ndabunka

I know that a number of posters have auction information on this site. I am currently trying to determine actual auction price ranges for the AVERAGE 2003/2004 year condition models (around 15K/year cars so nothing over 40K total miles). Seems that the 2003 S55's may be going through the auction around $30K as I see a few clean/no problem ones being sold on eBay for around $35K but then again I saw a frame damaged "Clean"(?How?) one going for $35K as well (probably just a naive bidder). Just seeking auction info on this particular thread. I already know about warranty issues. Thanks in advance.

OBXTucker

2004 Average, October 2007: $43,087. Total Sold: 10
2003 Average, October 2007: $37,190. Total Sold: 8

Keep in mind, these are true "wholesale" prices - not available to the public. The dealer will be adding his expenses (detail, touch-up, repairs, tires, brakes/pads, etc.) and his profit on top of this amount.

BUTCHEN

Thats a great deal. Those 2004 models have newer nav and cost $115,000 plus new and are a great ride with great performance. I think the 04-06 S55's and 2006 S65's are the car to grab now.

ndabunka

Thanks for the update. I did have a broker friend of mine who helped me pick up my 740iL from the Orlando Manhiem auction @ cost + $500 years back. I even got to go onto the lot with him as one of his "Agents/employees". At that time I watched a number of cars go through and even saw him buying two of them he later sold to the guys "outside the fences" for about $1,000 more than the auction price. Of course, he told THEM they were getting theirs for $500 over cost as well. So, I think I was the only one actually getting the "real deal" a the time. Helped that my brother did all of the dent work for him and got me the better positioning. So, it sounds like a $40K mark is a pretty good target. Will have to see if there are a few private owners willing to part with them at those prices or if I will need to do the auction angle in order to get the price I'd like. If so, I sure hope that guys is still doing the high line auctions!

Chappy

Hope you pick one up before November 10th (see sig).

ndabunka

Chappy - Good to hear from you again. I would LOVE to join you guys at that event. The odds are about 50/50 right now of actually getting this done before the end of the year (too many things happening on the business side to spend too much time on hobbies like buying cars, LOL). I know I've tried this before and it seems as if I never seem to close the deal. The other 50% may actually be a decision to sit on cash and wait until I can afford what I really want, an SL600...but that would be postponing the process once more by about 12 months.

Chappy

cough AMG cough

macklexy

I have a 2003 S55 under factory warranty until 8/2008 w/ 57K miles for sale. The car is in mint condition with upgraded 19" AMG 3 piece wheels. Let me know if your interested.

retardedmunk

I saw a 2004 S55 black on black with nav, keyless 44k miles... excellent condition ths car had no bids and the owner would of taken $37k

A CL65 went for $65k..... with 23k miles....

bzliteyear

which city was this auction? man...that CL65 would have been tempting - i'm assuming it was 2005? was it lemon?
Patrick

ndabunka

Did you get the "owners" name of the 2004 S55? Are you interested in making a quick $500?

ndabunka

Thanks for your post. I've pretty much eliminated the 2003's (due to a number of factors the least of which is the CD NAVI). With the factory CPO's being non-transferable, your extended warranty would not help me. I actually prefer to find one still covered under the standard mfg warranty so that I have the option of doing the after market directly myself so nothing over 46K in miles is currently under consideration. Since I don't think I would be interested in yours, I'll skip the pricing aspect. I guess I should also state that I am seeking only White/grey, Black/stone or black or Pewter. No greys or silvers (been there, done that. Was OK but..)

retardedmunk

I am getting my dealer license in about a month and I would like to extend my car knowledge and purchases to be exclusive to AMG's, high end Benz's and BMW's. Reason is I have seen ridiculous pricing on the retail end of these cars. I will basically offer cars in better then average condition at prices that are realistic and fair. As a lover and driver of these awesome cars this will be a passion for me. What do you guys think of this plan?

retardedmunk

the Cl65 was like a new car with a clean title. I check all the cars I like via carfax with my iPhone at the auction. The S55 was in excellent condition as well. Prices you see on the street are not usually what they sell for. Just what that ask.

jl88

Get ready to pay high advertising fee's on this site with low to zero inventory

Get ready to have customers that expect pristine cars coming off of lease returns, but they want to pay the least amount of money.

Get ready to have no one capable of giving you money upfront for you to buy a car, so you're left with the burden of upfront costs with the *hope* that the interested person will actually pay.

There are reasons why used dealers add on 10-15% margin on top of used cars. The can routinely hold onto these cars for 3 or more months before selling them. In that time, you're stuck with annual dealer fees, rent, interest costs, etc

I've had a dealer license for about a year and a half. All of my sales have been through traditional channels. Enthusiasts, unfortunately, tend to be the worst kind of customers.

Part of the problem is the slowdown in the economy. It is affecting the car and home industry the most.

ndabunka

I'd agree with JL88. Unless you have either (1) a large pocketbook ($200K to $300K just lying around not doing anything) or else (2) Can find a VERY lien ant banker, you can probably kiss being a dealer as a pipe dream. As stated, everyone's getting slammed on value. It's a buyers market and all buyers seem to think they can pick things up for "wholesale". While some can, that is not the norm. When they learn that they can't get it as cheaply as they thought, they don't buy. Leaves either the bank or the businessman out cash unless they turn around and liquidate the car for a loss.

As with any business, there is a cost to doing things. There are VERY few of the "no storefront" brokers out there willing to do the $500 over cost thing now-a-days. Even those have costs (like fuel, hotel, food to get to the auction and back) on top of profits. If you do decided to become a broker, you need a solid knowledge of the mechanics of these particular cars (so that you don't buy a damaged (but "clean" titled) vehicle...

In other words, there is more to it than A + B = $'s. The mark ups are there for a reason (in most cases).

ndabunka

West Palm is generally a VERY good market (if it's a local car). Well kept. If it had been bought, that S55 would probably have hit eBay with an ask of around $49K up front and then been continually discounted until sold around $44K. I am serious though, that is the EXACT car I am looking for and the $37K + fees IS something I would probably act upon very quickly. I guess I better check out eBay to see if it's available form a private seller (since he didn't get his $'s at the auction).

ndabunka

Here's an example of a greedy ****... This car has a "Bent Frame" report on Car Fax and the dealer is STILL trying to sucker someone out of some significant $'s by fraudulently claiming it as "Clear Title" and "Warranty" when in fact, this is a salvaged vehicle with NO WARRANTY. Someone should report his candy ****!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...QQcmdZViewItem

2H S5

I must be blind b/c I checked the carfax report that was included in the listing and I don't see the "bent frame" report listing it as bent

I'm also going to be looking for an 03+ S55
Any good deals out there???

03MBAMGs

I've had mine about a year now and shopped high and low (midwest to the east coast). I'm in Florida and the cars here were 6K - 10K higher than elsewhere. Most dealers were not willing to deal. I ended up buying mine from a large Chicago MB dealer. They were willing to deal though they didn't give it to me by any means. It had 21k miles and is in great condition. But it appears as if the prices have dropped significantly since then not just because there's another years depreciation, slowing economy but also the fact that the 07's were a ground up new car. Continue to do your homework (the gentleman here are VERY knowledgeable) and you'll probably come across a desirable car priced reasonably. Good luck!

ndabunka

It wasn't the Carfax report but rather the new one that eBay links too called "AutoCheck". Apparently it was revealed at the auction. See the notes in this report... Here's the AutoCheck link
http://www.autocheck.com/?utm_medium...NG74J55A436081

BENZITCH

Any one know of the next exotic auction in Manaheim Pa.?

Also what are 2003 CL500 drawing at auction with 56k?

Thanks

Bruce

ndabunka

Well the 2003 CL55's are under $50K so probably around $42 or so, right? There is a separate CL thread on pricing. Head over to that forum to get the details. Pretty certain most of the talk was around 55's and 600's though. Good luck!

c32amgbenz

Intresting, I been able to drive my 99 e36 M3 Convertible for almost 2 years I bought it used in 05 and sold it for the same price I paid and put almost 20K miles on it. I sold it at the end of summer. The c32 I picked up, I got it at Manhiems/ Galves Wholesale pricing. I am considering selling a car every 3-4 months now and make a little profit that covers the car plus state taxes, or break even. The economy is in a messed up state right now people cant buy 30k-40k cars. People are buying 10k-20k cars now. My friend flipped a car for 15K within 4 days. Now he tryna flip a 30K car and he has it on his hands and a month has passed and no sale. So Im under the impression that getting the 10k-20k cars are the best flippers. Then if you do get a 30k-40k car which enthusiast like at a liquidated used car dealership lossed price then you can have a stealer. Convertibles are the best bet to sell especially in the Northeast wher you can get one cheap in the winter Dec,Jan, Feb then flip it in May, June. Just some food for thought.

2H S5

So what's with the buy back guaranteed policy from Carfax because they obviously missed this important info???