not have to entertain offers......my motor trading pals do not haggle......there is the car all as described......if you want it you know the price.

I cannot Post on your other Thread......is that because of my low Post count or do I have to ''activate'' in some way? It is not important at the moment......I am not a potential buyer.

Mic

 

[mirras]

Thanks, looks like only threadstarters can reply in Classified. I think the car is resonably priced near it's peers. It has a slightly higher mileage than some others but still averages at only 10k a year. I went round the car with a snag sheet when I got it and replaced everything that was less than perfect. It's also one of the few that doesn't leak into the boot and had had all the ABC work done so potential purchasers will have fewer worries than me when I bought it

It really is a lovely car and if it doesn't sell I won't be too disappointed.

 

[bpsorrel]

Beautiful looking car! If I wasn't so hung up on a CLS, I'd seriously look at it! Good luck with the sale!

 

[BobbyHowie]

had had all the ABC work done so potential purchasers will have fewer worries than me when I bought it

What ABC problems did you have? I've an intermittent ABC Visit Workshop message for the past week or so. Hardly use the car but better book it in I guess.

Whereabouts in Ayrshire are you? I was born and lived in Barassie for 20-odd years and think I'll be retiring down there or Ayr next year.

 

[mirras]

Hi, I had various ABC issues.. the first was a valve block that needed replaced at a couple of hundred quid, then the ABC pump went, warranty paid for that so not sure on cost. Then I had a leaking front strut which was replaced under warranty then the other side failed MOT because of play in bush that so it was too replaced under warranty. The struts were circa £1300 a side so that's something to consider for anyone buying a cheaper car, the 2 year MB parts warranty will carry I think. The final issue was some worn wiring on a sensor, a quick, cheap and easy fix from MB Ayr. best to get it on star diags to get to the cause, embarrasing if it fails when you are a distance away and have to, like me, drive home with it disabled. Like driving a jelly

I'm near Prestwick and often cycle and walk along to Troon and Barassie.

 

[mirras]

Thanks to the advice from Sweetpea I softened my ad up a little to allow very near offers, I agree it is strong money and it sits right in the middle of the others of similar age and spec but I know how good a car it is, just need to convince a purchaser of the same. While cars a couple of k cheaper may seem like a bargain, it takes no time at all to spend double that on ABC repairs or replacing the pump in the boot and the seals because of a leak. Mine sits outside and has never leaked and most of what can go wrong with ABC has been replaced recently by MB so carries their parts warranty. We'll see how it goes, the ad is up for 3 weeks unless I pull it.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I hope you get a hassle-free sale pal.

Although it's a cliche, I'm sure that the first person to see will buy.

It would be nice if someone from the forum could buy it, but good luck either way.

 

[mirras]

Looks like the weatherman is making sure I don't sell, I wonder if that's a hint to keep it for another year

 

[mirras]

Took some pictures for the AT ad for my car and have stuck them up on this album, I thought I'd share. I think she's looking her absolute best, can't help the odd peek out the window

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/members/mirras-albums-r230-sl500.html

Hope you like it.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

It looks stunning!

If I was in the Market for one, I would buy yours because I'm as fussy as you....