doctorB

Hi everyone,

I've been in the market to purchase a 2006 S500 for a while. However, I've decided to hold out for the S550. I was just wondering how much would you guys speculate the prices will drop next year for 2007 models. I'm hoping the pick one up under $40k. I mean, if the 2006 S500 is any indication this could go well below $40k next year.

Also, why do Mercedes have such poor resale value? I don't want to sound rude or anything, i'm just curious. For a 2007 s550, the kbb retail value is $25k below msrp. And the non-certified prices i've seen are nearly $10k below the kbb value.

In contrast, the non-certified prices for 2007 lexus LS are at or above kbb retail value.

And the prices between similarly equiped cars and miles aren't too far off. By the way, i'm using ebay to search for the cars.

However, a used MB sounds like a much better deal.

I appreciate any suggestions and insight. Thanks.

CalabasasMBZ

Under $40k? You are going to be waiting for a while! Even though the S550's are soft cars with mid thirties miles are still drawing in the fifties and I am sure you don't want a ultra high miles vehicle! For a dealer to sell you a CPO S550 for $40K and break even, they would have to acquire the car for $35k~+ CPO Base Warrany+ Recondtioning....

doctorB

I see what you're saying. But like I said, i'm basing this off of 2006 S500 prices. I nearly purchased one recently for $25k with 47k miles but decided against it.

But I understand 2007+ models are a new generation, with larger engines and more goodies. So perhaps it may take longer for the prices to take big drops.

And i'm hoping 'a while' means within 6 months.

edit: the prices I was referring to are non-CPO.

MBNUT1

Dude there always is a huge depreciation differential between the old and current model styles. 40k ain't happening anytime soon

hdtv22

Model years body style changes make the price of a car go down by approximately 20-30K in the S550's case. Youll be waiting a long time if you want a car that retailed for 100K 2 years ago to be worth 40K in 2 years depreciation. If you want that kind of depreciation look at the AMGs.

doctorB

Well, times haven't been this bad in quite some time for manufacturers and dealers. I just heard there was a 30% decline in US sales for MB. I'm sure this would reflect on new and used prices. It's definitely a buyers market.

gellie

I think trade in on the 07 is ~35k. By late Dec or early Jan you should be easily be able to pick up one for 40k, especially if you are paying cash. MB is CHOKING on inventory,( while unable to access the credit markets)on both new and used.

jagata

I would wait a little longer, you're not going to lose anything. Maybe we will get lucky and they do fall that fast if not oh well buy it slightly higher. I hear from the media we still have a year before things improve with the economy.

1993_300SE

Here's one for $47900 on Ebay. Not sure about the seller.. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-...QQcmdZViewItem

doctorB

I'll most likely pick one up early next summer or fall the latest. The auto industry will probably take longer to recover so there will be some time.

doctorB

Yeah saw that one. I don't trust dealers from great neck.

The average price seems to be around $55k for non certified. I take a look through ebay every week, and every week I see the same cars. People just aren't buying them. Or people aren't buying through ebay.

1993_300SE

I had a Mercedes dealer tell me the S550's are very slow right now. I made an impulse offer of $60K on a nice CPO one about 6 months ago and they turned down my offer. I bet they are kicking themselves now, it is still sitting on their lot. I am glad it didn't work out. I would have taken a big hit, and I am goign to wait a few more months to get one in the $40's

rolandjenks

I just paid $52k for a 2007 S550 w/ 29000 miles on it. Two local lexus dealers also had cars with similar miles on them for $51k and $52k. Depending on options, you could easily get one for $48-53k. CPO are going for $55-57k.

trumpet1

Good job. Enjoy staying with us on the forum as you'll continue to learn a lot of things about these great cars. Post pix when you can! Consider it a Christmas gift that you got such a great deal and were able to avoid a boring Lexus

hdtv22

Looking at how the market is in free-fall, Ill eat those words. Youll probably be able to snag one, non-CPOd auction car, for mabye around $44K in March of 09 with these depreciation curves.

Mrkhan347

trumpet1, i actually like the new ls. really nice, and it gets away from the "boring"(last gen ls) the ls600lh/hl(?)is a a very good buy for its cost(100k>). Although i wish they had one away from the hydrogen.

600 is still 600 though as we know

CY

The can be had in the mid 40's with some higher miles...Manheim pricing is less.

FloridaE55

Well, since he was talking about next year, I wouldn't bet on that. It's a buyer's market already, and the market will be even worse for sellers next year.

In the past, the price for a car was determined by it's value - right now, it's determined on the question on how desperate the seller needs the $$.

A year from now, I'm sure you could get a 2007 S600 for $50K - with that said, it should be possible to get a S550 for 10K less..

vonbeeler

Wow these prices are pretty crazy. Talk about motivation to keep my car. Lets see for $50k I could keep an S600 or sell it and buy a new C class or 3 series or better yet Hyundai Genesis and pocket $10k. I guess I will be keeping my car for a loooonng time!

vonbeeler

Also at $52k for an S550, Congratulations! I cant believe everybody doesn't buy one.

FloridaE55

Yep - and this price-war is certainly not limited to high-end cars. I recently spotted an offer for a 2008 Jeep Overland, MSRP about 45K, offered at 29K. Mileage: 28 miles. 28, NOT 28K!

CakeDaddy

Exactly! 48k-53k for th s550 is not out of the question. A dealer in Scottsdale has a white one with the sport trim,blk leather, etc.. for 55k and 17k miles... and that's the asking price. After the new year they'll be whoring it out for $49,500, plus you'll geta pair of Arizona Cardinal tickets.

emagni

Per my post in another thread:

Hi All, new here to the forum. Just picked up my 2007 S550 with brand new amg wheels and new tires (no amg kit) with P2. Also came with nightvision and dynamic rear view monitor. Black color exterior with the black interior. Wife would not budge of the color combo and it became harder and harder to find in Houston and the surrounding areas after October of this year. The dealer agreed to certified (CPO) it so got warranty for an extra 12 months with up to 100,000 miles, which ever comes first. They tried to charged me for CPO but I wouldn't budge on the walk-out price. Haggled down to $56,173 to get the walk out price with tax,, title and license for $60k. Car was a lease that was just turned in with 22k miles on it.

I'm seeing $49k to $52k with less options on 2007 none-dark colors like silver but through private sellers or non-mercedes dealers. Good price but we wanted the extended warranty plus financing was cheaper for established dealers by 1 to 2 points.