Item: Used Mercedes-Benz SL 2002 - 2012
Rating: 4
Author: Steve Huntingford

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<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

SL CLASS

<p>The Mercedes SL is one of the most desirable cars now at reasonable prices</p>


Used Mercedes-Benz SL 2002 - 2012

<p>No SL will be cheap to run. Insurance for the SL350 may be the least costly for the range, but it's still in group 20, and the AMG models are even more expensive because of their monumental performance.</p>

<p>Most SL buyers are likely to stick with Mercedes dealers for servicing, which will not be cheap as they are at the very top end of the scale for labour rate charges and parts prices are eye-watering.</p>

<p>At least the SL has variable service intervals, so you should be able to keep servicing to around every 12,000 miles unless you drive the car very hard.</p>

<p>Fuel economy in the low 20s for the SL500 is acceptable, while the SL350 returns around 24mpg. The AMG and SL600 models all struggle to get into the high teens and this will plummet if you make use of the performance. And you will...</p>

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The Mercedes SL is one of the most desirable cars now at reasonable prices


<p>The SL55 AMG is easily the best SL. It has much the same stylish looks as the standard SL, but with a hint more menace thanks to minor body tweaks and bigger alloy wheels. It also has a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 pumping out 500bhp to push it firmly into the supercar league for performance. Like the SL600, it cracks 0-62mph in 4.6sec and doesn't let up until a limited top speed of 155mph.</p>

<p>The SL500 is a close runner-up and is not that much slower than the SL55 AMG. However, it's a little more refined and rides the bumps a fraction more smoothly, as well as being cheaper to buy and run. The V6-engined SL350 is cheaper again, but will leave you feeling short-changed on performance, and wondering about what you're missing.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> <p>Practicality is not essential but nice to have</p> </li></ul>

<p>Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.</p>

<p>The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.</p>

<p>One of the key things to look for when buying an SL is not the car itself, but your local Mercedes dealer. You're more than likely to use them for servicing, so make sure their customer service matches your expectations.</p>

<p>The SL is put together with care and attention, and it's a very reliable and easy car to live with. Nevertheless, check the folding roof works smoothly and quickly as the electric motors can seize if it's not used for long periods, such as over winter.</p>

<p>And, if you're looking for an AMG model, have a good look at the alloys - they're prone to kerb damage, and, whether you repair or replace them, it'll be very pricey.</p>

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<p>The Mercedes SL is one of the most desirable and pretty cars in the world. Roof up, it's a handsome two-seater coupe. Pop the electric roof down and you can bask in sunshine and admiring looks.</p>

<p>There's almost no shimmy or shake from the body when the roof is dropped, even on bumpy roads, and the optional active body control eliminates body roll in corners without adversely affecting the ride quality.</p>

<p>There's a 3.7-litre V6 as the entry point, but most buyers choose the V8 SL500. For more pace the SL55 AMG has also proved a huge hit, while the SL65 AMG and SL600 have identical performance delivered in very different ways - the SL600 is all discreet swiftness, while the SL65 is almost insanely, in-your-face rapid.</p>

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Used Mercedes-Benz SL 2002 - 2012 review

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Read the definitive used Mercedes SL-Class 2002 - 2012 review from What Car?. We tell you what you need to know before you buy.

The Mercedes SL is one of the most desirable and pretty cars in the world. Roof up, it's a handsome two-seater coupe. Pop the electric roof down and you can bask in sunshine and admiring looks.,There's almost no shimmy or shake from the body when the roof is dropped, even on bumpy roads, and the optional active body control eliminates body roll in corners without adversely affecting the ride quality.,There's a 3.7-litre V6 as the entry point, but most buyers choose the V8 SL500. For more pace the SL55 AMG has also proved a huge hit, while the SL65 AMG and SL600 have identical performance delivered in very different ways - the SL600 is all discreet swiftness, while the SL65 is almost insanely, in-your-face rapid. 

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Used Mercedes-Benz SL 2002 - 2012 review

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