e_dasani

I would argue that highly optioned S-class resale values are terrible terrible because of lack of trim levels. What do you say?

just1time

and your notion is based on what?

absent

For every $1k more you spend on options you get back maybe a $100 in resale.

sean1.8t

I don't think you can solely look at it that way.

You don't get certain options and the amount of potential buyers decreases significantly.

You don't get any options and no one will want to buy it.


Example: I don't ever use the SATNAV in my cars. But I pretty much always spec it as that is a huge deal breaker for a lot of people when buying a car.

LovinMercedes

Nothing new here.

It has always been this way, for years and years. Nothing is different this year.

Historically, optioning out a car was never a profitable way to go on resale value.

e_dasani

I tend to agree, interesting quantification!

e_dasani

This maybe a more simplistic notion that more options more buyers and more value. In my view, MB structures the various options in a way that makes it hard for marketability of them, i.e. lack of 'awareness theory'. Folks on this forum in general are the enthusiasts - very particular about options, a small but highly aware crowd, but for the sizeable typical buyer, they cant go through the highly disorganized maze of options due to lack of structure i.e. lack of trim levels.

Take for e.g. sale sites, I went through like 100 listings and couldn't find a single listing, a single listing, with correctly laid out options. It appeared to seem that a standard s550 with nothing added to it, to be almost same as a highly optioned one. For a typical buyer, had had there been s550 gold trim (that includes Night vision option, rear seat package, etc. etc) vs, s550 silver trim (that does not include any of gold trim, but basic distronics etc). Such info in my view would lift resale value for options, simply due to 'awareness theory'.

e_dasani

agreed.

400ixl

Mixing sellability and price are two different things.

Options tend to make minimal price difference, but make it much easier to sell. How much of a difference if trading in is probably in the $2-300 range.

Private sale could put off 50% of buyers and mean it takes longer to sell for the right price.

But compared to what you would shell out in new options, not having them at sale time is a minor issue financially in comparison.

Streamliner

I agree. For the most part, so many people are just like sheep when buying a new car. They find the model they want in a color they like and they get it. You just can't imagine how many times I explain about the Driver's Assistance Pkg. to other late model MB owners, who have absolutely NO IDEA what it is. As an expensive option, dealers don't order it for cars put into stock and salespeople rarely even mention it. Magic Body Control?? Forgetaboutit! Even on this site, so many members seen WAY more interested in things like the Sports Pkg and AMG wheels than they are in all the other, amazing options.

As far as designating trim levels, I don't believe any of the big German companies have ever done this and I doubt that they will start. I just wish the option list was longer, so one could truly "tailor make" their car, even more so, exactly as they want it. At the price level of the S Class and other high end MB vehicles, such flexibility in ordering should be a given. Oh well.