pframp

Hi all -

Hope you all are having a great Labor day. So, I am looking to but a new 2018 C-Class (either C-300 or the 4matic). I know the 2019s are due out in a month or so. I live in Chicago and have a relative in AZ who sells MB. He said that he could get me his control number which I believe offers 12.5% off MSRP. Here are some questions:
1. Based on your experience, will you see a large decline in the selling price for these 2018s?
2. Can I get a better deal on these 2018s on my own rather than going thru a MB employee (i.e., larger that 12.5%)
3. If so, what should I be aiming for as a %age off MSRP?

Thanks in advance.

MariTheBoss

SorryAboutThat

16% off is an exceptional deal that most will not be able to get. I'm guessing the deal was for that car only...possibly because it was an unpopular color/option combo etc.
The 12.5% off deal with your relative's discount is a pretty good deal, especially considering you can get it without playing the usual games when buying a new car from a dealership. You make an offer...it's refused so you walk away...they call you the next day to haggle some more...tell you they can't sell the car for 15% off msrp...more delays...and in the end maybe you get the car next weekend for your price, or maybe not. Depends on how valuble your free time is and how much bs you're willing to go through to save some money. My guess is you won't be able to get a 16% off msrp, or better, deal. Let us know how it turns out.

MariTheBoss

A black on black, c class with burmeister, LED, pano roof, heated seats, 18" rims, and a few non essentials? It was brand new, an in demand car, I just happened to be at the right place at the right time and know what I was talking about. They started at... guess what? 12.5%. I said I know a dealer down south that would give 16% no haggling or questions asked, and if they could match it, we'd have a deal same day. Magic! Well, now that you know that the deal is out there and possible, make it happen, or settle for 12.5%.

fabbrisd1

Well - if you are looking for YOUR biggest bang for the buck - a MB Employee Certificate at a "amiable" dealership will give you up to a additional 12% off a already discounted Retired 2018 Loaner/CVP as well - if that dealer knows what they're doing - and retired-loaner/CVP 2018's also qualify for Mercedes 1st class lease - which in turn will give you one heck of a low lease payment since residual is calculated against MSRP - and you "could" have total 2X% off the top of MSRP..

pframp

So talked to 8 dealers and 2 came to about 15% off MSRP to the other extreme of 1% off. Talking to 2 others. Should I just settle for the 15% off or wait another month as the 2019s come out?

Re posting as I think the previous post did not go through.

flycaster

Don't for get about doing multiply security deposits (MSDs.) MB financial is one of the few that will do this deal when leasing. Google it and find out that if you have some spare cash, you can significantly reduce the MF (money factor=interest rate), thus significantly reduce your monthly payments. When I leased my 2017 coupe, the APR went from 2.9% to 1.2%. I only had to put up $5K, will save almost $3K over 3 years, and get my $5K back when I turn the car in.

fabbrisd1

What did your "friend" who sells MB in AZ tell you about that control # ?

Yes - on new that's 12.5% off - but again - on a discounted retired service loaner - or discounted "demo" - or discounted "brass hat" - that's 12.5% off that already discounted price.

pframp

I did not know that the employee discount applies to CPO. So if I save $3000 MSRP on a CPO, the 12.5% only saves me $375. If I plan to keep the car for 10 years, rather go with a brand new as these courtesy loaners are not treated well!! Well worth the extra $300/year I pay (in my opinion). You think this logic is not sound??

fabbrisd1

I did not say "CPO" - I specifically said "demo" - "retired Loaner" - "brass hat" - those "can be" CPO as well depending on how the dealer punches the deal.

You also need to understand the Friends/Family discount - in this example if you have a $46K MSRP new - offered at "Demo" $40K - then you can get 12.5% off the $40K - and some dealers hip enough on a lease could punch (12.5% x $46K) off the $40K

pframp

Ok, so here is the finally skinny on this. 18% off MSRP for a nicely loaded C Class. Think I am going to pull the trigger!

fabbrisd1

Rock on buddy... good work..

SorryAboutThat

That is an amazing deal! What color/options did you get? Let us know how you were able to negotiate such an awsome discount.

pframp

I was flexible with the options and colors. I knew the options I had to have and the colors I did not want. I looked all over for the cars that matched my criteria. I then reached out to each and every dealer that had a car that I wanted and started negotiating with them via email (at first).

Some played ball, others wanted nothing to do with it unless I came into the dealership. I continued my conversations with the ones that wanted to play ball. The I asked a few of them for their best OTD price with the assurance that I would buy immediately once we agreed on the price.

Nothing extraordinary here. Just a lot of emailing and talking. In the end, I think with the 2019 models coming soon and the month end approaching, I was able to get the deal.

Thanks.

nukezero

I am also in the market for a 2018 C300 sedan. The best I got was 15% off MSRP. How did you get 18% off is beyond me?>

I am in socal.

pframp

Have you bought it yet? If not, PM me and I can get you details.