FLYNAVY

So was I blacked out for too long, or did the value of our cars just drop off the side of the earth? 6 months ago decent examples were pulling 15-17 at private party (I remember commenting on how cheap 14 was), and now (and only in the last month) I see good examples under 100k miles going for 8-10. What gives? The economy? Is everyone trying to dump their cars, debts because of the *****ty housing market? Its weird to me....

AMGJared

Yeah man, car sales are down just as much as the housing market. It's really horrible. That other member just relisted his C43 with like 110k miles for $6,500! I've been trying to sell mine for a while as well. I don't know what the hell is going on.

98C43AMG

Yep, thats me, reserve is $6,500........ pretty much the same price as a C280 Sport, it's unbelieveable Its an amazing car. When he traded it in, he still owed $8200, he paid close to $20k for it in 2004.....

StapleGun

I know what's going on - MB's are like BMW, they're very costly to maintain when something goes south - if nothing else that's the perception of these cars with the general public. Plus most people finance their cars, Banks ain't making loans typically on what are now close to nine and ten year old cars that have no warranty.

Most of us here, tinker and maintain our cars to a higher degree than most people. Most of the public, much like ourselves, unless we absolutely have to, don't want to dole out $1200 for a brake job or $4800 for a transmission at a $tealer$ship.

If I had known about all the 'issues' with the transmission on my car, I would have never bought it. Luckily, knock on wood, I change ALL the fluids regularly and the car has been flawless, discounting the MAF that I replaced when purchased (wish I had that link 'ohlord' posted waaay back when - that was great info). Almost forgot to add, most cars take a pretty big hit once they tick past 100K on the odo.

FLYNAVY

Yeah, I HAD been thinking about selling, but F that......I'll be keeping this at least until I think it actually is worth 8 grand (maybe 150k + miles and a few more years). 2 yrs ago I bought it for well above 20k , and that was well after the depreciation should have stabilized. I feel like a w211 E55 owner right now

Time for a '55 swap

ECTurboGSX

I just paid about 15k for mine this past summer. I was thinking of upgrading this next summer or fall, but I'm not selling at these current prices. Like was said above, 55 swap time.

And I've even considered picking up another one while the prices are low to build a track car out of.

FLYNAVY

Yeah I've thought of getting one as a parts spare.....just disassembling it and storing

WyattH

FWIW, I was offered $9K on trade in for mine.

Last I checked (2 months ago), values were still $12-16K..

They are so rare, does anybody have examples of sales under $10K?

98C43AMG

I haven't actually seen one sell for under $10k, but mine is on eBay with buy it now at $7500, maybe my region is the problem, it snowed here pretty bad and isn't going to stop until late next week

UCF202

The dropping prices of the C43 make it very tempting for me to sell the C280 and pick one up.

v0ac

They will stop going so down soon enough i believe..
here in montreal they still go for 16-20k~
mine with my mileage is still worth 25K here

mint condition...
watch out for price SO low..with 10k in repairs after...
maintenance goes high real fast on those beauties!

John-in-Dallas

I love my C43 and I wouldn't take $20K for it right now - probably not $25K.

As the C43 gets past the stage where they can be reasonably financed, I think we're experiencing the dip in price as the market begins to transition from the [really nice] used car buyer to the collector. There just aren't as many collectors at the moment as there are C43s for sale. Actually, the market may be splitting in two ... 1) the super-car super-bargain-hunter and 2) the collector.

In my humble opinion, the best way to maintain the value of your C36 or C43 is to keep it stock and very well maintained. Those collectors will want the most pristine original example they can find, not the cheapest one. I think that there will always be a certain interest and market for the C43 ... think about the 500E or the 190 16V. I'm convinced of the interest in the C43 because mine won an award at a very large car show in Dallas last year, as voted by the attendees. (I entered because it allowed me to meet Chip Foose.)

If you can, hold on and enjoy your great vehicle. If you dump it for cheap, what else can you possibly buy for so little that compares?

98C43AMG

Well, I guess I'll be the ginea pig and really test the waters and see how the market is. If I didn't own a small marine business, I would keep it forever but need the capital for the upcoming 4 slow months, especially since winter has come in full force here early (I have over a foot of snow ) Generally speaking with all other variables aside, the time span between Thankgiving and Christmas are the worst for car sales around here, so that may explain some of the figures. And I agree 100% with John-in-Dallas, where else are you going to find a car of this calibur and rarity for these prices? It's really amazing how much car you get for the price.

PJmak

wait you are selling that car for 6.5k?

or did you already sell it?

98C43AMG

It's on eBay now with a $6500 reserve, here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=110200987948

PJmak

damn it, why dont deals like this come around here in cali

ohlord

are searching.
that is one fine looking amg,should bring more then your sell it now price.
have you listed on craigslist?If i was not over my limit of 10 cars I would pick it up for my 16 year old daughter.Fine ride,why are you letting it go?

it is a crying shame when the pedestrian models like my 99 e320 wagon are holding 9-10grand that a beaut like your amg is upside down,what the hell is happening

98C43AMG

ohlord- I have a small marine business and I've been driving this for my toy car, but the winter months here are tough (we already have over a foot of snow, so it actually cut business early, last year we were into Jan without any significant bad weather), so I need to free up the capital I have into it. Someone is going to get a very nice early Chrismas present for themselves

ohlord

they are!hope they appreciate the joy of the amg
your business will do well if you are so willing to commit this car to building a small business,you need to be proud of yourself for the long run attitude,more then a few mercedes will come your way in the future for your hard work now