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2025 AMG CLE53, 2025 Range Rover P550E, 2025 Ford F150 Raptor
On the Lot versus Ordering
We are going to go take a look at a Cabriolet this weekend at one of our 3 local MBZ dealers. Having never seen one and being out of the MBZ vehicle world since our 2005 E350, I am curious as to others experiences and thoughts, reasons, rationales on ordering exactly what you want and any discounts versus walking in and purchasing one on the lot and any discounts on those.
Take the tariff panic out of it, just any recent experiences.
We are coming from the Porsche world where EVERYTHING is an option and small discounts are do-able, but ordering one was always what we did, mainly because dealers never had any "in the showroom" vehicles that we were interested in.
I have usually ordered to get exactly what I wanted in the past - but this time I was successful in finding exactly what I wanted at an out-of-state dealer using the cars.com website. I did the whole deal over email and text messages, got a slight discount ($3K off MSRP and 50% off 3yr service plan) and had the car delivered to me within 2 weeks of starting the process. None of my numerous local dealers had anything in stock anywhere close to what I wanted, and my preferred dealer seemed annoyed that I didn't want any of their in stock vehicles when I asked about ordering so I looked (and bought) elsewhere.
Just picked up a 53 cabriolet , 5 months after ordering . Its a long wait , but the only way to get exactly what you want ,especially if your preferences are outside the usual colors and options . I guess the main advantages of buying off the lot are maybe a better deal financially and the fact that you can see directly exactly what you are purchasing without any uncertainty . I've ordered my last four mercedes this way without any problems and despite the long wait there is a certain pleasure in knowing when the vehicle is being built that it is for you , based on your requirements .
2025 AMG CLE53, 2025 Range Rover P550E, 2025 Ford F150 Raptor
Well, just to wrap this up, we ended up having a "on the lot" car follow us home this weekend. Much consternation and fussing was had between my wife and I about certain options, colors, blah blah blah, that this model had and ordering could have gotten.
Ultimately, we are very happy with the color, options, and pricing structure along with the service received with our purchase this weekend.
How to deal with the negotiate for the CLE Cabriolet including my own experience with
Originally Posted by PHXATC
We are going to go take a look at a Cabriolet this weekend at one of our 3 local MBZ dealers. Having never seen one and being out of the MBZ vehicle world since our 2005 E350, I am curious as to others experiences and thoughts, reasons, rationales on ordering exactly what you want and any discounts versus walking in and purchasing one on the lot and any discounts on those.
Take the tariff panic out of it, just any recent experiences.
We are coming from the Porsche world where EVERYTHING is an option and small discounts are do-able, but ordering one was always what we did, mainly because dealers never had any "in the showroom" vehicles that we were interested in.
You are definitely going to get a better deal on any Mercedes which is at a showroom as opposed to ordering one online. I personally wouldn't order a car online because you don't know what kind of deal you'll get. At least when it's at the dealership, you can work on a price and walk away if you're unhappy. For a CLE 53 coupe... a discount of 10k of MSRP is pretty good at this point. On a convertible I would say anything over 10K (10k to 15k) is good. Remember the Cabriolet is much harder to find the dealer may be less inclined to give you a huge discount.
Got my brand new 2025 CLE convertible with an MSRP of $91,000.. I put 6K down and I am paying about $1,040 per month including tax for 39 months with 10K miles per year. This was the absolute best deal I can get.
One tip is to start online and see what each dealership has. Start getting quotes from the dealership online and then let them bid against each other. Once you get it down to a couple dealerships who are willing to offer you a good deal, ask them if they're willing to make a better deal if you walk in. They usually will.
It's better if you buy the car from them without mentioning a trade in or else they will try to burn you and give you pennies for your trade in. You will get the best trade-in value for your car with no hassles at givemethevin.com. I got $12,000 more than what the dealership offered me on my car. This really pissed off the dealership, but the deal was already made on the car. Oh well.
Good luck and let me know how it works out. There is an honestly nothing like the Cabriolet.
Very sporty Beautiful from any angle This beautiful blue is rare but it looks amazing Very beautiful aggressive grill and Hood. Flared fenders and 20-in rims Rear profile shot shows more aggressive bumper and AMG styling. A side view of the car
You are definitely going to get a better deal on any Mercedes which is at a showroom as opposed to ordering one online. I personally wouldn't order a car online because you don't know what kind of deal you'll get. At least when it's at the dealership, you can work on a price and walk away if you're unhappy. For a CLE 53 coupe... a discount of 10k of MSRP is pretty good at this point. On a convertible I would say anything over 10K (10k to 15k) is good. Remember the Cabriolet is much harder to find the dealer may be less inclined to give you a huge discount.
Got my brand new 2025 CLE convertible with an MSRP of $91,000.. I put 6K down and I am paying about $1,040 per month including tax for 39 months with 10K miles per year. This was the absolute best deal I can get.
One tip is to start online and see what each dealership has. Start getting quotes from the dealership online and then let them bid against each other. Once you get it down to a couple dealerships who are willing to offer you a good deal, ask them if they're willing to make a better deal if you walk in. They usually will.
It's better if you buy the car from them without mentioning a trade in or else they will try to burn you and give you pennies for your trade in. You will get the best trade-in value for your car with no hassles at givemethevin.com. I got $12,000 more than what the dealership offered me on my car. This really pissed off the dealership, but the deal was already made on the car. Oh well.
Good luck and let me know how it works out. There is an honestly nothing like the Cabriolet.
Very sporty Beautiful from any angle This beautiful blue is rare but it looks amazing Very beautiful aggressive grill and Hood. Flared fenders and 20-in rims Rear profile shot shows more aggressive bumper and AMG styling. A side view of the car
Great deal and great payment for ur car. Looks good
can i ask what was your out of the door price?
We are going to go take a look at a Cabriolet this weekend at one of our 3 local MBZ dealers. Having never seen one and being out of the MBZ vehicle world since our 2005 E350, I am curious as to others experiences and thoughts, reasons, rationales on ordering exactly what you want and any discounts versus walking in and purchasing one on the lot and any discounts on those.
Take the tariff panic out of it, just any recent experiences.
We are coming from the Porsche world where EVERYTHING is an option and small discounts are do-able, but ordering one was always what we did, mainly because dealers never had any "in the showroom" vehicles that we were interested in.
You didn't reference which Pourshe you're coming from.
If you have Porsche money and you want a Mercedes convertible / Cabriolet in the $90,000 to 105k (fully loaded) range get the new CLE 53 AMG Cabriolet. Faster than some Porsches out there and dripping with technology. It rides very nice
If you have more than that and in the 150k to 160 k range, get the new SL63 (they also have faster variations of it I believe). However, this one is more like a two-seater. It has two seats in the back that are very small but I think Porsche is the same way. This thing is super fast
Those cars are beautiful and are super fast. You won't be disappointed. Drive each of them before you buy it
You didn't reference which Pourshe you're coming from.
If you have Porsche money and you want a Mercedes convertible / Cabriolet in the $90,000 to 105k (fully loaded) range get the new CLE 53 AMG Cabriolet. Faster than some Porsches out there and dripping with technology. It rides very nice
If you have more than that and in the 150k to 160 k range, get the new SL63 (they also have faster variations of it I believe). However, this one is more like a two-seater. It has two seats in the back that are very small but I think Porsche is the same way. This thing is super fast
Those cars are beautiful and are super fast. You won't be disappointed. Drive each of them before you buy it
2025 AMG CLE53, 2025 Range Rover P550E, 2025 Ford F150 Raptor
Originally Posted by DannyBoy1979
You didn't reference which Pourshe you're coming from.
If you have Porsche money and you want a Mercedes convertible / Cabriolet in the $90,000 to 105k (fully loaded) range get the new CLE 53 AMG Cabriolet. Faster than some Porsches out there and dripping with technology. It rides very nice
If you have more than that and in the 150k to 160 k range, get the new SL63 (they also have faster variations of it I believe). However, this one is more like a two-seater. It has two seats in the back that are very small but I think Porsche is the same way. This thing is super fast
Those cars are beautiful and are super fast. You won't be disappointed. Drive each of them before you buy it
I think you missed a post of mine up there somewhere. No worries though.
We came from a 2022 911 GTS (and still have a 2020 Cayenne Turbo). We bought a same color as yours CLE53 a few weeks ago, although it has the different black wheels and beige interior. We were tired of the Porsche tax and rather silly maintenance costs as well as the somewhat (yes, I know it is a sports car and a 911) squishy inside for what we like to use the car for. We had a "base" 2022 911 Cabriolet before the GTS. We ordered both.
Fast forward to now and we are very happy with the CLE53 so far, although we haven't driven it much since we got it home (life has gotten in the way).
Thanks for your input and thoughts! And I have no money, after the Porsche. LOL
I think you missed a post of mine up there somewhere. No worries though.
We came from a 2022 911 GTS (and still have a 2020 Cayenne Turbo). We bought a same color as yours CLE53 a few weeks ago, although it has the different black wheels and beige interior. We were tired of the Porsche tax and rather silly maintenance costs as well as the somewhat (yes, I know it is a sports car and a 911) squishy inside for what we like to use the car for. We had a "base" 2022 911 Cabriolet before the GTS. We ordered both.
Fast forward to now and we are very happy with the CLE53 so far, although we haven't driven it much since we got it home (life has gotten in the way).
Thanks for your input and thoughts! And I have no money, after the Porsche. LOL
I am happy to hear that you picked up the car. How do you like it VS Porsche world? I don't know if you got it with the race package, but that would have made it a lot faster. I couldn't find it with that option in this color.
I am trying to change my original block Wheels to the alloy version which are super nice in my opinion. the pictures of the wheels are in my pictures above and I have never liked black wheels in my opinion
Do you mind sharing pictures of the wheels you got? Are they block or in alloy?
I am happy to hear that you picked up the car. How do you like it VS Porsche world? I don't know if you got it with the race package, but that would have made it a lot faster. I couldn't find it with that option in this color.
I am trying to change my original block Wheels to the alloy version which are super nice in my opinion. the pictures of the wheels are in my pictures above and I have never liked black wheels in my opinion
Do you mind sharing pictures of the wheels you got? Are they block or in alloy?
Whoops. you might had quoted the wrong forum member : )
2025 AMG CLE53, 2025 Range Rover P550E, 2025 Ford F150 Raptor
Here (finally) is a picture of the car and the wheels. We are getting the windows tinted (no idea what %, but I usually get one step darker than "legal" here in FL) in a few weeks.
I finished paint correcting it myself with Menzerna 400 in some very small areas, Sonax Perfect Finish, and Menzerna 3800 for that jeweling final step. It really didn't need too terribly much work, although there were a few scratches and spots (not visible much unless you used a light). I then put Armour Detail Supply ceramic quartz coating on myself. I put that ceramic on the entire outside, door jams, under the hood, and engine plastic areas, as well as under the rear trunk lid as well. I had the product and it is super easy to apply and level, so why not cater to my OCD? I have the garage AC'ed and a nice TV out there I can watch whatever I want and stay happy (beer fridge too).
Here (finally) is a picture of the car and the wheels. We are getting the windows tinted (no idea what %, but I usually get one step darker than "legal" here in FL) in a few weeks.
I finished paint correcting it myself with Menzerna 400 in some very small areas, Sonax Perfect Finish, and Menzerna 3800 for that jeweling final step. It really didn't need too terribly much work, although there were a few scratches and spots (not visible much unless you used a light). I then put Armour Detail Supply ceramic quartz coating on myself. I put that ceramic on the entire outside, door jams, under the hood, and engine plastic areas, as well as under the rear trunk lid as well. I had the product and it is super easy to apply and level, so why not cater to my OCD? I have the garage AC'ed and a nice TV out there I can watch whatever I want and stay happy (beer fridge too).
2025 AMG CLE53, 2025 Range Rover P550E, 2025 Ford F150 Raptor
Originally Posted by DannyBoy1979
I am happy to hear that you picked up the car. How do you like it VS Porsche world? I don't know if you got it with the race package, but that would have made it a lot faster. I couldn't find it with that option in this color.
I am trying to change my original block Wheels to the alloy version which are super nice in my opinion. the pictures of the wheels are in my pictures above and I have never liked black wheels in my opinion
Do you mind sharing pictures of the wheels you got? Are they block or in alloy?
Pic above with the car attached to the wheels. : )
Porsche world is a different step above or in a different swim lane, at least to me, however that comes at a cost. This CLE53 will fit our needs and use case as this is more of a weekend fun car rather than a daily driver. I did dearly love the 2022 911 GTS that the MBZ replaced, however, was more 'over it' and 'been there, done that' than the 911 deserved. Couple that along with some adulting decisions, we stepped back into the MBZ world. We weren't scared to take the 911 out, it just was more of a bucket full of financial investment driving around than the MBZ, which sometimes went outside my comfort zone when driving it, knowing everything had that Porsche tax on it. Meh, great vehicles, Porsches, and we still have the Cayenne Turbo, which is a great grocery getter and our all around hauler.
I feel, at least with the 911 and our Cayenne, that Porsche is sportier in the entire experience and MBZ is more luxury geared and grand touring. That is exactly what we are after these days though, so it fits. It is tough to compare and nail down something exact, as the cars are of different variants and targeted audiences, but that is the best I can cross compare them for you. It is like comparing a 1932 Ford coupe and a Cadillac Escalade. Each one has their fun, swim lane, and target experiences. I like them all and wish I could have them all.
When I was shopping the CLE, there were only two in stock in about 300 miles. And none planned for arrival for at least four months. There are more now, but not a ton. So your choices are:
Settle - not too bad a choice, but I do wish I'd gotten the 360 camera.
Try to arrange a dealer trade - not very likely
Wait five months for a special order - wasn't an option for me as the previous car had self-destructed.
I have usually ordered to get exactly what I wanted in the past - but this time I was successful in finding exactly what I wanted at an out-of-state dealer using the cars.com website. I did the whole deal over email and text messages, got a slight discount ($3K off MSRP and 50% off 3yr service plan) and had the car delivered to me within 2 weeks of starting the process. None of my numerous local dealers had anything in stock anywhere close to what I wanted, and my preferred dealer seemed annoyed that I didn't want any of their in stock vehicles when I asked about ordering so I looked (and bought) elsewhere.
Got exactly what I wanted on the vehicle the dealer had on the lot. Got $12,500 off. A 3-year service plan consists in essence of three oil changes and checking fluids. My mechanic has done this on all my Mercedes for $90 a pop or $270 for 3 years. Never buy a service warranty from Mercedes. Unless you're going to keep the car for over 6 years.
... Never buy a service warranty from Mercedes. Unless you're going to keep the car for over 6 years.
With all the technology in this car, there is no way that I would NOT buy the MB extended warranty. What do you think it would cost to replace a headlight that has over a million micro-mirrors in it? Or a dynamic engine mount?
When I was shopping the CLE, there were only two in stock in about 300 miles. And none planned for arrival for at least four months. There are more now, but not a ton. So your choices are:
Settle - not too bad a choice, but I do wish I'd gotten the 360 camera.
Try to arrange a dealer trade - not very likely
Wait five months for a special order - wasn't an option for me as the previous car had self-destructed.
The 360 camera is so nice to have but like you said not a deal breaker for the size of this vehicle, maybe more useful on a 3rd family SUV though.
Got exactly what I wanted on the vehicle the dealer had on the lot. Got $12,500 off. A 3-year service plan consists in essence of three oil changes and checking fluids. My mechanic has done this on all my Mercedes for $90 a pop or $270 for 3 years. Never buy a service warranty from Mercedes. Unless you're going to keep the car for over 6 years.
Pic above with the car attached to the wheels. : )
Porsche world is a different step above or in a different swim lane, at least to me, however that comes at a cost. This CLE53 will fit our needs and use case as this is more of a weekend fun car rather than a daily driver. I did dearly love the 2022 911 GTS that the MBZ replaced, however, was more 'over it' and 'been there, done that' than the 911 deserved. Couple that along with some adulting decisions, we stepped back into the MBZ world. We weren't scared to take the 911 out, it just was more of a bucket full of financial investment driving around than the MBZ, which sometimes went outside my comfort zone when driving it, knowing everything had that Porsche tax on it. Meh, great vehicles, Porsches, and we still have the Cayenne Turbo, which is a great grocery getter and our all around hauler.
I feel, at least with the 911 and our Cayenne, that Porsche is sportier in the entire experience and MBZ is more luxury geared and grand touring. That is exactly what we are after these days though, so it fits. It is tough to compare and nail down something exact, as the cars are of different variants and targeted audiences, but that is the best I can cross compare them for you. It is like comparing a 1932 Ford coupe and a Cadillac Escalade. Each one has their fun, swim lane, and target experiences. I like them all and wish I could have them all.
Welcome to MB, you still have the Cayenne Turbo for the Porsche-ish experience : )
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
