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Ways to sell SL

S

simontodd

Member
Joined
May 19, 2008
Messages
45
Car
SL500
As some of you may have seen. I have listed my lovely SL for sale on here, I also have it on Autotrader website. Would anyone recommend Mercedes enthusiast or should I just wait and see?
 
Get it on pistonheads in the classifieds, they're cheap and do appeal to enthusiasts.
 
Just looked at the photos - the paintwork looks like it has different shades between the panels so if that is not the case I would suggest some new photos.
 
Has it got a tow bar too? Looks like it in the pictures.

Unfortunately, if it has, that may put some people off, but then again could well be a selling point too!

The car itself does look very clean, well done for keeping it that way.
 
I can assure you that there are no issues with the paint !!!!

The car is an incredibly high shine with all original paintwork. It may be because of the reflection I don't know.
Eddie that owns Mercare in Plymouth has always said that this is the best kept R129 in our area,

Simon
 
Never had a mention about the towbar before. Well spotted, It is in fact a completely removable one that was put on from new. All that is visible from behind is the plastic cover for the electrics. A new owner could remove and there would be no exterior evidence it was ever there. However, I think it may be better to give them the choice.

Would look quite cool turning up at the marina with a little speedboat on the back, perhaps a classic one?

I would say that whilst I am really gratefull for advice, posting what you think is wrong with the car (when it doesnt have any faults/blemishes etc) is really not helping when I need to sell.



Simon
 
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simontodd said:
I would say that whilst I am really gratefull for advice, posting what you think is wrong with the car (when it doesnt have any faults/blemishes etc) is really not helping when I need to sell.


Simon
Click to expand...

Thread is titled "ways to sell SL" - I suspect forum regulars would think you are asking for marketing advice.
I didn't see anyone "running the car down" ? Just some sensible marketing advice. So I can't see what the problem is. That is, unless your thread is really a "for sale" advert?
 
to complete the marketing though put link for the ad here
 
simontodd said:
Never had a mention about the towbar before. Well spotted, It is in fact a completely removable one that was put on from new. All that is visible from behind is the plastic cover for the electrics. A new owner could remove and there would be no exterior evidence it was ever there. However, I think it may be better to give them the choice.

Would look quite cool turning up at the marina with a little speedboat on the back, perhaps a classic one?

I would say that whilst I am really gratefull for advice, posting what you think is wrong with the car (when it doesnt have any faults/blemishes etc) is really not helping when I need to sell.

Simon
Click to expand...

As others have mentioned - they're just giving some marketing advice...

The towbar is an issue because a buyer who does not intend to use the car for towing (and indeed many who would) worry that the car has been put through unecessary stress by towing a caravan, trailed or whatnot.

I'm not advocating hiding the car's history, but a towbar on an SL would definetly devalue the car for me. In fact, a towbar on anything other than a big 4x4 would knock a good fraction off what I would be willing to spend on a car.
 
Spinal said:
I'm not advocating hiding the car's history, but a towbar on an SL would definetly devalue the car for me. In fact, a towbar on anything other than a big 4x4 would knock a good fraction off what I would be willing to spend on a car.
Click to expand...

+1 for me too. Hence why I mentioned it, especially as the presence of the tow bar wasn't listed in the advert that the OP linked to.

Fair enough it wasn't listed and I appreciate it's a removable tow bar, however I and a couple of others noticed it's presence. I'm sure others looking for an SL would notice too. I don't wish to knock you or your car (it genuinely does look like a nice early R129 SL).

However, you asked for advice on selling your SL, the advice we've given will hopefully help you sell your vehicle and get a fair price too. Please don't see it as criticism - if it is it's 'constructive criticisim'. I would seriously look at having it removed (as part of the prepartion for selling the car) and posting some other pictures without the caravans around it.

Also some more detail about the service history, dates, mileage and garage carrying out service are always welcome on an advert for a car.
 
Ive just sold my 1994 SL300-24v with 70k on Autotrader.....took a long time to sell as I was asking a similar price to yours, but it has eventually gone.

No expense spared in terms of maintenance and upkeep and was an absolute beauty, but I found that R129 prices are at rock bottom at the moment and there are loads of cheap, nasty, multi owner cars out there that yours and mine had to compete with.

I think your sale will take some time, especially bearing in mind your location, far down in the south west....that unfortunatley will limit the amount of people coming to see it.

You may therefore have to be flexible on the price.
 
Thanks to everyone for their comments on my SL which is for sale in the classified section. Following my post yesterday asking for further advice I was very down last night when I thought the car was being pulled apart on the forum.(mistakenly thought)

I do see what most of you are saying, I guess because I don't want to sell and am forced to following a sudden family event, I am over worried. (the money has to buy a 4 seater car ASAP)
I had just picked out pictures we had taken this year when I thought the car looked good.

I did think about re-taking the pictures to hide the removable towbar but I wouldn't feel I was being wholly honest. So, I called in at our local towbar place, they will remove for £50. So I have decided I will arange for that to be done if the buyer requests it, at my cost.

As regard to what is in the background, I can also see that it may have looked a little more professional if I'd posed the car at a scenic spot. I may do just that this weekend so it will look all nice and pretty.

The comment about the paintwork is not an issue as any buyer will see the quality of the car at first hand, if I have lied, they will not buy. I can assure you, they car was clay barred and re-polished over winter. It could be improved of course with a machine polish but I never quite built up the nerve to attempt it. Elbow grease only I'm afraid.

As regard to history, I have just about every receipt from new, car serviced by main dealer until 68,000 then exclusively by Mercare in Plymouth. The book is full of stamps, none missing amd the receipts along side them with the parts detailed. Everything works perfectly but would take hours to list everything from the last 17 years. If you come to view, bring your reading glasses.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with advice

PS still don't have an answer to my original question about whether to advertise in Mercedes enthusiast

Regards

Simon
 
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Simon,

When I was looking for a particular car, ME was my Bible until I actually purchased one from that very mag. Good luck.
 
I'm not sure how much it costs to advertise in Mercedes Enthusiast, however I do buy it regulary. I find it a good read and would think it's a good place for extra exposure. However, as with most printed magazines you are extremely limited in terms of space, number of pictures and words. I sensed you wanted to sell your SL relatively quickly, I truly hope you find the right buyer quickly.

If it costs about £20 for one month I'd suggest it's worth a try, if only to see your car in print in the magazine!
 
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