C350Noob

Hey everyone, I am new to the site, but I was hoping to get some input on a car I am about to buy. I am going over there later today to finalize the details. Do you guys think I am getting a good deal or should I press for more money off and risk losing the deal. I've done extensive research on Craigslist, EBAY and Autotrader, but as I am sure you are all aware, those prices only reflect what people are ASKING for their vehicles and in no way necessarily reflect the ACTUAL MARKET PRICE for sold vehicles. I was hoping that some people with knowledge of what the cars are actually selling for, might be able to tell me if the price I am getting jibes with the market.

Here are the details:

$31,500 (KBB says $38,000)

2008 C350 Sport
21,000 miles
certified Pre-owned
2.5 years and 75,000 miles on warranty
Silver
18" AMG Wheels
Panorama Sunroof
HK Sound system
6 disc in dash changer
Black leather

Thanks!

Krytech

First - welcome to mbworld.org!

Second - if KBB is saying my car is still worth $38K they are smoking crack...

$31.5k may not be out of line but I think you can do better. might help to know where you are from though. US? This is a worldwide site with members from every continent. Ok, i can't actually back that up but...you get the idea.

Does the car have P2? (Bi-xenons, headlight washers, powered sun visor, folding rear seat)

Check this thread for any recent CPO buys. Good luck, and don't rush yourself into making a decision!

W204 Owners - Post how much you paid for it

C350Noob

Thanks for all the tips! It's a San Francisco Bay Area car, so I would expect to a pay a premium relative to other places, after all, we pay a premium for everything else.

The car basically has the works. Pretty much every option except for Nav.

snarlingchicken

I think you could definitely go lower. If I bought my car new with a $45k sticker price for 10k off, then a used C350 should be worth far less than that. I'd say with some good negotiating, $28k will be feasible. If not, I'm sure you can knock down at least a grand. But this also could depend on the cars' availability in the area/the dealership's competition.

Krytech

I'm confused if you're talking about a US spec 2008 model that has the HK speakers, then you should also have the full multimedia system which includes nav (and the larger popup screen, voice control, PCMCIA card slot) Maybe my memory isn't what it used to be but I don't recall the '08 having the a la carte options like the later models do...

FWIW, when I negotiated my car back in late 2007, my car was about $42K MSRP and I got a grand knocked of and a set of Blizzak LM25's thrown in (~$800) and that was when dealers didn't have any cars in stock and we all had to wait 3 months to order them from Germany.

Is the 31.5 their asking price? I think you should certainly be able to take them down a bit if it is. Under $30 and you'll have yourself a nice car! You can buy mine for $32 and I'll pay to have it delivered

MoFetti

31.5 is a good price for a Certified Pre-Owned Car in the bay area I saw a blk p2 for that amount but it wasn't certified.

C350Noob

Hmmm, not sure about the multimedia package. Perhaps I am incorrect about the sound system, but I could have sworn that it has it.

In any event, thank you all for your input, it was very helpful. I ended up buying the car for $30,000, but I also got them to give me $6800 in trade for POS former company car 2006 Buick Lacrosse, when the most I was offered from any other Benz, Infiniti or BMW dealer was $5000, so I basically count that as a net gain of $1800 against the price of the car as well. How I came to own an old fart vehicle like a Buick Lacrosse is a long story, but suffice it to say, I would never in a million years deliberately buy one of those unless it was out of complete necessity.

I also sprung for 2 years of additional warranty, so I am covered for 4.5 years and 80,000 more miles. So I got that going for me...which is nice. (Caddyshack anyone?). They also convinced me to buy the wheel and tire replacement package for $900. Basically if I ever bend a rim, get curb rash, blow out a tire or screw up my wheels/tires in anyway other than normal wear, in the next 4 years, they will replace the offending part free of charge. If anyone reading this has ever driven in Oakland/Berkeley or San Francisco, you'll know immediately that this was a smart decision.

Here are a few pics a snapped last night right after I left the dealership. They aren't great (I was in a hurry and they are iPhone pics), but it's all I got right now. Enjoy:






Anyway, I drove it home from the dealership last night and I am already in love. Thanks again everyone!

snarlingchicken

Excellent choice of color :]

C350Noob

Thanks! Agreed, I love Iridium Silver. I think it's the best color when combined with the Pano-roof. The black on silver is just sexy.

Krytech

Congrats on the ride! Looks nice. The tire & wheel package is handy, I wish my dealer would of offered one. Probably a money looser for them up here though - ours roads consist primarily of half-***-patched potholes and crater sized cracks.

Again, congrats and welcome

blue00r6

nice lookin car 30 sounds like a good deal for a 350... I love my black car, but I dont get to show off the pano roof as easily

OneOfaKindTrini

31.5k and no mm package?

MBnewby

I think you got a steal, my 2008 C350 cost me $30,900 and it only has the Ipod integration as an option and the 17" AMG wheels. Bought it with about 21,300 miles. Love the Irridium Silver, looks great and easy to maintain. Enjoy your new ride!