Found 06 SL55 for $40K, Sell the CLK - Tempting

[4ociousE55]

I found an 06 SL55 with 32K miles fully optioned including the 030 Performance Package for $40K. Retail book w/o the 030 is $71K. Should I jump or pass on this? I've always wanted an SL55 and this deal is just too good. Anyone interested in a fully optioned 04 CLK55 with OEM extended warranty good for three more years and 35K miles (see signature list)? Recommendations please!

[Chappy]

Do your homework - does it have a salvage title? Wrecked? How much warranty left?

[ashutt]

I agree with Chappy. That price is way low for a 2006. That is about the going price for a 2003 or maybe a 2004. Something is not right. However, if it is, I would take that deal in a second with no questions asked! Beautiful car with a lot of power and a Hardtop convertable- best of both worlds. Good luck.

[4ociousE55]

After some digging I found out it has a salvage title. Apparently the owner left the top down in some light rain. No damage to the interior or exterior but the insurance company decided to pay the claim, buy the car and resell it. I'm still tempted.

[x-tian-230k]

I think warrenty might possibly be voided with a salvage title...i could be wrong..i know that resale will be terrible with that type of title although i think it could be reversed and become clean if you go through the proper channels.... My friend had it done on his motorcycle...

[Intheknow]

Originally Posted by x-tian-230k

I think warrenty might possibly be voided with a salvage title...i could be wrong..i know that resale will be terrible with that type of title although i think it could be reversed and become clean if you go through the proper channels.... My friend had it done on his motorcycle...

As the owner of a salvage titled car, I can say that "cleaning" your title is next to impossible. I know of only 2 ways to get it done, 1st, re-title the car in Minnesota. Supposedly they do not re-title with SALVAGE stamped on the new title. 2nd, the clerk at DMV forgets to stamp your new title when you register your new car. Good luck with that one.

Since I live about 2000 miles from Minnesota, my title will remain SALVAGE and I knew that going in. It only affects re-sale, not driving satisfaction. If you really want the SL55, then saving $30,000 because the title is stamped SALVAGE seems like a great deal.

[ashutt]

I would be careful in believing any representation that there was "no damage to the interior or exterior but the insurance company decided to pay the claim, buy the car and resell it." Insurance companies are not in business to payout on claims for no damage- especially on such expensive cars. The insurance company would have denied any claim that didn't have damage.

Salvaged cars are often restored to the best of the owners ability but the title is salvaged for a reason. If you are willing to live with the potential latent liabilities and realistically unsellable title, then you can probably get some performance value for the dollar. That being said, these cars have some serious repair costs so starting out with potential damage you may not be able see could be costly. I hope it works out in your case if you decide to buy.

[4ociousE55]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I passed on the salvage SL55 and bought an 06 SL55 black/black with 12K miles from a local Merc dealer with every option except distronic. It even has the rare OEM $14K 030 Performance Package. Retail in 06 was $153,500. I think I got a good deal for $67K which includes a 100K CPO out to 2012. When I say every option it also includes the $3,500 Nappa leather interior. It's a one owner lease turn-in. I traded my CLK55 and took a beating on it at $25K (49.7K miles). Oh well, I think the SL will hold its value a better over time. I know it's not a smoking deal but it's a good one and I don't have buyers remorse, at least not yet. I'm turning my E55 into a daily driver because I'm tooo upside down on it to do anything else. I love my E55 too so I'm not upset about driving it on a daily basis. With 30K miles and an extended OEM warranty good for another three years I should be okay.

[DBLNICKL]

nice choice...good luck wit that new BEAST u purchased...dont feel bad about it, just enjoy ur rides! wish i woulda known earlier ur CLK was for sale...woulda tried to scoop that up...oh well...

[4ociousE55]

I can put you in touch with the dealership. Check American Service Center in Alexandria, VA My guess they will retail the car with a CPO for $29,995 and accept $27,000. It's worth every bit of $27K and more when you consider the improvments I made. PM me if you're interested.