I'm embarassed to say I can no longer "afford" my car.

Well, I should have never broken my personal rule to never buy a car over $100K. Seeing as I am getting married, and I need to be more "mature" with my spending, I have come to the sad conclusion that I need to sell my car.

TO be honest, when I bought the car, I wasn't really thinking logically. I was at my dealer browsing around for a RennEe replacement when I casually asked if an SL65 was available. He said he could get one, so I stupidly just said "I want it, get me one". To put this in perspective, I use a private dealer that I and most of my business associates have used exclusively to get all our cars for the last 5 years or so. There is a long-standing business relationship, and a lot of professional reputation (and a little bit of ego) there. When I told him to "get it" I wasn't really thinking he would / could, and at the time I didn't really think seriously about the financial aspect of it. It didn't help that my girlfriend (soon to be fiance) was with me, and a little male ego kicked in.

Fast forward 2 weeks, without a thought... I get a call from him.. "Hey Marv! I just got your car in, it's beautiful!!" At this point, I'm thinking "What car? Oh *****!!!". I drove over there in a dazed and confused state.

As we went through the motions of evaluating my trade-in and all the usual paperwork (including calling my ecstatic banker), I somehow lost the ability to think straight. Before I knew it, I was blissfully and ignorantly driving my SL to my girfriends house to show her.

I have hazy memories thinking about how I was going to swallow a $2700 car payment in spite of putting down more than $70k. I remember thinking that I could manage to not save as much money for the next few years, and that somehow it would be worth it, that I desrved it, blah, blah..

Fast forward six months.. I'm now engaged, and I am now engaged and making car payments that are more than my mortgage. I have had to cut back on my favorite pastime of SCUBA diving (not at all a cheap endeavor, when the trip you like to take are north of $10k each). Business has not picked up dramatically, and litigation continues to encumber my P&L's. My life as a married man begins to take shape in my head, and somehow the SL65 doesn't fit well within the boundaries.

I come to the harsh reality that I have to sell my baby. As much as I have enjoyed her, the ride is over. I have been looking at more reasonable cars lately. I had initial thoughts of getting another less expensive car, but it still doesn't work. I'm currently looking at an 04 Cayenne Turbo, and maybe even a *gasp* 645, or even a new M5 in the fall. But for now, the car and need to part ways. Once the economy picks up a little and the fiance finishes grad school, and gets a job, I can jump into another car of her caliber. For now though, I have to sell it.

If anyone is interested, here is the link to the listing at my dealer:

http://autodynamicscars.com/details.asp?ID=564

The published price is more like a "wish list" price, but if you PM me, we can talk about more "transactional" numbers" and I can give you more details about the car. It is in perfect condition and in fact, has never even been rained on. Only serious interests need to PM me.

 

OUCH, sorry to hear that man. Best of luck, you'll bounce back.

 

Maarv old chap. I know how you feel. I sometimes wonder if I should stretch myself and get a top of the range SL but then when I look at the price tag and the way the economy is going it really does put me off. I would not want to spend more on my car than on my house - esp as it is such a depreciating asset. I think if I were to get an SL I would either get the lowest model or hope the new diesel is priced reasonably...but a 55 or a 65 - i will have to win the lottery to ever really afford those.

 

sell it get a used SL55!

 

to me its real simple. you have way too many cars. sell the rest and you should be fine.

 

First of all............you can never be too rich, too thin or have too many cars.

I'm sorry that you have to give up your dream car. The idea to sell and get a used 55 could be a great solution. The 55 may be a tick slower, but it is a better balanced car that handles better.............and if you can afford it........it would be perfect.

 

Nothing wrong with a 645.

 

Where do you go after an SL65?

 

I tried to PM you but got the message that you can't get PMs. I have an 04 SL55, any interest? Try PM me.

 

yeah, what about that solution - selling the other cars?

best of luck with the situation - a 55 might be nice like others have said i sure would enjoy one

oh wait, it looks like you may not have many if any other cars... well, best of luck regardless

 

would like to get more info on your car. Options, mileage, more pics. Can't PM you

Bob

 

i'm interested, albeit with trepidation.

your EM and PM are unavailable, so it's impossible to send you a message other than through the public board.

 

Any update?