c32AMG-DTM

FWIW, if you're spending high $50's, you should at least consider a 996TT in addition to the CL65. Both are amazing cars; the P car probably won't depreciate as quickly as the AMG, if that's a factor in your decision.

sound 8

Using money to buy cars or travel or whatever turns you on is what it is
for. It rich ens your life and experiences. Imagine never buying anything
but just watching it grow in the bank, and then you get sick and old.
Then you regret not spending your surplus, and you end up letting someone else do what you should have done. As I say pay your bills first, spend the rest, if your worried about your monthly cheque, it may stop next month, it
might go on forever, life has little risks, but they bring reward.
With the state the banks are in I'd rather sink my money in a car.

gaazmon

Actually, from what I can tell, the Porsche's and CL's are the same way. The Turbo's and CL65's depreciate more relatively speaking to their entry level counterparts, base 911 and CL500. IMO it's because there is more room to lose value that's why. Also, I think it does go back to the distinguisability. Honestly, 7/10 people can't tell the difference between a CL500 with AMG package and a CL65 (minus the exhaust and gunmetal rims, which both are easy to replicate). More of a reason not to buy a CL600, if you compare CL500 to CL600 looks wise, CL55 is a better deal in this case.

Interesting thing happened once and last night. My sister has a white C230 sport and my dad has a CL500 (non-AMG package). I was with some friends and my friend's girlfriend said "oh isn't that your sisters car?" Even another one of my friend's thought the same thing. I couldn't believe. Jeez, I'm glad I went with Granite Grey instead of white.

Another reason for the depreciations are because of the lower end models such as C-class and Boxster. Before these were around, the cars held value better because again, the spectrum was smaller.

ieb

The thought is that the high perforance variant will be subject to greater abuse and likewise that will be reflected in greater depreciation. This is a constant that results in even greater loss if the car is modified.

gaazmon

I see. Yeah that makes a lot of sense. From what I can tell, the E-class AMG variants hold value the best with the S and CL being the worst. The 03-04 CLK's also seemed to have depriciate a lot.

c32AMG-DTM

Sorry if I was unclear... 996TT for similar mileage and price, you're looking at a 2001-3 MY. OP's comment was regarding a 2005 CL65. So... $120k 996TT new, up to 7 years later, still sells for mid-high $50's; almost half of its original MSRP. CL65, only three years old and still with some factory warranty left, is only worth roughly 1/3rd of it's original MSRP.

To me, that's a pretty dramatic difference in depreciation rates. Or perhaps, a better comparison is the same MY of each - 2005 911 turbo, which cost less originally, is still worth $90k today. Still think they're the same?

gaazmon

Sorry, I didn't mean how they depreciate relative to each other, but to each other's entry level unit: CL500 v. CL65 depriciation, 911TT v. 911 base depriciation. But ya, I know what you mean, it's ridicoulous how a 2005 CL65, which was over $180,000 is worth soooo much less in a few years, while a 2001 Porsche 911TT still goes for about $50,000 depending on mileage (some higher).

alx

you think the 05s are cheap? wait until they run out of warranty.

i would say that next year a freshly-just-out-of-warranty 05 cl65 with 35k miles will go for 37k.

alex
few cars

gaazmon

Lol, you can by an 05 CL500 for that much right now.

sound 8

I have just seen a CL65 with 8k on the clock for 49k!!!
I honestly thought that with only 20 coming to the UK they would hold
their price better, is nothing sacred!!!!!!!!!

Patentmat

Was it driving around with a FOR SALE sign? That is really cheap, is that in pounds?

sound 8

Yes on an 04 plate, so not the latest shape.It was in Autotrader, so about
$80000 at todays rate.

Fraser

On that basis enjoy your penniless retirement

bluecl600

If miles don't scare you, I just passed on a black CL65 2005 with 60k for
$44k. I figured that it's a $20k car is three years and my CL600 is a $12k car in 3 years.

sound 8

Only a minute amount of cars are bought as a investment.
I paid 67k for my CL65 in January, now I would be lucky to get 50k
probably more like 40ish K. If the credit crunch had not happened maybe
it would be worth more. I have also thought if business gets bad maybe I
will have to sell it. If I go through bad times I can dream of buying another
CL65 or other AMG, there is always something good even when times are
bad.Any way who retires these days, I'll be working til I drop, and if
I am penniless then the tax man gets bugger all. I shall fight on until the bailiffs tear the CL65 keys from my hand. I would still prefer a CL65 than
money in the bank.

Fraser

I work in investment and financial planning. Not only are plenty of people retiring but they're retiring earlier and earlier. I've worked with some clients who are looking to retire in their early 40s, but with most of the people I work with 55-60 is the most common.

sound 8

The government in the UK is encouraging people to work passed their
retirement age. However I am 60 but I enjoy my job, so don't want to retire.
Any way if I was retired I would be at home getting under my wifes feet,
or being tortured by the grandkids. No thanks !!

red00lght

The CL65 is dropping faster than the housing market!! I have 15 months left on my current lease (08 Infiniti G35) and I'm tempted to get back into a low mileage 2005 CL55 or 65 at the end of the lease.

But, I actually wasn't a big fan of the 600 engine in my 03 CL...felt sorta heavy on its' feet until you got into quite a bit....liked to cruise, but not to play. I've never driven the 65, so I'd be interested to see the difference.

I'm sorta leaning towards a 55! Performance numbers don't seem all that different, but maintenance expenses would be a little more reasonable. A lot of car for something that will be a bargain in a year!

Yes...this would be my third CL.

sound 8

My CL65 has dropped like a stone in less than a year.But this is the top
AMG, and it will make you smile every time you drive it. If your worried
about it depreciating you'll never buy it, we buy these luxury goods because
we want them which is quite normal for a healthy capitalist. Go for it!!