Quick depreciation???
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
'13 Infiniti G37
Quick depreciation???
So I just booked out my car and about had a heart attack when I seen the price. How does a 55k damn near fully loaded 2015 C300 with 9k on the clock only book at 32k 6months later? That is a stupid depreciation for a car if I ever seen one. Had I known it would drop that much I would have waited a few months and just bought one used with 4K on the clock. Is this normal with MB?
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 49
Likes: 9
MB C300
No idea, but I think there's a couple things to keep in mind.
First, early 2015s had a whole host of problems, namely the wrist pin issue, so early 2015s probably suffered disproportionately in value.
Also, options don't really retain their value much, so a more accurate value of c-class depreciation would be a lightly optioned car. I just optioned out a lightly-optioned C-class on KBB.com and got a valuation of 29,833. So the extra 15K in options on your vehicle only retained 2-3k of value. Again, that's expected of any car - there's a reason why people say it's a fallacy to pick options for the "resale" value.
Third reason I can think of is the massive amount of incentives on the car. The 55k msrp C300 probably actually sold for round 45k, so it's really a depreciation of 45k-32k, which is within the normal range of 20% depreciation right out the door.
First, early 2015s had a whole host of problems, namely the wrist pin issue, so early 2015s probably suffered disproportionately in value.
Also, options don't really retain their value much, so a more accurate value of c-class depreciation would be a lightly optioned car. I just optioned out a lightly-optioned C-class on KBB.com and got a valuation of 29,833. So the extra 15K in options on your vehicle only retained 2-3k of value. Again, that's expected of any car - there's a reason why people say it's a fallacy to pick options for the "resale" value.
Third reason I can think of is the massive amount of incentives on the car. The 55k msrp C300 probably actually sold for round 45k, so it's really a depreciation of 45k-32k, which is within the normal range of 20% depreciation right out the door.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 8
2013 BMW 328i
options always depreciate a lot. i'm super careful about what options i really need when i buy a car.
friend of mine bought a 2012 911 S last year with 11k miles on it. MSRP 142k and it had ridiculous options like the AC vents covered in leather and backs of seat shells covered in leather. he got it for $80k. for a 3 year old car with 11k miles o nit
friend of mine bought a 2012 911 S last year with 11k miles on it. MSRP 142k and it had ridiculous options like the AC vents covered in leather and backs of seat shells covered in leather. he got it for $80k. for a 3 year old car with 11k miles o nit
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
It's a Mercedes thing. It's also an Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Porsche, Range Rover and Maserati thing.
The cars that hold their value are reliable and uncomplicated, like Hondas, because unlike a Mercedes, a Honda out of warranty is not going to eat you alive in repairs.
The cars that hold their value are reliable and uncomplicated, like Hondas, because unlike a Mercedes, a Honda out of warranty is not going to eat you alive in repairs.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
'13 Infiniti G37
Damn, so I guess that means I'm stuck in this car till the end of the lease. I hate this car/ brand and want out. Looks like it may just sit in the garage for another 2 1/2 years.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Originally Posted by swagger_jacker
Damn, so I guess that means I'm stuck in this car till the end of the lease. I hate this car/ brand and want out. Looks like it may just sit in the garage for another 2 1/2 years.
Or, once you've paid off some of the lease just trade the car in. The payoff is the total of the remaining lease payments plus the residual. You don't have to keep the car for the whole lease and turn it back in. It can be traded like any other car.
If you have some negative equity just wash it out in the lease on the replacement car. You'll be happier paying an extra $150 a month or so on a car you love rather than being miserable paying off a car you hate.
So what turned you off on the car and brand? What would you like instead?
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 19
2016 C300
i'd never ever buy a used german car, unless less than 10k miles.
the amount of things that could go wrong with this car is staggering. way too many mechanical components that can go wrong, way too complicated engineering on these type of cars.
the only luxury brand that retains it's value exceptionally well is Lexus. their cars are known to last for years after warranty is over. i've seen plenty of lexuses goign into the 200k miles without any major issues.
All my family has had benz in the past. My dad had a E class brand new which went to the dealer numerous times in the first year of ownership. Mostly electronic problems (lights, clock, ETC). these things just don't happen to japanese cars.
the worst was my brother's R350. during 1 winter, the steering fluid container froze and cracked, leaking all steering fluid. The car lost power steering on the highway and my brother BARELLY steered it into the shoulder. I believe this was a known problem on early R350s. but seriously, WTF mercedes?
Also, any car, once driven off the lot loses about 20% of it's value.
the amount of things that could go wrong with this car is staggering. way too many mechanical components that can go wrong, way too complicated engineering on these type of cars.
the only luxury brand that retains it's value exceptionally well is Lexus. their cars are known to last for years after warranty is over. i've seen plenty of lexuses goign into the 200k miles without any major issues.
All my family has had benz in the past. My dad had a E class brand new which went to the dealer numerous times in the first year of ownership. Mostly electronic problems (lights, clock, ETC). these things just don't happen to japanese cars.
the worst was my brother's R350. during 1 winter, the steering fluid container froze and cracked, leaking all steering fluid. The car lost power steering on the highway and my brother BARELLY steered it into the shoulder. I believe this was a known problem on early R350s. but seriously, WTF mercedes?
Also, any car, once driven off the lot loses about 20% of it's value.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
It sounds like the real problem is he dislikes the car (and brand), he wants out, and he's trapped by depreciation, as he would be with any new car purchase. I've been there. It sucks.
I'd be interested to know what turned him off. Although I've owned nothing but Mercedes since 2007 I'm not a Mercedes fanboy. I'm a fan of driving cars you love, no matter who makes them.
I'd be interested to know what turned him off. Although I've owned nothing but Mercedes since 2007 I'm not a Mercedes fanboy. I'm a fan of driving cars you love, no matter who makes them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 114
From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
This is my first Mercedes, and although I still like my 2015 C300 Sport 4Matic (especially since I just put my 19" AMG wheels back on for Summer), I have to admit I expected more from this prestigious car company when it comes to my model car. How did the engineers NOT know the ride in back is very brittle over bumps for instance?
For the money I paid (comparing here to an equivalent 3 Series BMW or Audi A4), I feel my C300 should have had certain features that most other luxury cars either come with or are available in this price range...like fog lights, heated rear seats, rear seat temp control & USB charging ports, heated "Sport" steering wheel, front & rear audible parking sensors, and headlight washers.
Another thing I don't get is why Mercedes designed the mbrace software system the way they did...for instance, when I switch to NAV (at times) or weather radar (every time), why does it display the entire continental U.S.? My past vehicles always kept the last zoom setting. IMO the UConnect system in my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was far superior & intuitive than mbrace. Did Mercedes even ask their customers what they like?
Last edited by MASSC450; Apr 9, 2016 at 09:21 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Ve are Mercedes. Ve vill tell you vat you like and zat vill be zat!
Mercedes is not one to load up the features on their entry or near entry level cars. Those are withheld for their most premium offerings, ie the S Class, and the new E.
The folks who do pile on amenities to the point of absurdity and at dirt cheap prices are the Korean builders, and even the other Asian builders. For the money, the Kia Cadenza is an outstanding value in a compact luxury sedan. Loaded out the *** and it actually drives nice too. Nobody buys it, but it's a smart buy pound for pound.
Mercedes is not one to load up the features on their entry or near entry level cars. Those are withheld for their most premium offerings, ie the S Class, and the new E.
The folks who do pile on amenities to the point of absurdity and at dirt cheap prices are the Korean builders, and even the other Asian builders. For the money, the Kia Cadenza is an outstanding value in a compact luxury sedan. Loaded out the *** and it actually drives nice too. Nobody buys it, but it's a smart buy pound for pound.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
'13 Infiniti G37
It sounds like the real problem is he dislikes the car (and brand), he wants out, and he's trapped by depreciation, as he would be with any new car purchase. I've been there. It sucks.
I'd be interested to know what turned him off. Although I've owned nothing but Mercedes since 2007 I'm not a Mercedes fanboy. I'm a fan of driving cars you love, no matter who makes them.
I'd be interested to know what turned him off. Although I've owned nothing but Mercedes since 2007 I'm not a Mercedes fanboy. I'm a fan of driving cars you love, no matter who makes them.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 19
2016 C300
So the reason I'm turned off from MB is a combination of things. I custom ordered this car and took delivery in August. The day the car was delivered it had issues. when I would take it to get looked at they would find a way to make it my fault. It's never the car that has issues, I just apparently don't know how cars work in their mind. Rattles, vibrations, buzzing sounds, smells, chattering. Never had any issues with any other cars when going into the dealer, I would mention an issue or a noise and without any hesitation, " no problem we will look at it." MB, I take it in and they have not even looked at the car and are already giving me excuses and reasons why it's doing it. None of which make any sense to me. I came from an Infiniti lease and went through the gauntlet of all cars in the same "class". Audi A4/A6, BMW 4,5, Lexus, Cadillac, Infiniti, ect. I went with MB because of the options I was able to get for the money. I think the car looks amazing and has great features but to me has fallen way short of what MB quality and experience should be. I have escalated my issues through MB corporate and am looking to do a buy back, however; not sure that is going to go through which is why I looked up KBB value. I don't enjoy driving the car and when other people get in the car and mention the same issues that I have and ask" this is a Mercedes? With these issues?" Kinda embarrassing and a major turn off. I'm sure these sound like petty issues and most may not even bat an eye to them, to me and the price I pay for the car as a whole or even just a monthly lease should not happen nor the experience at the dealer when take it in for maintenance.
However, you are 100% right in that a $50k car shouldn't be having any issues whatsoever.
i'm coming from mostly japanese luxury brands, so i feel what you are saying.
Best of luck on getting MB to buy-back.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
They don't sound petty to me, and more importantly it's your money and your time, not to mention a Mercedes is a reward purchase that should actually be rewarding. I'm well aware of the propensity to blame away anything they're not smart enough to figure out. MB (and most brands) pay their techs a flat fee for diagnosis and once that's eaten up they're working for free until they figure it out. Rattles are notoriously hard to track down and frustrating as **** to listen to.
I'll throw you a few suggestions:
If possible try a different dealer. They're very competitive and they love fixing something the other store couldn't handle.
If it's door rattles take the car to any high end audio store and have the interior panels of all four fours treated with Hushmat or Dynamat sound dampening material.
Set the thing on fire and collect the insurance money. Don't make the mistake most people make and remove personal effects and valuables beforehand. It's a huge tip off to the fraud investigators. If they see a melted lump of CD's, your radar detector and maybe your phone on the floor they'll likely look no further. Also make it an engine fire that happens on the road somewhere, not in your driveway where you have access to a hose.
Obviously not all of my recommendations are serious. Hushmat?! As if.
I'll throw you a few suggestions:
If possible try a different dealer. They're very competitive and they love fixing something the other store couldn't handle.
If it's door rattles take the car to any high end audio store and have the interior panels of all four fours treated with Hushmat or Dynamat sound dampening material.
Set the thing on fire and collect the insurance money. Don't make the mistake most people make and remove personal effects and valuables beforehand. It's a huge tip off to the fraud investigators. If they see a melted lump of CD's, your radar detector and maybe your phone on the floor they'll likely look no further. Also make it an engine fire that happens on the road somewhere, not in your driveway where you have access to a hose.
Obviously not all of my recommendations are serious. Hushmat?! As if.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 114
From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
Definitely sounds like you go to a crappy Mercedes dealership, that's too bad.
MBOB here in Mass has always treated me like a king, and has taken care of just about every repair request I have asked them to look at. I say "just about" because Mercedes has not come up with an official fix for the W205 creaky door issue.
As a matter of fact, my last loaner from them was a new 2016 E Class that had a sticker price of almost $75,000 !
MBOB here in Mass has always treated me like a king, and has taken care of just about every repair request I have asked them to look at. I say "just about" because Mercedes has not come up with an official fix for the W205 creaky door issue.
As a matter of fact, my last loaner from them was a new 2016 E Class that had a sticker price of almost $75,000 !
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
'13 Infiniti G37
Definitely sounds like you go to a crappy Mercedes dealership, that's too bad.
MBOB here in Mass has always treated me like a king, and has taken care of just about every repair request I have asked them to look at. I say "just about" because Mercedes has not come up with an official fix for the W205 creaky door issue.
As a matter of fact, my last loaner from them was a new 2016 E Class that had a sticker price of almost $75,000 !
MBOB here in Mass has always treated me like a king, and has taken care of just about every repair request I have asked them to look at. I say "just about" because Mercedes has not come up with an official fix for the W205 creaky door issue.
As a matter of fact, my last loaner from them was a new 2016 E Class that had a sticker price of almost $75,000 !
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 139
Likes: 15
996 Carrera, G55 AMG
I'd like to know myself as well.
This is my first Mercedes, and although I still like my 2015 C300 Sport 4Matic (especially since I just put my 19" AMG wheels back on for Summer), I have to admit I expected more from this prestigious car company when it comes to my model car. How did the engineers NOT know the ride in back is very brittle over bumps for instance?
For the money I paid (comparing here to an equivalent 3 Series BMW or Audi A4), I feel my C300 should have had certain features that most other luxury cars either come with or are available in this price range...like fog lights, heated rear seats, rear seat temp control & USB charging ports, heated "Sport" steering wheel, front & rear audible parking sensors, and headlight washers.
Another thing I don't get is why Mercedes designed the mbrace software system the way they did...for instance, when I switch to NAV (at times) or weather radar (every time), why does it display the entire continental U.S.? My past vehicles always kept the last zoom setting. IMO the UConnect system in my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was far superior & intuitive than mbrace. Did Mercedes even ask their customers what they like?
This is my first Mercedes, and although I still like my 2015 C300 Sport 4Matic (especially since I just put my 19" AMG wheels back on for Summer), I have to admit I expected more from this prestigious car company when it comes to my model car. How did the engineers NOT know the ride in back is very brittle over bumps for instance?
For the money I paid (comparing here to an equivalent 3 Series BMW or Audi A4), I feel my C300 should have had certain features that most other luxury cars either come with or are available in this price range...like fog lights, heated rear seats, rear seat temp control & USB charging ports, heated "Sport" steering wheel, front & rear audible parking sensors, and headlight washers.
Another thing I don't get is why Mercedes designed the mbrace software system the way they did...for instance, when I switch to NAV (at times) or weather radar (every time), why does it display the entire continental U.S.? My past vehicles always kept the last zoom setting. IMO the UConnect system in my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was far superior & intuitive than mbrace. Did Mercedes even ask their customers what they like?
As for headlight washers, I believe the legal requirement was changed for lamps less than 2000 lumens.
The led light system has a "fog mode" which Mercedes claims eliminates the need for dedicated fogs...
Parking sensors are available in the parking package.
Besides the 2015 C-Class was named Wolrd Car of the Year at the New York Auto Show in 2015:
Op got a dud.
Last edited by Graycat305; Apr 9, 2016 at 03:56 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Originally Posted by swagger_jacker
75k that's crazy for a loaner. Here is another question I have. Does anyone here have a fragrance package on their C? I ask cuz mine does and they claim this is one of the reason for an issue. When I open the sunroof, or any/all windows I get a hot grease smell coming through the car. Was told this is because the ionizing has been turned off with the window open. The loaner car however had no smell. When I mentioned this I was told its the fact mine has the fragrance package and the loaner didn't. Seems like a stupid excuse but figured I wold ask if others have the same issue.
There comes a point with this stuff sometimes where I've exceeded the limitations of the dealer and just start figuring it out myself, or trying to. Obviously they should be taking care of this but that might be a fight for another day.
With the engine warm and running, open the hood. See if you can identify that machine smell. I'd look anywhere that generates heat...exhaust, block, turbo, etc that might have oil or grease where it shouldn't. You may need to remove the decorative shroud.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 698
Likes: 81
From: Philly and NYC
2019 E63S & 2022 X7 M50
I never purchase a car expecting to ever see the money ever again. It's a luxury that's how I see it. I can always just drive a Kia and save a load of money but where's the fun in that?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 987
Likes: 66
.
Is there any general multiplier that can be used to estimate the residual value of options i.e 0.5 times the standard residual?
$13K of the $65K in my car will be from options, so as I try to estimate the 3 year cost of ownership between leasing and buying, I'm wondering how I could best estimate that. Previously I was just using the 58% residual (the residual I was given from MBFS) on the full $65K, but from the sound of things that could be dramatically overestimating my resale/trade-in value after 3 years.
$13K of the $65K in my car will be from options, so as I try to estimate the 3 year cost of ownership between leasing and buying, I'm wondering how I could best estimate that. Previously I was just using the 58% residual (the residual I was given from MBFS) on the full $65K, but from the sound of things that could be dramatically overestimating my resale/trade-in value after 3 years.
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 6
From: Chicago, IL USA
2015 Mercedes C300 Sport
