We have all seen the great deals/trunk money thread (20K off...I would say that the average seemed to be around 15K off) and a lot of us were feeling a bit jealous if we did not get as much off. Admitedly I was also a bit envious, since I "only" got 11K off on my car

In many cases, the really good deals were contingent upon getting a not so good deal on our trade in.

Well, I traded in my 2004 Cayenne TT w/ 64K miles and recieved 25K trade it.

I just saw the car listed at my Mercedes dealership for 27K, which means they really did give me a very good trade in thus justifying not getting the full 15K off on the purchase price of the C63 that others received.

This is in contrast to last year when I got more than 15K off on my E350 but got raped on my trade in (G35, got 18K and it was listed for 26K).

You have a GT2, e46 M3 SC, and C63. Sorry, but I'm kinda envious of you...

M3 has a fully built motor w/ a SC and dynoed 644 (SAE adjusted).

She is for sale, so no need to envy

I had hopes to get a gt2 around a little over a year ago, they were depreciating nicely and thought by the time I was ready to get rid of my car I would be able to pick one up. But boy did those things go back up in value.

Incredible car.

Thanks...here are 2 for ya:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNL9M-W-F24

With your collection of cars, I wouldn't worry too much about how good of a deal I would get on the C63... +2k$ or -2k$ who cares... j/k hahaha!

considering what u got for trade in and knowing what they listed it afterward. You definitely got a good deal. You pick yours up in Houston ?

Yes, I picked her up from MB Sugarland, had a very pleasant buying experience, the hottie in finance didn't try and strong arm me into buying all the extended warranty crap like the guy at MB Greenway did when I got my E350.

I bought my cars from making boatloads of money in the run up of CA real estate......those days are long gone and I have to live on my little college teaching salary nowadays, so 2K definitely matters.

All in all, however, yes I did get a good deal. The C63 at 11K off is a great bargain for what you get.

I know what you mean. I always work my deal on the new car...and then Spring it on the stealership that I have a trade in. I then whip out the KBB so I keep the screing to a minimum.

I also NEVER buy on monthly pmt. I focus on the selling price, then interest rate/money factor then on the length of loan term. The monthy pmts work them self out if you negotiate on the selling price of the car...then spring the trade into the deal then focus on interest rate.

Just my 2 cents............

This is excellent advice. Buyers who make the purchase based upon a "comfortable" monthly payment w/out worrying about the rest of the deal get screwed. Gotta know what you're paying first.

I love the idea of working the deal and then dropping the trade-in on them. If they want to sell a car, they won't care. Trade-ins are never priced at what you could sell the car on your own, but convenience and time are worth $$$ to some.

plus 2, you have to negotiate every step of the way and yes trade in comes last.

congrats! you got a great deal. dont worry about a few Ks here and there. you have a great stable of cars my friend. PICS!!!!!