Hi all, long time reader of the forums, but I don't post often. I was hoping I could get some advice from everyone out there. I made my first trip to the dealer last week and got a quote on a new 4MATIC C300 (Sport). I wanted to post the deal here and see what everyone thinks.

My trade-in is going to be a 2003 C240 with 70,500 miles. They are going to give me $5,500 for the trade, but I think the car is worth at least $1,000 more than that. Aside from some interior work (small tear near the door handle) and a paint chip or two on the hood, the car is in pretty good condition. Blue book says $6,800 and that's for "fair" condition.

We are looking at $43,490 before taxes/title/etc. and trade. He says he is pretty firm on the price because I am getting it on "sale" and for just below their invoice price.

If you have a free second, can you check out the printout I received? I just want to make sure I'm not getting taken to the cleaners. I appreciate everyone's feedback ahead of time. Here's the link to the printout: http://imgur.com/a/ByOD3

Thanks
-orizzle

 

The question I have for you is that is the vehicle worth that amount to you?

 

The sticker is for a sport model you indicated that you were buying a luxury. $4000 of is a ok deal I think that you can do at least 1k better. Check KBB for your trade.

 

I updated my original post. Not sure why I typed luxury - you're right, it is a sport. I know the KBB is at least $1k higher. But you think I should be able to get another $1k off the price of the car?

 

We just bought a 2012 as well. Depending on where you live, that's a very good deal ( +- $500 ) IMO! Your trade is low because that's what they're willing to take it off your hands for, then they can place the $1K profit in their pocket after they sell it for $6500+-. This is common practice. Why don't you try and sell it on your own if you are confident it's worth closer to the BB value? Give it a try and see, but then you may lose the deal.

 

Makes some wonder how they can even afford to stay in the business, doesn’t it?
Nicely equipped though.

 

Think I might try to talk them up more on the trade. The dealer flat out told me he could probably sell it for $10k - that's $4500 in his pocket.

 

What???? If that's what he said, damn straight, get him to go higher! I'd also go to CARMAX and see what they have to say as well... good luck, but don't sit on it too long, the deal may get sold!

 

I'm glad you asked this forum for their opinion first because you must be out of your mind to let the dealer make $4,500 off of you

I think getting the trade-in vehicle within 1k of retail is reasonable because the dealership has to make their money as well.

 

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...19223215&Log=0

I'm just sayin..... If you're gonna pay $45k for a C-Class....
I will never buy new again... Too much valuse lost too quickly... Let someone else take the hit IMO

 

Don't know the market now. My 2011 is 11.5% off MSRP, and another $2000 off as I showed the dealer I have other Luxury cars. Out the door is like $39880 and the MSRP is like just below $43000.

I am sure I can do a little better; I didn't ask for that deal the dealer told me that when I stepped into the show room.

 

CPO, off-lease 2-3yo model at 1.9%. Save yourself 10 grand

 

What is this about???

 

I'd think MB wants to pull car buyers out of their potential competitors.
I showed them I have RX300 and QX4. Dealer (Autobahn Motor in Belmont, CA) copied my other car's DMV registration documents.

 

Good to know... Thanks

 

I would like to add my 2 cent, regarding cars, espcially luxury car. You should lease bcause the value depreciat. With a lease ur paying for the depreciated value.and u get a nice car to play with. If u purchase go with one, with low mileage and a year or 2 old.my 09 C300 sport 27kmiles bought last year.21k+T&L

 

I do not buy new cars, or change cars every 2 or 3 years. I normally keep car until they are very old or damaged. my current other two cars are 10 and 12 years old. Therefore, new car depreciation is not a factor to me. Besides, starting the first new car, 94 Altima, I stopped buying used cars. I save money by buying less cars, not by buying used cars.

Yes, 2 or 3 years old cars make more financial sense, but to me the first 2 or 3 years are also a great value to enjoy.

 

Oh, leasing.

Seems like a dream.

Until ----

Road trip? Fuhgeddaboutit.

Enough miles to commute to work... but need a second car for wife/kids/whatever else you need to do. Or buy more mileage.

Radical career/life change? GL finding someone to take over your lease.

Dog...? In a leased car?

Oh, and my favorite part is that the monthly payments NEVER end.

If I had no more car payments, no more mortgage... I would just need to figure out a way to not pay property taxes and auto insurance I'd be set!

 

What area (in general) are you in? I'm in Los Angeles, my father sold my 2003 Honda Accord (V-6 sedan w/ no options) that had about 110,000 mi on it (and pretty cosmetic exterior damage and a moderate amount of mechanical repairs that needed to be made w/i the next few months) for about $5500 (I think). When I look up a 2003 C240, it looks like one in even fair condition is valued at $8600. I think you should sell the car yourself, if you feel comfortable w/ that.

Can't comment too much about the price you've been quoted for the C300, but it doesn't seem particularly bad (esp since I can't imagine there's a ton of cars lying around w/ those options). Have you compared w/ other dealers? The ones in LA were generally pretty happy to quote prices over e-mail (esp if you had a quote to give them from a competitor)....