I've been fairly active on the "New S Class" forum, but have only recently started reading & posting here in R230.

After reading about ABC, roof hydraulics and other "aging" problems, better suited to DIY folks--of which I am not one, I am giving thought to selling my original owner, 23,000 mile, virtually flawless 2004 SL500. It's a very special car and I think it should command top dollar, but what are your thoughts as to what "top dollar" would be for my car?

The car has always been maintained, both mechanically & cosmetically, never any accidents, no paint work, no touch up, never smoked in, never valet parked, never seen rain or snow, always garaged, original tires, zero modifications, etc. Mars Red with Ash leather. Pretty much as close to showroom condition as a 23,000 mile car can be. What's she worth? I'd appreciate the Forum's thoughts.

 

Lots of details to fill in and what if's but with all the maintenance/repair records, never in an accident, good tires, etc...in the spring to the right buyer...$21500 to $22500.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

A few more details: I ordered the car new from MB Lagnua Niguel. It has the following options:
Tire-Pressure Monitoring System
Comfort Package, which includes Active Ventilated Seats
Driver and Passenger Multicontour Seatbacks
Wood/Leather Shift Knob
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel

ABC pump replaced under warranty, maybe six years ago.
All service records, books, original window sticker, etc.
Have had tires inspected. Was told that rubber was still pliable, tread depth excellent, so no need to replace, but they probably should be, just based on age.
The only thing "wrong" with the car is that the TPMS sensors are dead. Since the tires have never been off the wheels, I have been reluctant to fix them.

 

It sounds very nice. It is not the sport package so it would not be what I wanted but to some folks they may not know or care about the difference. I like the turbine wheels (I think that is what they were called). I have been on both sides of this equation many times and had friends that worked at Manheim; occasionally I would get to see the auctions, talk to the buyers. To me it's just a car. Of course MY car is different, just kidding. In the end all those things you mention, which to an informed buyer that wants an SL, they may have more value, but then maybe not. I look at it as there are so many things that could 'break', that it has been cared for meticulously by the original owner has some value, but what? $1000? $1500? $2000? above the hypothetical average car? It's like looking at homes and especially second homes, lake homes, where they are not so cookie cutter, comps more difficult to obtain. In 2006 I paid $800k for this house and made all these improvements. It is worth every penny of the $800k I'm asking for it. Yeah, except it hasn't sold for a year. So when I make an offer the first number will be a 6. It's like me fighting against my agent and the seller's agent because they are all invested in lake properties being high, recovering. Anyway, I got off on a tangent but hopefully my point was clear. The market will tell you what it's worth and that value might be different than you thought, plus or minus. When I bought my 04 SL sport I had no idea what I was getting into. I just thought it was a cool car, I did not see any leaks and most everything worked. Then I started reading these forums and thought oh sh!#, I should sell it. I kept on and on and learned more about the potential problem areas and thought heck, if something breaks I'll fix it. Loved the car. And then decided I needed a newer one and upgraded a good bit.

Apologies if too long winded and off-topic. Mark

 

Factory SRP $129,500
Retail Value $24,900
Wholesale Value $21,200

The values above are here in Ontario Canada taken for the newest Red Book for used cars. Remember to convert to USA money which means right now the values are 30% higher in Canada then the USA. Given the condition of your car and the history I wouldn't discount it at all and take the value as is. In other words use the figures above as if they were in USA $.

 

I'd guess less than $20k

 

No I wouldn't discount the amount I quoted by 30% because the car is in such good condition so $21 to $24k

 

For sure less than $20k. You can buy a lot of car for $20k on the used market.

 

It's hard to say... That body style I've seen range anywhere from $17000 - $35000 there are a number of variables condition, color, engine, location and of course what someone is wIlling to pay...an SL would be worth more in sunshine climates vs snow belt due to the ability to enjoy roadster driving...

So my suggestion is to enjoy your SL and if someone approaches you and says that's a nice car your response should be it's for sale and go from there...

 

It's hard to say... That body style I've seen range anywhere from $17000 - $35000 there are a number of variables condition, color, engine, location and of course what someone is wIlling to pay...an SL would be worth more in sunshine climates vs snow belt due to the ability to enjoy roadster driving...

So my suggestion is to enjoy your SL and if someone approaches you and says that's a nice car your response should be it's for sale and go from there...

 

Real world experience.............I paid $25k for a perfect 2003 SL500 last July. One owner, clean carfax, all service records, copy of the VMI from servicing dealer, completely serviced and new tires and only 18,500 miles. I paid a premium for a premium car. You will not find many low mileage SL's from the '03/'04 vintage.
So far I'm happy-happy!
2003 SL500
Black over cashmere
Sport Pkg
Pano Roof
Parktronic
AMG wheels
Premium 1

 

A friend bought his '04 from a guy he knows, one owner, 23k mi. for $25k. It's pristine.

TC

 

I had a "B" Service done today and while the car was on the lift, I snapped a few photos. The underside of this car has never been cleaned, this is how it has ALWAYS looked.

 

I'd replace those 12+ year old tires. Michelin no longer makes that tread design.

 

The tires are in excellent condition, nice & pliable. When I drive the car--which is almost never--it never goes much over 50mph, so I'll let the new owner replace them with the tires of their choosing. In the mean time, I believe having the original tires on the car is a testament to how the car has not been driven hard. So many guys would have gone through two sets in 22,000 miles.

 

car looks to be immaculate i would think 21k is a reasonable amount for the vehicle

 

I keep telling my wife that if I can't get over $25K for it, I'm going to park it on our front lawn, fill the interior with planting mix and grow bright red roses in it. Guess I better get my shovel out!

 

I've been watching the market for these, and you would be lucky to get over $20k. I am not sure the grey interior is a plus point for many buyers.
My 03 SL looks almost as good condition, despite the higher miles and I paid under $9k for it. With maintenance and repairs I am into it for $11.5k.

I am not a believer in very low mileage cars, I prefer to buy cars that have done at least 5k miles per year, so they get maintained and exercised, and owners see any issues and deal with them as they happen.

 

I sold this car today for $25,000.00.

 

Congratulations on your sale. The buyer probably overpaid by a coupla thousand bucks, but if you're happy and he/she is happy ... all is well.

 

Are you going to miss it? I would for sure! But if it makes you happy - gratz



Heatwave,
i think there will always be a difference in price between the actual value and for how much the cars are sold on the market. Wouldn't you be interested in selling anything for as much as possible?
I understand your point of view, but prove that the car was overpriced Just prove it to me and i'll say you're right

 

[QUOTE=Ghostty;6721633]Are you going to miss it? I would for sure! But if it makes you happy - gratz

I do and I don't miss it. During my years, I've owned about 60 brand new cars, about 60% of which have been luxury cars. I have sweated taking care of them and now I'm tired of it. From now on, I want to simply lease new cars every three years or so, enjoy the heck out of them and then get a new one. There is a new SL550 or maybe a new S550 Cabriolet in my future.

 

You know, your comment shows how much i don't belong here with my car
After all the SL are high luxury cars and they are not made for any average Joe ^_^

But i see your point - if that's what fits you - who am i to tell you not to?
As for myself - i would never lease any That how much different we are

 

Hey, I never said we were alike. Different strokes for different folks. You do your thing and I'll do mine.

I paid my way through college buying, restoring and selling Corvettes, so I know about getting greasy and I know that those days are behind me. The potential problems facing a 12 year old SL are not merely expensive to fix, they can be MESSY, and the chances of finding someone who would perform such repairs, without molesting my pristine car, are pretty much between slim and none. So, I prefer to let someone else take this old girl through menopause, whilst I glide down PCH in a sweet, young hottie, with Collision Avoidance, Bluetooth, Sirius XM and all the other amazing features that my old lady didn't have-- not the least of which is a factory warranty. If I made any mistake with this beautiful car, it would be that I got emotionally attached to her and I didn't let her go many years ago, when I should have. Just sayin.

 

The best proof of any object's value is the price a willing seller who doesn't have to sell will accept from a willing buyer who doesn't have to buy. You got it exactly right. Well done, Mate.