AVGVSTVS

Ok. My car is two and a half years old (since I bought it) and it cost 41,000 dollars with roughly 40,000 miles. Year model 2001. Today it has 82,000 miles. Now it seems the most I can get for it is 20,000 dollars. Is this acceptable depreciation? I need the cash and really have no use for a car anymore but should I feel really pissed about this? So for 2-3 years the car lost 21 grand? Does this seem right? How can this be?

W202MAE

Car doesn't hold value now adays, especially mass produced cars like Mercedes/BMW's. I bought my 03 CL600 for $35k with 25k miles, so your 01 with 82k miles for 20k sounds about right for private party.

In general, car is a bad investment. Which is why I never buy new cars priced over $50k unless I plan to lease it and return after 3 years.

Wayne

AVGVSTVS

so basically it cost 21,000 dollars for me to use a cl500 for 2 1/2 years. grrrrreat.

Baby ///M3

I've done some researches about depreciation in terms of the values for Mercedes, the CL in particular. It's apparent that one huge factor that determines a used CL's value is its mileage. For example, I am pretty sure you may be able to fetch at least a few thousand dollars more for your car if it only had 50k miles.

The same factor (mileage) also applies to other make and models. However it's interesting that the difference is not as apparent as with Mercedes. Perhaps most of perspective Mercedes buyers are worried about having problems with a higher mileage CL, when in fact they should check to see if the easily worn items such as the ABC pump has been replaced or not.

The bottom line is you're right. A 02' Lexus SC430 can easily be sold for as much, if not more than a CL500 from the same year. The only thing is when new, the Lexus cost only about 2/3 of the Mercedes' sticker price. Of course, the rising gas price and poor economy aren't really helping with the sale of the CL, either.

Jon

AVGVSTVS

My abc pump is new. This does not seem to boost the sale price. I have a feeling many people interested in my car do not even know what abc pump is.

Baby ///M3

And once again, you're correct.

The low market value for such a nice car as the CL is exactly the cynical answer you've just given in response to your own question.

If financially possible, I would try to keep the car and enjoy it as much as possible. After all, you paid a premium for this car and to stand in your shoes, it really doesn't make sense for you to lose $21k for another person to enjoy the same thing.

Jon

AVGVSTVS

That is painful to hear but true.

boylston

A friend has a 2003 CL, for which he paid $49,000 2 1/2 years ago.

In February he went back to the same dealer and was offered $25,000 for a trade. He has since tried a private party sale with no luck. He was asking $29,000 and the car has under 50,000 miles.

I have read that the model change has caused additional depreciation.

I think that it would have cost him less to have leased a brand new car.

DFW01E55

I paid 63 for my CL55 2 years ago, trade in value today ... 26.
Kinda' stinks but it's a bad market for 2dr GT cars ... and many other luxury items.

AVGVSTVS

Thanks guys. The sad reality is I must sell. I won't go for less than $20,000. Can anyone see me getting more than that????

BlownV8

Put an ad in Autoweek and Autotrader. You may get a hit.