1999 Mercedes Benz SL500

Tony’s Take: A sports car the SL ain’t, but the Silver Metallic over Ash Nappa leather autobahn burner is a “proper Merc.” (Don’t get me started about the first “Bubba Benz” SUVs.) Sport Package, removable hardtop, black soft top, 18″ five-spoke AMG wheels, xenon headlights, fog lights, heated multi-contour seats, automatic climate control, a factory cassette stereo through a BOSE sound system. Downside: 84k miles. She’ll probably go another 84k before major service. But not definitely. Low cost of acquisition, scary ongoing expenses, too many miles for collector status. Hard pass.