rcf8000

I took my 2002 E320 wagon back to the dealer yesterday to see what they'd give me for it. It has the E2 package, and has less than 8000 miles, bought new from the same dealer last August. I paid just under $50,000 for it, and the most they would offer for it was $35,500. mad: (I was trading it in to a Toyota dealer on a new Sienna.)

MARK CUMMINS

The Dealer was working you! The march/april Kelly Blue Book is 02 E320 wagon 40,900 low 45,100 high with a 5.7% add for miles
450.00 for CD Changer,Roof rack100.00 Third seat 550.00
The Market is Soft but NOT That Soft! They Will Buy LOW and Sell High...

rcf8000

I was aware that kbb on the car was about $41,000. But where is it written that the dealer has to give you that? My experience over the years has been that you can't get nearly as much as the kbb value. Maybe my experience is unique.

jimmydagreek

You can usually get pretty close to what you want for your vehicle if you have the right sales person and if the dealer wants to make a sale. If those 2 combinations are not right, run like heck outta there!!! Most dealers will give on their car to make up the difference on yours. For example, if you want a $50,000 car and are expecting to get $25,000 on your trade in but the dealer offers you only $20,000, a good sales person will drop the $50,000 price tag down to $45,000 to make the sale on top of what you are also negotiating for. I used to sell cars and as long as you have done your research on your car as well as the car you are buying, you'll get what you want. Just don't go to Rydell, they don't negotiate for nothing because they only sell their cars for what's on the window. They also don't work on comission so there is no competition to make the sale. Most of the time, a dealer will sell you their car for around $500-$700 over invoice as long as you've (again) done your research and stick to your guns. If they won't give you a deal, someone else will!!!

bzliteyear

not sure your color or condition(i'm assuming nice), but the SF bay area is still VERY strong for the wagon. the local walnut creek MB dealer had a 2000 w/ 45k mi. and they were asking $38k.
given that there are not too many wagons available until the new E wagon comes this fall, i'd suspect the value should hold up nicely. if you still have problems, let me know if you'd like an intro to a local retailer here that may do it on a consignment for you so you can get the best price. otherwise, perhaps they will offer you cash for your car. ck out: www.gkautos.com. btw, i'm not affiliated with them - just a very happy customer - the lorinser wagon on there is mine.

rcf8000

Thanks for the advice, but I went ahead and made the deal, even though I wasn't at all happy about it. I considered trying to sell it myself, but I have no experience selling a car that expensive; I thought that it could be difficult. And I would have had to pay more than $2000 sales tax on the new car, which I didn't have to pay with the trade-in. Everything I've read says that the used car market is extremely soft right now, due to all the rebate deals on new cars and all the cars coming off of leases. Incidentally, my car was desert silver, the most popular color.