Litani

Hi,

Yesterday, my brother in law just bought a car for me from Menheim auction. I want to know if I got a good deal.

Model: E350
Year: 2006
Color: White
Internal color: Gray
Mileage: 47,500
Options: Navigation, 6 CD Changer, Heated Seats, Moon roof, Power activated trunk, Harmon Kardon Sound.
He said he paid 24,000 + Fee. Did I get a good deal? Is there a way to know what he actually paid?

steveberde

what difference does it make if someone could have found one cheaper - you own it - enjoy it and don't look back and most of all you'll love it -

john in norcal

You could find certified pre-owned 06 E350's from Mercedes dealers advertised at that price.

Pavka007

I am sorry man but this is way to high.
There is no way this car is more than 17K in auction. As "john in norcal" wrote above for this money you can get StarMark from a dealer.
NADA trade price is between 18 K and 21 K. Just go and look at autotrader.com and you will see that you can have it from a dealer for less than that for the same 47500 miles.
I am sorry bro, but this is way to high. There is only one way for you to find out what he paid for it... if he shows you the invoice from the auction... I guess he will NOT do that.
Just have a look here:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false

Pavka007

Just check this:
2006 / E500 with Navigation for sale by DEALER at Anaheim, California with 47000 miles....$24695 OBO
Here we are talking E500....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-...3A1|240%3A1308

nychokeyplaya35

Yeah he got ripped you can get 04 05 E55's for that price.

steveberde

You guys are so nice - so now he feels like **** - good job - that's why i said what difference does it make - he owns it and soon he'll forget what he paid for it and enjoy it - why ruin the enjoyment for someone by being so honest? - It's like telling your old lady what happened on the trip to Chicago - what purpose can it serve?

Steve

mbuskuhl

Yes, the sales data is published online for Manheim users. I can look Monday, exact mileage at sale and auction location will make it quicker to find online. I had a friend looking for a car recently, she would find one online, then I would usually find where the dealer bought it at auction and give her the printout to take to the dealer in her negotiations. Salesman didn't really like that...Someone should tell them not to use the same mileage in their advertising as was the posted mileage at auction sale.

I highly doubt he is selling you the car with no profit. No one wants to work for free...

Pavka007

Steve I can see your point but what is wrong with being honest? He asked a question we gave him the answer.
How about the flip side of this coin? The guy that selling him the car is a family member... at least he should know that he can't trust the guy in a future.
That is why I never do any business with a family, never.

We are all here to help each other for good or bad..... are we?

Firestopper0383

Litani,
Do you feel you got a good Deal? If so, you did! Enjoy the car and have many happy miles of driving, Good Luck!

mbuskuhl

The OP has the sales price now, up to him if he wants to post it...

starbrite

His question certainly should have been asked BEFORE he had is BIL buy the car. He probably asked after the fact because he wasn't so sure he got a fair price. Some brother in law !

baxterdown

Litani,

Here are Mainheim average prices on your car for this week.

Above average $24,500 with around 20K miles
Average $20,500 with around 40K miles
Below average $16,500 with around 60K miles

Depending on the auction (regular or high-line) he could have certainly paid $24K. It all depends on who was bidding.

There is no way to get "ripped-off" at auction. It's all based on bidding and whatever the guy(s) you're bidding against are willing to pay. So, if your brother-in-law paid $24,000 it's only because there was someone else offering $23,900.

PM me your VIN number. I'll see if I cand find the sale price (they're listed only for a short time).

Pavka007

Read above, he already knows the price. The fact that he have been so silent means only one thing.....

Litani

I appreciate everyone’s input. Specially the message from mbsukuhl.
It turned out that he bought it for a lot less. I am not upset that he is making money. However, I am upset that was claiming that he was not. I sent him portion of a message I received from mbsukuhl (without revealing any identity). He was shocked. He did not know what to say.

steveberde

I know you're right - at least the part about doing business with friends or family - I just didn't figure it was worth making the buy feel like crap after he owns the car - so it's a couple grand high - if he likes the car he'll forget about it - and still want to kll his brother in law - He never should have asked, right? Or as someone said hey schmuck ask before you buy the car not after - duh - or as my kids would say double duh -

S