SL/R230: What do you think our cars are going to be worth in 4 years?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Sacramento, CA
SL500
What do you think our cars are going to be worth in 4 years?
Well my car will be paid off in 4 years, so what do you think they will be worth then? Right now a 2003-5 SL500 seem to sell for around $30k. So in four years what do you think they will be worth, $20k, $10k? I am only considering the cars still in excellent shape.
I know right now you can get some edgy late 90's R129 for under $10k. But it seems that the clean ones still fetch around $15-20k.
Do you think the R230 will hold their value better then the R129? Or will we all own $10k cars?
If my car is only worth $10k in four years I think I will just keep it and wait until its a classic.
I know right now you can get some edgy late 90's R129 for under $10k. But it seems that the clean ones still fetch around $15-20k.
Do you think the R230 will hold their value better then the R129? Or will we all own $10k cars?
If my car is only worth $10k in four years I think I will just keep it and wait until its a classic.
Last edited by DeLorean00; May 25, 2009 at 01:13 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Montrose, CA
2007 SL550
I think the demand for the R230 will be greater than the R129, keeping its price elevated. Of course, they're so popular that there may be a better supply, but as you say, the maintenance makes all the difference. I'd imagine that poorly maintained R230's will be junk, and given the care they require, there may be fewer in excellent condition than there are excellent R129's.
Of course, gas may stop flowing in 2 years for all we know, so it may become a moot point.
But it's a fun exercise!
Last edited by mlandis; May 25, 2009 at 01:58 AM.
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From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Mm... You know, I guess it will we worth around $15-20k, but it seems that the owners of R230 will keep them for future in they garage until it is classic.
I made my decision few months ago and decided to keep my SL as a sporty car for summer weekends.
I already invested lots of money into it and it went done in price for $20k in few years...
I still don't know what I can have instead of this beauty, so that's the best choice to have
Keep it!
I made my decision few months ago and decided to keep my SL as a sporty car for summer weekends.
I already invested lots of money into it and it went done in price for $20k in few years...
I still don't know what I can have instead of this beauty, so that's the best choice to have
Keep it!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 337
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From: Montrose, CA
2007 SL550
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 132
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From: Sacramento, CA
SL500
I have no intentions of selling mine in four years, and I really won't consider it for $10-15k. In my opinion the SL is far better off in my garage then $10-15K in my bank.
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03 SL500
I think that a 2003 SL500 will be worth about $15k in 4 years. I think the SL at 15k would still be an incredible cruising around convertible. If people want a convertible, they would be choosing from the SL vs the Sky, Miatas, Crossfire... which would you choose? However, if the roof has issues and it still costs $4k to fix, people would shy away from buying it due to maintenance.
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From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
I don't know, but for me R230 is such a beautiful car, that half a year ago I was thinking about selling it and you know what... I stayed with it, because I didn't fine a car I would like have instead of it.
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SL500
Well my car will be paid off in 4 years, so what do you think they will be worth then? Right now a 2003-5 SL500 seem to sell for around $30k. So in four years what do you think they will be worth, $20k, $10k? I am only considering the cars still in excellent shape.
I know right now you can get some edgy late 90's R129 for under $10k. But it seems that the clean ones still fetch around $15-20k.
Do you think the R230 will hold their value better then the R129? Or will we all own $10k cars?
If my car is only worth $10k in four years I think I will just keep it and wait until its a classic.
I know right now you can get some edgy late 90's R129 for under $10k. But it seems that the clean ones still fetch around $15-20k.
Do you think the R230 will hold their value better then the R129? Or will we all own $10k cars?
If my car is only worth $10k in four years I think I will just keep it and wait until its a classic.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
I have one of the first SL55s - September 2002 - only done 12500 miles - but there's an identical car for sale here for 30% of what I paid then, 70% depreciation. Mine will be worth a little more because of its low mileage but what scares people away is the maintenance cost if something goes wrong.
It's a complex car, loads of electronics, a fancy braking system which is nightmarishly expensive to fix. I persuaded MB to pay the $5500 replacement cost of my brake controller (the silver lump at the front of the engine bay) and I'm gentle with my gearbox because it was that which cost me an arm and a leg on my R129 SL600.
As for the future, the rate of depreciation can only slow and I'm putting more miles on mine (finding it much better to drive with ABC Sport on) and giving my 996TT a rest which I will be trading for a facelifted 997 TT next year, though the depreciation of the 996 is equally eye-watering.
It's a complex car, loads of electronics, a fancy braking system which is nightmarishly expensive to fix. I persuaded MB to pay the $5500 replacement cost of my brake controller (the silver lump at the front of the engine bay) and I'm gentle with my gearbox because it was that which cost me an arm and a leg on my R129 SL600.
As for the future, the rate of depreciation can only slow and I'm putting more miles on mine (finding it much better to drive with ABC Sport on) and giving my 996TT a rest which I will be trading for a facelifted 997 TT next year, though the depreciation of the 996 is equally eye-watering.
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non
Are these R230 good at sitting around for a couple of months of not driving and then drive again? I hear problems about the battery and what not.
In 4 years, an 03 R30 will probally be about 17K. If I own an 03 R230 I would just buy the body kit and make it look like an 09 R230.
In 4 years, an 03 R30 will probally be about 17K. If I own an 03 R230 I would just buy the body kit and make it look like an 09 R230.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 150
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From: San Diego
'08 SL55
Well my car will be paid off in 4 years, so what do you think they will be worth then? Right now a 2003-5 SL500 seem to sell for around $30k. So in four years what do you think they will be worth, $20k, $10k? I am only considering the cars still in excellent shape.
I know right now you can get some edgy late 90's R129 for under $10k. But it seems that the clean ones still fetch around $15-20k.
Do you think the R230 will hold their value better then the R129? Or will we all own $10k cars?
If my car is only worth $10k in four years I think I will just keep it and wait until its a classic.
I know right now you can get some edgy late 90's R129 for under $10k. But it seems that the clean ones still fetch around $15-20k.
Do you think the R230 will hold their value better then the R129? Or will we all own $10k cars?
If my car is only worth $10k in four years I think I will just keep it and wait until its a classic.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 337
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From: Montrose, CA
2007 SL550
At least the R230 has two batteries, so that you can start it up after 2 months and get the convenience battery charged again. No problems there. If for some reason that didn't work, you're no worse off than you were if you had a Honda. Call AAA or TELE-AID.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
Charger (Mascot 9840) is here: http://www.mascot.no/?CatID=1192
Batteries suffer irreversible chemical changes if allowed to go completely flat; the Mercedes battery is a gel battery which is supposed to be less sensitive to deep discharge but I'm on my third in nearly 7 years.
Have to say, the car feels much better to drive through regular use. More than any car I've owned, the R230 doesn't appear to like sitting around.
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SL500
Are these R230 good at sitting around for a couple of months of not driving and then drive again? I hear problems about the battery and what not.
In 4 years, an 03 R30 will probally be about 17K. If I own an 03 R230 I would just buy the body kit and make it look like an 09 R230.
In 4 years, an 03 R30 will probally be about 17K. If I own an 03 R230 I would just buy the body kit and make it look like an 09 R230.
Seriously, when I don't drive my 4runner for three weeks it needs a jump. Any car you don't drive will have battery drain.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
How those battery tenders work, have never had it...
I'm planning to put my car into garage for winter season this time, and now I see that I need this thing really badly...
Also, what you think about covering car? One side tells that it's bad because car doesn't breath (paint exactly) and others say it is OK... So what is OK?
I'm planning to put my car into garage for winter season this time, and now I see that I need this thing really badly...
Also, what you think about covering car? One side tells that it's bad because car doesn't breath (paint exactly) and others say it is OK... So what is OK?
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
They are just small battery chargers - when I say intelligent, they monitor the battery state and charge it appropriately, whereas a trickle charger just feeds in a small current whether the battery needs it or not.
As for covering the car in a garage, I would say just cover it with a cotton sheet to keep the dust off; I would not bother with the tailored tight fitting car covers, too likely to scratch the paintwork. Even outside, I think it's better to let the car take the weather, try to keep it away from trees and wash any bird droppings off promptly.
As for covering the car in a garage, I would say just cover it with a cotton sheet to keep the dust off; I would not bother with the tailored tight fitting car covers, too likely to scratch the paintwork. Even outside, I think it's better to let the car take the weather, try to keep it away from trees and wash any bird droppings off promptly.
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From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
As for covering the car in a garage, I would say just cover it with a cotton sheet to keep the dust off; I would not bother with the tailored tight fitting car covers, too likely to scratch the paintwork. Even outside, I think it's better to let the car take the weather, try to keep it away from trees and wash any bird droppings off promptly.
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From: Pittsburgh,PA, Cambridge, Ontario, CN
2003 S210 3.8L Brabus wagon
Off-topic, but I'll bite. So tell me, what modern car is "good" at that? My Accord battery died after 2 months of not being driven. So did my Mini. Almost every modern car has always-live electronics on it, so if you don't drive it, it dies.
At least the R230 has two batteries, so that you can start it up after 2 months and get the convenience battery charged again. No problems there. If for some reason that didn't work, you're no worse off than you were if you had a Honda. Call AAA or TELE-AID.
At least the R230 has two batteries, so that you can start it up after 2 months and get the convenience battery charged again. No problems there. If for some reason that didn't work, you're no worse off than you were if you had a Honda. Call AAA or TELE-AID.
Last edited by ejsheltra; May 26, 2009 at 10:28 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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03 SL500
IMO, a cover isn't really necessary. It just keeps dust from accumulating on it. I've seen people do this thinking it would keep the car warmer in winter.
Back in Chicago we used to plug the exhaust holes because sometimes mice and rats would use it as a home for the winter.
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03 SL500
I change my car once or twice a year. Lately I have been thinking about what I can get but I just can't think of one!! Although I have been eyeing an Aston Martin on AutoTrader... but I think I will still keep the SL for a while.
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
The SL is far too good a car to 'give away' for $10K.
What else can you buy that is this good looking, has the features these have and in my case 550+ hp and a 200mph top speed. The answer is nothing. It is a keeper!
What else can you buy that is this good looking, has the features these have and in my case 550+ hp and a 200mph top speed. The answer is nothing. It is a keeper!
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 345
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2005 SL500
As a price point, I just sold my 2005 SL500 with 30.8k miles for $38250. Depreciation is absolutely horrible on these cars, even with a 15% discount off MSRP. 
I do agree with the comments that the 03-08 SL's still have a gorgeous shape. Something about the new facelifted nose just doesn't sit well with me, esp. with the rear being the same as the pre-facelift cars.
I do agree with the comments that the 03-08 SL's still have a gorgeous shape. Something about the new facelifted nose just doesn't sit well with me, esp. with the rear being the same as the pre-facelift cars.
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sl 55 amg
How do you measure worth??
These cars are not for the faint of heart. They MUST be driven . I love the sound when you start it and when your on the highway doing 85 like nothing with the top down(bar up for those that answered that thread) and you put your foot down and the beast in it rumbles.
I had a friend brag about his vette and how much hp it had. he invites me to the dyno one weekend. Dont you know my clean 55 did 460 at the wheels ,with his only doing 375 with the juice(NOS). They had to adjust the chains twice because of the torque on the 55.
Yes maintaining these cars is not cheap but as my sunday/pleasure driver. I measure the worth as how relaxed and at peace i am going down A1A or at a black tie and the car just looks so sexy and classy.
I personally love this car and it will be well cared for .
Thanks guys and girls for all the helpful and useful info. Its nice to see people take pride in their cars.
I had a friend brag about his vette and how much hp it had. he invites me to the dyno one weekend. Dont you know my clean 55 did 460 at the wheels ,with his only doing 375 with the juice(NOS). They had to adjust the chains twice because of the torque on the 55.
Yes maintaining these cars is not cheap but as my sunday/pleasure driver. I measure the worth as how relaxed and at peace i am going down A1A or at a black tie and the car just looks so sexy and classy.
I personally love this car and it will be well cared for .
Thanks guys and girls for all the helpful and useful info. Its nice to see people take pride in their cars.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 337
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From: Montrose, CA
2007 SL550
These cars are not for the faint of heart. They MUST be driven . I love the sound when you start it and when your on the highway doing 85 like nothing with the top down(bar up for those that answered that thread) and you put your foot down and the beast in it rumbles.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 132
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From: Sacramento, CA
SL500
These cars are not for the faint of heart. They MUST be driven . I love the sound when you start it and when your on the highway doing 85 like nothing with the top down(bar up for those that answered that thread) and you put your foot down and the beast in it rumbles.
I had a friend brag about his vette and how much hp it had. he invites me to the dyno one weekend. Dont you know my clean 55 did 460 at the wheels ,with his only doing 375 with the juice(NOS). They had to adjust the chains twice because of the torque on the 55.
Yes maintaining these cars is not cheap but as my sunday/pleasure driver. I measure the worth as how relaxed and at peace i am going down A1A or at a black tie and the car just looks so sexy and classy.
I personally love this car and it will be well cared for .
Thanks guys and girls for all the helpful and useful info. Its nice to see people take pride in their cars.
I had a friend brag about his vette and how much hp it had. he invites me to the dyno one weekend. Dont you know my clean 55 did 460 at the wheels ,with his only doing 375 with the juice(NOS). They had to adjust the chains twice because of the torque on the 55.
Yes maintaining these cars is not cheap but as my sunday/pleasure driver. I measure the worth as how relaxed and at peace i am going down A1A or at a black tie and the car just looks so sexy and classy.
I personally love this car and it will be well cared for .
Thanks guys and girls for all the helpful and useful info. Its nice to see people take pride in their cars.
You bring up a good point. I still own a Pontiac Fiero. I bought this car years and years ago, its long since lost any value. But I still own it because its a blast to drive. I keep it stored in a garage across town. Every now and then, when the mood strikes I take it for a spin. When I jump in it, it brings me right back to being 17 years old. How can you place a value on that? So this car may have no cash value, buts its worth a ton to me.
I can see the SL being the same way in a few years.
