400 SEL Pricing - long.. - Benzworld.org

jagbuff · 12-08-2005, 03:58 PM

Hello:

I am a newbie will a pricing question. I have the opportunity to buy a 400 SEL. I would like some insight on the fair market pricing. I have looked at Ebay and I can't seem to get an accurate gauge of the value (as low as $3K) and KBB is very optimistic (as high as $15K).

Background/ good news: It is 93 that has been part of our business (private consulting group) since 95 and was used to pick up clients etc... It was bought with 20K miles and has a little less than 70K miles. It has full documented history and has seen the regular list of problems, evaporator, doors latches, dash, steering pump, climate control, stereo to name a few, all of which have been fixed by the dealer. The car is very nice inside and out with new brakes and tires.

The Bad: After shipping it 3 months ago to our retreat in California it displayed the typical engine wiring loom problems - intermittent failure to start and a trip to Fletcher Jones confirmed it. The dealer has quoted $2500 for the job. Having spent $4500 to fix the doors and the climate control we feel that it is time to part with it and get something new. So it's been sitting at the dealer for the last 2 months while we decide what to do with it.

Question: What is it worth unfixed? what would be a fair price for an expeditious sale if it is fixed? (I am tempted to buy it as a personal -fourth- car but only if it is really good deal and I could still resale easily).

NB: I have used it on a semi regular basis as my transportation, I appreciate the "tank" like nature and would feel comfortable letting the nanny drive my two little girls around. At the same time it doesn't really make my "engine tick" - so basically it would be safe basic transportation (not intented to disparage Mercedes just no really enamoured with them).

TIA for your thoughts/ suggestions. If I do not purchase it, I will provide the information to members of the list that may have interest in the car (it is white and palmino interior).

Destroyer · 12-09-2005, 11:08 AM

Unless you love the car, I see no reason to use it as a daily beater. Go buy a used Caddy or Lincoln, they will be safe enough for the nanny and kids. Unfixed it should bring in $7-$8k but it would be a hard sell with issues like it has.

I know you are not "enamoured" by the big Benz so I am curious as to what you do drive. Care to share?

Brett San Diego · 12-09-2005, 12:16 PM

I think you're looking at much less than that. I'd say you'd want to fix it to sell it. Take it to an independent with cheaper rates than a dealership.

Brett

jagbuff · 12-09-2005, 01:55 PM

Destroyer:
I am not sure why it wouldn't be a daily driver - unless it is highly unreliable - I see it as a safe vehicle certainly not something unique. $7-$8K seems quite high but I appreciate the feedback.

BTW, if I am not enamoured by a big Benz, I am certainly not interested in a Caddy or Lincoln [;)] I have owned an E-class and driven S-class quite a bit and while definitely a nice cruiser but not a driver's car. I have owned 5 jags including 3 XJ and 2 XJR and 2 BMWs and those in my opinion are great drivers cars though probably not as safe.

To answer your question current daily driver is a 993 Cab (last year of the real 911) and my weekend fun drive on my homepage under my profile [:D]. The kid vehicle a Land Rover SUV. I would add this one as inexpensive safe vehicle that would be good for highway trips.

Destroyer · 12-09-2005, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Brett San Diego - 12/9/2005 3:16 PM

I think you're looking at much less than that. I'd say you'd want to fix it to sell it. Take it to an independent with cheaper rates than a dealership.

Brett

I missed the part about it not running. I was looking at the fact that it has only 70k miles and in good condition. If its not starting it would be an even harder sell.

Destroyer · 12-09-2005, 04:44 PM

Quote:

jagbuff - 12/9/2005 4:55 PM

Destroyer:
I am not sure why it wouldn't be a daily driver - unless it is highly unreliable -

Well judging by your own experience with this particular car I'd say get a different daily driver, one that wont cost much to service. I dont like dumping money into a car that I really dont like much to begin with and you know first hand what it costs to repair a Benz. Yours has only 70k miles and look at the headaches it has given your company. To a person that is "enamored" with these cars its probably worth it but for a guy looking for a daily driver that doesn't really appreciate the car it probably isn't. I do own a 91 Caddy Fleetwood rwd which is the perfect daily driver (its my 4rth vechicle). I'm not "enamored" by it but it is reliable, cheap to service and it moves out pretty good with a few mods I made to it. It keeps the Benz in the garage during rainy days as well. The other thing with it is that I use it to go collecting rents at properties I own. Pulling up in a Benz (any Benz)is not good for business in this case.

993 is an beautiful car! But comparing it to a full size 4 door is really an apples to oranges comparison. My favorite Porsche of all time is the pre 87 928. I hope to own one in the not to distant future again.

**Nimrodthewombat** · 12-10-2005, 08:29 AM

Everything that you have described are problems with ALL of the earlier W140's. If they have been fixed and the only thing that you are looking to fix is the wiring harness then I would say that I'd pay $7000 for a car with 70,000 (My S500 had 150,000 on it when I bought it for $8,000 and I still had to replace the timing chain). I'm surprised that Kelly was so high. Usually they quote low (They listed my mint 380 SL with 95,000 at $4500). Again if you've fixed everything but the wiring harness have it towed (or drive it if it will start) to an indy and get the work done for a lot less.

Benz Devil · 12-10-2005, 10:53 AM

Sounds like your in SoCal?
Where you at?

jagbuff · 12-13-2005, 04:02 PM

The car is a Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach. I am in Austin (debating what to do with it!)

K14ANO · 01-10-2006, 01:02 PM

I'd fix it up and keep it.

some things are worth more than money!!

and you can never have a 'spare' car!

it will age beautifully on your drive. and on your other cars, another jag lover.

nice one, although not many guys here are into their jags. i first had a 1989 XJ6 4.0 Sovereign and have loved them since. Theyre not better than mercs but they have a certain exclusive style that other cars just cant match! i upgraded to a 1996 XJ6 3.2 Sport and love it.

unless youve driven one, u really dont know what its about [^]