SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 For Sale with Fidelity Warranty
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Florida
03SL55
I own an 03 (since 09/37k miles) with 53k miles today, no warranty, lots of go fast goodies, in great shape, well maintained and If I were selling I would take 30k in a heart beat (not selling). I think your fairly priced considering the warranty. Or at least in the ball park, ask 31k and work from there, if your in a rush be prepared to sell it below your original asking price of 29k..GLWS.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 411
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E55, past: SL55, 560SEL
I own an 03 (since 09/37k miles) with 53k miles today, no warranty, lots of go fast goodies, in great shape, well maintained and If I were selling I would take 30k in a heart beat (not selling). I think your fairly priced considering the warranty. Or at least in the ball park, ask 31k and work from there, if your in a rush be prepared to sell it below your original asking price of 29k..GLWS.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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27k what your car commands on the street.
I will not be surprised if you have to sell it for 25 or less- it has to be a cash buyer as there is no financing for 9 year old car at most places. Dealer will give you 20-23k if you trade in.
Good luck.
I will not be surprised if you have to sell it for 25 or less- it has to be a cash buyer as there is no financing for 9 year old car at most places. Dealer will give you 20-23k if you trade in.
Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Just for reference, there is an '04 Kleemann Stage 4 w/ 54k miles that just came up for sale locally and he's asking $27,900. Has an offer of $23 from a dealer and would probably let it go for around $25k - $26k. Has 2 sets of 20" rims although one set has one bent rim. Not in perfect shape but does not seem to have any major issues. If it were in the right color combo, I would probably buy it.
I've been looking for the right SL55 for a number of months and see a lot of cars that have been for sale for months, dropping their price a little at a time with no luck. There are actually a couple that have been for sale for almost a year and are now thousands less than what they started asking.
You also have to consider the time of year it is. Unless you live in warm climates, if you buy now, you won't really get to use it much for the next 3 months, and in a lot of states you will have to pay personal property tax on it Jan. 1st which could be $500-$1,000.
Bottom line is to pick a price that you will be happy with and add a grand or two for negotiating room. Nobody is going to pay asking price unless you've priced it way below market or if it's a really low mile car with every option. Sellers always think their car is worth more than it really is and buyers always think they can steal it so you end up somewhere in the middle. There are currently well over 100 SL55's for sale from $22k to $59k. Your mileage of 79k doesn't help either. The warranty does help some though. There's another '03 locally with 79k miles and has every option available and has been asking $29k since July. I offered him $27k back then but he turned it down. Probably wishes he had taken it now.
I've been looking for the right SL55 for a number of months and see a lot of cars that have been for sale for months, dropping their price a little at a time with no luck. There are actually a couple that have been for sale for almost a year and are now thousands less than what they started asking.
You also have to consider the time of year it is. Unless you live in warm climates, if you buy now, you won't really get to use it much for the next 3 months, and in a lot of states you will have to pay personal property tax on it Jan. 1st which could be $500-$1,000.
Bottom line is to pick a price that you will be happy with and add a grand or two for negotiating room. Nobody is going to pay asking price unless you've priced it way below market or if it's a really low mile car with every option. Sellers always think their car is worth more than it really is and buyers always think they can steal it so you end up somewhere in the middle. There are currently well over 100 SL55's for sale from $22k to $59k. Your mileage of 79k doesn't help either. The warranty does help some though. There's another '03 locally with 79k miles and has every option available and has been asking $29k since July. I offered him $27k back then but he turned it down. Probably wishes he had taken it now.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Forgot to mention that the rock chips on the front aren't a big deal as your car is black and easy to match. You can get the bumper resprayed for +\- $300 and make it look like new.
GLWS
GLWS
Thread Starter
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E55, past: SL55, 560SEL
I know I'm biased but I think a couple of you are underestimating the value of the warranty. Believe me, in the 50k miles that I've owned this car the warranty has paid for itself 10x over. To own one of these cars outside warranty is rolling the dice. An SBC issue could be 1 to 7k, and this warranty covers struts. The convertible top motor, if it goes bad, is 4k just for the part. To have two years of peace of mind is something a buyer will pay a premium for if they understand how often these cars break down and costly they are to fix. my 2 cents
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
I agree that the warranty is an added value. How much is the question. Problem is that when the 2 years runs out, the car will likely have close to 90-100k on it and what will it cost to get another IF any company still offers one that covers the pricey stuff. Every year that goes by, the insurance companies are gathering data on what the claims have been and will start escalating the rates. I've heard of people with high mileage cars getting quotes of $10k+ for 3/36 coverage.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 2
E55, past: SL55, 560SEL
I agree that the warranty is an added value. How much is the question. Problem is that when the 2 years runs out, the car will likely have close to 90-100k on it and what will it cost to get another IF any company still offers one that covers the pricey stuff. Every year that goes by, the insurance companies are gathering data on what the claims have been and will start escalating the rates. I've heard of people with high mileage cars getting quotes of $10k+ for 3/36 coverage.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
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way to ask for something, have people (me) do a research, get an answer you dont like and delete your original post with the details on your car.
you think the numbers will automagically change because of some sort of information shortage?
lol
you think the numbers will automagically change because of some sort of information shortage?
lol
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