You're kidding right? As my car is optioned now (Recaro's, nav, sunroof, basically everything) the sticker would be 68 including gas guzzler tax. I just tried to build a comparable C63 and it's 80K w/ similar options (but still down 100 or so hp.....) and I don't know if it has a sunroof (the V I built has a giant sunroof). The V also has 19 in forged stock wheels vs 18's on the AMG I built.

Most all V's sold are loaded, I'd guess the same for the C63. The C appears to be at least 10K more w/ similar equipment. Yet as you and I both showed, used they sell for about the same.

Next, I was talking new car transaction prices, ie is everyone paying sticker, 1k under invoice, 1k over MSRP, I don't believe you know that nor do I. However, I know V's can be had for under sticker.

I don't "own a high end auto store" but I know the CTS-V does not have a problem with resale........

How about Recaros, suede, sunroof etc. Your comparing a V that comes damn near fully loaded vs a base E550, who the hell drives a base E550? I know quite a few E550 and CLS550 owners and they paid a hell of a lot more then 53k, they can easily sticker for north of 75k with options. Heck an E350 is easily in the "53k" price range and over with options that normal people want.

A manual trans, Recaro'd V is holding value like a mofo on the secondary market.

No problem, I was just throwing that out there.

New Jag's are really nice, love the new XJ.

The XJ is tight. I'll thake the XKR anyday.

After all the fun discussions I want to share that we purchased a 2012 E550 Coupe. It's a great vehicle.
Not as fast as a CTS-V or C63, but it's a sleeper. Rated at 402 hp, it's actually about 454hp (395 wheels) when RENNtech dyno'd this engine (M278). After a pump gas tune only it's about 530 hp approx (gotta love the biturbo engines). The torque numbers are great.

Set to Sport it handles very good. The brakes are better than earlier models because MBZ increased front disc size.

Almost forgot: about 30 mpg Hwy (steady driving) and 19 stop & go city.


Sticker price was over 72.

Best news: wife loves it!
Due

Congrats. She's gonna absolutely love that car. My better half has the E212 550 cabrio. IMO besides being a great performer and comfortable, much more class and style than the CTS-V will ever have. Good choice.