The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Years To Avoid
We've rounded up nine Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years to avoid. See which ones (and which SL-Class years are safe to buy used) so you can make a smart car shopping decision.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car selection that’s been on the market for sixty years. Since there are so many trim levels, ensure you get the most out of your money and understand the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years to avoid.
While most years of a vehicle are fine, there are always some that receive more complaints from customers and thus cost more to keep in ideal shape. This statement is factual for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, with some top-notch years and some terrible ones. Read on to learn more about the best years, worst, and common issues in the car.
Quick Answer: Avoid Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Years 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Unfortunately, there are many years we advise keeping out of your sights when looking at the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. We recommend refraining from 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016 selections. While they might be more affordable, they won’t save you much money in the long run.
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Which Year Are Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Models Safe to Buy Used?
While there are some unfortunate years of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, there are some that will be well worth your money and will provide far fewer complaints than the other trim levels. These will cost less to maintain and are far less likely to break down. Let’s discuss some of the best choices for your wallet.
The safest Mercedes-Benz SL-Class selections include the following:
- 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL500
- 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500
- 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500
- 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL500
- 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL500
- 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL550
These will provide the best bang for every dollar spent.
Of course, the model year of a vehicle doesn’t mean you should invest in any version of the vehicle you see. Always take the car on a test drive and check it out first to ensure the previous owner cared for the car or you could run into some of the same troubles as the worst years.
Which Year Models of Mercedes-Benz SL-Class to Avoid
There are many Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years to avoid, unfortunately, which means you can’t just invest in any random year and expect things to go well. These could appear more affordable, but in the end, they will cost you more.
Here are the versions of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class to avoid:
- 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
These are the worst for your cash.
Unfortunately, most of these have significant issues and complaints from customers. If you want one of these selections, ensure it’s in the best possible condition.
Common Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Problems
Whether you invest in a vehicle that’s from one of the best or the worst years, there are sure to be troubles in the system. No car is trouble-free, but you can make a large difference in how you handle the faults in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. Let’s review some of the most problematic areas of the car so you’re prepared.
Here are some of the trouble spots in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
- Fuel system troubles
- Leaking hydraulic fluid
- Crankshaft position sensor failure
- Oil leaks
These are problematic spots in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Keep your eyes hunting for these troubles if you want to catch them as soon as they appear. The sooner you can witness these troubles, the less likely they will take your car out with their issues. The sooner you address the faults, the better the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class will fare.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE MERCEDES-BENZ AMG GT
If you’re looking for the most reliable Mercedes-Benz AMG GT year, you’ve come to the right place.
Are Mercedes-Benz SL-Classes typically reliable?
When checking out the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years to avoid, it’s helpful to examine whether the cars in this series are typically dependable. Surprisingly, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class seems to fare well in dependability. It has a solid track record from previous drivers and customers.
Here are some things said about the dependability of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class:
- 7.7 out of 10 reliability rating
- 6th out of 27 luxury convertibles
- Fun to drive system
Most of what’s said is positive for the vehicle.
As long as you invest in the most dependable years and focus on the maintenance and upkeep of your machine, you should be in excellent shape with your Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. They are some of the best put forward by the Mercedes-Benz name.
How much does a used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class typically cost?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class can be pricey, so it makes sense for many to go for a used version of the vehicle instead of a brand-new selection. If you want to go with an older car, it’s beneficial to know what you’re paying.
The average price for a used version of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is around $38,000. That’s the average, so the cost can be much higher or lower depending on the model year, features, state, and other selections.
HOW LONG DO MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS CARS LAST?
Before putting down any money, however, we recommend asking yourself the question - how long do Mercedes-Benz M-Class cars last?
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a good car to purchase?
We do recommend the SL-Class for your next vehicle. This statement is especially true with the most dependable.
The SL-Class is the best in its class, which is excellent news for those who love luxury. The best model years will be a dream for the right driver.
FAQs: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Years to Avoid
Q: Which Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years should I avoid?
There are several Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years to avoid. Refrain from the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2014, 2015, and 2016 selections.
Q: Did any of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years to avoid other significant issues?
There were several significant troubles in the versions to avoid. Watch for fuel system issues, oil leaks, leaking hydraulic fluid, and more.
Q: Are newer Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models more reliable?
When looking at the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class years to avoid, there is a solid mix of reliability amongst the older and newer versions of the vehicle. Ultimately, there are solid old and new selections.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a good car to purchase?
We recommend the SL-Class. It has decent reviews and ample reliable model years for interested drivers.
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