Blue Book Values Q

[Buttercup]

Hi,

Anyone out there know where i can get an accurate BB value for an '81 380sl, the online Kelly BB only dates back to '84.
Thanks!

[deanyel]

Good big bookstores often classic car valuation guides - there's 3 or 4 of them in print. And if you're just looking up one car - it's free.

[Buttercup]

Thanks, fyi I did find it online at www.edmunds.com, assuming this is also consider an authority, sure wasn't good....around 2500, I remember it was at 7K about 4 years ago

[deanyel]

Market is in the tank on everything - I'm convinced some of the books are overstating values by 50 to 100 percent. They hardly seem worth looking at anymore.

[Buttercup]

Ok so if the Classic Car guides are inflated, and all I have to go by is the Edmunds guide online...I'm screwed..please tell me she's worth more than 2500....Does it count if she was appraised at 7K 4 yrs ago??????

Q:
Does the HARD copy of the BB go back to '81? (looks like I need to go to the library) PLEASE anyone if you care to chime in on the value thing, if I can get a more accurate value I need it ASAP, my cars fate depends on it

'380sl
177k mi
on the lift
):

[Robert Mowbray]

Try nada.com. Go to "Classic Cars" Low retail value is $9800. That's probably bogus. If you do any research, you will find prices and conditions all over the board. The market is in the dumper right now, and I suspect a very nice SL with lower mileage may only bring the "Low" retail value. GOOD LUCK

[Buttercup]

Thank you for your feedback, yeah it's all over the place for sure. I did want to report back I got a hold of someone who had the actual current "Kelley Collector's guide" that lists my model...

Good Condition: $8650
Fair Condition$ 3500

Question is, is this the most accurate?

Any thoughts?

Any and all input is much appreciated...


'81 380sl roadster, 177k

[ctaylor738]

The best place to look is an actual marketplace. Recommend traderonline.com, and even ebay. But on ebay, expect prices to be 10 to 20% lower than what you could get with a private sale.

Like I said earlier, higher mileage 380's are a tough sell. Wish it weren't so - I really took a bath on mine.

Good luck.

[Robert Mowbray]

I don't know if this will help you, but I'll let you know what I paid for mine 1980 450sl three years ago. It had just under 70K miles on it. Other than needing things that other 20 year old cars need (new rubber door seals, new rag top, new AC blower motor, tune-up, etc.), mine was (and still is) in very good shape. Friends that have SLs tell me I stole it from the guy at $9750. He was asking $10K, I offered $9500, we split the difference. He had his on the market for about 6 months. Best wishes. BOB

[cingroomer]

This brings up a good question cause I have a 1985 380sl with 132000 miles. I'm the second owner. Had it stripped down and repainted, new top, seats all new stuffing, new brakes, new dash, excellent shape. Husband works for car lot so anytime something is wrong, it goes right in and gets fixed. Had tranny flush, tune up, the whole bit. What do you think its worth cause its going up for sale in a week. Any input appreciated.

[rememberjeff]

I bought my 85 380 sl three months ago. Im the third owner.
They were asking 8k and I bought it for $6400. It has 154,000 miles.
Ive been pretty happy with the car. Had to replace rag top, new rocker arm,
tires. Body is in excellent shape.
rememberjeff

there are always a number of them listed, although the prices asked might not be what the seller eventually gets.

I've found "vintage car buyers guides" which take inflated amounts such as auction returns into consideration to err with values on the high side.