Hello all. Need to depart with my much loved and used 2004 ML350. It has had many problems and at this point is more trouble than it is worth. I have 2 other cars and can't afford the time or money to fix or DIY a car I don't need.

Carvana's online portal quoted me $400. If they see the condition I'm sure that will come down substantially.

My question is, if I choose to sell it privately, how much should I even try to sell it for and is it even worth it?

The info:
bought used in 2013 with 120,000 miles, now has 180,000 miles
1 "accident" (rammed into while parked in L.A and run up onto curb. Axle and door frame had to be fixed.)
Alternator and battery problems early on that have now been solved.
No warning lights on dash.
The engine runs quite smoothly and well.
UPDATE: Registration is paid for 2022 but the car has not been smog checked yet.

The major problems:
Interior panel on Driver's side door has cracked off and presently makes it impossible to open the door without a lot of tugging. must be replaced
Back passenger seat is stuck in the down position and the release cable has snapped off. I've tried all the solutions but seat will have to be removed, fixed and reinstalled.
Underside of driver's seat is cracked open though the mechanism operates correctly
Right tail light is cracked open, still works

MORE MINOR
no stereo, speakers need replacing as they all distort
loads of wear and tear on outside and inside but very few major scratches or dents
Rear left window has a kind of its own
Sunroof seems locked
No key fobs
Air conditioning is iffy and only blows hot air in back seat
Fenders/Bumpers cracked (back: an extremely heavy suitcase landing on it. front: other people's bad parking in L.A!)
Tires are from 2018 so might need replacing.
display has some distortion issues in temperature LED

I roughly priced a new door panel at about $200.

I've attached photos and a video of the door panel (I'll get a photo of that soon if i can)

Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated. Even if the answer is to just bring it to Cvana. Again., I can't DIY this car bc I don't have the time, so please no suggestions for that.

Thanks!

 

Even the worst running car is worth $1000 on FB Marketplace and Craigslist. You've essentially reached the end of life for the car. It isn't worth much more than it's scrap weight and a few good parts, IMO.

 

thanks for the input Cincy. Can you clarify for me exactly what you mean though? From my understanding, you’re saying it’s not worth much at this point, but someone could potentially pay up to $1k for it if I put it up on fb or cl. Have I got that right?

 

Correct. If it were me, I wouldn't be putting any more money into an asset that at this point has fully depreciated. To someone out there it is a running car. I'm sure you can get a grand out of it.

 

I would recomnend some sweat equity on carpet. A really good wipe down and elbow grease would take it over the top for max funds. Just my opinion
R,
2 Merks

 

thanks for clarifying. Definitely agree on the sinking more money in

 

Not a bad idea. Thanks!

 

It’s a restorer’s delight. Mechanically sound with a lot of repairable problems. If the rear seal and valve covers don’t leak, those interior parts can be replaced by someone who has access to used parts. Then they’ll list it for $3000-$5000. People are paying a premium to get a solid car right now. We replaced the head gasket on a 25+ year old compact pickup and got $1000 for it. List it on FB and CL and don’t take a quick lowball offer. $900-$1200 maybe?

 

I paid $600 for a 2002 running parts car just for the wheels!

 

There are deals and then there are “deals.” I’m just looking at what ‘04-‘05 MLs are listed for around here. Maybe buyers are only paying ½ of listing price.

 

Thanks Piggy. That's about the range I'm looking at. From everything I'm hearing it's pretty reasonable.

 

Ha! Good to know.

 

Take whatever you get and move on!!! You might get a grand if you wait for right buyer. If not, sell to first one with cash...

 

I have same, it’s about to clock 300,000 miles…..and I could use this ones parts on yours….I’ll be good for another 100k at least!