Have to sell my 560SL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

prprjp · #1 02-05-2004, 11:32 AM

Hi All:

I posted this in the classifieds section but figured this might be the better place.

Good news and bad news - I have to sell my 560SL. However, the good news is that I am expecting twins with my wife and hence the need to sell my Benz

Can you give me an idea of my cars value, or indeed, if you are interested in buying an SL? Here is a brief description:

1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL with 75K miles and v good condition.
Carfax certified. No dents or dings. Non-smoker's car.
Arctic white exterior and blue leather interior.
Alpine AM/FM radio and CD player with remote control and Boston speakers.
Within the last 30 months, the following have been replaced: radiator, muffler, plugs, plug wires, rotor and coil, AC compressor, subframe mounts, vacuum lines. Tires still have plenty of tread left.

The AC has been converted from Freon to R134 though the AC needs recharging and may have some leaks? Does not currently blow cold air.

Just went through 75K service and state inspection.

Any ideas as to what would be a fair asking price? Local ads seem to be all over the place for these cars, starting at 12K for high mileage SL's going all the way up to 24K for very low mileage cars.

Thank you for any advice.
Regards, Ryan

flixbiz · #2 02-05-2004, 03:21 PM

www.nada.com

www.kellybluebook.com

Nobody seems to sell these for bluebook, but at least you'll get some parameters.

NEAL560SL · #3 02-05-2004, 03:48 PM

I just purchased a 1986 560SL in Dec. with 31,000 miles from original owner and paid $19,500.00. I would think it should be worth somewhere between 15k and 20k

maheath · #4 02-05-2004, 04:48 PM

Anyone with experience will deduct about $2000 for a non-working A/C. If it's only a minor problem, you should fix it before selling.

aldedmon · #5 02-05-2004, 05:22 PM

No need to sell.......Buy the rear seat for it and you and family can "ride on" for a little while longer anyway. Just tell your wife " Honey, it's paid for, it doesn't take up much space and I'll keep it out of your way. Honest, you won't even know its here"

prprjp · #6 02-05-2004, 06:42 PM

Thanks all for the response.

Mike said:
"Anyone with experience will deduct about $2000 for a non-working A/C. If it's only a minor problem, you should fix it before selling."

Yep, I'm going to take it in and have it charged. The previous owner spent big money having the AC converted to 134 so I'm hoping it isn't anything serious/costly.

According to KBB, Private Party value in "Good" condition is $8,465 , where-as the NADA Average Retail Value is $14,650.

I'm thinking 15K would be a fair asking price assuming I get the AC fixed.

Bad time for selling a convertible though ;(
Thanks again, Ryan

Emmerich · #7 02-09-2004, 12:30 PM

Where are you located?

prprjp · #8 02-09-2004, 12:55 PM

Emmerich:

I'm located in Winston-Salem, NC. Let me know if you are interested in the car as I may trade it in fairly soon if I don't manage to sell it privately.

Thanks, Ryan

Emmerich · #9 02-09-2004, 01:52 PM

Bummer, a buddy of mine just moved out of W-S! I could have had him scope it out for me. Do you have any pics to send?

thanks

prprjp · #10 02-09-2004, 02:18 PM

Emmerich:

Too bad about your buddy! I've attached a photo of the front of the car I had on my desktop. I have a digital camera at home so if you want more pics let me know.

Thanks, Ryan

prprjp · #11 02-10-2004, 01:58 PM

Hello again,

Took the car over to a dealer's today and they maintain that they won't be able to sell the car off the lot but will have to go through a whole-saler. Bottom line their trade-in offer was less than I had hoped (no big surprise there I guess).

Anyone want to take this SL for $13,500 before I give up and hand it over to a dealer?

Any Q's or photo requests just ask or email privately (ryanjpotts@yahoo.com).

Thanks again, Ryan

#12 02-13-2004, 08:20 AM

Before you blow it out to the stealer, maybe you would want to list it on eBay with a resonable reserve and see what happens. If it doesn't sell at your price, all you're out is the listing fee, and you at least have a shot at a decent price. Obviously, if you could hold on until spring the demand for roadsters would improve.

prprjp · #13 02-13-2004, 08:51 AM

Thanks, alanf. I've decided to wait it out for a decent offer privately. The experience at the dealer's has also made me want to buy a 1 year old vehicle from an individual rather than give a stealer my hard earned cash.

I'll give eBay a shot in a month or so if the car doesn't sell in the meantime. The downside to eBay as I discovered selling a Honda m-cycle a year ago is that there are a lot of time-wasters bidding - they win the bid and THEN try and figure out if they can finance or not...LOL!

Why does buying and selling a car have to suck so much???

Thanks again, Ryan