C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

trade in versus independent sale?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 10:01 AM
  #1  
jcfay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 6
From: Chicago, IL
2018 AMG E63s
trade in versus independent sale?

Seriously thinking of upgrading my '14 C63 to a '16 GTS, and I'm wondering if I should trade the car in or sell it independently? It's loaded, and with Klassen M52 19" wheels as well (I still have the OEM 18" wheels). 7700 miles. Suggestions? I have about 30K left on the loan, and could probably put a decent amount of cash down. But I'm wondering what will yield the best result? Obviously the trade in would be easier, but am I inevitably going to lose a bunch of $$ doing so? Thx
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 10:04 AM
  #2  
flubbernub's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
2013 C63 P31 coupe
Sell it privately and move on. The dealership is going to give you a garbage offer on your trade-in.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 10:31 AM
  #3  
AMG893's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 8
From: Sydney, Australia
2010 C63 Estate
Dealerships are there to make money.
They will offer you much less than market, and sell it to turn a profit.

Having said that, its a headache free way to sell your car. Not having to deal with the time wasters and dreamers (there is alot of them)

Best thing, is to at least let them appraise your car as a trade in on a GTS, and they weigh it up in your mind if its worth it, or wait it out on the private market for those few extra $
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 10:41 AM
  #4  
I am Jeff's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 62
From: eNyCe
Steel Grey Metallic C63!!
You have to factor in the tax savings in trading in your vehicle. If a private sale nets you only an additional $4k over the trade in offer, it is not worth it. NY Sales tax savings on trading in a vehicle will more than offset the additional money you would get via private sales. Don't forget about the time and effort spent on selling a vehicle privately.


For Example:
Private Sale = $54,000
Trade in = $50,000
NY Sales Tax = 8.875%
Tax Savings = $4437.50


You should at minimum, get the trade in appraisal from the dealership. You might get lucky and they will entice you by offering you a better than normal trade in value.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 11:00 AM
  #5  
jcfay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 6
From: Chicago, IL
2018 AMG E63s
Fantastic, thanks all. Helpful advice. Any idea how they'd handle the extra set of wheels that I have for the car? They've got about 3K on them and the rims are pristine, but standard OEM 18" spokes. Would they want them too? No other mods except for a Eurocharged tune. How do add ons figure in, or don't they? thx again
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 11:06 AM
  #6  
tasho3's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 22
From: Westmont, IL
2014 C63 Sedan
Originally Posted by I am Jeff
You have to factor in the tax savings in trading in your vehicle. If a private sale nets you only an additional $4k over the trade in offer, it is not worth it. NY Sales tax savings on trading in a vehicle will more than offset the additional money you would get via private sales. Don't forget about the time and effort spent on selling a vehicle privately.


For Example:
Private Sale = $54,000
Trade in = $50,000
NY Sales Tax = 8.875%
Tax Savings = $4437.50


You should at minimum, get the trade in appraisal from the dealership. You might get lucky and they will entice you by offering you a better than normal trade in value.
EXACTLY what he said. In Chicago we pay 9.5% tax which can be huge. And you don't have to deal with the bullsh*t test drives and people that need financing.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 11:17 AM
  #7  
flubbernub's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From: Seattle, WA
2013 C63 P31 coupe
Originally Posted by jcfay
Fantastic, thanks all. Helpful advice. Any idea how they'd handle the extra set of wheels that I have for the car? They've got about 3K on them and the rims are pristine, but standard OEM 18" spokes. Would they want them too? No other mods except for a Eurocharged tune. How do add ons figure in, or don't they? thx again
Part out any aftermarket wheels, parts, etc. They add no value to your trade-in afaik.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 11:56 AM
  #8  
alexmtl's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 352
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, QC
2013 C63 coupe P31
Originally Posted by flubbernub
Part out any aftermarket wheels, parts, etc. They add no value to your trade-in afaik.
+1 sell them privately !
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 02:41 PM
  #9  
jcfay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 6
From: Chicago, IL
2018 AMG E63s
thanks. great advice. what if I purchase the vehicle in CT? I live in NY, but one of the larger dealers is just over the border in Greenwich. I'm assuming they would assess NY state tax, so the same tax benefit on trade in would apply, right?
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 03:59 PM
  #10  
beejAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 134
From: Down Unda
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
if youre not in a hurry, you can...

...put it back to stock as much as possible and sell it privately then sell parts separately, youll get the best return of investment.

...ask the dealer how much theyll get your car with all the mods, it will definitely be lower but if you can haggle as close as the price you have in mind, do the trade in, so much easier.

...ask the dealer how much theyll take your car as bone stock and haggle the best trade in price then sell your other parts privately.


goodluck sir!
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 05:02 PM
  #11  
I am Jeff's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 62
From: eNyCe
Steel Grey Metallic C63!!
Originally Posted by jcfay
thanks. great advice. what if I purchase the vehicle in CT? I live in NY, but one of the larger dealers is just over the border in Greenwich. I'm assuming they would assess NY state tax, so the same tax benefit on trade in would apply, right?
Yes, the tax savings will be the same. Where the vehicle is sold has no effect on the amount of taxes paid, it only matters on where you register your vehicle. Being that Greenwich is right across the border from NY, I'm pretty sure the CT dealership will know this and adjust the amount of taxes they collect.


It never hurts to remind the finance manager of this, when you are reviewing and signing your paperwork.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 06:15 PM
  #12  
otakki's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 54
FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
As mentioned above, tax saving can certainly offset the additional gain from private sale, plus without all the headaches and hassles of a private sale.
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 07:23 PM
  #13  
sriniAMG's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 183
Likes: 6
2014 C63, 2013 Mini Cooper S
I usually trade in to dealer only because of lesser hassles compared to private sale. Yes, you will not get the best offer from dealers compared to private sale. But at least you don't have to worry about strangers test driving your car.

You also need to find the right dealer. Get your car appraised by multiple dealers.
When I recently sold my G37, I went to multiple Infiniti dealers to get the car appraised. One particular dealer offered way more than anyone else only because they had one of their highest sales months. They really wanted my car.

As some of the others mentioned, try returning your car back to stock. The mods will add no to very little value. Sell them separately on the forum.

good luck!
Reply
Old Oct 15, 2015 | 10:02 PM
  #14  
jcfay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 6
From: Chicago, IL
2018 AMG E63s
thanks again for the solid feedback all. really helpful.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 02:05 AM
  #15  
kb24forlife24's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 14
From: SoCal
None for now
Try Carmax and if that doesn't work, go private sale.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 08:34 AM
  #16  
jcfay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 6
From: Chicago, IL
2018 AMG E63s
Originally Posted by kb24forlife24
Try Carmax and if that doesn't work, go private sale.
so you think carmax or a private sale would yield a better return than dealer trade in, even with the tax breaks with a trade in? is carmax that good?
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 09:02 AM
  #17  
rentzington's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 3
2010 C63 P30
Originally Posted by jcfay
so you think carmax or a private sale would yield a better return than dealer trade in, even with the tax breaks with a trade in? is carmax that good?
we sold one car to carmax and they pretty much gave kelly bluebook value for it, was quite surprised. I know several others with similar experiences who got much higher prices than other dealers offered.
Worth a shot to at least check, they're easy to get an appraisal from and its good negotiating power if you get a decent offer.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 09:04 AM
  #18  
alboogiee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 8
From: Tampa FL
.
Originally Posted by jcfay
so you think carmax or a private sale would yield a better return than dealer trade in, even with the tax breaks with a trade in? is carmax that good?
CarMax would negate the tax break---it will be like selling privately but with trade in pricing. It's a last resort to offload a car.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 09:21 AM
  #19  
SteveE400's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
Just keep in mind that the dealer's basic business model is to buy your car for wholesale value and then sell it for retail. That is how they make money on used cars. If you sell it yourself, you may sell for more than wholesale, but maybe less than dealer retail since you cannot offer additional "services" along with the car. I always trade my cars because I do not want a buyer to know where the car came from. . . in case they have buyer's remorse or there is some hidden defect in the car that they think should qualify them for a price reduction after the fact. Of course, I "consume" my cars much more fully than you do, as the last two cars we traded were 13 and 14 years old.


Another reason not to bother with trying to sell a "high-bracket" car yourself is the issue of financing. Not many used car buyers around here have the cash to buy a higher-priced used car outright, and banks are more reluctant to finance younger or less-affluent buyers to purchase expensive used cars.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2015 | 10:30 AM
  #20  
unagi1's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 570
Likes: 3
'14 C63 507, '11 C300, '96 Cobra, '91 Mr2
Originally Posted by sriniAMG
You also need to find the right dealer. Get your car appraised by multiple dealers.
When I recently sold my G37, I went to multiple Infiniti dealers to get the car appraised. One particular dealer offered way more than anyone else only because they had one of their highest sales months. They really wanted my car.
This...+1. Even in the tri-state area, I got a wide variety of offers when looking to purchase -- you could run into a dealership with a customer who asked specifically for that type of car.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2015 | 08:17 PM
  #21  
QWKSNKE's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 650
Likes: 20
From: Alabama
09 Carrera S, , 03 F250 CC FX4
Man, you guys pay an assload for auto sales tax. I was complaining last year cause ours went to 3% (Alabama)

With that being said, I can't see a dealer offering within 8k -10k of what a private sale could bring

Last edited by QWKSNKE; Oct 17, 2015 at 08:19 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2015 | 09:59 PM
  #22  
Tonycpa's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: New York
2012 Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by AMG893
Dealerships are there to make money.
They will offer you much less than market, and sell it to turn a profit.
/thread
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2015 | 11:51 PM
  #23  
VaclavSV's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 4
2012 C63 AMG Black Series
in Ontario we pay 13% Sales tax .... also did you get a trade in number from the dealer? Im just curious
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2015 | 09:05 AM
  #24  
jcfay's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 6
From: Chicago, IL
2018 AMG E63s
thanks for the input, folks. I just remembered that I read that one should wait until the sale would be nearly complete to confirm that one wanted to trade in a vehicle. First you negotiate "rock bottom" price and then bring the trade in, I guess to get any additional leverage? I'm sure the dealer is going to look to make profit anywhere and everywhere they can - but if I'm appraising a vehicle up front then this isn't possible. Any reason to do or to not do this? thx again
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2015 | 11:12 AM
  #25  
layzie12g's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 38
From: Seattle
2008 Mercedes Benz E63
There is no leveraging a dealer. They used 54k retail and 50k on trade as an example.
That would be truth if you were being drastically over charged on your purchase vehicle. I would assume if your car was worth 54k private party you would be offered 42k, and then after its "reconditioned" you would see it on their lot for $58,999.
You will take a HUGE loss trading in to a dealer.

It seem like some people have they money where if they get $9,000 less then the car is worth they can eat it, but I can not. I have more time then money, so I can show the car to a few people on craigslist. It can be a pain, but most the time people that are going to spend 40-50k on a car are there to buy it. Selling cheap cars is where you run in to problems.

I've work for several car dealerships. I have seen some cases with higher end cars where the dealership will take it on trade and flip it literally the next day at a 40k profit. It is rare, but it gives you an idea of how they work. You will lose thousands and thousands of dollars trading a vehicle in.

Last edited by layzie12g; Oct 18, 2015 at 11:16 AM.
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:24 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE