Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Crockerfeller on February 21, 2010, 11:35:01
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Hi everyone!
I'm a new member here and am looking for some advice on buying an SL280. I have been reading alot and searching through the classifieds online but am still relatively clueless on where to start. I intend to buy a RHD auto ready to go example and do not want a project car. Ive read alot on the rust issues and that is a bit of a worry for me. I will keep the car in a dehumidified garage but obviously I'd like to get hold of a fairly rust free example....do they exist? Since I dont really trust myself not to buy a lemon or be ripped off is there any advice on things I must check for and what sort of price I should expect to pay for this type of car in the UK? Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Crockerfeller
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Crockerfellow,
You can start here http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Buying/Start
Some of the members in the UK might be able to help you once you have located one, or just post a lot of questions here. Happy hunting. ;D
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Thanks Jordan, have had a good look through that info and its all very helpful. Would love an idea of a fair ballpark price for a 280 auto in RHD if anyone can help. Doesnt need to be show condition but nearer the top end than the rusty end :)
Great forum and thanks for any pointers in advance.
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Here's one I looked up earlier... ::) http://www.classic-chrome.co.uk/search-marque-Mercedes-Benz.html
Let us know if you find the right one for you! ;)
Kemal
280SL
Manual LHD69
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Red one is lovely, I may have to make a visit but will certainly take an expert with me as im completely clueless. I dont mind having to get mechanical/engine work done as and when needed so long as the body is very good. (I only plan on driving in good weather and garage the rest of time). Is this towards the high end of the quality/price spectrum of 280s from what we can see on the website?
I'd prefer silver if possible so I may wait and see what that ones priced at and what condition its in!
This may be a really stupid question but if you buy an example with good bodywork and keep it dry and garaged (dehumidified), is it reasonable to expect to never have to do major body restoration work on it?
Thanks again for all your feedback guys.
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My advice would be 'don't be in a hurry.' Expect to look at a lot of cars, and then decide what you want: 230, 250, 280; auto or manual; is colour important (or are you prepared to respray the right car (£££ for a good job); do you want a car with a hard top; are you prepared to fix some rust, etc, etc. Once you've seen a few you'll develop a view of what you like.
There are a few sellers in London and I've never seen one of them have a car for sale that hasn't got obvious problems or which went on to develop problems later. (ie was 'well prepared')
Join the MB club and ask around. There are a surprisingly large number of 113's in the UK club, so go to a few meets and get to know people.
Personally, I'd be more inclined to go down the private purchase route than buy from any dealers that I know of in the UK. There are some good cars out there in the hands of club members.
An alternative to consider (if you don't mind a LHD) is to import from the US where you will get much more for your money.
To give you an idea of what I sense you may be looking for, check out www.motoringinvestments.com
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Hairpin sometimes have nice ones. Avoid Silchester, the cars are rubbish.
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Thanks for all your advice guys. It certainly seems like something not to rush into so I'll take my time. The next thread i start could well be when ive found one...
Crockerfeller
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James is right - the MB club is a decent place to start
If you have the time and can spin a decent yarn, spend a Saturday morning at CLassic Chrome in Sheen, Silver Arrows in Putney and Chelsea Cars in Wandsworth to see what's out there for what money. Have a nose at Silchester too
Then buy privately....Ask if Roger Edwards motors know of a decent car for sale too.
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Tch Tch Tosh. Silchester ?
Roger Edwards is a very good idea.
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paul
I did not say buy, but look!!
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i know. I just hate them thats all. p
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FYI Silchester is up for sale only £750,000 !!!
Any interested members?
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yes, but it will still be the same. The owner doesn't run it. As far as I know, he's a property developer that was a customer then bought it. Wonder if he got staff discount.
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The best peice of advice I can give you is that price is not necessarily an indicator of quality.
The trouble with most "specialist" dealers is that the only thing they are good at is making the car look nice.
I've done hundreds of pre-purchase inspections on 113s and I've only ever seen two or three that were as good as the dealer claimed.
In one exceptional case the car was much better than the dealer knew and was IMHO seriously under-valued!
That was one very happy client!