Trade-in value of 2002 ML320 - help!

[elfkonig]

I want to trade my '02 ML320 for a '03 ML500.

The ML320 has 21,500 miles. It is loaded with options, i.e., Bose, GPS, sunroof, v60 integrated phone, leather seats, etc.

It would be in mint condition except for the fact that it was hit on the side while parked. The damage, while relatively minor, cost $2,000 to repair and was done by MB-recommended body shop in town, which did a superb job. The driver who hit the car was honest enough to leave a phone number on my windshield, so his insurance picked up the tab.

The dealer is offering me $27k.

Any thoughts, suggestions? Does it seem fair, or, as I believe, way too low? Blue Kelly book gives me LESS than dealer! What happened to MB's "legendary" residual value?

[S4toML]

$27K is still a lot better compared to trade-in value of <i>other</i> SUV's in the market. IMHO, part of the reason for the lesser than expected trade-in value even though it is an MB is because there's just too many ML320's in the market. And with the ML350's out already, they (atleast my dealer is) are practically selling discounted 320's.

[Man-Du-Ru-Gas]

Now go get the FX45, I test drove it this weekend and I could only wish that I waited for it than my ML. Don't worry folks I still "LUV HER" (My ML). But the FX was a blast.

Of course after 4 months of ownership, I'll probably get sick of it as well. Specially the rear and the rear windows.

[S4toML]

I too was convinced of its neck snapping torque rush. The 20's and the FX' odd shape (except the rear [:D]) and odd but richly appointed interior is also a thumbs up.

However, I wonder how bad resale value will be for these things as I've mentioned in the past INFINITI's resale value historically suggests a big loss [:(]

[roadsession]

infiniti resale value does suck.
in fact it's a never ending vicious cycle for them.

they discount the cars to move them out.
so they have low resale value.
because of low resale value, new cars don't move fast.
so they discount new cars. which in turn... you get the point.

dunno why nissan never made a home run of infiniti like toyota did with lexus.

but having said that i would not buy either make. They go into category of 'i will drive it if someone gave it to me and paid the sales tax on it' :)

With all the quirks and quality probs and dishonest svc reps etc, the on-road feel and 'real world' safety of MB's keeps me a loyal customer.

[William Monte]

from someone who claims to be in the business. Gives one reason to think.

ml 430 value
The reason for the depreciating value being so large is the fact of leasing. I am a pre-owned benz dealer and every month mb credit has 500-1,000 cars coming off lease at several auctions through out the country and that number keeps growing. therfore unless the car or truck has extreamley low miles per year your going to see very low trade in values until this changes. And it's not going to change until the residules go up and leasing get's less popular. The supply is out waying the demand by far.....
just go on autotrader.com type in your vehicle and you will see how many there are on the used market. So if you are going to sell it your self you better have an aggresive price on it.

[Carcus 98 ML]

Don't feel so bad, check out the trade in value for a 98 ML. Hope that makes you feel a bit better. I used to own a Lincoln Mark VIII.....they took a HUGE hit over the years.[:0]