Might purchase a 2005 White/Tan SL500 with 22k miles on it for $35K.
It has upgraded 19in wheels and new tires and black amg floormats. The navigation screen says it needs an upgrade...does that mean just buy a new dvd?? And no existing warranty. The car is in great condition.

Anyways the guy was asking 38K originally, got it down to 35K, Kbb being $39,945....is this a good deal?? And Is there anything major I should know about the 05's?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

if it says it needs upgrade, it doesnt have navigation. You'd need the navigation installation kit -2$k approx. As far as other info, the 05' is about the same as the other years of that bodystyle before the facelift. Id look out for "upgraded" wheels as typically cheap aftermarket knockoff or "replica" wheels are used and they are normally bent with cheap crappy tires. Which will cause a lot of roadnoise and vibration. Id recommend you get some sort of warranty as parts for this car are for a 90$k car so when something does go wrong it will add up quickly.

 

It has a Comand dvd which I saw in the driver side of the trunk...looked like a disc changer couldn't tell though. He said it works sometimes and then it doesn't which makes no sense, and I think he is just makin that up... but then again I don't know too much about these cars.

As far as the maintenance, his wife has recent receipts to prove service A and service B has been done through a MB dealership, so I know they took good care of the car. Is there a way to check for fake or replica wheels? He bought the car with those wheels on them from a MB dealership so not sure how to tell.

 

I'm not sure what your looking for as far as amenities but with Navigation and getting another warranty and even certified would be costly. Is it the styling of the older MB's you like or is this just a car you felt comfortable buying from someone you trust? If your getting the history of the car maintenance wise then it might be worth it, less headaches with things popping up. Those hold up pretty well even when slightly put to the test on the road.

 

I just got an 04 Sl55 with 23k mi for 37k, I think you will be alot more happy if you went with an amg, everytime one pulls up next to you, you'll be kicking yourself

 

Navigation is standard equipment in 05 R230 cars. As far as it working and not working, yes, that's absolutely a common complaint, but you will need a dealer repair to really get that right (a really competent independent may have the correct Star tool to fix). Your real concern needs to be the top mechanism, tranny, and AC. And no, it's doubtful that a quality warranty company will give you any coverage at this point (not the big boys anyway). You are looking at it and we're not, but $35k is reasonable money for a REAL nice 05, IF it has port and a decent history. And I wouldn't wory too much bout the wheels, as long as they still have structural integrity. If you got any shakes or motion, there's a warning sign. As with any complicated car out of warranty, an inspection would be $100 or so of cheap insurance. Good luck....

 

That sounds like a great deal and yea I like the power but what color is your car? I like the white exterior with tan interior look of the car which is not common with the amgs, and not to mention the widescreen multicolor navi that comes with the 05+ models.

allenjdmb - Thanks for your input. Good to know that bout the navigation issue. I drove the car and it felt strong with gears shifting smoothly. The top mechanism worked perfectly and the wheels didn't show any signs of wobble or vibrations while I drove. Not too sure what you mean by If it has port, but they do have a lot of past paper work on the car.

 

typo at the begiing of the line.
S port (package). Looks much better and is easier to resell. Without the factory wheels, you would have to see deeper/more agressive front and rear aprons and sideskirts. Easiest way is to see if front fog lights are surrounded by wire mesh.

 

Theres an 03 SL55 for 43kmiles for 39k on mbworld...

 

I'd have to think twice about owning an 8 year old SL55. And the first year of R230 producton on top of that. $39k is not exactly a bargain on an 03 55 either, although in fairness, I don't have the facts.

 

If I could spend 35k on an 03 SL55 or 35k on an 05 SL500, both in equal condition and running well and a difference of 20kmiles low mileage cars, I'd take the 55.

 

but you have obviously not had to fix any 55 (SL or otherwise) on your own nickel. I'm not sure I'd buy an 03/04 of either. The 05 car is far superior, even if it's just a 500, in terms of reliability and ease of repair. Not to mention the far superior audio/comand/telephone and build quality. Anyway, you have to take them all on their own merit. Good luck in the search.....

 

That's what I was goin for and again the white exterior with tan interior is a hot combo along with the 19in wheels in my opinion.