1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
- Fast, good looking and oozing with style.
- Incorrigible gas hog. Steep price tag.
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. This year sees the departure of the SL320 as Mercedes' trims the fat from its super car lineup.
The SL600 is a whompin' V12 two-door roadster. The SL isn't merely a CL600 coupe with no roof. It is lighter and more nimble. The bloodline it shares with the gargantuan CL-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 $125,000, that's kind of a moot point.
The ... ahem, lowly SL500 is the more reasonably priced and more popular Mercedes roadster. Prices for the SL500 have fallen dramatically for the second year in a row; much more reasonablly priced in 1998 at just under $80,000. So, do you get less car for your smaller payment? No. The SL500 has 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. If it comes to that, however, even the SL500 doesn't offer particularly good value when compared to the all-new SLK, which features a retractable hardtop and outstanding performance at half the price.
1998 Highlights
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Most helpful consumer reviews
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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Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Overview
The Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is offered in the following submodels: SL-Class Convertible. Available styles include SL500 2dr Convertible, SL600 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible, SL600 2dr Convertible, and SL500 SL1 Sport 2dr Convertible. Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models are available with a 5.0 L-liter gas engine or a 6.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 389 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 1998 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 1998 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) 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Can't find a used 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Classs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 1998 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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