SL/R230: PLEASE HELP!! Upgrading from SL500 to SL55
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: SoCal
SL55 AMG Black on Berry Red
PLEASE HELP!! Upgrading from SL500 to SL55
Hey Guys, I need some advice from you guys. I currently own a 2003 SL500 with 21,500 miles. I bought it 3 months ago from a Mercedes dealer certified preowned. Little did I know my car is depreciating in value at an alarming rate since the 550's came out and let's face it, it's a 2003 model. I called one car dealer and they only offered me $57,000! Kelley Blue Book is appraising it at $68,600 trade in value, $76,285 for private party value, and $84,290 for retail resale value. So what do you guys think I should do? Should I just trade it in or try to sell it myself? Do you guys know which dealers will pay top dollar for trade-in's in the Southern California area? I want to upgrade to a SL55 2005+. Please help! Time is of the essence.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
Upgrading to a 55 will cost you alot, so you now face a few options. Hold the car, enjoy it for awhile (more than 3 months), and get rid of it later. Or, trade it in now, take the almost immediate depreciation hit, and enjoy the 55 for a while. Then again, if don't care too much about value retainment in the future and just want a faster car to enjoy, look into Kleemann, they can help you out. 
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From: PLAINVIEW, NY
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Originally Posted by HLG600
Upgrading to a 55 will cost you alot, so you now face a few options. Hold the car, enjoy it for awhile (more than 3 months), and get rid of it later. Or, trade it in now, take the almost immediate depreciation hit, and enjoy the 55 for a while. Then again, if don't care too much about value retainment in the future and just want a faster car to enjoy, look into Kleemann, they can help you out.
Good summation and I agree, to also add I think it would be wise to compare the bottom line numbers on what it would cost to take a hit on the current car, get into a new one and the higher note. Perhaps the KLEEMANN mods will look even better.
Good luck
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 429
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From: South Florida
2006 ML500
The depreciation on these cars is absolutely amazing....especially when a new model comes out. My value on my CL is dropping faster than my AOL stock did a few years ago...
I've resigned to just holding onto my car and enjoying it and I try not to think about how much it will be worth later. Once my extended warranty expires, I'll probably trade it in for about $12,000 and buy a nice used Honda Civic....
I've resigned to just holding onto my car and enjoying it and I try not to think about how much it will be worth later. Once my extended warranty expires, I'll probably trade it in for about $12,000 and buy a nice used Honda Civic....
