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Moderators – Please leave in this section as I am asking for input prior to my posting in classifieds. Thanks.
2009 E63, P30 performance package, Designo Graphite, 56k miles. Performance, audio and appearance modifications. I honestly thought I would keep this car until the bitter end, but I’m getting kinda restless and want to try out something else for a while. I will be posting this car for sale soon, possibly in the classifieds here, on ebay and/or on Autotrader, and thought I would humbly ask the folks here what they thought was a realistic range for this car, price wise. I try to be realistic about what it is, but if what I can get for it doesn’t make sense, I’ll just hang on to it for a while.
I’ve been around, and on this forum, long enough to know that modifications don’t mean anything to the selling price of a car, unless it means something to a specific individual that wants to buy it. That said, I had EC install AR headers and dyno tune it. A buddy of mine is a tech at a local MB dealership and he added a Weistec catch can and pulleys. As I had an MB ELW until late last year, he did the headbolts and buckets, and a ton of other stuff like engine and tranny mounts, airmatic and suspension components, and tons of other stuff. We rode that ELW hard. I personally installed new Frozen Rotors/Porterfield pads and StopTech s/s brake lines last year, with only about 2-3k miles since then (I am aware that other folks would have used other components like GiroDisc, Ferodo, etc. but this is what I chose, bad or good). All typical specified services have always been done on or before time (e.g. tranny and diff svcs) and I’ve even gone so far as to have the maintenance book stamped. I have the oil changed every 5k miles, or before, and I have a binder with every service (warranty or maintenance), modification or replacement part receipt since the car was put into service by the original owner. I am the second owner.
An example of the appearance mods is, after scouring the internet for months for OEM lighted AMG sills front and rear (mine came with lighted sills from factory, but in 2009 they said Mercedes and were only lighted in front), I found an NOS set stored in a warehouse in Canada. After the purchase (ain’t cheap), I had my buddy at the dealership install them. I had one of the best audio shops in North Texas install a very high end audio system with Audison amps, Hertz Mille 3 ways and subs and digital processing. The audio system was a quite expensive stealth install, but can be restored to stock components as a point of negotiation. I understand that no one else cares about an expensive audio system. That’s why I will consider it a negotiation point.
Beyond all that is a car that has been fanatically maintained, cost be damned. I’ve tried to give the car only the best (subjectively) products and care available. The only issues I can find are a few small rock chips on the hood. I decided not to repair them as all recommendations are to repaint the hood and blend other panels, I really didn’t want any aftermarket paint on it. That’s just me. I have attached pics and pdfs of chronological lists of warranty and maintenance services and modifications done.
So before I put the car out there, I thought I’d get some opinions on what price range seems reasonable from those who know the platform best. I’m sticking my neck out a bit, but I humbly and appreciatively ask for some thoughtful input from those kind folks who would like to help. And for those who thinks it is a piece of junk but would take it off my hands for $17k, I’ll pass! Thanks guys!
Did you check nadaguide or black book? They list it as 28.3k retail. Trade in is about 21-26k.
In the forums, there's a 2008 with 80k for 20k, and another 08 with 62.5k for 20.5k. Both P30.
My guess is that 24-26 is probably what you could realistically get, maybe 28 if you're lucky and over 30k if you're real lucky. Most people aren't that lucky.
Did you check nadaguide or black book? They list it as 28.3k retail. Trade in is about 21-26k.
In the forums, there's a 2008 with 80k for 20k, and another 08 with 62.5k for 20.5k. Both P30.
My guess is that 24-26 is probably what you could realistically get, maybe 28 if you're lucky and over 30k if you're real lucky. Most people aren't that lucky.
I did, but thought I would solicit input here before posting for sale.
From what my banker tells me, NADA is mostly used by lenders as loan guides. Black book lists a range in the $30k area. KBB has trade in between $29k-$32.7k with a value of $30.9k. It also notes a private party sale value at $32.2k.
These numbers may or may not reflect market realities. I've also scoped out the ones for sale you noted. Yeah, a little distressing (for me anyway) to see them go this low. However, I am counting on that one special person I keep alluding to, to take into account provenance, documented maintenance and repair history, headbolt/bucket updates, condition, the fact that it is one year newer than those with a few updates (COMAND 2.5, flat bottom steering wheel, etc), and lower production numbers of 2009 to set it apart from those other cars selling lower. And although the mods may not mean extra value to some, they also set it apart from others. Hey, jump in my car, don't worry about headbolts or maintenance issues, crank up the tunes and enjoy an excellently maintained E you wont have to pour a bunch of money into just to get it up to par. Maybe worth more to some.
But I know it's only worth what someone will pay for it. I wanted to get input on what owners of the platform would likely pay for it to see if I'm even on the same page. Thanks for your input on this.
Nadaguide is what is also used by registry and by the insurance companies when figuring what to give you when the car is totaled. It's hard to get more than retail out of them which is why most people won't pay more than retail.
Anyway, nice pics on the Designo graphite, I have the same color on my, but it's just an E350. You do have to be careful though, in the sale forum, it's against the rules to post negative stuff so all you see are people who say it's a nice car and a great price, but for whatever reason they're not in the market and the price keeps dropping. One of the ones I mentioned I think started at 24.5k and now he's down to 20.5k, but he's firm. Sometimes when it doesn't sell, you see that firm price dropping more.
Yeah, I've had my eye on it from the start, just to see what's what in the market. Luckily, mine is not my daily; I bought it and do what I do to it 'cause I really do love the car. It has a certain non-monetary value to me that I'm trying to translate to a monetary value. Yes, a slippery slope that ultimately leads to disappointment. But if I find that one person that really appreciates it for what it is and is willing to make a reasonable (subjective) offer based on that, it's something I can live with. If it doesn't happen, then I'll still have an awesome E63.
Was trying to get an idea on pricing because you have to have a starting point somewhere. As an owner with much money and time invested, that point can be blurry.
I'd say ~30k and list it all over, ebay, bringyourowntrailer or whatever it's called, etc... the right person will be able to cough up the dough, they'll understand how rare this is.
Best of luck on your sale man, although those number seem great, I got an 08 with the p30 as well with 63k miles. Been up for sale for over a month and no serious interest.
I'd say ~30k and list it all over, ebay, bringyourowntrailer or whatever it's called, etc... the right person will be able to cough up the dough, they'll understand how rare this is.
Thanks Macedon. Too bad you're in so deep on yours. I think you'd be the type of person I'd want my car to go to.
Best of luck on your sale man, although those number seem great, I got an 08 with the p30 as well with 63k miles. Been up for sale for over a month and no serious interest.
Yeah, I've seen them kind of just languishing on the market. When I was looking, I specifically targeted the '09. They seem fairly rare, then add the P30, and they get really scarce. Then toss in all the stuff I've had done, like headbolts, etc., I'm hoping that will put a target on mine. Again, it's subjective though and it's only worth what one person will pay for it. I think the key, though is like Macedon says: post it everywhere, ebay and all. It seems like a most of folks on here already have the car they've been looking for and have a bunch of money in them already. Like me. If I can't sell and keep it, I still win.
Like me. If I can't sell and keep it, I still win.
Remember, it has nothing to do with not being able to sell it. You can sell almost anything for $1. You just can't get the price that you want. It's the market that decides, but the seller determines the sale price. If the price is too high, then there's no sale. Very simple. These are commodities, for 20k-30k, buyers have lots of other options too, different makes, different years different options.
my evaluation of your car is its worth is in the 28-32k range....it'll sell in the 26-28k range.
for instance, my 2004 Audi A4...its worth is 4,200, but i couldn't sell it listing it at 3,800 due to market change. as our cars get older, newer cars also become older with the release of newer models. unless you have a niche vehicle...the used market game is rough. it does benefit someone who does enjoy that particular car and is looking for a deal though.
my E63...i don't think i'd ever get what its worth to me if i ever sold it. so i decided to dump even more money into it and keep it. it really is a fine line.
Yeah, it's kind of a stretch to think you can get 30k. There's another 2008 that just got refreshed at 21k, started at 25k and had the head bolts done with 75k. I just can't imagine that someone would be willing to spend an extra 9k for one extra year a little less miles. There's a difference between dreaming of hitting the lottery and being realistic. While you have the newer Comand, I think you need the original to update the navigation whereas all the ones up to 08, you can find the image of the navigation dvd out there.
my evaluation of your car is its worth is in the 28-32k range....it'll sell in the 26-28k range.
for instance, my 2004 Audi A4...its worth is 4,200, but i couldn't sell it listing it at 3,800 due to market change. as our cars get older, newer cars also become older with the release of newer models. unless you have a niche vehicle...the used market game is rough. it does benefit someone who does enjoy that particular car and is looking for a deal though.
my E63...i don't think i'd ever get what its worth to me if i ever sold it. so i decided to dump even more money into it and keep it. it really is a fine line.
Thanks for the input. I'm aware of a 2007 that is probably in similar condition (unsure of P30 or other options or mileage) that was purchased for $25k. I am thinking that mine would likely bring more than that. Like I say, it only takes one person that thinks the car is worth a particular price. I can say for sure though that it won't sell for $26-$28k. I don't have to put any more money into it luckily, but I will just keep and enjoy it if that's the outcome.
Again, this post was just about pricing input for a car like mine. I appreciate all the comments. I guess, since it's the last year of the W211, it's been maintained as well as one can be and has some desirable options, these are kind of conclusions of where the worth of our beloved platform is headed.
Yeah, it's kind of a stretch to think you can get 30k. There's another 2008 that just got refreshed at 21k, started at 25k and had the head bolts done with 75k. I just can't imagine that someone would be willing to spend an extra 9k for one extra year a little less miles. There's a difference between dreaming of hitting the lottery and being realistic. While you have the newer Comand, I think you need the original to update the navigation whereas all the ones up to 08, you can find the image of the navigation dvd out there.
I just got the nav updated at the dealer.
Maybe the car will speak to someone. Maybe it won't. Luckily most people won't need to win the lottery to afford one of our cars. When I bought mine, most others on the market were less expensive, but I chose the one I wanted and paid for it regardless. Hopefully there is someone out there that will see it the same way.
a years time, can make the biggest difference. for instance before i purchased my E63, CLS55's nearly went up in price 40%. the year prior they were hovering around 18-24k...i was in the market a year later and wanted a CLS55...they were selling for 28-34k. stupid money.
The W211 only holds true value to anybody who's been around Mercedes often. Most people prefer the newer lines of anything newer. it took 6 months of convincing a friend that the W212 was garbage and when he's in the market he should go with a W211 because it feels like a much sturdier and better built vehicle. not to mention 25% cheaper.
Its a hard sell...but hopefully you find the right buyer. I know when I bought my car 2+ years ago, I really wanted a P30, but none could be found. My situation, the past year I've dumped something along the lines of 13k in paint and repairs. I love my car and hopefully you find someone that'll love yours too.
Of course you were the inspiration. Don't remember that I pm'd you about it? And about a few other things too. I've followed a couple of your DIY's. You've inspired me and many others. Much respect to you.
While I think your vehicle is a fine specimen of a W211 AMG, and the last year of the 211, I personally doubt that a $30K price target will be achievable. But, despite my personal doubts, I will say, if it ever were achievable, now is the time...
1. Used cars are going up in value due to the multiple storms in the Southern United States. Insurance companies estimate that over a hundred thousand vehicles will be heavily damaged. Many individuals will be getting insurance payouts and be on the hunt for a new or used vehicle. All vehicles, used or new, will be in higher demand.
2. While your car is likely more of an optional purchase rather than a necessity, a rising tide lifts all boats. Your car will be more likely to get the full value during this unfortunate time.
3. List it for a price you think is fair. Properly vet the individuals who come to see the car to ascertain how immediate they're ready to move. If you don't sell it, then there's still no net loss. Just be honest to yourself when it comes to setting the price; set a price that you won't be upset you sold it for too little, but also not so high that you're upset it didn't sell. Bears make money, bulls make money; but the pigs get slaughtered.
After reviewing points 1-3 above, reading that you've had the head bolts replaced. I'd say go for it! You might get someone willing to pay $30K.
09-05-2017, 06:31 PM
