KokoKoko*123

I am considering buying a 2022 G550, Desert Sand with Professional Package (basically this car which is listed as new inventory here).

The vehicle has under 7K miles and the current ask is $145K, the vehicle new has an MSRP of $189K.

The car has a "Manufacturer Buy Back" on the VIN report thus the steep discount.
From what I've been able to gather, these cars are purchased back from Mercedes Benz USA for a variety of reasons:
- Inability to service a recalled problem in a timely fashion
- Repeated problems that went unresolved by the dealer, etc.

The cars are serviced, re-authorized by the manufacturer, and then sold at auction.
They are given an additional 12 months of warranty time above/beyond the manufacturer warranty (apparently this is consumer protection law).

I assume that the savings you realize at the time of purchase will live with the car in perpetuity and you will take the requisite $ hit upon sale of the car.

Curious if anyone has delt with a Manufacturer Buyback before and/or has an opinion to share -- I'd be greatly appreciative.

Also thoughts on this spec. if you care to lodge an opinion.

Thanks.

Hodog16

It really depends on what the issue is. I never really trusted them because if they knew how to fix the issue they would have instead of buying it back. That’s essentially a car that could have been lemoned but MB bought it back instead.

If it’s something like a rattle then it may not bother you but if it’s something more nebulous it could be an issue. The title is branded that way so resale will take a big hit. It’s not a salvage title but it’s also not clean.

I know people who don’t mind those types of cars but I think it may be more trouble than it’s worth.

KokoKoko*123

Thank you Hodog16 -- I appreciate your perspective. Perhaps I can find out what the issue was -- I'll look into that.

abhatti55

The flip side is people who can not afford the cars keep complaining until they get lemoned. Wholesale the values aren't far apart. The export market could care less if it is lemon branded or not.

KokoKoko*123

Very good counterpoint abhatti55.

Do you have an opinion on this particular specification -- I am new to this forum and it's difficult to get a handle on this paint color (Desert Sand) and also the Professional Package. Founds a few threads but not as much discussion as I would have expected.

Thank you.

Hodog16

Here’s an article on the professional package

Car and Driver

Desert Sand is one of those polarizing colors that you either love or hate. It would look good with the off road package on the G550 but I wouldn’t spend $6500 for that color!

KokoKoko*123

Thank you Hodog16.

tonygwagon

I love the old school look of Desert Sand! I wouldn’t get it myself lol because there are too many other great paint colors, but if I ever saw one IRL it would be a head-turner for sure.