Price on a 1983 Mercedes 500 SEC - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tully Lee · #1 05-21-2002, 10:28 PM

Was at the car wash today getting my 1995 S320 cleaned.
The person next to me was getting his 1983 500 SEC cleaned.
He said the car was for sale. Said it was a "grey market"
car from Germany? Passed emmissions in Illinois. Said he
was in need of money and selling car.

Now I love my 95 S320! However, the 83 SEc 500 coupe
looks so nice. He is the second owner. Car has 138,000
miles on it. Black exterior with tan interior. A few spots
of rust on the back quarters that have not gone through.
Interior is a 6.5 out of a 10. Body has not dents. Still
shines a 7 out of 10. For 20 years old still looks nice.

HE IS AKSING $5000.00. This seems like a really good
price. What are your thoughts? I may buy this
car on Friday. Please help me with insight on this
car. He says in the States the car is considered
at 380 SEC. However, the car say 500 SEC with
5.0 emblem.

Help! I really like... Your thoughts. Cost>>>

Tully

suginami · #2 05-21-2002, 10:35 PM

I quickly did a down and dirty Kelley Blue Book Private Party Retail on it.

The first year the 500 SEC was sold in the U.S. was 1984, so I'm assuming it's essentially the same car.

I entered the mileage, and clicked on "Fair" for condition, and it came up with $3,550.

Even if you enter the condition as "Good", which it probably doesn't qualify for, it came up with $4,100.

I think that's a pretty good indication of the price range I'd pay for it.

suginami · #3 05-22-2002, 11:22 AM

If it's a gray market car, I see no reason why it couldn't be a 5.0 liter engine.

IMHO, because of the car's age and condition, I don't think it's gray market status doesn anything to the value.

I'd confirm that the rust was minimal, and that the maintenance history of the car could be confirmed.

I'd also get a PPI.

old blue · #4 05-22-2002, 12:53 PM

If it is truly a 500 SEC, then the car has considerably more value (relatively speaking) than a 380 SEC that has been "badge-enhanced".

FWIW - if it is a 380 engine, I would pass.
If it is a 500 (which it most likely is) then I agree with the advice given by others.

The good news for you...
There are lots of sources for interior parts [and engine:mechanical:exterior for that matter :p :p ] (new/used) that can be found to improve the SEC's condition.:

#5 05-22-2002, 01:44 PM

I think unless it has been mis badged that it would be the 5.0 because the 500 was avliable in Germany since the start of production. I'm pretty sure that 83 was the first year of the coupes. 5,000 Is a little much in my opinion unless the a/c works, the suspension is good, and the paint is decent. The car being gray market may not effect the KBB but if you know about the cars the 60hp more makes a diffrence.

#6 05-22-2002, 09:49 PM

I dind'nt read that last part. OOPS but still I don't believe anything the dealer tells me espically on an older car they did'nt even know what a high mileage award was. I personally think if you find someone who knows about these cars and the diffrences in u.s. and american it would make a diffrence. I would defenly pay more for a euro.

suginami · #7 05-22-2002, 09:51 PM

As for as the gray market value affecting this car's value, I still don't think it matters. How much lower can a $3,000 -$4,000 car go?

hill · #8 05-22-2002, 10:15 PM

I don't know what part of the world you are from but around here (northern Calif). The SEC's are fetching prices close to the SL's of the same vintage and condition. I check the papers a lot for older Benz's. I also find that the SEC's are listed at about twice the cost of SEL's.

#9 05-22-2002, 10:18 PM

The 2 doors are all that way it's kinda odd.

hill · #10 05-22-2002, 10:31 PM

Search results were four hits. $8,000-12,000. 84 and 85 models only. None of them are grey market.

ladyuberbabe · #11 09-20-2008, 06:18 PM

well this is an old thread. i myself have a 1983 merc 500 SEC. it was imported from germany when the cars were first introduced; right in the january 1983 timeframe. i myself am the third owner, it was bought from a mechanic who loved it well. it's in very good condition, though it does have its quirks, as a car of its age no doubt should. while i have no plans to sell the car, but am curious as to its possible 2008 resale value. any thoughts?

regards

Tims450SL · #12 09-23-2008, 09:31 AM

my 83 SEC 500 is valued (Under nada.com classics) at a high price-given the times, i will not think it would be a close parring. I have a very nice 83 500 and with the exceptions of things that are in need of fixing- the price just depends ont he salesman..and of course the buyer. I am just curious- how many of you think a 25 year old car will fare in a high tech world for a PPI? think about it...