Valuing High-Spec Cars
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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2019 S560, 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
Valuing High-Spec Cars
I've posted a few times on my search for a used S-class. There are tons of these cars for sale on the web, and after looking at enough of them, I have a very good idea what a given year/miles should be worth. However, I find myself attracted to cars with options like the nappa or exclusive nappa interior, power rear seats, etc. Since these high-spec cars aren't all that common, it's hard to know what's a fair price.
For example, I kinda like this 25k mile '17 in Houston ... with the normal options (driver assistance, prem pkg, etc.) it should be worth mid to upper 50k. But they're asking 66k (or 64k if not CPO'd). Is 64k a fair price? Is the extra stuff worth almost ten grand? https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-benz-s-class/
Yesterday I saw a nice '17 S550e. Again, the market price for one of these is pretty clear ... about $48k - 49k, but seller wants $62k because of the options on the car.
I have grown up believing most of the value of options goes away when a car's used, and therefore shouldn't bring a large price premium. But sellers cite the sky-high MSRP and want to get the higher price.
Comments?
For example, I kinda like this 25k mile '17 in Houston ... with the normal options (driver assistance, prem pkg, etc.) it should be worth mid to upper 50k. But they're asking 66k (or 64k if not CPO'd). Is 64k a fair price? Is the extra stuff worth almost ten grand? https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-benz-s-class/
Yesterday I saw a nice '17 S550e. Again, the market price for one of these is pretty clear ... about $48k - 49k, but seller wants $62k because of the options on the car.
I have grown up believing most of the value of options goes away when a car's used, and therefore shouldn't bring a large price premium. But sellers cite the sky-high MSRP and want to get the higher price.
Comments?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I have been rebuilding automobiles dated from 1898-1958, some worth 150k+, for 35 years and this question comes up all the time on forums.
“Just what is this car worth?”
Ultimately the answer is “whatever the buyer wants to pay for it.”
“Just what is this car worth?”
Ultimately the answer is “whatever the buyer wants to pay for it.”
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From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
Depends on who you ask, when you go to trade in your car the dealership likes to say that options don't matter. Then they turn around and charge a premium for these options. I think it is more dramatic for these high end cars where MSRP can range from 100K to over 160K for the same model of car. I also think buyers are willing to pay a small premium for the higher spec cars on the used market.
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
There are certain features that are a must, such as the tech and luxury appointments. Rear seat packages are subjective to needs. AMG trim also subjective. Most people would never purchase a "base" S class, if they even exist.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I've posted a few times on my search for a used S-class. There are tons of these cars for sale on the web, and after looking at enough of them, I have a very good idea what a given year/miles should be worth. However, I find myself attracted to cars with options like the nappa or exclusive nappa interior, power rear seats, etc. Since these high-spec cars aren't all that common, it's hard to know what's a fair price.
For example, I kinda like this 25k mile '17 in Houston ... with the normal options (driver assistance, prem pkg, etc.) it should be worth mid to upper 50k. But they're asking 66k (or 64k if not CPO'd). Is 64k a fair price? Is the extra stuff worth almost ten grand? https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-benz-s-class/
Yesterday I saw a nice '17 S550e. Again, the market price for one of these is pretty clear ... about $48k - 49k, but seller wants $62k because of the options on the car.
I have grown up believing most of the value of options goes away when a car's used, and therefore shouldn't bring a large price premium. But sellers cite the sky-high MSRP and want to get the higher price.
Comments?
For example, I kinda like this 25k mile '17 in Houston ... with the normal options (driver assistance, prem pkg, etc.) it should be worth mid to upper 50k. But they're asking 66k (or 64k if not CPO'd). Is 64k a fair price? Is the extra stuff worth almost ten grand? https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-benz-s-class/
Yesterday I saw a nice '17 S550e. Again, the market price for one of these is pretty clear ... about $48k - 49k, but seller wants $62k because of the options on the car.
I have grown up believing most of the value of options goes away when a car's used, and therefore shouldn't bring a large price premium. But sellers cite the sky-high MSRP and want to get the higher price.
Comments?
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'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
True!
For example, I ordered/purchased a new 2016 S550 4matic with essentially every option including the rear tray tables with an MSRP of about $140k in 2015. When I went to trade it in on my current '19 S63 AMG that I ordered with European Delivery, the dealer offered me $54,000 in November 2018 with about 36,000 miles on the odometer for the '16 S550 4matic. I flat out told the dealer nicely to go pound salt. They wanted my car (with all options) so they raised the offer to $60,000--I accepted with the caveat that they would allow me to drive the '16 until the new S63 was delivered to me in the states (essentially renting back the '16 until my new car was delivered to me for the second time in the states after picking it up at the factory in Germany for the first delivery). They turned around and listed the ''16 S550 4matic for $72,000 at the end of 2018 and ultimately sold it for about $65,000 (CPO'd) three months after they took possession.
Hopefully my info can provide some perspective since dealers do not want to pay you for the extra options but they sure want a premium for the options when they go to resell the car.
For example, I ordered/purchased a new 2016 S550 4matic with essentially every option including the rear tray tables with an MSRP of about $140k in 2015. When I went to trade it in on my current '19 S63 AMG that I ordered with European Delivery, the dealer offered me $54,000 in November 2018 with about 36,000 miles on the odometer for the '16 S550 4matic. I flat out told the dealer nicely to go pound salt. They wanted my car (with all options) so they raised the offer to $60,000--I accepted with the caveat that they would allow me to drive the '16 until the new S63 was delivered to me in the states (essentially renting back the '16 until my new car was delivered to me for the second time in the states after picking it up at the factory in Germany for the first delivery). They turned around and listed the ''16 S550 4matic for $72,000 at the end of 2018 and ultimately sold it for about $65,000 (CPO'd) three months after they took possession.
Hopefully my info can provide some perspective since dealers do not want to pay you for the extra options but they sure want a premium for the options when they go to resell the car.
Depends on who you ask, when you go to trade in your car the dealership likes to say that options don't matter. Then they turn around and charge a premium for these options. I think it is more dramatic for these high end cars where MSRP can range from 100K to over 160K for the same model of car. I also think buyers are willing to pay a small premium for the higher spec cars on the used market.
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Member
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: NORTHERN NJ
2018 S560 4matic Sedan. Official member of the 18" RIM CREW.
I was on a months-long hunt for a CPO 2018 S560 4matic. I am in the Northeast, and the dealerships within ~35 miles of me serve some very affluent areas that probably ring a bell, including Greenwich, Saddle River, Scarsdale, and Essex Fells.
Yet, it is outright shocking how barebones most cars are equipped. I saw a bunch of cars that didn't have heated seats. A bunch without adaptive cruise control. Those things are standard on $30K cars these days. The average car I encountered had premium package and driver assistance package, and usually nothing else. (I'm ignoring the sport package, which didn't move the needle for me)
I jumped on my car, which has exclusive Nappa, designo trim, heads up display, premium package, driver assistance, warmth and comfort, 4 zone climate control and rear seat / chauffeur package, and a few other niceties (MSRP was close to $130K). I asked the pre-owned manager why the inventory was this way. He noted first that the car I bought was special ordered, but that very few folks special order because they come in looking for the best deal on a lease. So they are limited to inventory. To give the best deal on a lease, one that at least is in the ballpark that MB advertises as a "special," has got to be a basic car. So there you go.
This still surprises me, as why go for an S at all if you don't want a loaded car?
And in terms of the pricing of my car, in the end I paid about what I saw much more basic cars listed for. So I definitely paid some premium , but not much. Maybe two or three thousand, I'd guess?
Yet, it is outright shocking how barebones most cars are equipped. I saw a bunch of cars that didn't have heated seats. A bunch without adaptive cruise control. Those things are standard on $30K cars these days. The average car I encountered had premium package and driver assistance package, and usually nothing else. (I'm ignoring the sport package, which didn't move the needle for me)
I jumped on my car, which has exclusive Nappa, designo trim, heads up display, premium package, driver assistance, warmth and comfort, 4 zone climate control and rear seat / chauffeur package, and a few other niceties (MSRP was close to $130K). I asked the pre-owned manager why the inventory was this way. He noted first that the car I bought was special ordered, but that very few folks special order because they come in looking for the best deal on a lease. So they are limited to inventory. To give the best deal on a lease, one that at least is in the ballpark that MB advertises as a "special," has got to be a basic car. So there you go.
This still surprises me, as why go for an S at all if you don't want a loaded car?
And in terms of the pricing of my car, in the end I paid about what I saw much more basic cars listed for. So I definitely paid some premium , but not much. Maybe two or three thousand, I'd guess?
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From: Huntington NY
S560
People who frequent car forums are into cars. The average person isn't. They want to walk into a dealer and get a car. I would guess the vast majority of buyers go for an in stock car. For me- I would not go for a loaded car as you specked. I do not want rear executive and I never saw the point to the warmth and comfort package since I usually wear a coat in winter. 4 zone climate is worthless to me. So I would spec my car in between the typical demo and the loaded cars you rarely see.
Member
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: NORTHERN NJ
2018 S560 4matic Sedan. Official member of the 18" RIM CREW.
Horses for courses, as they say. I never drive with my coat or sport coat on so I rather enjoy the heated panels of the W&C package. 
I wish my car had the high end stereo and night vision, but there was NOTHING on the market with those.
I wish my car had the high end stereo and night vision, but there was NOTHING on the market with those.
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From: Huntington NY
S560
I would guess there are only a handful of people in the country that would spend $10k on those options together. Night vision is exceptionally rare and the 3D is mainly suited for those high end audio guys. It is a very pricey option so the uptake is very low. I think if they dropped the price to $2900 they would move substantially more 3Ds. And they would probably make much more profit even if the same components were used.
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
I would guess there are only a handful of people in the country that would spend $10k on those options together. Night vision is exceptionally rare and the 3D is mainly suited for those high end audio guys. It is a very pricey option so the uptake is very low. I think if they dropped the price to $2900 they would move substantially more 3Ds. And they would probably make much more profit even if the same components were used.
Member
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From: NORTHERN NJ
2018 S560 4matic Sedan. Official member of the 18" RIM CREW.
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2012 CLS63
Depends on who you ask, when you go to trade in your car the dealership likes to say that options don't matter. Then they turn around and charge a premium for these options. I think it is more dramatic for these high end cars where MSRP can range from 100K to over 160K for the same model of car. I also think buyers are willing to pay a small premium for the higher spec cars on the used market.
dealership likes to say that options don't matter. Then they turn around and charge a premium for these options.
You took the thoughts right out of my head!
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: El Paso Texas
S550 4Matic
Worth is subjective. At auction the additional options bring close to zero on a price. If you value the options, you will choose to pay extra. Plain and simple. Just don’t expect someone else to pay you more once you want to let it go. IMO
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Historically virtually no option adds anything to the resale value of a car. Same or more so for luxury cars. Anything designo or special leather or audio, night vision, magic sky, etc. The only option with slight bump is the Sport package and even that is minimal. The big difference this year has been the disruption caused by COVID-19 causing a price spike; the year has been great for sellers of used cars...
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
Yes agree I think Covid does have something to do with it. I bought a fully loaded 2018 S560 about 5 weeks ago and paid top dollar for it, to me it was worth it, with all the increased risks in the world these days how many more cars am I going to have like this? I wanted to enjoy all the options that Benz has to offer, it was too late to order new of course at least for a 222 so I found the CPO 2018 and saved a lot of money over new, it was pricey but it is very nice and was low mileage, like 16.5 miles and in great shape. I paid 85K. It was a lot as I coulda got a more normal basic one with Premium and Distronic for around 73K but it was very much worth it at least to me. Like was said the cars will sell for whatever the buyer is willing to pay for them, there is kinda a shortage of used cars right now so the price only goes up. I've even seen it go up a little bit since 5 weeks ago when I bought my car.
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2012 CLS63
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Too many german broads
These W222s are holding up very well. The M278 is very solid. Let hope this strong reliability will continue into the W223.
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
No regrets spending the extra 15 k over what I woulda paid for a less optioned car. The sticker on my car was 156k. Just about all the boxes were checked. One life to live. Why be frugal. Worked hard for what I got.
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
Originally Posted by 2012 merc amg
No regrets spending the extra 15 k over what I woulda paid for a less optioned car. The sticker on my car was 156k. Just about all the boxes were checked. One life to live. Why be frugal. Worked hard for what I got.
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From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
FWIW, my opinion is this. Always buy a car at 3 years of age and with no more than 35,000 miles. Considering this, I wouldn't pay more than 60% of the initial MSRP. Off-lease cars that have been MB certified are perfect candidates and always buy the 4 year, unlimited mileage extended warranty. That being said, buy the car you want and fuh-get-about-it after that and drive it with pride and joy. After 3-4years, rinse and repeat. (The S63 and the current S560 will be the last cars I buy new.)
Last edited by MBS63AMG; Jan 2, 2021 at 09:57 PM.
