IS 12% THE MAGIC NUMBER?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 11
From: Central California
GL350
IS 12% THE MAGIC NUMBER?
Yesterday, 03/19/2011 at a local MB dealership I negotiated 11% off the MSRP which was matched by other dealers in northern California on a ordered 2011 GL350. After the 11% I wanted free rear heated seats to be included in the negotiated price as a perk for my business. I was told MB dealerships work off of a 12% profit from MSRP which would only leave the dealership with a $625.00 profit. I spoke to them about their 3% holdback from the manufacture and the 1-3% advertising fees they receive from the manufacture but they wouldn't budge from the 11%. I was told of the dealership operating fees and salaries they have to pay from the holdback and advertising fees and after 1 1/2 hours of back and forth talk I walked out.
So, is 12% the true profit line MB dealerships work off of from MSRP and why would a $525.00 option for free rear heated seats break a deal knowing even if they threw the heated seats they would have a $100.00 profit plus holdback and advertising fees from MB?
So, is 12% the true profit line MB dealerships work off of from MSRP and why would a $525.00 option for free rear heated seats break a deal knowing even if they threw the heated seats they would have a $100.00 profit plus holdback and advertising fees from MB?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: NJ
'09 GL320 Bluetec
Thanks for the info, this is the kind of numbers I like to know as I too am looking for a new one. How long did they say it would take to get if you ordered the car? Was it hard to get them up to 11% off, or did they do it somewhat easily? Would they have given you the same off an in-stock car off the lot?
Thanks for help.
Thanks for help.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
someone else posted that a dealer said 'there is only 12% in these cars' so I imagine you are correct. If you walked out, were you just playing them to see how low you can go?
Seems like dealers on either coast will go to 10-11 but I'm not sure the middle of the country has gotten the message. We pulled the trigger yesterday in Texas, compromised on interior color but pretty happy otherwise, a bit of an upgrade from my 04 Sienna...
Seems like dealers on either coast will go to 10-11 but I'm not sure the middle of the country has gotten the message. We pulled the trigger yesterday in Texas, compromised on interior color but pretty happy otherwise, a bit of an upgrade from my 04 Sienna...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 11
From: Central California
GL350
The turn around time to build a 2011 GL350 was approximately 3 months however the time could be shortened if a build in progress was not allocated to a specific dealer.
11% was negotiated at the beginning of the price process and within the first 30 minutes of arrival to the dealership. The remaining 1 1/2 hours of negotications were unsuccessful in getting any additional "freebies" but this isn't the end of the month either. I had the opportunity to glance at their sales board and observed a low sales goal achieved so far for this month and I feel at the end of the month my requested "perk" may be more easily granted.
I never play games to see how low they will go but I felt if I could get 11% off MSRP from several dealers on a ordered 2011 GL350 then the signing dealer should make it worth my while with a "little" more. I was willing to put down $5,000.00 cash in hand to order the vehicle so I'm sure they didn't take it as a game either. I am buying a 2011 GL350 this month since I just sold my wife's 2007 Cadillac Escalade to a private party and who ever deals with me this month gets my business.
I'm sure the 11% would available for select in stock vehicles but then it dependes on how long the chosen vehicle has been sitting on their lot and who's paying the flooring.
Remember, there's an *** for every seat and your the driver!!
11% was negotiated at the beginning of the price process and within the first 30 minutes of arrival to the dealership. The remaining 1 1/2 hours of negotications were unsuccessful in getting any additional "freebies" but this isn't the end of the month either. I had the opportunity to glance at their sales board and observed a low sales goal achieved so far for this month and I feel at the end of the month my requested "perk" may be more easily granted.
I never play games to see how low they will go but I felt if I could get 11% off MSRP from several dealers on a ordered 2011 GL350 then the signing dealer should make it worth my while with a "little" more. I was willing to put down $5,000.00 cash in hand to order the vehicle so I'm sure they didn't take it as a game either. I am buying a 2011 GL350 this month since I just sold my wife's 2007 Cadillac Escalade to a private party and who ever deals with me this month gets my business.
I'm sure the 11% would available for select in stock vehicles but then it dependes on how long the chosen vehicle has been sitting on their lot and who's paying the flooring.
Remember, there's an *** for every seat and your the driver!!
Last edited by KYBRIGGS82; Mar 21, 2011 at 01:06 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
You cannot touch the holdback and ad fees. There are also no trunk money that you shold be concerned about on the gl right now and once you mention the word "diesel" the dealer has the upper hand.
If you can get 10% off msrp take it. The 2011 diesel allocation is almost all spoken for...
If you can get 10% off msrp take it. The 2011 diesel allocation is almost all spoken for...
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2008 GL320 CDI, 1997 528i (ret.), Lex GS350
I agree with Alx. Mention Diesel and they got you. Atleast that is what I was faced with. I had many downright rude emails from dealers when I tried to negotiate ~10% off MSRP for a new diesel. I am on the east coast and I know some folks on this board have been able to get close to that. Maybe it was the timing (I have heard Aug is the best month to make a deal) or other factors working against me when i was shopping.
I ended up buying a 08 320CDI CPO.
Good luck with your purchase!
I ended up buying a 08 320CDI CPO.
Good luck with your purchase!
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
'92 500E
I was the guy who heard the 12% line. I had a deal for about 10% off and ordered my car 1/29. It arrive about a week ago and when we went in to sign I dropped a $3000 fleet discount on them that we discovered through my wife's work. It was not a problem, so we ended up with a pretty sweet deal. The truth is, I cant remember what I paid for the car because i'm so happy with how it drives.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 11
From: Central California
GL350
I ordered a 2011 GL350 3 weeks ago with the options I wanted and worked out a 11.44% off the MSRP price from Pleasanton Mercedes in Northern California with a build date of 06/15/2011.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,850
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From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
I got mine 5 days ago with 11% off MSRP, but the price includes 3 years maintanance for free ( value about $1,500). So, I quess I can say I got 12% off.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 11
From: Central California
GL350
$250.00 over invoice is a good deal and I have a hard time thinking any dealership would fall below that.
I am wondering with my 2011 GL350 having a projected build date of 06/15/2011 if this build date is close to the 2012 year model starting build date. Additionally, I would like to know if there will be a cost increase from MB for the 2012 model?
I am wondering with my 2011 GL350 having a projected build date of 06/15/2011 if this build date is close to the 2012 year model starting build date. Additionally, I would like to know if there will be a cost increase from MB for the 2012 model?
Last edited by KYBRIGGS82; Apr 13, 2011 at 01:11 PM.
