Is buying now responsible?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
Is buying now responsible?
I am considering purchasing a used X166 within the next 12 months. I have been looking at 2014 and 2015 GL550s. I have specific criteria that drive up the used market price somewhat. My primary concern with moving forward with the deal is that I am very anxious about getting in at the wrong time in the depreciation curve. I am worried that the value of the car might plummet when the new chassis debuts in 2019 or 2020. I intend to keep this car for 5 years or 60,000 miles. I did not use to worry about this stuff when I was more financially irresponsible with motor vehicles, but now I have the pre-owned bug. Is buying now responsible?
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 154
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From: South Florida
GL550
It all depends on your individual situation. Do you currently have a reliable car? What is the reason you're considering an x166 14 or 15? How about a 13? (Still the same SUV with even more savings)? What's your max budget? All of these things dictate to move forward or not. Automobiles depreciate at all times and most of the depreciation is taken in the first 3 years (depending the mileage and options), after that it continues to depreciate but at a slower rate (plus mileage and options).
Most of the people that leased the 14 have unloaded them and 15 are coming off this year. To me it’s perfect timing to jump into any X166 year.
I’m in the same scenario considering a 14 or 15 E63. The new style E63’s are out but the prices of the 14 & 15 have not moved much (depending on mileage and options). I cannot consider a 13 E63 since 4 matic started in 14 for the E63’s, in your case the 13 GL550 is the same (Except for the 3rd Pano!!).
Can anyone tell me why the 3rd Pano was removed from 15+?
Most of the people that leased the 14 have unloaded them and 15 are coming off this year. To me it’s perfect timing to jump into any X166 year.
I’m in the same scenario considering a 14 or 15 E63. The new style E63’s are out but the prices of the 14 & 15 have not moved much (depending on mileage and options). I cannot consider a 13 E63 since 4 matic started in 14 for the E63’s, in your case the 13 GL550 is the same (Except for the 3rd Pano!!).
Can anyone tell me why the 3rd Pano was removed from 15+?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
It all depends on your individual situation. Do you currently have a reliable car? What is the reason you're considering an x166 14 or 15? How about a 13? (Still the same SUV with even more savings)? What's your max budget? All of these things dictate to move forward or not. Automobiles depreciate at all times and most of the depreciation is taken in the first 3 years (depending the mileage and options), after that it continues to depreciate but at a slower rate (plus mileage and options).
Most of the people that leased the 14 have unloaded them and 15 are coming off this year. To me it’s perfect timing to jump into any X166 year.
I’m in the same scenario considering a 14 or 15 E63. The new style E63’s are out but the prices of the 14 & 15 have not moved much (depending on mileage and options). I cannot consider a 13 E63 since 4 matic started in 14 for the E63’s, in your case the 13 GL550 is the same (Except for the 3rd Pano!!).
Can anyone tell me why the 3rd Pano was removed from 15+?
Most of the people that leased the 14 have unloaded them and 15 are coming off this year. To me it’s perfect timing to jump into any X166 year.
I’m in the same scenario considering a 14 or 15 E63. The new style E63’s are out but the prices of the 14 & 15 have not moved much (depending on mileage and options). I cannot consider a 13 E63 since 4 matic started in 14 for the E63’s, in your case the 13 GL550 is the same (Except for the 3rd Pano!!).
Can anyone tell me why the 3rd Pano was removed from 15+?
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 154
Likes: 18
From: South Florida
GL550
If it’s a want with a practical purpose then go for it, you're contemplating the idea which means you've made a decision subconsciously.
In my option the X166 have at least 45% of depreciation already, if not more (depending on mileage and options). This was a comfortable figure I kept in my head when I pulled the trigger (I was concern too). The X166 will hold their value once the new style GLS show up, I say this because I'm seeing the prices stable and high from the previous generation E63's (14-16) vs the new style 17+.
Go for it, enjoy the truck.
Y.O.L.O.
In my option the X166 have at least 45% of depreciation already, if not more (depending on mileage and options). This was a comfortable figure I kept in my head when I pulled the trigger (I was concern too). The X166 will hold their value once the new style GLS show up, I say this because I'm seeing the prices stable and high from the previous generation E63's (14-16) vs the new style 17+.
Go for it, enjoy the truck.
Y.O.L.O.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1
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Ram 1500 & S60 - currently shopping for GL550
I am in the exact same scenario. Looking to buy a GL550 in the next month or two and just found out they are redesigning for 2019. It gave me some pause at first but I've decided since I plan to keep the car for 5+ years anyways that the redesign won't really affect my depreciation curve. If I were planning to sell in the next 2 years or so I would maybe reconsider.... I say pull the trigger and enjoy in good health!
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From: Usa
mgLipGD
What specific options are you looking for that drive up the price? My required options for our 550 and the option codes were Distronic (233), pano (413), surround view (501) and above all else was active curve suspension (468). Car had to be white with either black or auburn brown interior, didn’t matter designo or not. Active Curve was the hardest options to ever find, took 4mths.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
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From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
My non-negotiables are designo interior package, metallic paint, under 10k miles per year, (997) Driver Assistance Package, (413) Panorama sunroof, (872) Heated rear seats, (843) Power EASY-ENTRY, and (443) Heated steering wheel. Everything else is a bonus. I have never driven one with Active Curve. I'm sure I'd be in love, but you don't know what you are missing until you try it. They had a perfect GL550 for me with B&O sound system and more, but I was not ready to buy back in February.
Last edited by SndsoftheSbrbs; Apr 18, 2018 at 03:54 AM.
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GL350 Bluetec and GLS580
Maybe I'm missing the point somewhere but the 2012 GL is a 164 and the 2013 GL is a 166 that's why there's a significant difference in price. This will be the same issue when the 2019 comes out, our 166's will be worth alot less and the 164's even less than that. That's one of the reasons why I dumped my 164 a few months ago.
I sold one of my cars, and I am left with three reliable Mercedes-Benzes. This is a want with a practical purpose, not a need. One of my vehicles is a 2010 GL450 (X164). I would like to upgrade to the newest chassis, but I am going to keep the X164 for my father and doggy transport. I am thinking that I am going to end up spending between $40-60k. The two I have test driven were $52k and $54k. Both were very well equipped with designo interiors. One of the things that fuel my concern about the chassis change is that 2012 GL550s in my area seem to sell for significantly less than 2013 GL550s with similar mileage. The gap between those 2012 and 2013 seems to be larger than the difference between 2011 and 2012 model years. I could be making much ado about nothing since I am planning to keep it for five years anyway.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
Maybe I'm missing the point somewhere but the 2012 GL is a 164 and the 2013 GL is a 166 that's why there's a significant difference in price. This will be the same issue when the 2019 comes out, our 166's will be worth alot less and the 164's even less than that. That's one of the reasons why I dumped my 164 a few months ago.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 155
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From: Long Island
'14 GL550 , '79 911SC
I have a 2014 GL550 with Designo pkg, heated everything, Pano,360 camera, easy-entry, blah blah blah ... but no active curve and no B&O. I keep getting these nice offers from my dealer to trade in my truck for a new GL550. To hear that you are finding prices from $40K to $60K is both surprising and encouraging for me, given that the dealer is valuing mine at a paltry $32k. I bought mine used Oct '14, got an extended warranty to 100K/7 yrs, will drive the crap out of it and then some. Oh, and I keep telling my persistent dealer to leave me alone.
Good luck, and low-ball the dealers just as they are low-balling me.
Good luck, and low-ball the dealers just as they are low-balling me.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
What specific options are you looking for that drive up the price? My required options for our 550 and the option codes were Distronic (233), pano (413), surround view (501) and above all else was active curve suspension (468). Car had to be white with either black or auburn brown interior, didn’t matter designo or not. Active Curve was the hardest options to ever find, took 4mths.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 506
Likes: 54
GL350 Bluetec and GLS580
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
I was very impressed by the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged I test drove yesterday. Now I have a bit of conflict on my hands. I have to decide how much that third-row and brand loyalty mean to me.
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Never heard positive remarks from long term Range Rover owners. Do you know why the English do not manufacture computers? They couldn't figure out how to make them leak oil.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
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From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
That's my fear. I am going to reach out on the Land Rover forums to see whether or not this is something I should comfortably consider. I don't want a car that is going to strand me on the side of the road or keep me going to the dealer/mechanic several times per year.
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 154
Likes: 18
From: South Florida
GL550
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Usa
mgLipGD
When you were looking for your GL550, did you do a self-search or did you work with a dealer to find your vehicle? I am wondering if I should stick with one dealer when looking. I tried using a vehicle finder service through a few local dealerships when I was shopping more than a year ago. I ended up finding what I wanted at an Audi dealership. Any tips would be much appreciated.
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
2014 gl550
i got my '14 gl550 with pretty much every option except for towing/B&O/entertainment. i got the color i want with brown desigo seats. it did come with 100k/7yr extended warranty which was the biggest factor. the owner kept the car like new (i can hardly find rock chips). i usually don't like buying cars that have new designs out there, but imo my '14 gl550 looks better than current GLS (but that's probably personal taste). i've had audi, but this is my first MB. from other thread i figured it'd cost $3k for rotor and brake pad changes which kind of freaks me out. i thought audi's $1200 was little high. make sure you account cost of ownership for this car. it ain't cheap.
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Joined: Apr 2018
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2014 gl550
btw, reconsider getting easy entry for 3rd row if you have kids or short passengers. there are plenty of threads here to explain why. i had a moment of panic after i bought the car and had my kids sit on their booster seats.
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 154
Likes: 18
From: South Florida
GL550
I was also concerned about the repair bills with the GL before I purchase but, a lot of the members suggest to find a reputable MB independent mechanic. Their bills are usually around 50% less of the dealer cost, if not more. Dealer wanted $1,500 for a brake job, I paid the independent mechanic $700 for the same job and I was out the door in less than 2 hours. I’ll never go to the dealer unless it’s covered under warranty. The same goes for the scheduled services, dealer wanted $800 for service B and Indi did it for $320.
The overall ownership cost is not bad, if you do your homework. You can have even more savings if you do the work yourself, some of the guys here are very mechanically inclined.
The overall ownership cost is not bad, if you do your homework. You can have even more savings if you do the work yourself, some of the guys here are very mechanically inclined.
