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Optimum time to buy SLS: Bottom Depreciation curve; 4yr warranty tail; 5yr: 2017-2018
Hello All,
Introducing myself and congratulating you all on your SLS.
First off, I am a die-hard M-B fan and have a '68 250 SL that was mechanically restored by the Mercedes Classic Center in Irvine, CA; I have owned it since 1991.
Missed out on buying 300 SL's when they were in the $150-300 range back in 90s!
I also have a '06 FORD GT and I am a big fan of owning limited production iconic exotic / collector cars. I watched with great interest the price dynamics of the Z8, SLR and Carrera GT.
I am targeting buying a SLS when it hits $100K:
-5-7 years appears to be bottom of depreciation curve for limited production / iconic exotics
-To get min 1yr left on 4yr factory warranty (eg, '13-14 Model yr?)
-Can Factory Mercedes Extended Warranties only be added to cars still IN OEM warranty period OR added after by 2nd owner.
My preference is a 2011 Iridium, Black Leather, no options with base 5 Star/double-finned wheels (I buy all my cars with $0 options on window sticker
Now, I realize asking on an M-B SLS Forum if they believe the SLS will depreciate another 25%-33% from today is like asking parents if their baby is ugly?!?
Well, I am asking from a pure economic/valuation point and in relation to $185K base MSRP:
Last edited by Kayvan007; Oct 31, 2015 at 08:24 PM.
Great lineup you have. I'm somewhat similar to you in regards to limited cars. I have a 2009 R8 but searching to trade up to a R8 GT, been closely watching prices but very few in the US so difficult.
As far as the the SLS, extended factory warranties or ELW can only be added while the oem warranty is still in service. You do not need to be the original owner but if you buy an SLS from a Mercedes dealer and it's not a cpo, you cannot but the elw. If you buy from a private party you can...that's what I did. Some members on this forum had/have to deal with this and purchasing the mb extended warranty. I would suggest confirming with a local dealer you can buy the extended warranty on a car you're interested in if its a big deal for you. Just FYI, it's about $6,500 for a 3 year extension. Not many issues with the SLS but it seems everyone's concern is the transmission. Only have heard one car with that issue but I still wanted the peace of mind so bought the elw.
Determining future values is a guessing game. Yes you can use other vehicles as a comparison to base SLS prices but who knows what's going to happen in another few years. I don't see SLS prices falling below $100k. They may approach that mark but I don't see them dropping below that mark. I followed the prices for over a year before I bought and saw the bottom thus far being 120/130. I've had mine for about a year and still haven't seen many cars at that price. Issue as well is there are so few for sale.
You should determine if it's purely an investment or if you want to enjoy driving it as well. If you want to drive it, what's your enjoyment worth to you?
Not going to happen. (Maybe with 75,000 miles on one)
Thank you and welcome!...... it is an awesome car!
I watched the market for 8 months a year ago and it stopped going down. Since I bought mine 8 months ago the avg listed price has been $9-12k higher (for 2012's).
Guys in Europe are buying them in the states and shipping them back home. I know of many as I have a friend in the exotic car biz.
Keep this in mind....far less then the GT here in old US of A
My take is it's not over until cars sell for more than MSRP
I think the sweet-spot is 2016-17, that's when all the 2011-2014, 2-4yr leases will be on the market; yet it's not 8-10yrs out when many future collectibles seem to turn.
Based on the '01-'07 Vanquish, Z8, F GT, even SLR there is some time left. These retro icons have their life cycle where minority of buyers embrace v. Typical exotic buyers who move on. Big % of SLS driver seem to be vanity-purchaser (celebs/wannabe) OR gated community SL65 senior who upgrades every 2yrs.
The '04-'05 FORD GTs had sunk to $110-125K by '08 based on bad press about half-shaft recall/upgrade and early buyers/flippers exiting; they didn't pass $149K MSRP until 2010, 5yrs after model end.
The Z8 had the shock-tower/brace flex issue and was at $140K until 48 months ago. The Vanquish had the terrible auto trans and never recovered. SLRs hit $200K in 2010, down 50%. Even Carrera GTs had 25+% depreciation in depths of 2008 crisis.
SLS was never performance star like F GT OR C GT.
Until I never see $120K on ebay, AT, Hemmings for 12mos is my take...IMHO
Like you said it's difficult asking SLS owners. Most us will say they'll never go down. If they do drop to around $100k I'm sure most us will be fine and be willing to take that small hit because we're driving and enjoying it. If they don't, will you have missed your chance to get into one? Being overly conservative could cost you the opportunity to own one. Happened to me with the Ford GT in 2009.
I would strongly advise to get a Salvage Ford GT...they are at $150-175K, fully repaired.
The modular construction of the GT is like putting together a model car / Tamiya R/C car. They literally list everything in the Ford Racing catalog from frame to every panel; and it bolts on with ratchet set. There are even two ex-Ford Wixom plant engineers in Detroit that have repaired to new over 250 cars.
Insurance companies literally panicked before 2010 and felt liability of repaired 200mph+ cars was too great and totaled fender bender cars.
In 25 yrs no one is going to care when GTs are million dollar cars. Would you pass up an original Shelby Cobra or Ferrari 250 GTO that had race damage..nearly all did. Further, cars are literally bullet proof; 99.9% are filter, fluids, tires over last 10yrs and cheap service at your local Ford dealer.
Worst case you get in/out at same price.
I fully believe the SLS will do a u turn and be over MSRP...question is timing...I've missed many
I missed Amazon twice...in '97 at $1.50 and again in '01 at $5.00 had the finger on button and would be looking at $40,000,000 v. $100,000 at the time. 400 baggers are once in a lifetime!
Last edited by Kayvan007; Nov 1, 2015 at 12:11 PM.
Difficult to find a salvage though. Few online but they're more around $200k. I wasn't aware of the insurance companies unwillingness to make repairs though; thanks for information. I have my eye on the new Ford GT but difficult to justify for the $400k price tag plus whatever the dealer wants. Probably would be about $500k. Not sure I'm willing to throw that much on a car just yet.
You'll never be able to time it perfectly. Determine what you're comfortable spending and what you're comfortable losing. 20% decrease, maybe. 50% decrease, unlikely. If you could find a good one for 120/130, I would go for it. It really is an amazing car and you'll enjoy it even if it's a garage queen.
There is a salvage Tungsten GT on ebay now that could be had for $175K...known rebuilder
Oddly, wouldnt recommend the new GT; I have yet to see a NEW $400K car appreciate in the last 2 decades.
I'm in LA, so it would be a DD. I have a '12 C6 Vette now that I could get out of for $30K so, for me the net math of SLS is ~$100K.
Even with C6, have to contend with bumper taps, parking dings, front lip scrapes, steep grades, valets, street parking. Its been a great car (esp moving from NYC to LA), huge trunk and 29 MPG HWY and on 7yr/100K warranty..so in no hurry. Just wondering if SLS as DD will drive me OCD. Have space to keep both, but pleasure of SLS might outweigh all issues.
I've said it before......Depreciation has stopped! I bought my 2011 about a year and a half ago when I felt confident that depreciation had stopped. Very well maintained low mileage cars still continue to sell fairly quickly. Smart collectors are now sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right SLS to come along and take advantage of the depreciated value. If the car has most available options, is well maintained and has low miles, it sells fast.
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Kayvan007
If you're talking about the US market,then you're somewhat correct,But in Europe,prices are already above or same as when it was new.Not for long though.
-How's the a/c system? Is it bone chilling ice-cold or struggles given heat from engine, trans-tunnel and exhausts? Plenty cold you will have no issues
-Do you use battery tenders?; do US spec cars have the trunk tender port? I use a tender just connected straight on battery I charge it once a week. Yes to tender port in trunk.
-how common are the 5-spoke wheels? I don't think anyone can tell you that.
-how common was base black leather interior ? Same
-when did the Trans software update occur? '13 / GT models Yes You can get it in all US 2011-12's now.
I'll probably end up springing extra $25K for car with mint interior; stickler for flawless leather
I like your style! I am a perfectionist too. Have you considered. The exclusive light brown woven?
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