mark anderson

I'm looking at a 2007 SL55 with 030 and 3k miles. I drove and it and liked it a lot but im not sure if its worth twice what my 03 will bring. I'm sure I can get an 06 with a few miles for much less so are the 07 improvements worth the difference? That said if you have an 06/07 for sale I am looking. No black ext or berry int. Needs to be very clean.

LOVEMYBS

What's the asking price? My fully optioned 06 with 030, CPO and 12K miles was $67K.

alx

the market has tanked in the last month or so.

an 07 with 030 package with 25k miles wholesales around 57k, retails 60k.

alex
few cars

LOVEMYBS

Depressing news, oh well, cars are NEVER a good investment!

mark anderson

They were asking $99k but have come down to $86k. The car has an sticker of $160k.

mark anderson

So where can I get something like this?

alx

i dont know. my numbers are from what i see as wholesale transactions across the nation. i assume those prices will reflect on the retail market in the first weeks of 2009 or early spring.

the problem is that quite a few dealers are stuck with cars they bought at much higher prices in the last few months. the market does not support those prices anymore. being a convertible most dealers will prolly hold on to their sl inventory until new year (new, lower sales goals) or spring when they will liquidate (most likely at a loss).

the auto wholesale market is a mess. last month alone prices have dropped around 20% across the board. there are no buyers as consumer credit is frozen for all but for the most credit-worthy people. many dealerships are upside-down on their inventory already. expect many more dealer bankruptcies.

my recommendation for any high-end used car is to wait until april when prices correction would be in full effect and then buy at discount. or buy now but demand good discount.

alex
few cars

mark anderson

Thanks for the advice. I will make them an offer but I doubt they will accept. For now I'll just keep looking until the right deal comes along.

speed doc

Manheim Numbers 2007 sl55. May help you. Good Luck. Wow these numbers just depressed me a little. Thats until I drive my car home and all is well again.

12/18/08 ST PETE Regular $70,000 4,792 Above Black NON N Yes
12/17/08 W PALM Lease $55,500 26,648 Avg MYS WHT 8G A Yes
12/17/08 SWFL Regular $60,100 12,731 Avg Red N Yes
12/17/08 NASHVILL Lease $63,000 5,670 Above BLK 8G A Yes
12/10/08 SEATTLE Lease $56,250 14,508 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
12/10/08 ATLANTA Lease $59,500 15,288 Avg PEWTR 8G A Yes
12/10/08 ATLANTA Lease $57,000 23,842 Avg PEWTR 8G A Yes
12/09/08 FAAO Lease $60,250 28,086 Avg MYS WHT 8G A Yes
12/09/08 FAAO Lease $51,000 10,711 Below BLACK 8G A Yes
12/04/08 RIVRSIDE Regular $67,000 4,383 Above PEWTER 8G A Yes
11/25/08 MANHEIM Lease $62,500 9,419 Above IRI SIL 8G T Yes
11/25/08 DFW Lease $58,000 18,270 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes

mark anderson

Thanks for the info.

carcommander

I sold my 24k mile O5 SL55 for 38. Bought 06 SL65 24k for 63. If you can stand it buy a 65. Much more power.

mark anderson

I drove a 65 but I was not thrilled with it. Maybe it was the car I drove but it seemed to have turbo lag and felt much heavier than my 55. How do you think they compare?

speed doc

I have some seat time in both and they are both incredible in their own way. The 55's immediate power is like a drug, but once the turbo spools in on the 65(which is not long), its like launching the space shuttle. I do agree the 65 feels heavier, but I would expect that. They are both awesome machines, its what feels better in your hands. One could argue that both are a little extreme in power for street driving, although I'm not going to argue.

mark anderson

I've yet to drive a car that I thought had too much power.

LOVEMYBS

Mine also stickered for $160K with tax. If you offer $75K and they accept you are still positive in the car and will remain so over time. There's a lot of doom and gloom on this website but considering the economy is slowly improving and loans will soon be easier to get now is the time to buy a car, a house and reinvest in the stock market. Luxury and sports car prices will soon begin to firm up and the dealers will quickly take back their negotiating chips, especially if they have a rare car. If it's the car you want then go for it and don't be overly influenced by regional wholesale prices. JMHO

mark anderson

Thanks for your thoughts. Having owned a 2003 55 for 3 years I already know how bad they depreciate. I love the car and maybe 85 is a fair price but I also know that in 12 months it will be worth 60 and that doesn't sit well with me. You must have designo interior as well to get your MSRP up that high. I just love that option.

LOVEMYBS

Actually, I have the full black leather Nappa interior plus every option except distronic. IMHO it's a rare combo that will hold its value. However, the OEM 030 package that sold for $14K in 2006 is now worth $4 to 4.5K in trade. Now that's depreciation! Also, my research would indicate that MB may discontinue the 030 which will make the 030-equipped cars even more desirable and potentially collectible in the future.

alx

it is just a car. the only mercedes of the current lineup that holds any future collector promise in 20 years is the slr.

ofcourse my opinion of a wholesale guy is somewhat abrasive, so who knows...

alex
few cars

LOVEMYBS

I agree, the SLR will be collectible. However, as the world turns green and fuel economy increases combined with alternative fuels it will create a pent-up future demand for today's high performance cars "of the past". Other collectible cars today IMHO are the Ford SVT Lightning truck, Shelby Mustangs, Corvette ZR-1 and Z06, Ford Thunderbirds, Prowlers and Vipers to name a few. I am also not excluding the AMG's, BMW M's and the turbo P-cars from this list.