Opinions on a new car, SL500 vs GTi?

Ferris

A change in job has meant that my daily commute has gone from 80mls to 8mls. This means that I can get rid of my diesel golf and get something a bit special and petrol powered .

I was thinking of a mk5 GTi, I've driven one and thought it was great lovely and a good drive. I know I would never regret buying one if you get what I mean.

But, yesterday I had a passenger spin in a 1991 SL500 and basically what a car! This has left me with a tough decision, do I play it safe with a GTi or make the most of a V8 GT bruiser before Gormley outlaws having fun?

The SL500 does about 20mpg and the GTi about 28mpg in normal use but my mileage is so low that that is not such a problem. I think that the GTi will lose more on depretiation than the SL as the merc is older and approaching classic status. Also the SL500 would be cheaper to buy than a newish GTi.

Here's one in the uk:
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERCEDES-BENZ+SL+CLASS/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146,N-43-115-4294967259-4294967262/advert.action?R=200812306072061&distance=293&postcode=bt9+5eb&channel=CARS&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=SL+CLASS&min_pr=&max_pr=&max_mileage=100000

bogmanfan

Hey there, I'm in a similar situation to you and I just picked up a '99 Jaguar XK8. If you're not doing much mileage, then the mpg is no problem, and you're getting a serious amount of car for your money. I'd say go for the SL, definitely.

Ferris

Jag XK8, nice one, had forgotten about those. Thanks.

E92

Well OP you did say that you "can get rid of my diesel golf and get something a bit special" so why get a Golf again, even the GTI? If you can afford the added running costs then get something really special and a car from the era when Mercs were indestructable - the Merc!

Or else an E30 325i, since I remember you saying you had an E30 before!

Ferris

ood memory, I loved the e30 and the 325 is great but they are way overpriced now and have an image that I don't like, shame because its a great car. Even considered an e30 M3 but I don't think I could live with LHD all the time.

I do think the mk5 GTi is a great car, its fantastic to drive and like I said i'd probably never regret owning one. I am leaning towards to SL though, even if I keep it just for a year. I mean didn't these cost 80k new in the uk?

I suppose I can buy a GTi anytime whereas this might be my only opportunity to own a 5L V8 2-Seat convertible for the foreseeable.

the magician

I'm in a similar position my self, not sure what to do. The Sl 500 is a cool car It'd be different. A mechanic friend of mine is doing an overhaul on an early '90s one and he love's working on it so much he's tring to convince the owner to sell it to him, they're a special car.

I like this one, though but maybe not as a daily driver.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/SL-500/AMG/764824/

Ferris

I was looking at that one too, its savage looking, a bit too old tho and it has no hardtop which is desirable for winter driving. 2012 and the tax will be 27euro a year tho.

Has anyone owned a SL 500 W129 ('89-'01)? What are they like to live with day to day? Info on service intervals, reliability, any problems would be appretiated.

E92

I have to admit I used to be a big fan of Merc. Then when I saw quality going down the tubes I lost interest in Merc. That and the fact that they are always trying to out-BMW BMW these days. I love the old slab sided Mercs that felt like a tank. The modern rubbish doesn't interest me at all I'm afraid. I still am a huge fan of old Mercs, and cars like the old SL may not be around in a few years time, while there is loads of life left in the Golf GTI.

What about the MkII Golf GTI? Or the MkI Golf GTI?

You're right about the image of E30s these days unfortunately, but why let that put you off a car? An original one is just that IMO.

Here is a mint fully original E30 325i at a sensible price(bar the towbar).

Here is one with a cheeky m fo of a seller "no cash no drive" and "2.0 on the book so cheap to insure". What a langer of a seller!

Juan Pablo

How about a BMW 840i/850i? You should be able to source a nice clean example in the UK for under 10k.

Or for £15k why not go nuts and get an NSX!

JHMEG

the magician wrote: »

I'm in a similar position my self, not sure what to do. The Sl 500 is a cool car It'd be different. A mechanic friend of mine is doing an overhaul on an early '90s one and he love's working on it so much he's tring to convince the owner to sell it to him, they're a special car.

I like this one, though but maybe not as a daily driver.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/SL-500/AMG/764824

Jonathon Hart had one of those Mercs

the magician

I know, It's a guilty pleasure I always remember seeing it as a kid on that show. Despite the cheesy connection I think It's deadly.:D

Cyrus

id go for something like the merc

its just cool, every second car on the road is a gti (and damn fine car it is too, dont get me wrong) but if you do little mileage imo its nice to get something special like that!

alpina

Would without a moments hesitation recommend the merc. in your dilema.
You are getting a chance to experience a piece of history,style, avant garde whatever you wish to call it. Such a position to be be in may not arise again.
With such low mileage to cover each week and a relatively sensible right foot you will have miles of enjoyment, plus the fact you are only a few years away from classic tax coupled with cl. insurance. Would thoroughly check out the car, whichever one you choose impending classics often require attention and you dont need to be pouring money into a lemon...

Enjoy!

Ferris

E92 wrote: »

Here is one with a cheeky m fo of a seller "no cash no drive" and "2.0 on the book so cheap to insure". What a langer of a seller!

Thats serious money for what was a bog standard 320, you'd buy a 325i Motorsport convertible for that money.

I know what you mean but I really don't want to be associated with that scene. I wouldn't but a type R civic for the same reason.

JHMEG wrote: »

Jonathon Hart had one of those Mercs

Yeah and he got all the girls

Also considered the 840i/850i. 840's had that alusil/nikasil block porosity issue and also they don't seem to wear well, certainly not as well as the SL. I also think the SL has a chance of future classic status more than the 8-series and it was certainly more popular in its day. I do like the 8-series tho and the GF loves them.

Had thought of the NSX but they're big money to maintain, rear tyres are 1k+ to replace and only last 8k miles. Also twitchy as f*ck and an s2000 is as quick, if not quicker, in a straight line.

JHMEG

Ferris wrote: »

Yeah and he got all the girls

He was married!

Ferris wrote: »

Had thought of the NSX but they're big money to maintain, rear tyres are 1k+ to replace and only last 8k miles. Also twitchy as f*ck

Have you driven one?

I haven't myself, but virtually everyone who owns one is on nsxprime.com. They say 10-15k miles for rear wheels. The tyres are 245/40-17 which would be common enough these days, and P-Zeros or Proxes (or take your pick) are €150 each on eiretyres.com.

I hadn't heard the NSX was twitchy either, as it does have extremely quick reacting traction control.

Car & Driver clocked the 3.2 NSX doing 0-60mph at 4.5 seconds. Video is here.

Anan1

Follow your heart.:D

pburns

Would recommend something a bit special but not sure about a '91 SL! The SL was pretty much the most advanced road-car of it's day and that kind of complexity would scare me 17 years down the line...

Maybe some research on parts availability, common failures and a chat with an independant Merc specialist?

The Jag XK might be worth considering. Jags have never taken off here, even in the heyday of the 'Celtic Tiger' but from what I've read reliability is not far off Lexus levels these last few years...

pburns

Anan1 wrote: »

Follow your heart.:D

Actually that's probably better advice!:)

..except when I follow my heart rather than my head I usually get myself in trouble! Maybe that's half the fun...

Ferris

JHMEG wrote: »

He was married!

oop's, forgot, but I was 10.

JHMEG wrote: »

Have you driven one?

I haven't myself, but virtually everyone who owns one is on nsxprime.com. They say 10-15k miles for rear wheels. The tyres are 245/40-17 which would be common enough these days, and P-Zeros or Proxes (or take your pick) are €150 each on eiretyres.com.

I hadn't heard the NSX was twitchy either, as it does have extremely quick reacting traction control.

Havent driven one, remember a top gear test back in the day tho, and I thought that the rear tyres were developed specially for the NSX. Either way they don't appeal to me for some reason.

pburns wrote: »

Maybe some research on parts availability, common failures and a chat with an independant Merc specialist?

Good advice, thanks.

Fey!

I think the SL is the way to go, even over the 840 (and I'm a BMW fanboi!).

Here's a list of available ones of each from Carzone:

840: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&maxrows=100&MakeID=3&xMakeID=3&ModelID=306&xModelID=306&Year=&xYear=&submit=Find+cars+%3E%3E
SL500: http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=search&maxrows=100&MakeID=17&xMakeID=17&ModelID=452&xModelID=452&Year=&xYear=&submit=Find+cars+%3E%3E

Here's my personal favourite ad (compliments of bavarian-board): http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/BMW/840/CI-AUTO/901055/

JHMEG

Anan1 wrote: »

Follow your heart.:D

You mean Hart!

cashmni1

sl hands down. Cracker of a motor.
There are pit falls to owning a merc, the usuals will apply. Service costs, insurance (on that model) and vandalisim. (some people just vandalise nice cars for the sake of it, happened my old guy years ago)

RobAMerc

SL no question - particularly if you don't do big mileage. Running costs will balance out with the depreciation of the Golf - but you'll never disgrace yourself turning up somewhere in a sports Merc, and you'll never tire of it's brilliance. ( Or v8 )

These are destined to be classics too.

unkel

alpina wrote: »

Would without a moments hesitation recommend the merc. in your dilema.
You are getting a chance to experience a piece of history,style, avant garde whatever you wish to call it. Such a position to be be in may not arise again.

+1

Make sure you get a good one though. Anyway whatever you get, make sure it has a V8 petrol engine

Ferris wrote: »

840's had that alusil/nikasil block porosity issue

Only USA / UK (dirty high sulphur petrol used to be sold in those countries) pre '96 cars with the old M60 engine can have the nikasil problem. No originally Irish cars were affected. And to top all that op, if the car does not have the problem yet, it is unlikely to ever get it

ondafly

my neighbour bought a 90 SL 500 with hardtop. Great car, however the suspension was knackered, and has cost him big bucks to get back to normal. So all I can suggest is make sure the suspension has some history of changing, or budget for changing it.

bazz26

I'd go with the SL myself even if just for the exclusivity factor but for the sound off the V8.

The GTi is a nice car but they just seem to be all over the place.

gman2k

Hi, for what it's worth, I'm a Merc driver...
Buying an SL is serious business, as you are buying into a 'youngtimer' with definite classic heritage. A 1991 car is not young, but a good SL will drive almost like a new car. Don't think it will be a cheap car to run just cos you will only do 8k a year (for a start you will do a lot more than that).
Service for SLs is nothing major, and all parts are off the shelf from main dealers, with regular service items readlily available from the likes of German Swedish French.
Don't expect it to be a rocket ship however - even with the 5L V8. SLs were never meant to be true sports cars, just GT cruisers. It will drive like an old Merc - heavy, solid on the road, evens out all surfaces, not much steering feelback due to the re-circulating ball steering. (BMWs have rack and pinion to give greated feedback)
However, buying an SL is different than going out and buying a golf (no disrespect to Golf drivers here) they are like comparing Tesco with Harrods.
Did someone mention V8 engine, folding roof, etc...
You need to get the motor looked over by someone who is a merc specialist, not your average mechanic who has changed the oil on a couple of C-Classes.
PM me and I'll give you the number of probably the best merc specilist in the country - and he sources mercs also. He's not the cheapest, but then again we are talking about premium cars here, not disposable cars.
Don't forget, an SL of this age will not lose value, and if you are lucky, and look after her properly, will start to appreciate. That's what you want to own - an appreciatiing asset, that's nice to look at, nice to drive!

Finally, the SL is unbeatable in it's class in regards to reliability check out
https://secure.parkers.co.uk/cars/information-pack/Derivatives.aspx?model=513

Andrewf20

SL500 gets my vote. GTI seems too boring a choice in comparison, despite being a fab car. I reckon the GTI will lack any real sense of occasion.

S.I.R

mercs mechanics are rubbish , golfs are no gems either, buy a r32 or dont buy one at all or else your a drone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ferris

If im going to pay 1500euro in car tax then im going to get something a bit more special than an R32. Seriously not a car for Ireland, twice the tax of the GTi and only 40hp more, good car but not worth the extra.

R129 Merc is renowned for the strength of its mechanicals and smoothness of its engine, are you qualified to dispute this?

Ferris

I really think that this one is a good example, the moneys a little high but it seems to be perfect.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SL-500-MERCEDES-SL500-FSH-HARD-TOP-120-PICTURES_W0QQitemZ290219071974QQihZ019QQcategoryZ9855QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem