SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: What to Buy Next After Totaled 06 SL55
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
I'm leaning heavily towards an 06/07 SL65 just to "keep it in the family." But, I must still wait for the insurance companies to make their decisions. In any event, if they decide to repair the car I'll file a depreciated value claim for 100% of its retail value.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
A very nice car on it's own but terribly lacking horsepower when compared to AMG.
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From: Chicago, IL
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I don't understand. You just purchased this SL55. Why after only a few months of owning it, and now having it totaled, would you jump to another car? Did you really not like the 55? If you didn't like the 55, why did you purchase it to begin with?
I mean a 65 would make some sense, but most of the other cars on your list are very different and I don't understand why you would be willing to close the book on SL ownership so soon if you liked the car enough to make such a big purchase of one to begin with?
-m
I mean a 65 would make some sense, but most of the other cars on your list are very different and I don't understand why you would be willing to close the book on SL ownership so soon if you liked the car enough to make such a big purchase of one to begin with?
-m
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From: Atlanta, GA
2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
The insurance industry recognizes that cars that have sustained major damage have a lot less appeal to most buyers. Therefore, they are willing to pay you the difference in the cars retail value at the time of the accident and the new value of the car after the accident (depreciated value). The catch is you must file a claim and they won't tell you this. A neighbor of mine was an underwriter and suggested this. I've already notified the insurance company of my intent to file a claim and they didn't seem surprised. Anyway, my guess (JMHO) is some attorneys know this and file a claim on your behalf without telling you. They collect at least 30% of the depreciated value claim and other "fees and damages" first and you receive a "settlement less attorney's fees". Later you try to sell the car and eat the much larger difference between what should have been the original value vs. what the buyer is willing to give you for your damaged car. Sound familiar?
For example, if I tried to sell or trade my SL55 with a Carfax report that disclosed major collision damage (which it will) no one is going to touch it and I'm stuck with a car that's almost worthless. If/when the car is fully repaired (and acceptable to me) I will file a claim that asks for 100% of its pre-accident retail value (NADA $81K). Although I don't think I'll get 100% I should receive a nice settlement that will enable me to sell/trade the car and pay the negative equity without going out-of-pocket. Or, I can keep the car and the check knowing that at some point in the future I'll have to make up the difference.
For example, if I tried to sell or trade my SL55 with a Carfax report that disclosed major collision damage (which it will) no one is going to touch it and I'm stuck with a car that's almost worthless. If/when the car is fully repaired (and acceptable to me) I will file a claim that asks for 100% of its pre-accident retail value (NADA $81K). Although I don't think I'll get 100% I should receive a nice settlement that will enable me to sell/trade the car and pay the negative equity without going out-of-pocket. Or, I can keep the car and the check knowing that at some point in the future I'll have to make up the difference.
Last edited by LOVEMYBS; Jan 18, 2009 at 10:01 AM.
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From: Austin, Texas
2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
Hey 4ociousE55 - ASC has another '06 SL55 030 - Obsidian with bi-xenons as the only other option (besides the 030). They have it listed at a shade under $65K. Given the fully optioned one you got, this one would probably be a let down. Just thought I'd let you know. PJ
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Thanks PJ57, I've spoken to them about it already. You're right, it is a stripped down car (surprising) and would be a let down when compared to the one I bought from them for $67K. I have yet to find another car that is so well equipped. This is especially true when you consider it has a remote K-40 (front and rear) radar/laser detector, Bluetooth "puck" and Lojack which I didn't know was installed until Lojack called me after the accident to activate it. I'm not sure the dealer knew it had Lojack. At least they didn't disclose it to me. I've made it very clear to the collision shop if/when they repair the car I want all of those "extra's" in working order. 
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From: Chicago, IL
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I've had a number of cars for 3 months or less (E46 M3, RS6), it's not enough to experience a car, IMO.
I got rid of the M3 because I didn't like it, and I got rid of the RS6 because of the 3 months I had it, 7 weeks were in the shop fixing that stupid DRC.
-m
I got rid of the M3 because I didn't like it, and I got rid of the RS6 because of the 3 months I had it, 7 weeks were in the shop fixing that stupid DRC.
-m
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From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
Gkats- when did you get the 55? can't have had it long. Gallardo is Audi engineered so should be a lot better than older Lambos were with regard to reliability.
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From: Austin, Texas
2003 S500; 2004 E55; 2006 SL55 030; 2013 CLS63
Still looking? Here's a '06 SL55 030 on Ebay. You could probably make a nice offer and get this in the high 40s/low 50s. Silver/Charcoal with all options except Distronic and nappa. Miles are a little high, but you could still get a MB warranty. Check it out...PJ
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...link:middle:us
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Still No Decision, Maybe Monday
I still can't get a "go/no go" total decision on this car. The "tear down" is very involved and complicated. Here' what I know. The entire roof mechanism was destroyed and they can't get the roof off to get at the trunk area. The battery was smashed and leaked acid onto the wiring harness and throughout the trunk (VERY BAD). The exhaust is crushed, the inner fender well is pushed out onto the rear tire, the right rear quarter is gone, the right door is out of alignment, the trunk lid is trash along with the spoiler I just purchased and installed, the rear bumper is smashed and the frame is probably bent, the suspension will have to be re-done, the front bumper is smashed, the hood is out of alignment, the engine is leaking what I believe is probably coolant, the front cross member is bent, my K40 was wiped out and that's just the larger stuff that I know about after seeing the car in the shop. Estimated damage so far is $30K with more to come.
So far I've looked at an:
09 black/tan M6 convertible - very nice
07 SL550 that's fully loaded including distronic, gorgeous rare light blue
07 SL55 that was heavily modified by Merc that puts out 600+ HP
08 CLK63 black series (white) - thinking hard about this one
06 SL55 with the 030 but not nicely equipped
No Ferrari's yet but I just got back from West Palm Beach where there was a very large Ferrari gathering (they were all over the place). That got me interested, they really are great looking cars!
All I need is a decision!
So far I've looked at an:
09 black/tan M6 convertible - very nice
07 SL550 that's fully loaded including distronic, gorgeous rare light blue
07 SL55 that was heavily modified by Merc that puts out 600+ HP
08 CLK63 black series (white) - thinking hard about this one
06 SL55 with the 030 but not nicely equipped
No Ferrari's yet but I just got back from West Palm Beach where there was a very large Ferrari gathering (they were all over the place). That got me interested, they really are great looking cars!
All I need is a decision!
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 917
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From: Manassas, VA
10 Cayenne GTS, 07 Porsche 911 Turbo
Damage Estimate
After many weeks of "tear down" the damage estimate on my car is $57K which still doesn't meet the 70% insurance requirement to total it. Insurance managers are now getting involved and they are choking on the estimated repair bill. From my vantage point it looks like it will be repaired. More info on that next week. Would you believe $7,900 for a new exhaust, $4,000 for new bumpers with partronic and etc. I'm shocked!
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From: Atlanta, GA
2003 SL55, 1999 Lexus LS400
Damn, $57k for and still not totaled? At 70% that's saying that the car is worth over $81k.
Nearly $8k for an exhaust? MB OEM is a rip off. I'd say go with a full exhaust, long tube headers and all.
Nearly $8k for an exhaust? MB OEM is a rip off. I'd say go with a full exhaust, long tube headers and all.
