AJ4Value

I just got a call from the dealer that sold me my 2010 E550 that I may be able to upgrade to a 2011 E550 for $0 cost to me. Does this make sense? Has anyone heard of this? He says there is high demand for my car and they can cover part of their new quota at the same time...

This is new to me and sounds too good to be true -- is it true???

Thanks

MiamiAMG

Let me see if i understand the question. The dealer offered an even swap from your car to a newer model free of charge??

Tjdehya

Yes its true, now go do it and tell us all about it.

voy2k

I get messages all the time from Fletcher Jones asking if I want to trade in my 2008 GL500 for a new one. It's not a $0 net cost (which would obviously be a sweet deal if they are actually doing it), but here's my guess on what's going on:

- Dealers are always looking to move inventory. If they can take your 2010 E550 and sell it CPO and get you into a new one, they are turning over inventory and getting closer to sales targets. Even if they don't make much (or any) money on the specific deal, there are probably other volume incentives that make it worthwhile for them.

- I think we are getting very close to an announement re: the 2012 E-classes and I believe they will have the new engines. The 550 will have the twin-turbo direct injected V8 which will be an absolute beast.

If this is correct (it's all speculation at this point), there will be serious pressure on dealers to move the 2011's. For anybody looking at a new E-class that doesn't care about the new engines, I think you're going to have a chance to get a great deal if you can wait just a bit.

AJ, if you can get into a new E550 at no cost, go for it!!

- Voy

clmulli

Yes please tell us about it. I don't own a 550 but I'd like to hear how it worked out. I'll ask my dealer tomorrow when i'm getting my command software update.

golfster

At that price, take two...buy one, get one free!

220S

Typical dealer sales talk to get you in the door and hopefully buy a new car. Happens all the time. Dealers send out all kinds of crap like this often.

Key words are: "may be able" to get you into a new car for zero money. Yeah, okay. I may be able to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge for nothing. Come on over and we'll talk. Bring your checkbook just in case.

Tjdehya

You make no sense.
What is the dealer going to do kidnap him and force him to write a check for a 2011 E?

petee1997

220 you are absolutely right. The amazing thing is that some people actually believe it can be done. If it's a lease, the salesman tries to extend the term and keep the same payment. If it's finance, same deal. If it's cash, he's sh#t out of luck. Nothing works until you get that warm body and then......and then....

K-A

Typical Dealer line: "Your car is in high demand". I've seen lots of Dealer solicitations using that exact line, to try and get people in new cars.

I don't believe it's as cut and dry, and "no lose" as they make it out to be at all (maybe they'll just keep you at a similar, or slightly raised Lease payment on a new car, which puts you in it for another year, gets them another New Car sale, and they can now sell a Uses car (which makes them a lot more money than selling a New Car). If that's the case, then sure it may be good for you. At the very least, if you want some different options, engine, or color, etc. it may be an "easy out" for you.

I think you'll go there and find it to be complete BS, but I would definitely go in and see what's up, can't hurt.

sosh

In the US the economics of car ownership would not make this a viable option for the owner or dealer. In Tokyo I just dont know. Should be the same as here but can't confirm it.

K-A

Ahh, O/P is in Tokyo. I have no idea then, a whole different world out there.

babyjocko

Amazing how a ridiculous subject line can create an endless thread commenting and debating on the ridiculous statement. It the same way the GOP raises a ridiculous issue and it is given credence by other people debating it.

Here's a clue: It's BS! There is no such thing as something for nothing. If you believe otherwise, then you are a fool.

voy2k

You're right about the BS part. There's no free lunch.

But the beauty of these boards is that some good information always comes out of the discussion. I'm telling you, great deals to be had on 2011s in the near-future. A new car for free? Probably not

golfster

Fixed it for you...

dcjwlee

Like everyone else said, except that guy with the monkey avatar, it's just another way to get a warm body into the showroom and then from there on.

At least it's a tad savvier than a scratch-it ticket that I got from Nissan of Ramsey(?) once. Couldn't find out what I won until I called the dealership or showed up. When I called they told me to come into the showroom since only the "manager" knew what the scratch it symbols meant......and free PIZZA!

hyperion667

LOL........what is free in life? better yet.....what's free at a BENZ dealer???
LOL

K-A

They gave me free documents when I got my car.

....Oh wait, actually they didn't, a week later when gazing my contract, I noticed a "Document Fee", in which they charged me the legal limit!

#*#$#Y$#*$&#*$&#*ers!!!!

Firestopper0383

As the saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

Hyperion667, you hit the nail right square on the head with your comment!!

sknight

bait and switch. I guess it does fool some people.

Tjdehya

OMG u guys how is it a trap/bait/trick. If you go there and the deal is not as promised then you walk away. Simple!
I agree that dealers use this tactic quite often but your SA called you.. not some random car dealer.
Maybe you guys have bad relationships with your SA but mine wouldn't call me to waste my time.
Are you guys so dumb that you would go and have the dealer talk you into something you don't want to do? lmao

AJ4Value

Thanks for all the input -- this is all very helpful.

A couple of things... first I need to update my profile as I set this one up before I returned to the US. I was in Tokyo for a few years and thankfully I'm not there now or a new car would be the least of my worries. I'm now in LA, CA where I can enjoy the V8 in my E550!

I talked to the dealer in the afternoon -- it appears that no one has a car with the options I want/need. I have a hobby that requires a fold down rear seat and this doesn't seem to be popular with the 550 crowd. So, there is no deal to date.

I think I can tell what the actual cost of a deal would actually be... extending the payments costs me money, paying the 10% CA sales tax costs a lot of money and on and on. I'll keep you posted if I hear back from the dealer -- they told me they need to check the inventory scheduled to be delivered and they will have a clearer idea come the first of April.

By the way, if there was a cost to make the change what do you think the difference in value is between a 9 month old 2010 and a new 2011? Said another way -- if I have to pay something what do you think it is worth?

Worth the wait

Why would you trade in a 9 month old car?
Based on the CA tax and registration alone wouldn't you need like $6k?

I could see if a new body style came out, or you wanted to move up to the AMG....but in this case????

Sometimes I don't understand the CA car culture...lol.

Tjdehya

I would just ask for top dollar for your 2010 and bottom dollar for the 2011. Tally up what the total is going to cost you and then divide that by 9 months. If the final number is too high then I would say forget about it. IMO if the end figure is less than $500 then I would go for it.Man CA sounds like its the king of taxes. In every state I have been you only pay taxes on the difference between trade and new vehicle.

220S

Many of your posts make you sound like you were born only yesterday.

Ignorance is bliss. And so is naiveté.