ASK QUENTIN

Stick with my SL63?

I own a 2013 Mercedes SL63 (R231) with more than £30k of extras, including the nice-to-have AMG performance pack that pumps out 564bhp at a cost of more than £12k new.

I love this car, it’s great everyday transport with a decent-sized boot; it can go from convertible to coupé at the press of a button, and goes and sounds amazing. The new SL is a soft top, making these the last of the Vario-roof models.

I’ve not seen one for sale below £30k – I think they are excellent value for what you get and you hardly ever see another one on the road. My dilemma is a good friend wants to buy it from me – should I twist or stick?

John Brotheridge

I had two R231 SL63S in a row and loved them. They’re one of the most refined and poised models in the AMG SL family. And you’re right in the sense that they’re also an end-of-anera Mercedes that will never be made again, especially with that Performance Pack option.

You’d have to spend a lot more money to get something loaded with factory options that can hit 186mph, sixty in 3.7 seconds and sounds like Satan clearing his throat. I’d keep it. Definitely. No contest.

Quentin Willson

Will my Z3M appreciate?

I have a ‘98 BMW Z3M Coupé (S50) with 100k miles and a huge service history. It’s largely stock and I have cheap indoor storage for it. My plan was to take it on some road trips, but for obvious reasons that’s been difficult so I’m thinking of selling to buy more of a practical family classic.

Would now be a good time to sell, or will it appreciate in the same way that most M BMWS have over the years?

Andy Horsfall

Great car, the S50 Z3 M Coupé. I think prices have peaked and you’d have to wait quite a while before you saw more significant appreciation. If yours was a low-miler I’d say hang on for as long as you can, but with 100k it’s competing with a lot of other Z3MS out there. I’d sell while the market is strong. You might be surprised to know that if yours is really nice, with that huge history in today’s excitable market it could be worth up to £35k. I’d cash in now.

Quentin Willson