1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
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1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class appraisal values can range from $2,149 - $5,703.
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Beautiful, high-performance, wind-in-your-hair, roadster.
Cons
- Price.
What’s new
A Panorama hardtop is now available, and it helps improve top-up visibility. ASR traction control is now standard on the SL320. A rain sensor is now standard on all models as well.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$245/mo
SL-Class SL500
vs
$190/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
For years, the classic roadster to own was the Mercedes 450SL. From 1973 to 1989, Mercedes peddled so many of these convertibles to the rich and famous that they became as ubiquitous as cocaine vials at high-society social events. Then, Mercedes revamped its classic, upping the technological ante by light years over the old car. The redone SL has been available in three styles since then; 320, 500 and 600 Series droptops.
The SL600 is a whompin' V12 two-door roadster. The SL isn't merely a S600 coupe with no roof. It is lighter, more nimble, and based on the SL-Class of roadsters. The bloodline it shares with the gargantuan S-Class is the 6.0-liter V12 that makes 389 horsepower and moves the car with authority. Stuffed into the SL, the V12 is a better performer and costs less than its big brother coupe, but at a stupendous $123,000, that's kind of a moot point.
The...ahem, lowly SL320 and SL500 are the more reasonably priced and more popular Mercedes roadsters. Prices for the SL320 and SL500 fell dramatically in 1995. The SL320, which was base priced at $95,000 in 1994, is starting at about $80,000 this year. Likewise, the SL500 fell nearly 10 grand to $90,000. So, do you get less car for your smaller payment? No. The SL320 and SL500 have gained equipment since then.
We don't think you should go for the SL600. The SL500 is just as good, and better in some respects, than its more muscular brother. And with your savings you could get a Jeep Grand Cherokee for the kids to take to Keg-A-Beer University in the fall. In fact, with the soon-to-be-released SLK on the way, it doesn't make sense to buy any of these big beasties. The SLK is faster than the SL320, has a convertible hardtop, and costs less than half what M-B is asking for its SL320.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
5 star(70%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(5%)
37 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
AS GOOD AS IT GETS!
alan,09/12/2009
1995 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
Had this for a year. After investing for minor items [about $3,000] it is a new car. The lines are timeless. Great performance at any speed. Rides like a magic carpet. This is one great vehicle. No regrets.
4.38 out of 5 stars
6 month toy
duck,02/18/2003
1995 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL500 2dr Convertible
The looks this car gets are off the
charts, but they come at a hefty
price. I only drive my SL500 6 months a
year. Therein lies the problem; already
expensive cost of ownership,
exacerbated by spreading the costs over
only six months. That said, I still
keep it, and wait for the spring to
bring nice weather. The thrill of
hitting the accelerator on this 300+ HP
beast … is beyond compare. Driving with
the top down on a nice day is one of
the finest auto experiences around.
Then, pulling into valet parking of a
crowded cafe or club is bound to stroke
the ego of any redblooded American male.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My SL320
Joan Ortlepp,07/23/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
This is my 5th Mercedes. Have had an
older 230SL, 2 diesels and my most
recent large sedan 300SE. Have sold my
300SE and Miata convertible and
combined the features of both in
SL320. This car is fun to drive, very
comfortable and quick (even though it
is only a large 6 cylinder). I got the
SL320 because it had the same engine as
my 300SE.
4 out of 5 stars
Love my buggy
Sean,03/22/2016
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL320 2dr Convertible
This is my 1st SL and I am having fun, Purchased it to be a weekend toy but find myself driving it more and more. i have had no maintenance issues and she is 19 years old.....finger crossed. Everything is expensive on this car so when it breaks I am mentally prepared to deal with that.
All in all...just a great and fun car!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SL-Class since its last redesign.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- N/A
- MPG & Fuel
- 16 City / 22 Hwy / 18 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gal. capacity
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 228 hp @ 5600 rpm
- Torque: 232 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
- Dimensions
- Length: 177.1 in. / Height: 51.3 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 71.3 in.
- Curb Weight: 4010 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 7.9 cu.ft.
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test0
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More about the 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Overview
The Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is offered in the following submodels: SL-Class Convertible. Available styles include SL500 2dr Convertible, SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible, SL320 2dr Convertible, and SL600 2dr Convertible. Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models are available with a 5.0 L-liter gas engine or a 3.2 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 315 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Classes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Can't find a used 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Classs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Mercedes-Benz lease specials
Check out Mercedes-Benz SL-Class lease specials
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