Car choices Mercedes R129 vs R230

[drivin_me_nuts]

I have been looking at these rather lovely cars recently thinking to myself that as I slowly head into my middle years I have decided to become a little more relaxed in my driving style. So, to fit with my receding hair line and faux Rhoylex watch, i'm considering buying something to barge around in ...

which leads me to these little cars. Perfect I think - job done (until I get my paws on a C1) and then i'm faced with the choice.

Well the earlier one is a bit to 80's for me and TBO less Patrick Swayze, more Sam Elliot, so it's a toss up between the R129 or the R230.

Bearded ones of all things mechanical, I get the feeling that as a longer term proposision (re reliability / mechanical longevity / build quality) the earlier one would be better. Model wise it's looking at an SL320 or an SL500. Other than willy waving engine size, is there a reason why I should consider one over the other?

Thoughts, as always on the back of a postcard to

'White suited middle aged man mit dem loafers c/o the sarf coast, Engerland'

[lordlee]

Love the R129 - can you please give us an idea of budget as that will help a great deal.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Somewhere around 12-15k (R129) and 20k (R230) was what I had in mind. Something to keep for a few years and something that will be able to handle 50k in that time.

[cheadle hulme]

I was looking them a few months back. Looking again, hardly any of them seem to have moved. Great cars, but a bit wafty for me.

Might be some tips in here?

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[drivin_me_nuts]

Thanks, good thread. General concensus seems to be the 500 over the 320. OK, one choice made.

[Nuisance_Value]

drivin_me_nuts said:

Somewhere around 12-15k (R129) and 20k (R230) was what I had in mind. Something to keep for a few years and something that will be able to handle 50k in that time.

It's all in the link posted by Mr Hulme above really. £12 - £15k will get you the very best late model, low miles R129. A very good one (depending on year), average miler will be £5 - £10k. R129 SL60s, if you can find one, are around £15k. £17k plus for good R230 SL500 though I don't really follow their prices much (I'd rather a R230 SL600). They drink petrol and are big V8s so with current petrol prices they are out of favour really. They'll all handle 50k miles easy with regular maintenance (I've done about that in 3 - 4 years)

[XB70]

For that budget, 2000/2001 R129 SL500 no question.

You would get an immaculate one for that price.