Tips for maximizing resale value
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
GLC 300 Coupe 4matic
Tips for maximizing resale value
Hi folks, recently joined the M-B with a 2019 GLC 300 Coupe that I picked up used with 15k miles and I am loving this thing. This is also my first "nice" car, so I am also new to the concept of taking good care of a vehicle. However, I am not planning on keeping it forever. Knowing myself, I will want to move on to bigger and better things in a couple years' time. For that reason, I'd like to preserve as much of its value as possible.
That said, there is absolutely no way I am going to live with this car and not upgrade it! That is obviously going to put me in the danger zone for resale value. The car came pretty nicely optioned, but not quite exactly how I would've optioned it myself. Some of the main upgrades I am considering now are the following:
Cosmetic:
Edit:
I understand my car is going to be worth a lot less when I sell it, even if I do nothing to it. I'm not trying to change that. I'm just trying to avoid accelerating the depreciation more than I have to when upgrading it. I will gladly avoid certain upgrades if they are going to take a huge chunk out if the value, and favor the ones that make little-to-no impact. I will also favor upgrades performed by the M-B dealership if that makes a difference, or go third-party if it doesn't. These are the kinds of things I'm looking for help with.
That said, there is absolutely no way I am going to live with this car and not upgrade it! That is obviously going to put me in the danger zone for resale value. The car came pretty nicely optioned, but not quite exactly how I would've optioned it myself. Some of the main upgrades I am considering now are the following:
Cosmetic:
- Retrofit GLC 63 front bumper
- Replace stock Diamond grille with AMG Panamerica grille (already done, keeping original grille in storage)
- Retrofit interior ambient lighting around cabin
- Install aluminum running boards (already done, keeping original skirts in storage)
- Replace multimedia display with larger touchscreen
- Resonator delete (not really performance, but more than cosmetic and not easily reversed)
- Performance ECU chip (may go with tuning options from M-B dealership)
Edit:
I understand my car is going to be worth a lot less when I sell it, even if I do nothing to it. I'm not trying to change that. I'm just trying to avoid accelerating the depreciation more than I have to when upgrading it. I will gladly avoid certain upgrades if they are going to take a huge chunk out if the value, and favor the ones that make little-to-no impact. I will also favor upgrades performed by the M-B dealership if that makes a difference, or go third-party if it doesn't. These are the kinds of things I'm looking for help with.
Last edited by Kronodeus; Dec 24, 2020 at 11:26 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 738
Likes: 163
From: Orlando, FL
2016 E400 Coupe (C207)
Speaking purely for myself, I wouldn't purchase a used vehicle to which the seller had performed any of those modifications, with the exception of the grille swap, which is easily reversible. If I get the feeling that a prospective purchase has been "tampered with" by the owner in their garage, I'm out. YMMV.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 140
From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
Kronodeus,
You've heard the comments, "You lose an easy 10+ percent when you drive a car off the lot" ?
With everything you plan, you'll never get the $$$ you put into it, back. Buying a car is not an investment, it's a money pit for the majority.
Unless you have deep pockets and money is no object, I'd say go for it ,and post what $$ you put into it.
When you sell, pleas do tell us your ROI.
Just like Mr. Toad, I wouldn't touch it.
You've heard the comments, "You lose an easy 10+ percent when you drive a car off the lot" ?
With everything you plan, you'll never get the $$$ you put into it, back. Buying a car is not an investment, it's a money pit for the majority.
Unless you have deep pockets and money is no object, I'd say go for it ,and post what $$ you put into it.
When you sell, pleas do tell us your ROI.
Just like Mr. Toad, I wouldn't touch it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
GLC 300 Coupe 4matic
Kronodeus,
You've heard the comments, "You lose an easy 10+ percent when you drive a car off the lot" ?
With everything you plan, you'll never get the $$$ you put into it, back. Buying a car is not an investment, it's a money pit for the majority.
Unless you have deep pockets and money is no object, I'd say go for it ,and post what $$ you put into it.
When you sell, pleas do tell us your ROI.
Just like Mr. Toad, I wouldn't touch it.
You've heard the comments, "You lose an easy 10+ percent when you drive a car off the lot" ?
With everything you plan, you'll never get the $$$ you put into it, back. Buying a car is not an investment, it's a money pit for the majority.
Unless you have deep pockets and money is no object, I'd say go for it ,and post what $$ you put into it.
When you sell, pleas do tell us your ROI.
Just like Mr. Toad, I wouldn't touch it.
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