After requesting a quote from my dealer following C350:

- C350WZ
- Metallic Paint (Steel Grey)
- Black Leather Upholstery
- P2 Package
- Multimedia Package
- iPod Adapter

I was quoted $44,660 + Tax/Registration. That is basically the MSRP. Is that too high? How much should I be paying? The dealer is also requesting a 5% deposit for the order, and it is non refundable in case I change my mind. What do you guys think?

 

Sounds like a dealer you shouldn't do business with. That car can be had for invoice now. Where are you located and what dealer is this?

 

What is your location? Are all the dealers around your area giving you the similar price?

I don't know the price on the c350 but the 300s are all going below MSRP. Similar posts on this board has indicated so and sometimes even below invoice. Similar package on c300 4matic is costing around 39-40k. So a 4k premium for that extra HP sounds high to me.

This is around NYC metro area.

 

I am in Boston, there only is a Herb Chambers here so I don't really have much of a choice. Does it make a difference if I am actually ordering the car?

 

No dont' do it, go to another dealer

 

It does not matter where you buy your car, you can still have it serviced at the local dealer. Expand your search of dealerships--even to other New England states if necessary.

 

nothing wrong in paying msrp,
it's MSRP not a "scam" yes there IS deals to be had but if they quote you MSRP there is probably room there.

The deposit of 5% may be a bit much, but not "out there"

Talk to your guy, negotiate and see what you can do with the price. but i wouldnt call it "rip off" at MSRP.

food for thought: as a canadian the 350 non-4matic is $47K base without options, sure a few "throw ins" for being "canadian" but dollars being so close to par and the cars coming from the same places, who's getting ripped

 

It's a buyer's market right now. They want your business. Visit another dealer and start negotiating.

Offer invoice and see what kind of bite you get.

 

You make a good point, but I am in the US. Why should I pay more than I have to? You think it is fine for me to pay $3000+ more than I should?

 

i never said u should pay $3000 more
all i said was that getting quoted MSRP is not "being ripped off"

thats all.

 

I'm in Orange County...where would you suggest as the best place to buy a C300 or C350?

I went with my in-laws to Fletcher Jones when they were looking for their ML350, and they would not budge...I even had a friend that works there as a mechanic, so we tried using his F&F discount, and still, they ended up getting a better deal at Buena Park

 

That's MSRP? the deposit should be refundable and make sure you get it on writing, go the edmunds.com or some other web sites and get quotes, you'll get MSRP and INVOICE with the options you want, and then you can negotiate

 

I ordered in December basically the same car, except my color is Obsidian Black and it has a pano roof, which increases the MSRP by another $1k. I paid invoice, well below your quoted price, and I still think I could have done better. I put $1k down as a fully refundable deposit.

As suggested by others, get bids from several dealers in the area. I would call all of the dealers in New England for price quotes, working through their internet sales departments. Let them know you are a serious buyer who is obtaining quotes from multiple dealers and that you want their best price. It will take some work on your part (it took me about two weeks to complete the process), but I would be surprised if you don't do much better than MSRP. I never actually visited a dealer until I finalized price and that process took about 30 minutes.

The car will be at port in about a week. Good luck.

 

When I ordered my C350 I contacted every MB dealer in Southern Cal - from San Diego to Santa Barbara. I was not impressed with FJ.

I thought Dimitri Kiris at Simonson internet sales was and has been the best to work with. He gave me the best price, although others matched it. I ultimately gave him my business because he went to his bottom line price right away and was very responsive and professional. Since I ordered the car in December, he has kept me regularly apprised of its status and returns my emails on the same day.

Tell him the person who ordered the Obsidian Black C350 arriving on the Phoenix Leader sent you. BTW, I have no affiliation with him or Simonson. Hope this helps.

 

sweet, thanks! i'll definitely give this guy a call

 

I was watching the news today and the advertisement for the local MB dealer, mb of North Olmsted came on no money down , $399.99/month lease 27 months... I was like damn... everyone can get a MB now

 

call up Smith dealer in Haverhill, MA. They're a great dealer and will give you a good price. Ask for Rick Levin, great guy.

 

I've dealt with James Sullivan while at MBLN and he is now over at Fletcher Jones. I have always gotten the car I wanted at the price I wanted with him. Stand up guy.

The folks over at MBLN are awesome too, I just chose not to do business with FJ over my E55 debacle.

 

C 350

Prices Do Not Include $825 Destination Charge or Advertising Fees.

M.S.R.P. = $36,900
Invoice = $34,317

Options:

Steel Grey Metallic Paint - $710/$660
Black Leather - $1,550/$1,442
P2 - $1,350/1,256
MM - $2,950/$2,744
IPOD - $375/$349

Totals:

M.S.R.P. = $44,660
Invoice = $41,593


By no means should anyone be paying M.S.R.P. for a C class at this point, even if its a special order. Also keep in mind that the prices above (taken from edmunds.com) do not include the $825 for destination or the roughly $400 advertising fee. I special ordered my C300 when they first came out and still got $2k off M.S.R.P. and got some freebies included in the deal. A C350 has a higher M.S.R.P. which gives them even more room to play with numbers, so seeing at the very least a $2k discount would be normal and a $2.5k - $3k discount wouldn't shock me either.

 

Where is Simonson if you don't mind me asking? Thanks.

 

It's in Santa Monica. Go to MBLN, they will cut you a deal. I just paid invoice for my GL550 which I ordered today.

 

Cool, thanks for the tip. They are the closest to me so that's good. I don't have an overall good impression of FJ as most have already noted. For being allegedly the biggest dealer in the nation they don't seem to want to negotiate much. At least that's what I've heard. That on top of the fact they are a bunch of arrogant a-holes.

 

Hey All,

you should be able to purchase the C300s or C350s at invoice cost plus the options, especially with the recession we are having....

I got my C350:

iridium silver/grey

MM
P2
Ipod
Pano
18 AMG

for about 45KOTD

 

Whatever you pay for your C300/C350 down the States, you guys are still getting a far better deal than us up here in Canada.

Only thing is we can order Keyless Go!

 

I miss it already....hahah nice!