Depreciation curve for SL500-Maximizing fun/minimizing loss

Well, like you said, you already took the drove-off-the-lot hit, and so you need to average that out over a while. I would say sell it while there is

SL has traditionally hit depreciation big time over time... so your best interest is to sell as you said... within 2005.

I just read recently that you can get much more for a convertible in spring than in the fall.

Of course, that depends on where you live.

If it lends any perspective to your question, I'll relate my experience:

In April of this year, I purchased a 2002 SL500 in PERFECT condition with 6800 miles from a Mercedes dealer. It still had 2 years remaining of the factory warranty. I paid $54,200 plus an additional $1900 for an additional 3-year Starmark warranty. The car is loaded with AMG trim, Xenon lights, burl wood interior and special order tan soft top. I think the original MSRP was close to $90K.

That's why I always buy my cars used. I got a nearly new car for

if I had purchased new.

Not trying to rub salt into an obviously open wound but it sounds like your ex might still have the last laugh.

Did you get the automobile to impress others or for your own enjoyment?

If the latter, then you need not be concerned about book value, as its value to you is what counts. It can continue to make your heart race for years yet to come, always transporting you in stylish, timeless elegance with pizzazz.

Ten, twenty, thirty years old or more, it makes no difference: a reasonably cared-for SL remains a thing of beauty. And yes: the fun-factor also lives on.

Unless you go for a true classic (which are fun to drive but often hellacious to maintain), most vehicles are not investments but depreciating assets. You already took the hit on this, so you may as well sit back and relax (this assumes you had the wherewithal to purchase the car without going into debt or taking out a note).

Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!

Paul

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First cliche of 2005...

:-)) DAS