LAWYER2

Hey everyone,
With car values what they are, I've been back n forth considering selling my 2015 w/ 55k miles. The good, it's literally worth what I paid for it nearly two years ago, the bad, now's definitely NOT the time to buy something else. I've been WFH and have another vehicle so I only drive a couple hundred miles a month. The only thing I'd really want in lieu of my W222 is a G-Wagon and those are just as inflated, if not more.
Anyone else similarly contemplating letting theirs go?

cfmistry

In general, I think it’s a terrible time to trade-in a car unless you are downgrading. The G-wagon is absurdly priced right now, maybe the most overpriced of the entire new car market!

But if you have the itch and the money to scratch it… life is short.

seamus2154

Yes. I have a showroom condition 2016 S550 sport, very nicely optioned. Diamond white with black carpet, porcelain interior. Love the car and would be hard to replicate. But knowing I will be in the market for the new Zo6 next year figured maybe I should sell as its a unique car and can get a very good number. I went as far as pics, ad, and posting up for sale. I got several quick hits on first day, and it was pretty clear with 2 different serious buyers it was going to sell. I went for a drive in it that day, and took the ad down. I could not part with such a perfect car. The prices are fantastic if your selling and not buying. That is my situation, but still couldnt do it. I did sell two other cars in the last 6 months and am still astonished at the used car market. Its a good time to sell. Many projections are that it will not get better soon for new cars. Good luck


I looked at the GLS580 and saw the G wagon prices also. Not me. You are literally giving away your winnings on the sale to the new purchase. They are nuts, but you are in competition for any car in stock at a dealer.

badq45t

I was talking to my wife about this the other day, that we could get most if not all our $$ back (you cannot recover tax) since I WFH and have 2 other cars...but as she pointed out neither is a S-Class Benz. So if your moving on to another car you have to consider what the prices are of those because everything is more expensive. My Mom was looking for a Honda Accord and they wanted 5k over MSRP. SERIOUSLY!!!!!

seamus2154

Years ago I put 140,000 miles on a W221 2008 S550 sport. One of the best cars I have ever owned, treated me very well. Literally a starter, oil changes, tires, brakes, and 2 air struts all those years. Decided to get into a new GMC Denali and traded out. I have several other cars. For 3 years I kept talking about my S. Missed it. Found myself in the dealer looking at an E class as a second car. Explained my experiences and dilemma with a very experienced Mercedes salesman. He laughed with me for quite a while while we test drove an E, and a GLE. Because we were friendly he said "can I tell you something"? What?

Jim, this happens more than you know. Guys come back after owning an S class and dance around, after owning one or more cars in-between. Pretty common. Then for some reason consider different models of Mercedes. Jim, your screwed, nothing compares to an S class and once you have owned one you cant go backwards. I have literally sold those guys E classes and 6 months later they want their S back!! So either hold off till you can or just buy an S class. LOL ....Good salesman, cool story!

My wife drives a GLC300, and when I said i think I am going to sell the S class, she balked and said you cant sell that car! I said we have your car.....response; thats not an S class!!

I'm in an awesome S class, I know I'll regret letting here go. Only have 45k on her so a long way to go. I dont like the new one, and love the 4.7....Like the song says "know when to hold them". Going forward just getting what you want when you want isnt so easy anymore.

MBS63AMG

My hands are glued to my 2019 S560. It is the best Benz of all time.

Bart-N3GQ

Good question, but my S550 Sport has everything I could ever want or need in a car.

emilner

Yeah, I can't see any reason to get rid of mine- It is about as close to perfect as a car can get.

badq45t

I had a brand new 2020 E--Class for a loaner last time I did a service for my S-Class. It was literally BRAND NEW I was the first human to drive the car it had 7 miles on it. I was a little taken back not really wanting to be the first person to drive it but hey I will be super careful and I parked at work far away from any other cars. It was nice but after my 35-40 miles round trip to work down highway101 through Silicon Valley I was super sure it was no match for my 2016 S-Class. There were just things that don't match up...I agreed it ruins you. I also drove my cousins A8L when I was in NY this summer, it is a 2021 also very nice and also doesn't feel as nice.

SW20S

I think it all depends on what your cost is to have the vehicle. Is it paid for? I would have a hard time making an enormous car payment like mine if I wasn't driving much.

Tom in Austin

Just came back from a weekend trip with my wife and we so enjoyed the car. Cruising effortlessly at 75 - 85 mph in total comfort ... Distronic did most of the work while she took care of music, navigation and seat massage settings ... all our needs were tended to. The dash display showed 26.1 mpg when we turned into the driveway and I think that's a very reasonable degree of efficiency for what the car does.

I might try a W223 some day, but for now, this car is just terrific.

Mitch Alsup

Where would I get an engine like the V12 in my S-600 ?

akg1984

That salesman story is spot on. I have a 2021 G and my wife drives the GLS63 and I still find myself driving my 2016 S550 most often. I can’t see not having an S in my stable going forward. There’s nothing like the G and nothing like the S.

vinnybenz

Funny, I've been considering going back to a E450 wagon, a 2019 E53 actually, but I find that in spite of a used car shortage out there, the salesman is still trying to pretend there is no shortage. He is offering me $80 for my 2018 S560 which has every option but the dvd and wine cooler, has only 38500kms and wants $82k for his e53 with 32000kms. I feel I should be getting a cheque for a few thousand and his car, what do you think? I've also noticed here in Canada, that the used S prices have creeped up, some with my mileage asking $94k and $87k with similar mileage and less features than my S.
What say you, how do I play this game? Oh, and yes, I know going from the S back to a E is strange but I guess I've always been a 'wagon' guy having owned, 2 Volvo, 4 Ford Taurus X's and 2 E450 wagons. Just in my genes I guess.

badq45t

Solve this by selling it youself. With the used car market as hot as it is you can sell youself. Remember he needs to take your car in at a wholesale price and sell it at retail. You can sell you own car at retail price....

vinnybenz

Hi badg45t,
I don't know if you're in Ontario Canada but we are allowed a tax free saving on the trade value and the price of the new car. That's why I would lose if i sold private and then pay the full 13% tax on the price of the purchase. E.g. my car allowance of $75000 on a $85000, I would only pay tax on the $10000 difference.

superpop

Same as in the states. You only pay sales tax on the difference if you are in a state that has a sales tax. The stealerships like to remind you of this and think they are entitled to this savings. Wish there was a way to private sale and then buy another within a certain period of time and only pay the difference as that would really even the playing field but that will never happen.

PNBLWZD

Sadly no trade in tax credit in California and now some other states. The new purchase is taxed at 100% purchase price, regardless what or if you’re trading something in.

I would only sell my S550 to upgrade to a newer post 2018 S, like an S63 - which I’m debating now actually. Just trying to convince myself if it’s really worth the high entry cost, plus maintenance costs about double, and my registration and insurance will go up.

Lower model Mercedes cars like E and C, no thanks. I’ve had them as loaners and there’s no comparison despite them just looking like a smaller S.

tkelley.EClass

w213 with full air suspension and acoustic comfort package might change your mind, then its a proper baby S class... I test drove an E43 with this and was really impressed. However, backseat was a bit too small and I haul friends around often...

Tom in Austin

A long-wheelbase W213 - if there were such a thing - would be intriguing alternative to an S ...

W205C43PFL

I believe there is one but I think exclusive to only one market.

Lanzz

You guys have me thinking... I have an E300 sedan and an E450 wagon, both with acoustic comfort and full air suspension - can't imagine something even nicer, but I might have to take a look...

vinnybenz

How do you find the ride of the E450 with 4 wheel air suspension compared to your S class? I had a 2019 E450 wagon without air suspension and found it not that far off of the 2018 S560. The out of town MB dealer tells me that the E53 with full air suspension and in Comfort mode, rides just as nice as the E450 with air suspension. What do you think?

badq45t

I am not in Canda and unless I was selling a car that I didn't want to sell to a private party you always make more off a private sale. As stated there is zero benefit to trade in the car other than the lack of hassel to sell to a private party.

vinnybenz

Well folks, I had a chance today to test drive a E53 wagon today and boy, it really shows my age. I did not enjoy the suspension even tho it was all wheel air-matic and in comfort mode. but boy, could that thing move!! Every little crack in the road made my tinnitus ring in my ears with a cymbal effect. Was good to get back into my S Class home.