Rbasra

Hi all,

Test drove the 2015 c300 and absolutely fell in love. Msrp was around 52k my understanding is 10-14% off msrp is a good deal? Coming from my 07 this is a huge upgrade. Would you think it's better if I sold my 07 on my own? It's got 165k miles with a check engine light (maf replacement) and needs front bumper / hood work. Let me know your thoughts!

BlackjackM

Welcome, where are you located?

Rbasra

I'm in the east bay

PeterUbers

Just trade it in unless you don't mind the hassle of private sale... I don't like to deal with people looking at my used car... How much more could u possibly make privately ... Not worth it for me, may be worth it for you

You may want to wait until some of these early w205 problems are worked out

floridadriver

Welcome to the forum!

You get a fair percentage more if you sell on your own, vs trading in to dealer or Carmax. When a car's old and high miles as yours is, that dollar value of that percentage maybe not worth it. I've only sold newer cars on my own, as the percentage more can be worth several thousand bucks.

Try out the several variations of the car, suspensions, etc before pulling trigger. Good luck and enjoy!

Mr Enigma

If the car has nominal residual value then a trade-in may be the best hassle free option. Selling a car privately is often a headache.

As floridadriver has mentioned, the trade-in value is usually at a significant discount to the resale value. If a car (not necessarily yours) is worth $2,000 then the difference between the two figures may only be a few hundred bucks, in which case it may be easier to trade-in.

If the car has significant residual value then it may be worth your while to sell privately... if you have the patience for it! As an example I has recently agreed a private sale on my car for £62,000. The trade-in value from various dealers and 'trade-in companies' was circa £48,000-£50,000. It took about a month to get the sale but for the money involved it was worth it.

I'm not sure what you have in the states but in the UK there are a number of companies that offer a 'we buy your car for trade price' with an internet portal for you to get a quick quote. If you have these in the US then you could use this service to see what your car is worth as a guide for what you will probably get for the trade-in price.

Rbasra

have a 2007 c230 with 165k miles, the front bumper needs to be replaced, it's got an accident on the car fax, the check engine light is on (just took it to my mechanic and he said the intake manifold is bad so that's abour $1,600)

Long story short been looking at the 2015 c300 and the msrp is around 52k the dealer valued my trade at $3,500.

What kind of deal is realistic to offer back to the dealer? Would you get the car repaired or get a new one?

unprocessed

DO NOT waste any money and time getting it repaired, you likely won't get the money back through the trade in. Instead, use the $1,600 towards your downpayment. Try CarMax for an appraisal too.

I had an 07 C230 with only 56k miles in very good condition but had an accident on the car fax. Only got $8,500 on the trade in.

Also, have you negotiated the price of the C300 with this dealer already? Make sure you finalize the price of the new car before you work on the amount you get in the trade-in price, otherwise they will play games with you.

hpilot

My C300 will arrive next month. I have a 2000 E320 in perfect condition with only 66,000 miles. The dealer didn't make a formal trade in quote, but it sounded like he would only give me about $1,000. So now I have to sell it myself. No luck so far. See it here: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ngId=393093527 and here: http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/4885602464.html

unprocessed

The KBB value for a private sale for same mileage is less than $4,000.

Also, your plug for selling your car is not relevant to this thread.

nineteen

I am also waiting on my new c300 next month. I am in West Palm looking for a used car for college age daughter might be able to offer you alittle more then $1000 if your unable to get your price above before your delivery. Keep in touch ! Were you able to get a good deal in Fl on the C300 order. I also ordered mine and got only $5600 off + free 3 years maintenance.

hpilot

I would be very happy with $5600 off + maint. My sales guy didn't want to negotiate until the car arrived. He said it would be better - I guess we will see. There was no car in the country on any lot that met my criteria - so I had to order it. My old car is for sale right now. You would really be surprised at the condition it is in - really surprised. Get in touch with me if you want to look at it. No pressure...
Check out my links in my previous post.

chicagofan00

I always just trade in as I don't want to deal with the hassle of selling privately. Yes, you can probably get a bit more by selling privately but you'll have to figure out how much of your time is worth that extra money. Also something to consider depending upon where you live is how the trade in may effect the taxes on the new car. For example here in Arizona I only pay taxes on the car minus the trade in instead of the full purchase price.

hpilot

There have been discussions about trade in values vs selling on your own on this thread - so yes it is relevant. Are you a moderator?