Well:

I have a 1999 C43 AMG with all options but the phone and 40K miles on the odo. It's Starmarked for 3 years from now or 100K, bumper to bumper. It's pearl black with an all black, nappa leather interior, AMG guages, steering wheel and trim with the MB/Alpine 6 disc CD changer, the rain sensor, headlight wipers, zenon lights and sunroof.

The fair market value of this car is $40 to $43k. ($60K new and 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds)(SL 600 transmission [5 speed driver adaptive] with AMG programing; floating front discs from SL 600; digressive AMG/Bilstein shocks; ECU from SL 500; 17" AMG monoblocks; z rated tires; 302 hp, 300 ft/lbs torque; stainless AMG exhaust; and, of course, an AMG hand-buit M113 V8).

However, this car was rear-ended by a Dodge Stratus going about 40-45 mph while the C43 was stopped. The resulting damage will be repaired by an MB authorized shop and all replacement parts will be OE AMG parts ordered through the local MB dealer who sold me the car.

Besides the cosmetic damage which is minor and will be repaired perfectly: 1) the unibody was bent [driver's side rear wheel pushed forward 3"] so the trunk base will be cut out and and a new base welded in; 2) the driver's side rear quarter panel will be cut out and a new OE piece will be welded in; 3) the rear sub-frame will be replaced; 4) all of the driver's side rear suspension components, including the AMG monoblock will be replaced with new AMG OE parts; and 5) the stainless exhaust from the cat-back will be replaced. Once the job is finished the car will look 100%, no question.

The MB dealer and the auto body shop claim that the rest of the vehicle will be put back to within factory specifications as when it was brand new. However, as we all know, once a collectible car such as this has sustained damage of such nature, it will never be the same, will never be 100% and will never be worth what it was before it was involved in such an accident.

My question is: What would you be willing to pay for this vehicle after the above repairs have been completed and MB checks the car and continues its same Starmark? I may have to sell it.

My estimate is $25,000 to $30,000 total -- that is $13,000 to $18,000 less than its fair market value in its original pristine condition with 40K miles on the odo.

Please post what you would be willing to pay and why. Any opinions and help regarding the C43 AMG's post-repair value would also be appreciated.

Marc
1999 C43 AMG(for 1 hour)
mmclaw@optonline.net

Interesting question, it's a challenge for the average buyer to make an assessment. It's an unusual car to begin with, and now it has its own unique history. Hard to figure, perhaps ask the insurance company why they didn't total the car.

Do I take it that you owned the car only an hour before the incident? Wow, that's rough if it is the case.

Regards,

Tom

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CloudNine
'89 560SEC