2005/6 CDI Shopping

[GregMN]

I have set up a spread sheet for 2005/6 CDI shopping for online listings. Mercedes Shopping Spreadsheet
It calculates the comparative cost / year of use to 300k miles at 20k / year. I figured that by 300k, all the cars would be worth about the same in the marketplace + or (-) for condition. It's not exact by any means, but it allows me one metric to compare cars with different mileage.

Example:
2005 CDI $7,995 171k $1242/year for 6.4 years to reach 300k at 20k/year
park-tronic, side screens, rear screen, light washers, active bi-xenon, HK sound, CD changer, heated seats, keyless go

2006 CDI $13,995 68k $1205/year for 11.6 years to reach 300k at 20k/year
rear screen, CD changer, heated seats

I have checked the boxes for each of the options on the car according to the data card for the VIN. The options on a used car do not seem to affect the asking price by much, if any. It is interesting to see how common, or rare, some of the options are.

I have yet to find any CDI's with:
Distronic cruise control
Solar panel in the Pan-o-roof
Active suspension
4 Zone HVAC

Without accounting for the cost of money, you can own a CDI for as little as $100/month for the time to 300k miles. If you account for any salvage value after you reach 300k, then the cost will be less.

Of course, it will cost you more if you then want to license it, insure it, fuel it, maintain it, and repair it.