MarkR

I'm seeking input on the likely value(Both Retail, wholesale(Trade-In) on a 2006 CLS55 with 20000 miles. The car is in excellent condition and has the 319 lighting package and 6 CD changer. It is Iridium silver with a charcoal interior. I'd also like some of your guesses on what this car MAY be worth in two years from now assuming it remains in excellent condition and has 50,000 miles. All input will be greatly appreciated.

m_berman

go to kbb.com

chutia

The price of anything is whatever it clears the market at, like for like. That said, try Autotrader.com, cars.com, etc. Note, however, that many listings can be stale and not deleted; there are plenty of "dreamers" who ask prices that the cars will never sell at, and some "too good to be true" prices (they almost always are). Also note that there is whole cottage-industry of "manufacturer buy-back" cars, esp in CA and FL. These cars SHOULD sell for 15-30% < legit MB dealer (non-CPO'ed) cars. So-called exotic car dealers also will sell their cars for < the "mark" (in this case, MB) dealers, b/c all they really are selling is price (I would very reluctantly buy a high-dollar car from such dealers for a variety of good common sense reasons). Hope this helps.

jl88

Wholesale price of your car at Manheim is between $68 to $70k. Your car isn't that well equipped, so it may go for lower. Tradein/sale value at dealer will vary depending if you're buying a car from them. They'll gladly give you $80k for the CLS55 if you're paying a premium for another car. It's just a numbers game.

The four year depreciation for AMG is roughly 50-55% of invoice price. Things like warranty, frame damage, will all play a factor.

Ideally, if you want to buy a car and sell your used car, it's best to separate into two separate transactions. Dealers will do plenty of tricks to cloud the real numbers to give you the illusion you're getting a deal, when in fact, you're not.