mikapen

Those must be "Use Taxes," then.
A way to avoid the "credit for taxes already paid on goods," which is why most States (?) give credit for trade-ins and tax only the Difference.

another_geek

I was curious since I didn't know about the sales tax credit until you mentioned it. Found this on cars.com

jpunjab

Hey Everyone,
First time posting.
I've been reading up on threads here as I am in process of getting GLE 450 2021.
It was custom order, roughly $85k and the dealer is giving 2% discount. Location is West Virginia

After researching I found the fleet discount info which helped me get another $500 off.

The SUV has shipped from the plant and is expected to arrive at dealership this Friday.

I am not good at haggling but is 2% fair or less based on your experience. I understand the supply/demand plus overall cost instead of what's my discount. Also dealer being only one in 100 mile radius.

Appreciate the feedback and please excuse if I didn't follow any forum decorum.

Regards!

Was Ferrari Guy

Just getting the car in a timely fashion is worth $$$$$$. I got a little better discount but I ordered my 53AMG in June of 2020 and I am supposed to get it maybe in April. Ya done good kid!!

jpunjab

Thank you.
Ordered in Nov and was hoping it came in by March for our family trip so happy that it is arriving littler sooner than expected. Even the sales person was surprised.

I plan to lease it for 3 years though was worried about the 48v battery issues I have been reading on the forums. Hopefully the reported percentage isn't high so hoping that it doesn't happen to us during the WV to TX drive

Timmay

When I put in my GLE53 order in February, there was little negotiation wiggle room due to high demand on the AMG product line. I was able to get 2% off and they would have accepted 5% if I took out a lease with them.

BACnMercedes

Posted in wrong place

mikapen

Yes, it looks like you did.

Jkpetre

I feel weak.....I probably could've gotten a better deal but I fell in love with this car and couldn't think straight. Got about a 5% discount. MSRP $73,560 and paid $70,000. I don't care - I love this beautiful machine. I'm coming from Tesla and back to Mercedes for build quality and REAL luxury. Never looking back! Haven't seen many Emerald Green Metallics out there and LOVE the color. Not really impressed w/ the color options in general, so glad I have something that seems to be unique.

mikapen

Don't feel bad about "not following" the "clever bargaining techniques" posted on this thread. Instead of bragging about your stellar skills and amazing insight into profit margins, and referrals to salespeople who will undoubtedly find the exact car at 1/3 off, you actually bought a car you like!

And you actually own it, instead of the intense self-satisfaction of walking away from the deal and complaining on this forum.
That's the best result.

monwen

And I agree wholeheartedly! Enjoy the car and don’t look back. Life is too short.

lutzb0y

Hi there I’m a newbie here and would love your inputs on this. We are in the market for a GLE 450. Found one here in NorCal which is a demo car with 1400 miles - with the following options.
Obsidian black metallic
Magma Grey Leather backage
Walnut Trim.

Driver Assistance Package, MBUX Tech package with the amazing bright HUD.
Premium package, exterior Lighting package.
Wood and leather heated steering which we love.
Pano roof, heated and ventilated and power seats for both sides.
R77 21 inch 5 spoke wheels.
And a bunch of other options some of which appear to be overkill (for us anyway like the rapid heating seats). Total MSRP is 79700. The dealer is willing to go down by 12.53% and it seems like a good deal.

What do you think?

Was Ferrari Guy

For a used car, I would have to really love it but love is in the eye of the beholder!!

lutzb0y

It’s a demo vehicle has never been titled before.

Was Ferrari Guy

I wonder what the carfax would say as I don't know.

DManton

My experience for purchasing was perhaps typical. I live in Charlotte NC and two large MB dealers, Both offered the exact same price, Imagine that and both offered the exact same discount, no surprise. Was told they don't price compete, just territorial.

A friend suggested I price shop nationally, with dealers that are known to have large internet sales. I did, and to my surprise I saved nearly 8k on a $92 order GLE 450.

The local dealers came back to me and asked me why I didn't let them know the competitors price and they would have matched. REALLY NOW, a bit late for that don't ya think was my response (in a nicer way)
I highly recommend, that one makes a large purchase like this, all avenues should be pursued.

D

mikapen

It sounds like you didn't follow the first rule when shopping and comparing dealer pricing: Convince them that you are a bona fide Buyer, and that you will BUY if you can agree on a price.
Recommendation #2 - shop out-of-town first and give your local dealer a chance to beat a (bona fide) quote. Otherwise be willing to go to the out-of-town dealer for "service adjustments," which are part of the Dealer Prep fee that goes to the selling dealer.

Talk is Cheap, whether it's from a remote dealer "shooting a price," or a Lookie Loo trying to impress his girlfriend.

DManton

Not sure about the rules to follow..since I have purchased 4 cars from them already, I think they knew I was a serious buyer. Disappointed they didn't give best price upfront..their loss my gain. I wanted to give them the first chance since they had my business in the past..so much for loyalty huh

D

mikapen

I've been in the same boat, on both sides of the table. When Management changes, or the Owner/conglomerate owner goes off to some "Come attend one of our magic conferences and we'll show you how to quadruple your Dealership profits" conference, you never know what "this Year's Magic Strategy" will be. (Google "NADA 20 Group" for an example of these conferences / boondoggles.)
So the Boss (the one behind the curtain) may change how negotiations are handled. It may not make sense to you, me, the Salesperson, or the "management in the Tower" who scribbles counteroffers on the "deal sheet."
Loyalty seems to be lost in these situations, as third-generation owner's offspring tries to run a complex business, after wasting all their youth partying around on the Parents' trust fund, and whose only experience with a Dealership is going to get the sand vacuumed out of their fancy car between trips to the beach.

SO, you need to give the Salesperson something to work with, on your behalf.
Such as doing your own scribble "I'll pay $XX Out The Door," (skip the Four Square - Google it) and actually write a check of some amount. Note that I said Give them some Ammo. With your offer in hand, they can go to the Tower, and the Tower can go to the Manager (if it needs to go upstairs), and the Manager can go to the Person Behind the Curtain. It's more likely you will get serious consideration. Without Ammo, they may be stuck in the scripted pattern and lose the sale.

It's sad that the Industry has come to this, but in a lot of stores, this is what it is.

As I said earlier, IF you would like to buy locally, get an out-of-town bid first - THAT's your Ammo. And of course, your prior and future purchases.
Hopefully somebody will come back, wringing their hands, and say "Normally we wouldn't take this skinny deal, but it's "the end of the month," "we're just one away from our quota," "the owner is in a sales contest," "we all get a bonus if...," "just one more car and we get extra allocations," and you will get your deal.
Or maybe not, but it's more likely to work than not.

P.S. although I quoted @DManton this is a more general comment.

Lanzz

Dmanton - surprised you weren't able to work something at Hendrick. South Charlotte is a difficult place to do business with - no surprise there... But I guess GLEs, especially 450s, are in huge demand, so smart move casting a wider net.

DManton

Yes me too, I would have thought Hendrick would have since i have already bought a Porsche and BMW from them in the last few years, yet their management and sales staff turn over so quick, there is very little ability to develop and bi directional loyalty. ZERO as for South Charlotte MB, I actually was dealing with Sabates brother in sales, and the attitude I got was, well you should feel privileged to buy from us. After I told him about the deal from Nashville, and their comment about they would match, I was letting them know, too little too late. Regardless they get the repair and maintenance work, that is a pretty profit for them

Next purchase I might try again...at least this time they know.. Bottom line though, is I got a great deal on a great car..

D

Vik123

Mercedes GLE 450 4matic with Airmatic suspension. 3 year lease with 12,000 miles a year

MSRP 78,900, paid Drive off $6000 and $989 including tax and was also able to get the adding end of lease (first class lease protection valued at $7,000) paxkage for free.

Do you all think the is a good deal or more room for negotiation?

Vik123

Mercedes GLE 450 4matic with Airmatic suspension. 3 year lease with 12,000 miles a year

MSRP 78,900, paid Drive off $6000 and $989 including tax and was also able to get the adding end of lease (first class lease protection valued at $7,000) paxkage for free.

Do you all think the is a good deal or more room for negotiation?