NateDawg

After flirting with the idea of a 997TT purchase (too expensive and I want a sedan now), I now have my eyes on the E63. I drive a 2006 SLK 55 AMG as my daily driver, but it is time to move on after 2 years. There are three E63 AMGs available right now in my area:

2008 (new) silver e63 - $95,705K
2007 (new) black e63 - $93,705 (same options as the 08);
2007 (used) black e63 – 12K miles going for $87,995 (an early build, purchased October 2006).

The dealer has already told me he will discount the new 2007. The questions:

How much discount should I expect to get on the above cars? $5K off the 2008, $8K of the new 2007 and $8K - $10K off the used 2007? Too aggressive? Thoughts?

Should I avoid the 2008 at all costs due to the depreciation hit out the door? On the flipside, I usually hate buying cars in their first year of production because manufacturers tend to iron out some issues by the time the second year comes around, therefore the 2007 models scare me.

The “E” series is not exactly a pillar of reliability. Does this apply to the AMG as well? I have had ZERO problems with my slk55. Thoughts?

Am I crazy for buying an E63 considering there will be a body change in 2010?

I’m hoping to get $45K for my trade-in. Reasonable?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Carl Lassiter

Not at all. It's a great car and super sedans are much cooler than sports cars, though that's subjective. The facelift on the E63 makes it look really fresh and you'll really notice a performance difference from your SLK.

Go for it.

vegastrashed

If you're patient you can get between $7 - $10K off MSRP for the new 2007.

Jon2007E63P30

I just purchased a 2007 E63 with the P30 package. MSRP, $103,250. I got it for $98,500. This is in the SF bayarea.

I think the only feature creep to be expected is more HP from the 63 engine in 2009. I saw some article talking about 525HP.

For a person who buys a car every 2 years, you may want to save money and buy used. If new, pick your favorite color.

e63boy07

get the 07 just got mine dont worry about the face lift down the line

Zax63

how many miles a year do you drive? If it is less than 15k, I'd consider a lease to control your depreciative hit, and have the dealer run the numbers on the 08 vs the 07. Sometimes they have residual value bumps to clear inventory or are running special finance offers to get rid of cars. Combine that with an aggressive discount off of sticker and potential "trunk money" and you may find a good deal. Also, IMHO, I'd avoid using leasing co's other than MB because sometimes they are way tougher on the turn in. Pricing - I'd look to be into holdback on the 07, and a 5% discount on the 08. Also, obviously the end of the month is the best time to strike a deal, especially if you "love the M5, but my buddy is making me look at this E63 'cause he says I'll like it." If you are going to keep it for more than three years or drive more than 15k, I'd buy it. Don't forget that the difference in price of the 08 vs the 07 might be reflected on the back end in resale, just look at the price difference between an 05 and an 06 E55. So figure out that delta (I'm guessing it is around 7k, but haven't looked) and subtract from the cost of the 08 in your calculation of value at the back end. I have had three E's, a 320, 500, and a 63 (I'm going the right way) and have had no reliability issues they did not take care of during one of their famous "campaigns." I just always made sure to drop the car off for an oil change, and I never waited for it. I made them give me a loaner and picked my car up at the end of the day, that way they had time to address whatever updates they needed to.

Goatspeed

"2007 (used) black e63 – 12K miles going for $87,995 (an early build, purchased October 2006). "

You should get it for MUCH less than 87k ... unfortunately. PM me if you have any questions.

MB_Forever

$88,000 is way too much for a 12k miles E63. There was a member on this board selling his E63 with 6k miles for $76,000. This car has doubles the mileage, so offer $70,000 and go up from there......

Oh, and $5,000 off a 2007 E63 is very reasonable. People were getting that much soon after the cars came out. Now that 2008 models are all over the lots, you should maybe aim for $7,000 to $8,000 of MSRP

Good luck............

D Bst

Is the 2007 used one a CPO vehicle?

Reason I ask is because if you intend to "keep it", the CPO tacks on an extra years warranty past the normal one, then you can also add 2 extra years on top for $4k... (and the warranty is still transferable).

With a used one, you lessen the deprecation hit, if that's a factor..

Just adding that to the thought process.....

Vic55

The most recent auction sales and these are cars that may or may not have announcements (engine issues, body work, etc)

2007's

10/30/07 FAAO Regular $68,500 6,447 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
10/24/07 W PALM Regular $70,325 1,361 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
10/18/07 GTR TMPA Regular $72,000 4,257 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
10/17/07 ATLANTA Regular $69,500 6,844 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
10/11/07 RIVRSIDE Regular $67,000 5,372 Below BLACK 8G A Yes
10/04/07 MANHEIM Regular $70,250 5,828 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes

sack5000

There are many factors to consider and you seem to have a handle on most. Personally I leased the car to avoid a huge up front hit but what I'm finding is I really want to drive this car more and so the lease miles are a problem. If you drive 12-15K per year you would never lease.

Like many people above, the used E63 is overpriced by a huge margin. Since there are not many used the stealer is trying to well steal your money.

Of the threee, go with the '08 it will have a higher resale value three years from now and you will have fewer worries, and fresh meat.......

NateDawg

Thanks for the GREAT advice.

I tend to drive quite a bit (I have 29K miles on my 06 SLK - 2 years of ownership). Consequently, leases makes me nervous.

The price suggestion advice on the used 07 is very helpful. If I could get the used 07 in the low $70s I'd buy it. The 08 is interesting if I could get good discount, but I don't think I'm feelin' the silver. I'll keep everyone posted (I'm 50/50 on the purchase).

NateDawg

Just got back from the dealer. I'm currently working on the dealer for the 07 E63 with 12K miles. I test drove it - WOW.

Dealer is offering me $40K on my trade-in and I talked them down from $88K (which was outrageous) to $78K on the E63. It was a hard to turn down, but I walked and said, "call me if you can move." The car has the additional warranty, and I'm guessing they will take off $1K-$1.5K to waive the extra warranty (but I drive a lot, so probably won't do that).

I'm so tempted, but I must be strong!!! I told him a wanted a delta of $30K, taxes included . WAlked out of the dealership with a $38K Delta (not including taxes). I'm not a "big baller" so I need to work on pricing...

juicee63

smart!!

NickyBlack

Hi all new to the board. Just picked up my E63 and it's a hell of a car. I'm still seeing the differences between my M5 but they both shine in different ways.