Buffalo7

We are wanting to buy our 05 SLK, MB is running 2.9% on Certified SLK's. Our lease is up in June, if I've been doing all the scheduled service what is the best way to handle getting the car without paying the crazy certification fees? Seems like a catch 22 for the leasee who wants to buy.

nJuDunno

I'm sure this doesn't answer your question, but have you also negotiated the buyout price? That might make up the difference of the special finance rate. I have an 05 CLK500 comming off lease in 2 months and MB Financial has called me a couple times offering an adjusted buyout on the car. They are offering $10k off the buyout and I also read a post from someone on the E55 section about them getting a similar deal so maybe it might apply for all models.
It worth a shot, so call MB Financial and ask for the Re-Marketing Department. They are the department that handles buyout adjustments.

JRAMGV8

+ 1, or you can always lease another new car

Buffalo7

Thanks, I will call them and see what deals that have on the SLK.

mac911

Can you tell me what type of certification fees you would be charged?

I might buy my car at the end of lease. I figured I could negotiate the price down a little plus try to get the super good financing like they have on used cars.

They aren't offering the low APR to you? What other fees involved in buying?

THanks so much for your help and best wishes on deciding what to do.

PUZZ1

I was just offered an $8,500 discount from MB Credit on my 04 E500 that is coming off lease next month. I can buy the car outright for $22,000. My car has 49,000 miles on it. I assume I can negotiate further and have the dealer certify it for a nominal fee. I didn't plan on keeping this car but for $22,000 I can't by a Honda Civic for that $$. You should try to negotiate further.

SCHUTZEE

My 2005 E500 wagon lease is up in August. I called today and MBCC ofered me $8300. off the residual for a cost of $27,966. The sales rep said the deal is good thru the end of the month. I think I'll wait and see if they sweeten the pot as we get nearer August.

PUZZ1

All of this really begs the question of whether we go ahead and buy these cars or get out and lease another new one or something different. I've been wrangling with this for the last week or so. What are u going to do?

SCHUTZEE

I went to the dealership and they quoted me $19. a month MORE for new E350 wagon @ $1018. a month x 39. I can buy my E500 fior $625. a month for 60 months with no money down. The new E350 is out of the running. My choice is to buy the E500 or lease a new Acura MDX at $600+- a month.

PUZZ1

That lease quote on the E350 is insane. I was quoted 939 for a loaded X5 4.8.

The issue I would have with buying your existing car is that you are extending payments out for potentially 5 additional years beyond your initial 3yr lease term - so 8 years of making payments on the same car unless u sell it earlier. I'm going through the same decision process and have concluded that I either pay cash for the car or hand it in. If you've resigned yourself to having a payment you should without a doubt get a new car.

If you like wagons by the way, you should take a look at the BMW 535xi sportswagon. very nice and drives awesome and has the ability for a 6sp manual if thats your preference.

451/443=EW

MB might reduce your buyout on some cars, that they dont want to back for what ever reason, but you will pay bank rates on the remaining diff.

The cars that you see with 2.9% are star certified cars, that benz dealers put back into almost new condition, paint, body work, tires, and serviceing the car fully. This is done to sell quality cars. And it works, BMW and Benz both do very well in their pre-owned.

but dont expect them to show any more flexiblity on the price. Then they will begin competing with them selves ( MB stores ). That simply does not make sense. Other wise how would they keep selling new or used cars if they simply discount the car on a lease return, you wouldnt buy a new one would you?

metalica_23

As a point of reference, my 27 month lease on an '06 E55 is up July 31. I just got a call offering me $8,100 off my $61,135 resid value. I asked if I could make an offer and was told the prices are firm. They are set as follows (according to the person I talked to):

2 months prior to expiration: 120% of current auction value (determined by MB)

1 month prior to expiration: 125% of current auction value
0 month prior to expiration: 130% of current auction value

Now, the auction value will drop over time, but I don't believe it drops enough to make up for the increase in percent. I think I agree with the statement that they don't want the cars, but they also don't want to run themselves out of business. That's probably why they won't put a huge discount on the cars. (in which case I'm sure they'll suffer some losses on the turn in, but not as much as if they start slowing sales because the lease turn in offers are so good...)