New Auto Spies feature: Which car holds its value better?
The wholesale numbers don't lie
If you like to trade cars as fast as we do (about 60 for 001 over the last four years), you have to be careful with resale values or you can get hurt...001's dad used to say "It costs money to go to school!" and BOY, was he right!
How are we coming up with the numbers?
Straight from up to the minute dealer wholesale auction data. Those numbers reflect what a dealer is willing to really pay at any given time for cars like yours. We are using data from the 2003 model year vehicles.
So here we go into the ring...
Which car holds its value better?
BMW 530i or Mercedes-Benz E320?
Both cars MSRP's are similar with the usual options (2003 models) but how much are they really worth today, if you wanted to get out and trade for something else.
And the winner is?
Looks like a split decision to us...with the slightest of edge to the 530
BMW 530i (2003 current wholesale value-$40,649)
Mercedes-Benz E320 (2003 current wholesale value-$42,059)
Remember, the 530 is around $48K with typical options and the Benz is $51K (source: Edmunds). The spread is about $3K at retail and only $1500 at wholesale.
If you'd like to voice your opinion, email us at rumors@autospies.com
Check in next week for our next battle!
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