This is a real challenge, because I could make a case for this car as 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 stars. These are beautiful, well engineered, well executed cars. If they have been lovingly maintained, they are an exceptional choice as a used car value, ticking off many boxes like, comfort, strong dependable running gear, great bang for the buck, pieces of art on wheels. The engineering is complex and subject to wear, neglect, the environment and age. They are designed for new car buyers who get great warranty response when there is a problem. As a used car, expensive to repair and replace parts and systems. Difficult to diagnose the source of problems and most repairs required a renewal of an entire system rather than simple part replacement. The convertible top as an example, with a leaky cylinder (there are 10) is likely an indication that all cylinders need to be replaced, fluid renewed and sensors (the are 10 of those too). Just to diagnose the problem can be 2 hours shop time at $120 per hour. So, rating this car for perspective buyers is a challenge and probably better done on an individual basis, both for each car and each buyer. The good news is, there are many of these cars and they are highly regarded by buyers.

The styling is so unique. The convertible hardtop give you the best of a coupe and drop top sports car. I live in Louisiana and the weather changes quite often. It is so nice to have the convertible hardtop function in such a user friendly way. If I need to raise or lower the top it operates with the touch of a switch.

Great interior room good horsepower, very comfortable smooth ride

Love the car and is handles great. Classic MB design that just looks great. They have not really done much to the design in 12 years and the car still looks great. Almost impossible to tell a 2000 model from a 2012 model if you don't know a lot about the SL500.

This vehicle truely defines why Mercedes Benz is one of the pioneers in the automoblie industry. This engine is very beefy and still growls at low rpms. This car is a freaken savage! This has so much torque that when your driving a 40 mph and floor it, it burns rubber. Thats I why I love German cars.