Used 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG Consumer Reviews
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Poser
Least reliable vehicle I have ever experienced. Needs frequent, unscheduled visits to repair shop. A car's first priority should be quality and reliability. This car fails in that regard. 500 hp is irrelevant if the car is sitting once again in the dealer's repair shop.
It should Fly
I have owned Ferrari, other AMG Mercedes, several SL500's, Corvette's, and I would divorce my wife before giving up this car for any reason. I can't wait to go to work in the morning to drive down the winding grade I live on top of, and going up is just as exhilarating. This is the best car I have ever owned. I also own the S550 and never drive it....why would I?
Unique, Sporty Luxury
I've put 6,000 miles on this car since I bought it 6 months ago. Now at 76,000 miles. The SL55 has been a reliable daily driver even though I've driven it very hard, including a track day. It is not as comfy as my previous 4-passenger E class, but is one heck of a lot quicker. While not a sports car due to its weight, the 55 handles well and is deceptively fast. Turn off the stability control and the car is very entertaining on a twisty road. Just don't try that on wet pavement. With the hard top up, it feels as solid as a real coupe. Top down, it's a true convertible with very little wind blast in the cabin. I bought a full aftermarket warranty to manage repair costs, but haven't had occasion to make a claim, yet.
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Six years makes no difference
I've always wanted a supercar, a 2-seater and a convertible. We got all three and got it in this car. I've always enjoyed driving, have favored Mercedes over other brands once I started buying them. I had Audi and BMW top line cars in the past and the final kicker than makes the Benz best for me (besides being able to handle my 1.97 m height)is superior quality and service. The M-B people have always taken exceptional care of my cars and I am a fussy one. Buying a 2004 model, the only real limitation I did not pay enough attention to was the dated transmission, it does not shift responsively enough with that motor and especially with the steering wheel buttons/early paddle shifters.
Dream Car
The best combination of any car ever built. It's a sports car (use only the manual transmission and the steering wheel metal gear changers); it's a luxury car with a sports car or luxury car suspension; it can cruise mildly or attack corners; it's beautiful (silver ties whole car together); it's a hardtop for foul weather and winter and a convertible - incredible. There may be better cars for any one item but none with this combination at such a high level.