- Wed Aug 28, 2024 12:39 pm
#277628
I was in a Benz dealership this weekend in Northern NJ checking out Maybach's. I told the sales manager I typically only buy used cars especially of this ilk. He wasn't otherwise busy so we chatted for quite a bit. I asked about biz in general and he offered that C/E class and SUV equivalent business was out of control from 2019 through 2023 with everyone on the planet seemingly getting one with a small bump in S class/equivalent sales. Now? The only ones selling as normal are S classes.
They've gone from charging a $30~k premium on G wagons to having a few on the lot for several weeks. Before everyone was "upgrading" their leases to "baby AMG's", now, they're downgrading models.
There should be a few good deals out there in several months for sure. Admittedly, I got lucky on the sale of a few of my cars. The good news is that anything I sell in the next year, if I take a little hit, it'll be small considering it the cost of admission as those aren't super high brow cars (E63AMG, CL63, Cayman S). Their "replacements" will be on the higher brow end but are models that many bought as they were relatively cheap 3~ years ago and they're feeling the pain of maintenance and are running for the hills.
I'm currently in the market for a 575/599M (replacing the CL), Esprit S4 V8 (replacing the 993), and a Maybach 57 or Merc Maybach (not LWB but 12 cyl) or Bentley Mulsanne (12 Cyl). ABC equipped cars sell at a discount versus AirMatic as it freaks people out (undeservedly so - it's sublime comfort and not difficult to service). Likely a GT4 too, something track-ish for sure. I've noticed a bump in inventory of the above and hopefully it far exceeds demand when the time comes. The wife has been particularly taken by the AM Virage over the CL (surprise surprise) and the Ferrari will fill that "hole". I'm spending entirely too much time on BaT, C&B and Sotheby's perusing things and certainly entertained by the delusions some live under. Due to the surplus lately, things are consistently popping up on AutoTempest and the like too. Bodes well if you're a buyer
Invictus, By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
- By h2pmr
- By N_Jay
- By MFranke