Viewing an SL tomorrow

[vibesg]

Visiting the Stealership tomorrow to look at a 2003 Rl 230. I got as much info as I possibly could on the phone. I guess I can draw some comfort from the 12 month warranty but I'm trying to see what I'm really getting.

I've read threads and posts on the forum about SLs and about Tier 1 or 2 Warranties. I still can't tell the difference. Can anybody please help?

SLs of that vintage don't seem to suffer from much. I've read about seals and dampness in the boot so I'm going with my terry cloth to do a wetness check. Just imagine the face of the sales chap whilst I do this. I'm spending my money so I'll ignore his facial contortions.
In answer to my phone query he said the seals were not covered under the warranty as they are classed as wear and tear items. Also said corrossion on the Catalytic converter will not be covered (I asked) but failure of the cats will be covered. Hmmm!

I'll let you know how I get on. Any words of wisdom from forum members will be appreciated.

Oh its the 350 I'm interested in.

 

[BaldGuy]

As you mentioned in my "New Mota" thread I was looking at 230's... Lovely car but I reslly needed a 4 seater for when I have my kids... Whats the spec of the 350?

 

[vibesg]

Silver with Pano roof, Comand, Parktronic, 6CD, Bi-Xenons, Dark Wood and 18 inch wheels. Would have liked Keyless Go but will probably learn to live with it.

 

[BaldGuy]

Sounds very nice....

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Tier 1 is for cars with up to 60,000 miles at commencement.
Tier 2 is for cars with up to 1000,000 miles at commencement.

Tier 1 covers pretty much the same as the MB new car warranty, plus MOT failure cover.
Tier 2 is pretty comprehensive though.

The dealer should have a glossy that shows inclusions and exclusions for both.

Good luck with the viewing.

 

[vibesg]

Viewed the car over the weekend. Happy with what the car offers. Comes with 12 months warranty. I asked about extending the warranty for a further 12 months. The extra warranty will be an eye watering £899. Is it worth taking out this extra warranty. I ask because usually if I extend towards the end of the first 12 months I need to pay for an inspection. What do people think?

 

[SLK350]

Tier 2 is for cars with up to 1000,000 miles at commencement.

Did you really mean 1000,000 miles, thats one heck of a life span for any car.

 

[Sp!ke]

Did you really mean 1000,000 miles, thats one heck of a life span for any car.

I disagree. Most modern cars of this size should be able to do 200k or more now. 100k isn't high at all.

 

[robert.saunders]

I think SLK350 was referring to 1million miles

 

[Sp!ke]

Doh!

I take it all back, that is a lot of miles indeed unless you're a Cypriot taxi driver.

 

[grober]

Does your 350 have the active/adaptive suspension system? [option on the 350 I think] Lots of people seem to have problems with this system after a few years. If it has I would be making sure its fully covered under the warranty and parts of it not regarded as a wear and tear items?

 

[vibesg]

Does your 350 have the active/adaptive suspension system? [option on the 350 I think] Lots of people seem to have problems with this system after a few years. If it has I would be making sure its fully covered under the warranty and parts of it not regarded as a wear and tear items?

No it doesn't have ABC. Youre right it was available as an option.
I did a lot of research on the subject. When the car was new many motoring journos moaned about the 350 being without ABC but years on admitted its not fatal to SL enjoyment.
Its a nice feature to have but in the real world and everyday driving you won't notice the difference unless you regularly ply rough roads.

 

[portzy]

From the extended warranty point of view............
No, the boot seals are not covered, deffo! its still worth the otherwise peace of mind though


Portzy.

 

[mirras]

Its a nice feature to have but in the real world and everyday driving you won't notice the difference unless you regularly ply rough roads.

I opted for a 500 specifically because it had ABC, tried both and I love the 'flat' cornering and adjustable ride quality..... it has, however just cost me £400 due to a failed valve block STILL WORTH IT

 

[geoffd]

extended warranty cost

I'd ask again how much this should be. I've just bought an SL and was offered extended warranty at a lot less than £900. As it's a Mercedes product, not dealer specific, it should be the same at all dealers.

Geoff

 

[vibesg]

I'd ask again how much this should be. I've just bought an SL and was offered extended warranty at a lot less than £900. As it's a Mercedes product, not dealer specific, it should be the same at all dealers.

Geoff

Thanks, will do.

 

[G.O'Rilla]

Can't you cut a part of the extended warranty cost in as a part of the deal?

 

[portzy]

Can't you cut a part of the extended warranty cost in as a part of the deal?

Thats a good idea. I dont think dealers pay as much for the Tier 1 and 2's as a general buyer does.


Portzy.

 

[vibesg]

The dealer hasn't come back to me yet on the extended warranty. I tried 2 other dealers from different parent groups. They both gave me an 0845 number saying Mercedes now have a central dept dealing with extended warranties. I spoke to someone at that no.
Apparently you can only extend the warranty after 11 months i.e a month before the Approved Used Warranty runs out. £1299 and £1099 (or thereabouts-was too stunned to write it down) for Tier 1 and 2 respectively. Pretty steep. Wondering if I should just go with the initial 12 months. Car has FMBSH.

 

[DSLiverpool]

You cant cut a deal on the MB warranty as the dealer does not sell it to you its a 3rd party jobby BUT its "officially" MB.

I decided not to warranty the CLS in year 4 but looked at the RAC who wanted £700 ish which was decent value I thought