Hello,

I’m brand new here, so if I’m posting in the wrong thread forgive me (and let me know so I can fix it).

I am negotiating on a 2016 C 300 sport, fully loaded. Black exterior, red interior. I’ve never had a Benz before, and I saw this one and absolutely fell in love. It’s the first car I test drove it that I didn’t want to get out of (also drove Lexus, Audi, BMW, and Infiniti - was bored by all).

It’s at 37k miles, car was listed at 28k originally. it comes with a two-year maintenance care package, this is included in the price. I have been able to get him down to 26k. I am in Texas and for this area 26K is still overpriced from what I can learn online (dealership guy claims it’s because of the red interior).

Obviously I’m taking the car to a prepurchase inspection. I’m financing, he’s paying me 10,000 for my 2013 Acura TSX, and I’m putting down 3000 on top of that. Looking for advice on this deal, first reactions. I have absolutely no experience with Benz’ and honestly don’t know if it’s a solid deal or not. Warranty is not included but I can purchase that if I want to. Appreciate any guidance you can give.

 

So this is just my take on it...

$26k sounds on par with what i'd expect to pay at a dealer after negotiations. I tried to sell my car in April and was only offered $24k for it by the dealer, and mine is a rare bird with ventilated seats, airmatic, HUD, and 59k miles at the time. To me it sounds like a good deal with your trade-in for the TSX. I'm happy with my 2016 and have had no major issues. My ONLY regret is that it doesn't have more power. To be fair though, I don't drive fast and if I want more power I can throw a chip on it. The only things you should double check are if you have carplay/android auto, and mbrace remote start (if you care about those things).

 

I appreciate it, thank you. Yeah honestly I was so sure I’d want a 6 cylinder. The weakness in my Acura started driving me crazy just a year into ownership. But “unfortunately” I fell in love with this car. And I’ll look into the things you mentioned, not sure it has CarPlay.

 

I don't know how anyone complains about these cars being slow. I moved up from a '17 Fiat 500L and this thing feels like a rocket to me! 😆

 

I agree, these cars are quite quick considering their size. I'm just a power monger

 

Make sure it has the LED lights and burmeister sound system. The LED lights are a huge cosmetic plus and can be duplicated somewhat in appearance aftermarket but never in function. The stock radio is just bad. You’ll regret both decisions in days otherwise.

 

accident. pass

would have to really get in w/ my own eye before signing on a car that's been in any sort of accident

 

Thank you. It has both the LED lights and the sound system. The only thing it doesn’t have is CarPlay.

 

I apparently was wrong. Must’ve mixed it up with another car. I ran the vin today - no accidents,
clean title.

 

CarPlay is nice but you can still directly connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth or wired and play any streaming service or onboard music and audible. I keep a magnetic mount on my windshield anyway. CarPlay would be ideal, but the mount works just fine for google maps and such. There are aftermarket screens on eBay that run $500-600 if you really want CarPlay.

 

 

I'll just toss out my deal for comparison's sake. A few months ago I bought a clean Carfax, pristine CPO 2016 C300 Luxury with 29K miles for $23,800 from Mercedes Santa Monica, it had 2 years left of factory warranty and CPO came with 2 years of included maintenance. I negotiated extending the warranty another 2 years down to $1,700 giving me 4 full years of warranty coverage.

So $25,500 for a CPO with 2 years maintenance and 4 years comprehensive warranty.

 

That sounds like a good deal. Maybe the sport is more expensive automatically? I get 2 years of maintenance included with this deal. But warranty is extra. They’ve told me $3800 for three years/60 000 miles (Allstate, bumper to bumper, directly through Mercedes dealership).

 

1. If you are buying from a Mercedes dealership - you need to know the reason they are NOT selling it Mercedes Certified to you.

2. This 2yrs Maintenance - is this Mercedes Prepaid Maintenance ? When does the 1st maintenance kick in - and when is the 2nd maintenance due ? The reason I ask is with this mileage you are headed into Spark Plug Chance (45K-50K) and headed into Tranny Service Range as well - Mercedes Prepaid Service will cover that "if" you know when 1st&2nd service is due

3. If Mercedes Prepaid Service - ask for 3yrs - upgrade from 2yrs..

 

Yes, I did a lot of shopping and I did get a good deal. The sport may indeed be a higher value model and the price of the car seems ok but I was only shopping CPO cars when I was looking so I didn't look at non-CPO pricing.

The 2 year unlimited miles warranty extension I bought that kicks in after the original factory warranty (which had a year remaining) and 1 year CPO warranty (which kicks in when the original factory warranty expires) was quoted at $3,600, I knew their cost was $1,600 and was able to get them to accept $1,700 for it. But I'm sure they have less cost on extended warranties with CPO cars.

Bottom line, in my opinion your deal looks fine. If you love the car get it and enjoy. I've had quite a few nice rides in my time but this is my first Mercedes, I like it.

 

I’m not buying from a Mercedes dealership. I am getting the pre purchase inspection at one though, and the warranty the Mercedes dealership offered me is cheaper than the place I’m buying the car from (just a regular luxury dealership that specializes in cars with red interior).

great points on the maintenance package. I don’t know if it’s through Mercedes. I don’t think it is. And yes this tranny flush service coming up is what I’m the most concerned about when it comes to cost. So you’re saying I should definitely make sure that’s covered by the care plan. The guy told me first five oil changes but we didn’t go into detail yet.

 

Just an update:

pre purchase inspection showed no mechanical faults but some other things that need attention.

Needs new wiper blades - $120
Cracked taillight - $300
Bent two front tires - $300

Mercedes benz dealership that did the inspection didn’t seem concerned at all. I was worried about the two front tires. But he said it’s fine as long as it gets fixed. So now I’m going back to the seller tomorrow to negotiate further with these numbers in hand.. kind of surprised the two bent tires aren’t more expensive.

 

I understand you are excited - please understand ONLY Mercedes Preapid Maintenance will cover Spark Plug Change & Tranny Service - so you might ask the MB dealer to quote you that for you as well - because it will save you money..

 

Thank you! Was quoted $1280 for 40k and 50k service, and $1780 for 40, 50, and 60. Through Mercedes.

 

Wait, only $300 for the taillight? That's amazing. My dealer quoted me $6000 for the headlight housing. Also, $300 to fix the tires seems a little steep to me. I'd shop around.

 

Thanks for this. He said for the taillight alone $300 yes. $6000 sounds absolutely insane.

For the tires, do you know if they replace the rims or repair them? I’m assuming bent tires means the rims need work.

 

You couldn't replace two rims for $300, that is a repair estimate. I had a bent rim repaired on my Cadillac ATS, it was $150.

 

Got it, thank you. Does anyone have any advice on whether or not I should ask for it all to be fixed prior to me signing papers, or should I ask them to knock the cost of repairs off the total price of the car?

 

If you know you can get those items fixed there or elsewhere for the cost I would have them take it off the price and have the work done at a Benz dealer or someone who specializes in them.

 

$6000 *is* insane! Lol. The tech even told me to just go through insurance and not look back. Instead I went on ebay and found a new headlight housing for $750.