R129 5spd w/ Rebuilt Title: Worth??

[350SL4spd]

Hey All,

I've always hated the "what's it worth??" questions on here, as it's difficult (nigh on impossible) to conjure the value of a car based on someone's short-typed description w/ no pictures. But I find myself in odd circumstances, so here I am anyway...

The car is a '90 300SL 5spd, Red/Tan Leather, +/-105k mi, w/ salvage/rebuilt title. I am waiting for pics.

My understanding of the rebuilt title from the current owner is that it took a bump in the front end & was written off by the insurance company. From all (unsubstantiated) accounts it was a minor accident, as it needed a hood & front bumper but not fenders. (I am unsure at this time if the front crossmember/radiator/etc had to be replaced.)

Otherwise the car is in pretty nice shape: interior is a 9/10 etc, but it does need some minor sorting from sitting for several years etc.

I understand that w/o pictures & a better description that anyone's opinion on value is a shot in the dark, but that's all I need here. I can value the car myself as a '90 300SL 5spd, but I'm foggy on what a salvage title does to the value of an R129...

Thanks!

[Bondavi]

About $3k.

[JimFreeh]

Like a euro version, it going to depend on the car and the the buyer.

Decent R129s with a V-8 are dropping fast, down into the sub $8k range. 300SLs bring much less car for car.

Salvage value could well halve the value.

A 5 speed on the other hand, will appeal to few people, but those few will potentially pay more for it....

Jim

[ctaylor738]

4-5 months ago there was a 320 5-speed with top hydraulic problems offered for $5K on Craiglist. It sold quickly, so that would seem to be a comp to your deal.

[deanyel]

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

4-5 months ago there was a 320 5-speed with top hydraulic problems offered for $5K on Craiglist. It sold quickly, so that would seem to be a comp to your deal.

Had to be a 300, no such thing as a 3.2 with stick in the U.S. 1994 gained the 3.2 and lost the stick, sadly.

[350SL4spd]

That's pretty much exactly where I was thinking; $3500-5000 range.

She's got a few issue that the current owner is sorting out (or attempting to anyway) and exactly how far he gets will probably determine where we land on price.

Thanks for the input guys.

-M-

[Peter Guenther]

With a salvage title, you never know it could have been hit worse than you think. I would definately have an expert go over it, who rebuilt it? The insurance would not total it without good reason.

[ctaylor738]

It's an automatic, but ....

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/1078457158.html

[Mistress]

If you decide this is what you want go over to the sellers house with $3000.00 in your pocket and off him that, chances are pretty good he won't say no to cash.

[Dee8go]

Originally Posted by ctaylor738

It's an automatic, but ....

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/1078457158.html

Just from the picture what would you judge the likelihood that the damage was limited to the hood and grill of that car, Chuck? I was wondering what the potential might be for front end and transmission damage.

[WINTS]

I looked at a black 91/92 300SL 5 speed about 18 months ago in Tampa. It was in poor condition, with no history and the guy was asking $7500...