Trades
 

Which web site (Edmunds, KBB, Autotrade or other) do Mercedes dealers check to get cost estimates for trade-ins? Do they typically offer more or less then these sites?

They use Manheim auction prices for up to the minute numbers on what the vehicles sold at auction across the country. Only licensed dealers can access.

All those other sites you mentioned aren't worth very much in terms of accuracy - values are all over the place.

I used to be a licensed wholesaler.

Correct - but - the OP can get a ballpark figure by using the KBB or edmunds trade-in value in fair condition.

Go to Carmax and get a written quote. My dealer low balled me until I showed him what Carmax offered me. They ended raising their offer by $1500.

Does CarMax require an in-person visit? I'm in NY and we don't have a CarMax that I'm aware of.

I see they are in Rochester. That's very far from me. Thanks

Yes, they will examine the car before they give you an offer. They give a price that is guaranteed for a certain amount of time (I forget how long).

If are going to trade in a car do your homework first,go to KBB,EDMUNDS and have an idea of what your trade is worth,I am the used car mgr.at Lexus dealer and I use all means of of info when I give a cust an estimate of there trade in,but YOU need to have a clear idea of what your car is worth,remember that dealer is trying to sell a car at the best deal for the dealership

But the OP needs to remember that even if his car is in spotless condition, the value he needs to look at is "fair" condition - because that's the best he'll get from a dealer.

CARMAX is an option - although they've been lowballing for the last few years - but other choices include driving by a high volume dealer (not the one you are intending to buy from) as ask them to give you a trade in value.

It takes some work to sell your car for the most money and a bit of a road trip might be worth it depending on how serious you are about selling.

The bottom line is that you will always overvalue your car and you'll always be disappointed by what the dealer offers you. Edmunds fair is a good ballpark to a very clean car with average mileage.

It's all relative
 

Just purchased a Nissan SUV. Trade in values ranged from 5,000-9,000 on my 2005 RAV4. BUT, the discounts on the new car also ranged all over the place.
I checked USAA, Edmunds, KBB for trade-in values and then averaged them. Gave me some negotiating room. There is also a Black Book, which a lot of dealers use. Checked it out also.
I used Carmax when I traded in a Hyundai Azera on my current "E". Takes 1.5 to 2 hours for them to do it. They also service cars there as well as getting trade-ins and sold cars ready. They were $1,000 below what M-B dealer offered. M-B dealer also had the lowest asking price for car I wanted. Ironically, the Lexus guys offered me least of all when I tried to purchase an LS, which they discounted a whopping $1,000 off the $65,000 MSRP.
It's all about the bottom line after MSRP, discounts, hold-backs, fees, trade-in, etc.
BTW, I purchased the SUV on Saturday, Aug. 30. Best deals are on last day of month or quarter. Aug/Sep is good because the 2015's are either out or on their way. Unless you are looking at a 2015.
Not sure where you are from, but this will burn you - Maximum sales tax on any vehicle in S.C. is $300.