Apparently there is a silver star lining

[chowpit]

I happened upon Edmunds website where a list of the top ten cars with the highest residual value is posted. In spite of the quality woes of late, MB takes honors occupying 3 of the 10 spots.
OTH I can afford only one of those three.
Here's a link for your viewing pleasure:edmunds top 10 list

[crash9]

In the long run has anything beaten out the lowly VW Beetle? I see lots of them – pre 67’ in not so wonderful condition, and not for sale either. I’m not sure what they sold for new, but I think about 12-1500 dollars. They’re worth that unless basket cases, although just a few years ago you could find good runners for 5-800. My 63’ Ragtop’s worth many times that as they’re collecting he rags, and the Bus is worth about what it sold for new. Meanwhile the Mercs are, in many ways 10 times the car – not the fun or cool factor, but they’re worth maybe 15% of what they were new. Will anything ever be what the beetle was?

[boneheaddoctor]

Originally Posted by crash9

In the long run has anything beaten out the lowly VW Beetle? I see lots of them – pre 67’ in not so wonderful condition, and not for sale either. I’m not sure what they sold for new, but I think about 12-1500 dollars. They’re worth that unless basket cases, although just a few years ago you could find good runners for 5-800. My 63’ Ragtop’s worth many times that as they’re collecting he rags, and the Bus is worth about what it sold for new. Meanwhile the Mercs are, in many ways 10 times the car – not the fun or cool factor, but they’re worth maybe 15% of what they were new. Will anything ever be what the beetle was?

That is a very good point................few cars manage that.

[MTI]

Nostalgia factor, just like the wacky prices on old junk on Ebay. After the VW, I'd bet that most British convertibles are still enjoying the rebound in value. For Mercedes, there's apparently a 30 year decline, then a slow uptick in prices, particularly for the SL's.

[koop]

Originally Posted by crash9

In the long run has anything beaten out the lowly VW Beetle? I see lots of them – pre 67’ in not so wonderful condition, and not for sale either. I’m not sure what they sold for new, but I think about 12-1500 dollars. They’re worth that unless basket cases, although just a few years ago you could find good runners for 5-800. My 63’ Ragtop’s worth many times that as they’re collecting he rags, and the Bus is worth about what it sold for new. Meanwhile the Mercs are, in many ways 10 times the car – not the fun or cool factor, but they’re worth maybe 15% of what they were new. Will anything ever be what the beetle was?

Yup, they are as they have always been. Too common to be collectable, too well made to die. I had 2 in the 80's and paid about 1000-1200 for each. 20 years later someone in my neighborhood is selling a twin to one I had for 1200.

[crash9]

Nostalgia – yeah, but utility is my deal. I drive some back roads, so that no matter what it will be dirty by the time I get to the highway. For getting back in the woods in a camper, nothing beats a Westy. In fact most of what I see being actually used are VW Baja’s and Buses - 3/1 over regular 4wd’s. Maybe that’s just out west, but most of the new stuff stays right on the pavement. Nothing beats a Bug with a kingpin front axle for durability, and Merc’s are quiet and built like trucks for my purposes. I like to play though – I’m looking for a beat up 67’ 911S to turn into a wild Baja – if the PCA guys wouldn’t shoot me.

[shane]

One problem I have with the way resale is judged nowadays is that it is judged based upon the percentage of retained value the car cost new. This does not take into effect things like actual buying price, and the actual dollar amount lost. For example. A new 1998 SL600 was $126,000.00. The actual selling prices were $10,000.00 to $20,000.00 off. So say $100,000.00 ws the usual price. That car with 50k miles on it, in good condition is worth about $28,000.00 trade in adn $34,000.00 retail. Ok, percentage wise that is not bad, but OVERALL YOU LOST $66,000.00! That is just for 6 years of ownership and use! That is the actual money you lost! This is the way you should really look at it.

[MTI]

Anyone who purchases a luxury automobile without plans for keeping it for the long term is crazy. Leasing would be the only practical solution for anyone that only wants a new Mercedes in 5 or 6 year increments.