Better to buy or lease new CL
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 574
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Better to buy or lease new CL
My uncle is interested in getting another Mercedes after giving his 2004 S500 4 matic back due to lease ending. He looked at the new S550 and CL, but was dismayed at the high lease price of 1,800-2,000 dollars a month for 36 months and 15,000 miles. I told him since these are new cars and that especially the CL is rare, it is better to buy it and sell it off privately in 3 years., and he wont lose much money as just paying for those hefty lease. Correct me if I am wrong. My brother has an Infiniti G35 coupe which has an excelent resale value after 3 years and he bought it for 36,000 and is selling it off for 28,000 with low mileage. SO I guess it depends on what kind of car it is, and how much miles you put on it. My uncle does about 15,000 a year. So what do you think he should do? Buy or lease or haggle for a better lease price on the 2007 CL550? I doubt the lease will get as low as 1,500.
Let me know.
Thanks!
Let me know.
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
CL's have traditionally been the worst depreciators in the MB lineup. However, since it is a new model, if your uncle plans on selling it private party within the first year or two, he won't lose that much. I'm guessing along the lines of 25-40% after taxes depending on when he sells it. However, once the CL reaches the saturation point (which is impossible to know when), the value will drop like an anchor. You are looking at historically 60% depreciation after taxes in 4 years.
It really depends on your uncle's financial situation and whether or not he's able to write off the lease and/or depreciation on the car. If he's buying the car with after tax funds, I would recommend him waiting a bit longer and buying a one year old w216 CL or maybe MB will have a lease special (highly unlikely). Hell, a 2005 or 2006 CL65 will be cheaper than the brand new CL550 heh.
It really depends on your uncle's financial situation and whether or not he's able to write off the lease and/or depreciation on the car. If he's buying the car with after tax funds, I would recommend him waiting a bit longer and buying a one year old w216 CL or maybe MB will have a lease special (highly unlikely). Hell, a 2005 or 2006 CL65 will be cheaper than the brand new CL550 heh.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2004
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'05 SL 55 Black/Black w/mods from Eurocharged/Kleemann/BuckheadImports
According to MBFinancial, CL550's hold 58% of value over 39 months
According to MBFinancial, CL550's hold 58% of value over 39 months with 15k miles per year.
The S550 only holds 56 % of it's value over 39 months with 15k miles per yr.
You will be looking at somewhere between $2,000 to $2,400 per month for a 36 month lease for a CL550 that is fully optioned out. Lots of car for the money though. I love mine.
The S550 only holds 56 % of it's value over 39 months with 15k miles per yr.
You will be looking at somewhere between $2,000 to $2,400 per month for a 36 month lease for a CL550 that is fully optioned out. Lots of car for the money though. I love mine.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 894
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It's all a number's game. It's an artificially high residual so that owners feel like they're getting good value, but they're paying 100-150 basis points higher on the lease.
US Bank puts the 36 month 15,000 miles residual at 42%.
No modern day mercedes holds their value. If you believe so, you're living in a fantasy world. CL's are the worst depreciators.
US Bank puts the 36 month 15,000 miles residual at 42%.
No modern day mercedes holds their value. If you believe so, you're living in a fantasy world. CL's are the worst depreciators.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 497
Likes: 1
SL
CL's have traditionally been the worst depreciators in the MB lineup. However, since it is a new model, if your uncle plans on selling it private party within the first year or two, he won't lose that much. I'm guessing along the lines of 25-40% after taxes depending on when he sells it. However, once the CL reaches the saturation point (which is impossible to know when), the value will drop like an anchor. You are looking at historically 60% depreciation after taxes in 4 years.
It really depends on your uncle's financial situation and whether or not he's able to write off the lease and/or depreciation on the car. If he's buying the car with after tax funds, I would recommend him waiting a bit longer and buying a one year old w216 CL or maybe MB will have a lease special (highly unlikely). Hell, a 2005 or 2006 CL65 will be cheaper than the brand new CL550 heh.
It really depends on your uncle's financial situation and whether or not he's able to write off the lease and/or depreciation on the car. If he's buying the car with after tax funds, I would recommend him waiting a bit longer and buying a one year old w216 CL or maybe MB will have a lease special (highly unlikely). Hell, a 2005 or 2006 CL65 will be cheaper than the brand new CL550 heh.
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From: Chicago
Mercedes
Definitely haggle for a better lease price. If you've leased through MB financial before, you can get your dealer to make them work for you. They can also increase the residual price, it's not set in stone.
