1987 560sl - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 12-02-2002, 08:38 AM

In line with current values on 560Sl's...I am ready to move my 1987 560SL -Signal Red, Black Interior..39,000 original miles. (Clean car fax)... I would rate the body and interior in very good condition but not excellent. I say not excellent because there is a scratch on the side of the drivers seat (scratch, not tear) and there are a few hair line scratches on the quarter panels. Also a few scratches on rear chrome bumper. Stand 5 feet away however, and the car looks brand new.
I am going back to a Corvette and need to move this car quickly.
Dealer is willing to give me $17k toward the purchase of my vette.
I see cars like mine on EBAY and Auto Trader going for much more with alot more mileage. This car runs perfectly, has had all fluids changed recently and new battery. Starts right up after sitting in the garage for a week or two.
Any idea what I should ask if I decide to try to sell privately. I have about a 15 day window to sell on my own before trading to the dealer. Any advice would be appreciated. I live in Long Island N.Y.

4NDELIT · #2 12-02-2002, 11:21 AM

I think you should sell privatley, because dealerships are gonnna try to rip you off and try to convince you that your car's only worth lower than it actually is. My friend's dad owns a dealership, and he told me about how he once convinced a guy that his trade in [a mazda I think] was only worth 2K when in reality it was more like 10!!!

I'm sure you'll get much more than 17 for your car, it sounds like it's in good condition.

suginami · #3 12-02-2002, 01:26 PM

You may hate me, but I think you should take the offer of $17k because you'll be hard pressed to get that much via private party.

Kelley Blue Book Good Condition private party value is $12,550 adjusted for mileage and condition.

#4 12-02-2002, 06:36 PM

Do you know about the SL Market Letter? Could be a resource for determining value - you don't really have time for any advertising beyond listing it on eBay.

Also, what state/region are you in? SL's are apparently a dime a dozen in Texas and a lot higher here (Seattle area)?

4NDELIT · #5 12-03-2002, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by suginami
You may hate me, but I think you should take the offer of $17k because you'll be hard pressed to get that much via private party.

I was thinking more along the lines of 8-12K.... I see them in the paper go for that all the time.

suginami · #6 12-03-2002, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 4NDELIT
I was thinking more along the lines of 8-12K.... I see them in the paper go for that all the time.

Very funny.

Richard1 · #7 12-08-2002, 08:49 PM

Having sold other sports cars that I've owned over the years, rather than trading it in, you might ask yourself if you are prepared to deal with the sort of freaks that are likely to show up to your door to buy your SL. Yes, you may get a soccer mom who wants to treat herself or a 107 fan, but you'll also get a lot of 16 year olds, people who aren't sure if a mercedes is for for them, etc..

And, if something goes wrong, or they have second thoughts after the sale, be prepared to field phone calls.

Trading it in would be my vote.

Richard1 · #8 12-08-2002, 08:50 PM

One other thing, why would anyone sell a cherry SL for a freakin Chevy? Asside from the classic vetts, the newer vetts don't seem to age too well.

DanielG · #9 12-10-2002, 02:19 PM

Hi -- here in Illinois when you use a trade-in to purchase a car the amount that is given for the trade does not figure into the sales tax -- so, for example, at 6.5% (Lake County Il tax rate) taking the trade value of $17000 is the equivalent of selling your car for $18,105 -- if this is the same where you live you should consider the trade value in this manner.