Looking for Car advice

[CyranoAH]

Looking for some advice from the auto experts in this board, which seems to have a good population of them.

I have been offered a 2000 Mercedes SL500 Full-equip (5-liter, 320HP) by an excellent friend. The car belongs to a friend of his who died recently. The heir doesn't care about the car and wants money fast.

It's in excellent condition and has less than 16k miles on it.

He's asking for Euro 30.000 and there don't seem to be any loose ends, as I have the utmost confidence in the friend that came to me knowing that I was looking for a car, and his deceased friend was a well-positioned man who didn't drive much, but he did have a good car collection.

Any particular problems with that model/year? Is 30k as good a price as I think it is (even for reselling)?


(Pic is illustrative, same make, same color, same condition as the actual car)

Thanks in advance,

Daniel

[Callisto]

i'd buy it.

[Shifty]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet
Just don't park it in Paris.

[J_A_B]

I have a longstanding policy of never buying a car from a friend or family member, no matter how good it is.  I won't sell vehicles to family/friends, either.


If you don't hesitate to do that, then it's up to you.  Seems like a good enugh buy.



"Pic is illustrative, same make, same color, same condition as the actual car"

Please tell me that means the one you're possibly buying doesn't have those stupid-looking wheels.  I hate those silly-looking tires that have a sidewall like an inch wide.  Every car that has them I've driven rides like a real boneshaker.

J_A_B

[CyranoAH]

I know what you mean, the wheels are different than the ones in the pic

Daniel

[beet1e]

Daniel - it's a steal! - would be worth much more than that here. The price takes account of the current fuel price. That will be your major expense - fuel, and tyres - and possibly insurance. Still, as I recall petrol is much cheaper in Spain than here.

[Gunslinger]

isn't the stearing wheel on the wrong side?

[Furball]

Originally posted by Gunslinger
isn't the stearing wheel on the wrong side?

he is in spain, dumbarse

[crowMAW]

No reliability issues with the car.  It will suck gasoline.  And it has a huge engine for Europe...not sure if Spain has extra taxes based on engine displacement, but it is 5 liters.  Gobs of power though...300hp - 340lb/ft torque.

The car prices are too dependent on local influences to tell you if  Euro 30k is a good price. That car would bring about $30k-$35k USD.

[Gunslinger]

Originally posted by Furball
he is in spain, dumbarse

Like I know what the cars are like in Europe let alone spain.  Did somone catch you putting on lipstick again?  you seem awfull testy.

[Vulcan]

At the very least buy and then sell it, you'll make a killing.

[Mini D]

In the states, the blue-book is between 30k and 40k Euro. So... that seems to be a decent price. I don't know what the value difference would be between here and spain, though. Your best bet is to check the prices around your area.

I've kept my eye on the SLs ever since 1990. They're one of my favorite cars from the 90s (OK... through 2002s). If you do get it... I'll be a slight bit envious.

[GRUNHERZ]

At that price buy it, because you only live once. But remember (or forget!) that fuel and maintence will be huge costs with that car at least based on the experience of a friend who bought a used 1990s SL convertible - he still loved the car though.

[Furball]

Originally posted by Gunslinger
Like I know what the cars are like in Europe let alone spain.  Did somone catch you putting on lipstick again?  you seem awfull testy.

yes i wanted to look hot for our date tonight.