2006 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG: Well Bought

The hammer fell at $41,250 for this 2006 CL 65 AMG.

This 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is basically a new car that cost almost $200,000 in 2006. The odometer shows just 1,800 miles. The twin-turbocharged hand-built 6.0-liter V12 is a monster. The car is finished in an attractive Cubanite Silver over Anthracite leather. The list of features is long: Multi-contour climatized front seats, COMAND navigation, Keyless Go, and 19″ AMG twin-spoke wheels. The car has been regularly maintained by a Mercedes-Benz specialist and got a software update from the dealer. The Carfax is clear and the title is from New Jersey.

These cars are fast, comfortable, and stylish. The upside is that they represent the top of the line flagship Mercedes model for 2006. The design is futuristic and does not appear dated—even 12 years after its production. The downside is this is a complicated car and not easy to maintain. The V12 has 24 spark plugs and is twin turbocharged. There is a lot to go wrong here! Also, this series Benz was built during the Zenith of the Chrysler administration and some owners have complained of quality problems from cars during this era.

This car is an investment-grade example that probably should not be driven—unless the owner does not care about devaluing the asset. But at $40,000, there is not much downside here given that new Hyundai’s are now at this price point. The new owner could preserve and save this car or simply drive it sparingly and enjoy it. Even if used on a semi-regular basis, mileage would still be well below 10,000 in a few years time.

The CL 65 is a wolf in aggressive clothing and it is actually a great car to drive. The pillar-less design generates a great feeling when all the windows (including the sunroof) are open. The buyer got a deal in the sense that when this car was new, the original price paid was almost $200,000. Factoring in the time-value of money this 2006 purchase was a disaster. $190,000 of Amazon stock purchased in 2006 would be worth almost $12 million today! Indeed, the original owner did not make out well on this investment! The hammer price of $41,250 is market correct given that the car will likely need maintenance (new tires and a full service at least) and the repair bills will be large. The outcome here is really a non-event. The seller got top dollar because of the mileage and condition and the buyer got a brand new 12-year-old German super coupe. The CL 65 is not destined to be collectible, but it will always turn heads—and can do so at well over 180 miles per hour. Well bought!