another_geek

My MB dealer took a personal check for the full amount of my GLE63s. They didn't even question it.

My Jaguar dealer however prefers wire-transfer for amounts > $30k but they've always made an exception for me as I've purchased multiple vehicles from them.

nsoltz

And the latest in my saga--

Released to carrier prior to 10/8/20
Invoiced to dealer status F1 10/9/20
As of 10/12/20 still shows awaiting ETA. My SA says that things are so confused with shipments that there have been cases where Netstar shows no ETA and then the truck pulls up with the vehicle. So neither they nor, he claims, Mercedes distribution, has a clue but he expects it "within a week."

Maturity date on my GLC lease is 10/20. There is a $1000 loyalty rebate for leasing another MB with an open MB lease. So if vehicle arrives after 10/20, he would try to get Mercedes to give a 3 or 4 day grace period but he doubts beyond that. Well, that's where I go to war. I am ready to take delivery and it is their logistics that prevent delivery on time. So I do intend to get that $1000 whether from MB or the dealer.

Meanwhile, as board has discussed, USAA has ended fleet program and all auto programs (I detest USAA but my veteran wife sees any criticism of USAA as tantamount to treason against the armed forces). However, MB club has a $500 program and one can join the club and generate the certificate simultaneously.

Now I'm not concerned about when I actually receive my car since there is hardly anywhere to drive anyway. But I could have easily jumped ship for a 2021 X5 which can be bought off the lot equipped the way I want.

Has anyone actually taken delivery of a 21 GLE350 or 450?

Brer Rabbit

I feel for you, nsoltz. We are still waiting for our 2020 GLE450 which, according to the dealer, was built 9/12, yes that is 4+ weeks ago. Dealer says the status is still "Built but not shipped". He must have been told about all the confusion and I guess that is why he said he would just let us know when it shows up.

I did get my USAA certificate on 9/18, on the certificate it says it is good for 60 days. When the USAA car buying website was up, it said if you got your certificate before 9/30, it would be valid until the end of the year or end of Jan. Either way, I hope it is still honored. USAA was $500 for the GLE also.

nsoltz

Not terrible optimistic about receiving this car any time soon.

Even if I couldn't snag a BMW 45e, there are a number of well-equipped xDrive 40i's around. It is all very disheartening since I really prefer Mercedes.

Ron.s

I'm wondering if there isn’t a hold on some of these for parts or some kind of safety update causing an interim stop sale.
Shipping to NJ shouldn’t be a big deal since there should be a fair volume of cars going to the East Coast. My build was pushed back a month and my Dealer is waiting on cars that were built weeks ago. IMO, it’s a lot better vehicle than the X5 but.... It’s about time that Mercedes started communicating info on delays like this. At least give the Dealer something to report because if they don’t then everyone looks inept.

nsoltz

Something is clearly going on with MB-- a repeat of last year's GLE debaucle.

Dealer wants me to do all paperwork and lease-credit app today. I will get final numbers based on current program, but I won't submit any credit app. If I jump ship and am forced to BMW (wife detested last BMW so that's another battle), don't want to have an outstanding credit check to ding my otherwise sterling credit rating.

I agree with Ron.s that GLE is a lot better vehicle than X5. My 535xDrive lived in the shop and I think the Mercedes creature-comforts are superior.

Hard to blame COVID if BMW is actually shipping cars and Mercedes is not.

I'd even take a 2020 at this point since it is the same car and on a least I really don't care about depreciation.

ENCT

I have a GLE580 being built late November, I'm not feeling to confident after reading some of these posts. Does anyone have a clue as to the issues?
Eric

nsoltz

Went to dealer today. Upon delving deeper into Netstar, discovered that vehicle was loaded on train 10/8. So while it showed no ETA, sales mgr said typically 8 days on train to railhead in Secaucus and then another couple of days waiting for a truck. Dealer could also negotiate a couple of extra days on the lease if need be to avoid another trip to Rockland Cty. We, by the way, avoid buying cars in NJ due to the uncapped doc fee. In NY, doc fee is capped at $75.

Eaton

It's probably just lingering problems from that launch, and COVID also introducing a new set of challenges/supply issues.

yabyab911

Hello guys

I am new here and I need help! I ordered a GLE 53 COUPE in August, and the build date keeps changing everytime! I decided to buy a ready car from another dealer, which is almost similar to my order but the original dealer refused to refund the deposit! He wants me to buy the car through him if I want the paid deposit to be used in the new purchase, however, he is charging an extra 1500 USD on the total price of the car, which includes delivery in the first place!!! My question is obviously whether or not he can do this?

nsoltz

Still waiting for the GLE but since it is enroute, very likely within the next week.

As far as deposit, do you have anything in writing that specifies refund status of deposit? Do you have a verbal agreement that the deposit is refundable? If you signed something indicating the deposit is non refundable, you are out of luck. On the other hand, if you have a verbal agreement with the dealer that it is refundable, tell them that you will take them to small claims court. And never walk into that dealership again.

ENCT

I believe that in Pennsylvania deposits are refundable. I have a GLE580 ordered with a refundable $500.00 deposit. I do not have anything in writing either way. I also have a $2000 refundable deposit on a Kia Telluride. It sucks that dealers try to make money by screwing others. Hope you get it sorted out.

mikapen

Some people focus on the Doc Fee, Some focus on the Trade, Some focus on the Discount.
Those are all immaterial, taken alone. Focus on what you pay, out the door. That's the only thing that matters. That includes F&I add-ons - focus on what you will be paying, Out The Door.
If you focus on the Doc, Trade, or Discount, you are two steps behind the Dealer in negotiations, right at the outset. Rest assured, they've seen you before.

Ron.s

Another option is Small Claims Court if such is available in your state. They would likely settle rather than try to justify holding the deposit. There’s no moral reason for a Dealer to hold a Deposit under these circumstances with build dates that keep slipping and a vehicle that is in short supply.
Maybe they don’t like your build but they can swap with another Dealer if they don’t want it.

mikapen

If they incur unusual expense in procuring the car for you, or it it's an unusual build, they may be entitled to some funds to defray their expenses. That may or may not be the case with you, but we don't have much detail (not that we need it).

Did you ask why they are holding the deposit? Did you formally cancel your order - in writing?
It sounds like you didn't actually make a deal, since they are changing the price later. Did you get a written Sales Agreement, signed by Management? Did they cash your check?
Do you have a paper trail? Did they put the price increase in writing?

BACnMercedes

@ENCT Is this an either/or (GLE580 vs Telluride) or are you buying both?

ENCT

GLE580 is for my wife and the Telluride my daughter. Took a test drive with my daughter in the Telluride and my first impression was very good. I will try to find $60,000 difference after both are here.

nsoltz

My wife drives a Kia Niro plug-in and absolutely loves it. The Telluride shares pretty much the same layout and electronics as the Niro. In some regards (particularly the rear cross-traffic warning), better than the MB. And much more intuitive with more buttons and fewer buried options. Really an excellent vehicle. A bit larger than the GLE and of course will not be as refined. But for the money, it is hard to beat Kia and Hyundai. Worth $60K difference for the 580? It's a personal-value issue. For me, MB is worth it.

ENCT

Luxury brands have always been worth it to me and my wife, we work hard for what we have and enjoy some finer things. I am surprised a bit by how much Kia has surpassed their competition. Perfect vehicle for my daughter who is expecting in March. It will make a terrific family ride.

nsoltz

Just unloaded from truck and picking up tomorrow (10/20). Same day as expiration of lease on the GLC300. Timing couldn't be better

BACnMercedes

I just drove by my dealership (not on purpose) and something caught my eye so I turned around to investigate. There was an all black 53 with the black wheels and oh my goodness. My wife said to go inside and make the deal but it was a special order. Plus I had to get to car line anyway. Dang those 53s look good.

nsoltz

Delivery day today 10/20/2020! Pics to follow and then some high-quality images when I get it home.

Brer Rabbit

Congrats, you lucky duck.

nsoltz

Just some quick iPhone shots when picking up. Working on some higher quality images with the pro gear.

Dealer never got a Netstar update other than the day it was loaded on train. And Tues AM a truck just showed up with 1 450 and several 350's

GregW / Oregon

I like the red!