JR Ewing drove an SL roadster in his last film and you can too. Â What began as the 300SL in 1954 grew to the fifth generation SL550 (R230) in 2001 until replaced by the current model SL in 2011. Â We can’t afford the current model. They run $44-80,000 on CarMax. Â But there are three that make my unicorn threshold (less than $35,000-less than 60,000 miles) as of late August 2017 and for an entry fee of $24,998 you can ride like JR. Â The SL550 beat our the Porsche 911 and BMW 650 in Car and Driver review of 2007 below. Â Car and Driver noted on the highway, “Very entertaining for a car so aloof in the city. Really comes alive.” Â Unfortunately, they also wrote the SL was “like dancing with a fat lady. She can do it, but you won’t win any prizes.” Â Doesn’t matter. Â These cars have style and move quickly with a solid 382hp. Â Â Car and Driver Review – 2007 SL550
I hate when I begin to write a blog and find the car I’m high on just vanished. Â Today it’s the opposite – was preparing this section on SL550’s and the car on the left surfaced for the first time. Â Higher mileage than I’d like but for under $25,000 Â you can get a bona fide Mercedes SL550. Â It’s another California car with all the amenities money could buy….in 2007. Â You’ll have to add your Bluetooth and rear view camera or maybe turn your own head to back up. Â But the seat massagers will soothe you when you do. Â And on the right is its twin – but a thousand dollars more and slightly higher miles. Â I can’t spot any more options that would warrant the increase and offer it as an example of interesting CarMax pricing.
Last we have the always difficult choice of miles versus dollars. Â Another 2007 for almost $29,000, but it’s been driven only 2,500 miles yearly up in Michigan. Â I’m presuming it was garaged winters. Â I’m thinking you can be out the door for $35,000 with a MaxCare warranty for 50,000 or 75,000 more miles and have a slick SL covered bumper to bumper until the fall of 2022!
