What to do?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Hallandale Beach Florida
What to do?
I love Corvettes so much but have been looking at a picking up a 04 Mercedes SL500 with 20k miles. I dont know what to do 
I had a C3 since I was 16 and then got the C5 when I was 30yrs, now 7yrs later I think Im ready for a change. What would you do?
I had a C3 since I was 16 and then got the C5 when I was 30yrs, now 7yrs later I think Im ready for a change. What would you do?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 24,569
Likes: 35
From: Spring Branch TX
St. Jude Donor '14,'18,'21
How much are they asked for the Benz? If it's what you're willing to pay, I'd go for it! The SL500 is a sweet ride but performance wise they really don't match up to the C5...they're not designed to. Make sure it comes with an extended warranty. Repair costs are horrific!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 784
Likes: 8
From: Venice Florida
After owning seven Corvettes in my life and being 57 years old..... you can see my answer coming..... I'll never be without a Corvette! 
Also, if I did make an unforeseen change, it wouldn't be for an import!
JMHO.... you asked.
Also, if I did make an unforeseen change, it wouldn't be for an import!
JMHO.... you asked.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 3
From: Roselle IL
I also say dont do it, but it's your choice.
those are like 4000 lbs arent they? they need every horse they have.
C5 wins in the style department, in my book anyways
Also, for whatever reason, I always think of those as being a "womans" car.
Now if your thinking about a Viper..............
those are like 4000 lbs arent they? they need every horse they have.
C5 wins in the style department, in my book anyways
Also, for whatever reason, I always think of those as being a "womans" car.
Now if your thinking about a Viper..............
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Hallandale Beach Florida
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 14
From: Gig Harbor WA
As the former Assistant Sales Manager of Mercedes-Benz dealership, I'd say it depends on what you want in a car. You know about the Vette, but with an SL, you have an automatic gearbox (no sitck available), nice interior, hardtop (for folding hard top in newer models), a metal body that attracts "dings," much less handlinig capabilities, lower gas mileage, and much higher maintenance costs. And check with your insurance company about annual premium differences between the two. Good luck in whatever you decide.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 717
Likes: 1
From: decatur il
i also love the looks of the benz, however, the vette is a sports car and so much fun to drive. ALSO think about the costs when you take that in for service, astronomicaallllll. oil changes 120$ or so and belts over 150.mmmmm?
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Been there - done that..I will never own another car where a stinking brake job cost $3k. My DD is an 08 CTS with DI engine and FE3 package.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
My neighbor has that Benz. I really like the retractable hardtop. You can go from coupe to convertible in seconds. Performance wise they're not quite in the same league, but the Benz is more about cruising. How about an SL55?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Do what your gut tells you - me personally.....the MB is a beautifully engineered, finely crafted tank. I guess if I lived in Hollyweird - I'd want to own an SL500 (not even the SL55 AMG?) to be seen in. I not that enamored with German cars.
