SLS/R197/C197 AMG: SLS AMG (some day)
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Joined: Mar 2018
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2016 Ford Fusion
SLS AMG (some day)
Hi MB World -
I’m new to the forum and not an owner yet, but am curious as I have been saving and investing to one day have enough money to buy a SLS AMG. It’s my favorite car on the planet and I was even driven to my wedding in one - in my opinion, they’re perfect.
Anyway, I have been noticing that they have been steadily decreasing in price over the years, with 2011 and 2012 models, nicely equipped for 150-170K. I will likely not have the money saved for roughly 15-17 years from today, so when I finally get to pull the trigger, I’m cautious that they’ll be gone or in terrible condition. I worry about the shape of the vehicle or even the 6.2 NA V8 and it’s ability to function. Interior can always be redone as well as paint, but the guys need to be pure AMG.
Are there comparible vehicles out there that I can research that are similar in uniqueness and depreciation that I can compare and contrast? I know it’s a long time from now and perhaps I’ll piece together the capital earlier, but it’s a lot of variables. My goal is to have about $125K in cash, aside from my other assets, strictly to buy this car. If there is a small difference than I will finance the rest, but I’m guessing 125 is sufficient.
Many help or advice would be great.
Thank you.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 456
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From: Ocala, FL
'08 CL63
3 years ago, the prices had pretty much bottomed out compared to the current market. 15-17 years from now, they'll either be ~$50k or $250k+... it's almost impossible to make value assumptions on a car.
If you want a "safe" bet on value, (if a car can be considered a reliable investment at all) look at a Ferrari 360, 6 speed manual. They are still relatively cheap, but I suspect in 15 years, they will have appreciated. Frankly, almost any exotic 6 speed manual kept in excellent condition is probably "safe".
If you want a "safe" bet on value, (if a car can be considered a reliable investment at all) look at a Ferrari 360, 6 speed manual. They are still relatively cheap, but I suspect in 15 years, they will have appreciated. Frankly, almost any exotic 6 speed manual kept in excellent condition is probably "safe".
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 107
Likes: 10
SLS AMG
The BMW z8 has simlar production quantities, style and uniqueness. It now sells above it's original cost.
The SLS prices have not been steadily decreasing. I bought my 2011 in 2013 for $148K. I think I could sell it now for $160K. So prices bottomed out awhile back. I fully expect the price to be around $200K in 10 years.
So do some good investing now and get the car sooner.
The SLS prices have not been steadily decreasing. I bought my 2011 in 2013 for $148K. I think I could sell it now for $160K. So prices bottomed out awhile back. I fully expect the price to be around $200K in 10 years.
So do some good investing now and get the car sooner.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
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mb sl
I was in your exact boat in 1990. Sure enough 15 years later I had the $ to buy the FORD GT in cash; and also to pay the $15K in sales tax and appropriate place to keep it.
The single best piece of advice is to be an amazing money maker and saver.
You have 100% control over your earnings & savings rate. The stock market is always an unknown; as is the real estate/entrepreneur market. I did the 80hrs and stock market.
On the other hand you can straight-up decide I am going to save 50% of my earnings OR work 80hrs/wk. or get two jobs.
Too many young people today think "financial success" is something that happens to you; like being discovered as a hollywood star or having a hot app. Its not; its brute hard work; savvy decisions and luck.
2013 was not bottom; more like second half 2017. See my posts under Kayvan, where I document the dip. You can buy $145K SLS's today all day long, -10% off listed-price ($160K) is "opening bid" accepted by ALL dealers. $130K can be had with 20K+ mi. too.
Future value prediction: Z8 is not a bad comp; so are other highline GT's (SLR, Vanquish S 6sp, F 599, 575, etc.); wouldn't predict a double; maybe, maintain value in real terms (w/inflation).
PS:
Valuation trends of Flagship GTs are rarely straight. The Z8 was crucified with class-action laswsuit almost 7yrs after production ended by BMW collectors for allegedly 'defective' shock/strut towers; the shut-lines of hoods were off after severe potholes. BMW-NA fix was strut-brace! The F 550 was widely panned for bloated looks and the SLR was a sales disaster.
Oddly the SLR maybe the best comp, as many were discounted heavily. So the SLR prices you see today are not -50% of MSRP but probably the sales price when sold new.
The single best piece of advice is to be an amazing money maker and saver.
You have 100% control over your earnings & savings rate. The stock market is always an unknown; as is the real estate/entrepreneur market. I did the 80hrs and stock market.
On the other hand you can straight-up decide I am going to save 50% of my earnings OR work 80hrs/wk. or get two jobs.
Too many young people today think "financial success" is something that happens to you; like being discovered as a hollywood star or having a hot app. Its not; its brute hard work; savvy decisions and luck.
2013 was not bottom; more like second half 2017. See my posts under Kayvan, where I document the dip. You can buy $145K SLS's today all day long, -10% off listed-price ($160K) is "opening bid" accepted by ALL dealers. $130K can be had with 20K+ mi. too.
Future value prediction: Z8 is not a bad comp; so are other highline GT's (SLR, Vanquish S 6sp, F 599, 575, etc.); wouldn't predict a double; maybe, maintain value in real terms (w/inflation).
PS:
Valuation trends of Flagship GTs are rarely straight. The Z8 was crucified with class-action laswsuit almost 7yrs after production ended by BMW collectors for allegedly 'defective' shock/strut towers; the shut-lines of hoods were off after severe potholes. BMW-NA fix was strut-brace! The F 550 was widely panned for bloated looks and the SLR was a sales disaster.
Oddly the SLR maybe the best comp, as many were discounted heavily. So the SLR prices you see today are not -50% of MSRP but probably the sales price when sold new.
Last edited by FORDGT; Mar 26, 2018 at 05:46 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 653
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From: FLORIDA, ITALIA, ARGENTINA
2016 E63 AMG-S, 2007 FERRARI 430, 2001 JEEP WRANGLER 60TH ANNI. EDITION SOLD 2011 E550 4matic
Value your priorities. Having a wife, kids, mortgage, bills, etc. Will limit and likely delay you from your dream car. I've stayed single and it's paid off.
Last edited by MaschioneCazzuto; Mar 20, 2018 at 12:00 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 255
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2003 SL55 Klemman
True Dat. Wife, kids and mortgage will definitely dry up funds quickly. I postponed buying a house while i accumulated all my toys. now i have all my toys and the house i want plus family. unless you make a ton of money its all about the choices you make.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 653
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From: FLORIDA, ITALIA, ARGENTINA
2016 E63 AMG-S, 2007 FERRARI 430, 2001 JEEP WRANGLER 60TH ANNI. EDITION SOLD 2011 E550 4matic
Even making tons of money won't get married. Same woman gets annoying after a while.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 59
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From: NA and Europe
Yugo Zastava
Nice pictures 
“exotic” cars which the SLS semi-qualifies for, are like boats or planes. Acquisition cost is not the only consideration, running costs can get expensive as repairs can quickly add up - make sure you don’t stretch and get into debt to buy a toy, and then get into more debt to repair a tranny or god-forbid, a motor. Technology always fails, no matter the brand, no matter the quality, it will eventually always let you down, so budget for it. Word to the wise 
but I hope you get one and enjoy every minute of it ...
“exotic” cars which the SLS semi-qualifies for, are like boats or planes. Acquisition cost is not the only consideration, running costs can get expensive as repairs can quickly add up - make sure you don’t stretch and get into debt to buy a toy, and then get into more debt to repair a tranny or god-forbid, a motor. Technology always fails, no matter the brand, no matter the quality, it will eventually always let you down, so budget for it. Word to the wise but I hope you get one and enjoy every minute of it ...
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 653
Likes: 75
From: FLORIDA, ITALIA, ARGENTINA
2016 E63 AMG-S, 2007 FERRARI 430, 2001 JEEP WRANGLER 60TH ANNI. EDITION SOLD 2011 E550 4matic
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 59
Likes: 7
From: NA and Europe
Yugo Zastava
Not true at all... I’ve been collecting cars for 25 years, been married for 20 of them, my wife always encourages my hobbies, if your wife does not, budgeting for an SLS is the least of your worries... makes sure you pick the right wife before you pick the right car...
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 653
Likes: 75
From: FLORIDA, ITALIA, ARGENTINA
2016 E63 AMG-S, 2007 FERRARI 430, 2001 JEEP WRANGLER 60TH ANNI. EDITION SOLD 2011 E550 4matic
Not true at all... I’ve been collecting cars for 25 years, been married for 20 of them, my wife always encourages my hobbies, if your wife does not, budgeting for an SLS is the least of your worries... makes sure you pick the right wife before you pick the right car...
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 59
Likes: 7
From: NA and Europe
Yugo Zastava
I'm not the OP and I'm not looking to get married ever. For me my motto of staying single and "F" marriage is "why limit your choice to one forever when you can have endless choices whenever ;]"....I'm young and still live by ithe then again I'm. Successful, speak multiple languages and also well built.
