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5. MERCEDES SL65 AMG – 74% LOST
Back in 2005 when the SL65 AMG came out there was a bit of confusion. Despite having a 6.0-litre V12 producing over 600bhp, the SL600 was actually quicker to 60mph. The reason being that the V12 struggled to put the power down – you try and put down 738lb-ft of torque! At the time, the SL600 was almost £40,000 cheaper than the SL65 making it a lot better value for money.
Now in 2017, you can pick up an early model for just £35,000, making them extremely attractive if you’re brave enough to tackle the immense running costs that these require.
4. MAYBACH 57 – 75% LOST
Maybach was Germany’s answer to the superior brands of Rolls-Royce and Bentley back in the early 2000s. When the 57 and 57 S entered production in 2002 it was faced with the Rolls-Royce Phantom – the epitome of luxury at the time which is still produced to this date.
Facing a worthy foe, Maybach had to do something impressive to match the Phantom’s success. When it was released, the 57 demanded a price of £260,000 before options compared to the Phantom’s £245,000. Although the German proved successful, it didn’t touch on the popularity of the Rolls-Royce.
Fast forward to today, a 57 can be picked up for just £50,000, making a £200,000 loss over the 15 years it’s been alive. Ouch.
3. VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON W12 – 80% LOSS
The Phaeton was an understated car. Volkswagen’s rival to the likes of the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes S-Class didn’t prove too popular. In comparison it looked a bit dull and didn’t have the presence of the others making it the unloved child of luxury German super saloons.
But what it did offer that the BMW and Mercedes didn’t was a 6.0-litre W12 engine. Okay, it wasn’t overly powerful at 444bhp but it’s great for bragging to your mates down the pub.
Asking £92,000 back in 2005, they’re quite rare and don’t come by very often, but when they do you can find one for less than £15,000. The V10 variant can be bought for even less!
2. MERCEDES CL55 AMG – 85% LOST
It’s not looking good, or maybe it is looking good if you’re buying one now, but the CL55 AMG has lost an eye watering 85% of its value. Back in 2003 when it first came out, the base price was £90,000. As of today they can be picked for just £13,000 for an early model.
Housing a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 that churns out 500bhp and 516lb-ft of torque, it was no slouch. It didn’t prove as successful as Mercedes hoped, but nonetheless it’s become somewhat of a classic these days.
Being an old AMG Mercedes you’ll have to be brave to delve into ownership and to expect big bills if anything goes wrong.
1. AUDI A8 W12 – 89% LOST
Here’s our winner – the A8 W12. Having lost a massive 89% in value since production started, the A8 has suffered massively to depreciation to the point of almost being worthless.
At the time it rivaled the Volkswagen W12 and proved much more popular. Despite this, the Phaeton has actually survived better in financial terms – maybe because the it cost £20,000 less than the A8 therefore had less to lose.
Again, value for money is high here. Prices start as little as £10,000 which is ludicrous considering what it has to offer.
