vchugo007

Hi folks,

I'm looking to purchase a 2012 GL450.

I heard that MB is coming out with a re-designed 2013 model and that we should be able to get a good deal on a 2012 model. We are looking for one with the following options in Northern New Jersey: Premium 1, Parktronic, Running Boards, Run Flat Tires, Blind Spot Assist, Heated Rear Seats -- anything worth considering???

What is a realistically good discount off of MSRP, percentage-wise? For example, if MSRP is $71,000, is 15% ($10,650) or more achievable on a "discountinued" model today?

Also, how much can I push back on things like the destination charge and other fees?

I don't have any corporate discounts to reference nor do I know have any specifics regarding dealer incentives, conquest money, etc.

Basically, I'm looking for the best price possible. So, any recommended price negotiating strategies and useful tidbits (other than going to two or more dealers that have a car in stock with the minimum options and color combo and letting them fight for my business) would be great.

But, here's the monkey wrench -- how do I get a best price, but then not give a chunk of it back if I'm also planning to trade in my current car (2007 BMW X5 3.0si) with the dealer -- Edmunds and KBB say my current car is likely valued at $25.2K to $27.4K.

All thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks.

abiazis

Get the most for your car at upper range and be firm about that and secure a reasonable approx. $ 5K discount.........

Then join Mercedes Club of America and qualify after a year for a $ 1K and up rebates on your next Benz.

ALSO.......You might find a real clean 2011 or older GL for less money with low miles also.....with a CPO warranty...

vchugo007

Thanks, abiazis ... unfortunately, my wife and I have a thing against CPO cars ...

Can you or anyone else confirm true dealer cost or know of any additional incentives beyond the invoice price, which I understand should be 7% or so below MSRP?

I've also thought about going into/contacting dealerships and saying, "If you find a GL450 with these specs, and after taking into account the trade-in value of my current car, the all-in net cost to me is $X, I will buy it." Would this be a good idea? Of course, my net quote would be very aggressive.

abiazis

The more aggressive and absolute about buying the better in my experience......ask for more than you want a little on the exorbitant side and settle the negotiations for want you really need/want....

I suggested CPO because I have bought 1 mercedes and 2 porsches that way and no disappointments.......all less than 10K miles.......and less than 2 years old, etc..

Understand not for everybody, but it really helps with HIGH initial years depreciation costs on luxury brands, etc.....

KYBRIGGS82

I purchased a new 2012 GL350 in April 2012 and the suggested retail price was $73,300 and i bought it for $62,800.

JimBarnhart

I've always found you are much better off negotiating on a car sitting on their lot. I think there's the atractions of closing a deal today, reducing their own inventory versus having to do a dealer trade, etc.

Sounds like you are doing your homework on trade-in value. There are other threads of people telling what deal they got. Check them out.

abiazis

Great info go for 10k off...

vchugo007

Thanks abiazis, KYBRIGGS82 and Jim.

I'm wondering if I should lock in a price 1st and then mention trading in my current car, or try to seek a lowest possible net price (i.e., sale price minus trade-in value) in one shot?

Also, any thoughts on negotiating the destination charges and any other fees?

Thanks again.

KYBRIGGS82

Sell your used car on Auto Trader.. It works well and price it fairly. Go to Car Max and get a value from them on what your vehicle is worth and use Edmunds for a private sale value. It gives you an idea of the true value of your car. Most used cars sell in 3 weeks and you will have a few low-ballers and tire kickers but thats all part of the fun. Destination charge by MB is fixed period. Look for at Conquest program to see if your present vehicle qualifies and other rebates. On a 2012 GL450 you should get at least $10,000 off MSRP. Research several dealerships in your area, preferably the dealers with large inventories and telephone the fleet manager and tell him what you want to pay. DO your homework.
Where are you located?

JimBarnhart

I have liked to negotiate them (outright/trade) distinct but separate. So get a price without trade and a price with trade. Tell them if they give you a decent price you'll let them have it to save the hassle. Don't forget there's sales tax implicatoins of not trading in most states.

abiazis

whatever price you negotiate on the new car, it should include ALL fees and taxes....tell me that is your budget....your net expenditure...

zoink

Just bought GL350 for $15k off 2 weeks ago ($76k msrp) and it wasn't the car on the lot. The dealer tried to convince me getting the one on the lot by giving me $1k more discount - making me think I could've pushed for another $1k.

I think you should shoot for $15k off. Most dealers here have more GL450 in stock so I'd imagine I could've gotten even better deal on 450.

The dealer tried to hose me with my trade in (see below) but I sold it in less than a week for $5k more.

USCGTO

Negotiated price on a 2012 GL450 with pretty much all options: MSRP :80k (OTD = 88k)

Negotiated price: 70k OTD (including taxes title fees).

So more than $15k discount. Dealers have **** loads of these SUVs. $12k Discount is given. Rest depends on your skill and dealers willingness to move.

Global Autosports

Here are some cars you can consider:

2012 Mercedes GL550 for Sale in Dallas, TX 75234

2012 Mercedes GL450 for Sale in Chicago, IL 60642

2012 Mercedes GL450 4Matic for Sale in Springfield, IL 62701

vchugo007

Fellow MBWorld Members ... thanks for all of your input and thoughts.

I have more thinking and homework to do.

KYBRIGGS82 -- I am located the Hudson River from NYC.

Jim/abiazis -- should I just tell them my all-in price (both w/ and w/o trade-in), or let the dealers throw out the 1st set of numbers?

zoink -- I did not see anything below with respect to the dealer trying to hose you ...

USCGTO -- what does OTD mean?

Thanks again to everyone for your help!

zoink

Sorry, I meant the car in my signature - 2008 GL320.

abiazis

OTD might mean overall total discount.....

I would offer your price first, since they have a price already listed on the car, etc....

Make your offer a bit lower than you actually think you can afford and then you can negotiate up slightly because they will most likely reject your offer, i.e. offer 12 K less including taxes and fees and settle for 10K........

Also, if car does not have all the dealer added options you need, i.e. floor mats or trailer hitch for bikes and stuff, protective clear coating, etc. ask them to throw that in the deal free....especially if they are tough on negotiating net price that you want.......

Most importantly, I would go to a dealer that you don't want to do business with and get a price and also for practice.....

Also, go through the internet to buy the car from a dealer - preferably find a large one in the area, they will quote you a price over the internet and will some questioning will give you invoice price information along with what their "hold back" profit margin from the manufacturer is (just ask them) - that is in addition to their regular margin.......

Then go to the dealer that you have selected as the one to do business with and you will have all the pertinent information about what to negotiate as far as lowest price.......hope this helps

LEOSOPHIE

Out the door.

JimBarnhart

Good luck, I don't think it matters who starts the dance, you just need to dance.

vchugo007

Fellow MBWorld Members -- thanks again for your follow up.

I've reached out to 8 different dealers in the region with my required specs, and let you know what I find.

Any thoughts on whether I should buy (or ask for free) a prepaid maintenance plan (i.e., 2 yrs for $699, 3 yrs for $805, 4 yrs for a whopping $1,839 or 5 yrs for $2,035)? I thought that MB (like certain other luxury car dealers) include a 4-year/50K free maintenance plan with their cars, but I guess that is not the case here/anymore.

aeggroup

Have you had any special discounts like USAA etc... or it's just regular dealer discount ?

zoink

No... I initially brought Costco program but the discount was only $6k under invoice ($10k under msrp). The dealer ditched it and gave me $13k right when I was about to leave. Pushed it down to another $2k after spending another hour playing poker face.

smug50

So you did find one, awesome! Congratz Zoink for a great find and a good move in selling your car yourself instead of trading it in. That was my only regret but I felt like I won't be able to sell it as quickly as you did, thats why I settled to just trade it...

smug50

Patience is a virtue and Knowledge is power!! I think you're on the right track.. Eventually you'll stumble upon a dealer/salesman who will make it a reality.. Please keep us updated..

vchugo007

Hi fellow members,

Just a quick update ... I've received a few quotes, but not for the same exact car, and not encouraging me to pull the trigger just yet.

1 - One dealer offered a GL450 for sale at a $6,801 discount based on a $72,600 MSRP (incl dest chrg) ... that was basically 9.5% off. They are trying to talk me into leasing it ... based on a $65,799 sale price, 24 months, 7,500 miles/yr ... residual value of $52,272 ... with two leasing payment options: (a) $785.85 per month and $2,731.55 upfront, based on a money factor of 0.0014 or (b) $18,659.30 one-time all-in payment, based on a money factor of 0.0007. For some reason, and since I'm not a leasing expert (but I am good with numbers), I don't any of these options are good (nevermind) great deals.

Any thoughts what reasonable lease terms would be? I heard that dealers in general kill you on "excess wear and tear" at the end of the lease ... I'm concerned about that since I have a 2.7 year old daughter!

2 - Another dealer is offering an $8,070 discount based on a MSRP of $74,020 ... let's call it 11.03% off. Still not quite a five-figure discount, but I think (hope) it's achievable. If this offer already includes any Conquest $$$, then I'm thinking of countering at $61,000, and if that's not acceptable to the dealer, I'm considering proposing other options, like how about $63,000 and throw in a 4 or 5/yr pre-paid maintenance plan? Has anyone done this before? Are those plans worth it?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!!