Half Way Through Lease, Current GLE 350 and 450 Build Times and Advice
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From: Florida (727)
Half Way Through Lease, Current GLE 350 and 450 Build Times and Advice
Hi y'all. I am officially half way through my 3 year lease. I have another 18 months left on my lease, but I wanted to know what are the current build times looking like for the GLE 350 and 450. I am starting to explore my options because I know build times are insane right now and I am also considering switching brands or buying out my lease at the end.
I also wouldn't mind some advice on what to do with my GLE once the lease is up or possibly what to do beforehand. I have an idea of what I may want to do, but I like to get other opinions as well. Thanks in advance.
I also wouldn't mind some advice on what to do with my GLE once the lease is up or possibly what to do beforehand. I have an idea of what I may want to do, but I like to get other opinions as well. Thanks in advance.
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Used GLE prices have softened from summer so ordering anything now has the risk of more downside. The economy looks like a recession is more likely and a recession historically has an impact on car sales/car values. Buying today has increased likelihood that you will pay top dollar for your new car and and there will be more normal values for used. If so early lease termination will work against you. If order volume drops because of uncertainty or a recession (better component availability) then todays 5-8 months+ from order to delivery could shorten a lot. I’ve waited about 6 months for my last three German cars. My 2023 Porsche order (with allocation) has slipped 2 months so looking like at least 6 months again…or longer. My SA said that several behind me will take longer.
I own my Mercedes outright and I am considering selling or trading it 2 months before I get my new car…to hedge against further price deterioration if the R word looks worse. My new build date is a week away so I’m in limbo waiting to see if it gets pushed back again.
IMO, any decision is a wild a$s guess in todays environment.
I own my Mercedes outright and I am considering selling or trading it 2 months before I get my new car…to hedge against further price deterioration if the R word looks worse. My new build date is a week away so I’m in limbo waiting to see if it gets pushed back again.
IMO, any decision is a wild a$s guess in todays environment.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,016
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Used GLE prices have softened from summer so ordering anything now has the risk of more downside. The economy looks like a recession is more likely and a recession historically has an impact on car sales/car values. Buying today has increased likelihood that you will pay top dollar for your new car and and there will be more normal values for used. If so early lease termination will work against you. If order volume drops because of uncertainty or a recession (better component availability) then todays 5-8 months+ from order to delivery could shorten a lot. I’ve waited about 6 months for my last three German cars. My 2023 Porsche order (with allocation) has slipped 2 months so looking like at least 6 months again…or longer. My SA said that several behind me will take longer.
I own my Mercedes outright and I am considering selling or trading it 2 months before I get my new car…to hedge against further price deterioration if the R word looks worse. My new build date is a week away so I’m in limbo waiting to see if it gets pushed back again.
IMO, any decision is a wild a$s guess in todays environment.
I own my Mercedes outright and I am considering selling or trading it 2 months before I get my new car…to hedge against further price deterioration if the R word looks worse. My new build date is a week away so I’m in limbo waiting to see if it gets pushed back again.
IMO, any decision is a wild a$s guess in todays environment.
The 53 didn't arrive until Mar '21, but I saved sales tax by trading then. I hitchhiked for 6 months. (not)
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
The other thing to consider is leverage. If you show up to trade when your new car arrives you depend on the Dealer to set the price. Most will be fair but they will bias to the low side. The sales tax credit is 6% figure here. I’ll start looking for pricing once mine builds and sell at the best opportunity since I have another vehicle to drive. My wife isn’t sure she likes my strategy of trying to save a few $’s.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 23
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From: Meridian, ID
2021 GLE 350
We just bought out the lease on a GLE at 19 months. We are trading the 2021 GLE 350 in on a loaded 2023 X5 45e plug in hybrid. We love the GLE and would have stayed with Merc if the GLE had a plug in option. The X5 will get about 45 miles on a charge, which will work for our in-town usage and we will have the hybrid option for trips. The used values seem to still be high enough to make the trade work. We are getting about a $4,000 higher trade value over the buyout price for the GLE plus we were able to get a discount from MSRP on the X5. We will also get a $7,500 tax credit this year, so our net cost to go from the 2021 GLE to a 2023 X5 is only about $7,000. There is a question on whether the X5 will qualify for the tax credit after January 1st due to the new rules on US made batteries, so this seemed to be the right time. We were lucky that our local dealer had an allocation, so we ordered the X5 last month and it entered the “assembly line” phase yesterday. We should get delivery in late September. It was a tough decision since we loved the GLE, but the plug in hybrid along with trading up 2 years drove our decision. We could have sold the GLE for a few thousand above the trade-in value, but with the sales tax savings on the trade it was a wash. Good luck!
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Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 452
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2024 GLE, 2022 GLC , 2022 GLC
Buying out your lease
Hi y'all. I am officially half way through my 3 year lease. I have another 18 months left on my lease, but I wanted to know what are the current build times looking like for the GLE 350 and 450. I am starting to explore my options because I know build times are insane right now and I am also considering switching brands or buying out my lease at the end.
I also wouldn't mind some advice on what to do with my GLE once the lease is up or possibly what to do beforehand. I have an idea of what I may want to do, but I like to get other opinions as well. Thanks in advance.
I also wouldn't mind some advice on what to do with my GLE once the lease is up or possibly what to do beforehand. I have an idea of what I may want to do, but I like to get other opinions as well. Thanks in advance.
My friends who did buy out their lease do not look back with any regrets, best of luck with whatever you decide.
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SUV
Used GLE prices have softened from summer so ordering anything now has the risk of more downside. The economy looks like a recession is more likely and a recession historically has an impact on car sales/car values. Buying today has increased likelihood that you will pay top dollar for your new car and and there will be more normal values for used. If so early lease termination will work against you. If order volume drops because of uncertainty or a recession (better component availability) then todays 5-8 months+ from order to delivery could shorten a lot. I’ve waited about 6 months for my last three German cars. My 2023 Porsche order (with allocation) has slipped 2 months so looking like at least 6 months again…or longer. My SA said that several behind me will take longer.
I own my Mercedes outright and I am considering selling or trading it 2 months before I get my new car…to hedge against further price deterioration if the R word looks worse. My new build date is a week away so I’m in limbo waiting to see if it gets pushed back again.
IMO, any decision is a wild a$s guess in todays environment.
I own my Mercedes outright and I am considering selling or trading it 2 months before I get my new car…to hedge against further price deterioration if the R word looks worse. My new build date is a week away so I’m in limbo waiting to see if it gets pushed back again.
IMO, any decision is a wild a$s guess in todays environment.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,016
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Yeah the economy does not look as good as some say. Companies have started to lay off people, house inventory has been to the peak, more are borrowing money to spend.... All this makes sense not to agree to something now. But if I'm interested in a car to get, I would still get the order going. Some dealerships don't even require you put deposit. You really don't have anything to lose.
If you find a deal that you like and have placed the order without a deposit, there is a good possibility that you'll lose the car.
Sales tax is great but some states do not allow you to do this. The ones that do, dealerships know and they will flat out tell you that they won't match CarMax. Selling them is more like a convenience these days.
If you find a deal that you like and have placed the order without a deposit, there is a good possibility that you'll lose the car.
Sales tax is great but some states do not allow you to do this. The ones that do, dealerships know and they will flat out tell you that they won't match CarMax. Selling them is more like a convenience these days.
Whatever the case, a good strategy is to get a "buy bid" from somewhere - a real written one - and use it during negotiations.
Dealers know that there is a tax advantage, in most States, for trading in, and they use that to diffuse the buy bid stalemate.
But they likely have a big need for your car also, and you could counter with the fact that you are giving them two profit opportunities.
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Joined: Aug 2021
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SUV
The CarMax's of the world have been too aggressive and taken on too much inventory
Whatever the case, a good strategy is to get a "buy bid" from somewhere - a real written one - and use it during negotiations.
Dealers know that there is a tax advantage, in most States, for trading in, and they use that to diffuse the buy bid stalemate.
But they likely have a big need for your car also, and you could counter with the fact that you are giving them two profit opportunities.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Some dealerships take order with a valid ID, no deposit. Even the one that does take deposit, there is still a good possibility that you will lose your car They will play games in the end and you either suck it up or walk away. These are all MB dealerships that I experienced.
Exchange of something of value and signatures are legally binding. You will get the car if it's delivered to the dealer.
Unless the conditions weren't specified, such as MSRP changes and trade-in value determination - but pay attention to those details because it's a major purchase/sale.
Wouldn't this be sellers' advantage?
Dealers are familiar with those on-line dealers. They never had a lot of credibility because they haven't seen the car and can renege. But now the bids are lower and Dealers may be the best bidder.
That's right. And the best somewhere is? I find CarMax is the best most convenience place. Submit your information, get an email almost instantly. Forward to the dealership for negotiation.
Forget the forward - your challenge, should you accept it, is to convince the dealer that you're a buyer. If you can do that electronically, go ahead, but I have more confidence that I'm presenting myself in person. Zoom would be in between.
My point there is that your CarMax may not be the highest bidder. Try a Brick and Mortar dealer, let them see the car so they can't back out (like CarMax) and have them write a Buy Bid.
If convenience is your thing, just do the easiest. Which is, read the sticker and write a check. Plus D&H.
You just rephrased my opinion about dealerships and tax credit.
Exactly.
Maybe. They could care less. Most of them feel they're doing you a favor selling you their car.
Used car managers are spending way above budget to procure cars, advertise and transport. They're looking for your car. Just let them know that you're aware of that. Maybe take in one of their ads saying "Now buying Mercedes GLE's, over market, contact us!"
Exchange of something of value and signatures are legally binding. You will get the car if it's delivered to the dealer.
Unless the conditions weren't specified, such as MSRP changes and trade-in value determination - but pay attention to those details because it's a major purchase/sale.
Wouldn't this be sellers' advantage?
Dealers are familiar with those on-line dealers. They never had a lot of credibility because they haven't seen the car and can renege. But now the bids are lower and Dealers may be the best bidder.
That's right. And the best somewhere is? I find CarMax is the best most convenience place. Submit your information, get an email almost instantly. Forward to the dealership for negotiation.
Forget the forward - your challenge, should you accept it, is to convince the dealer that you're a buyer. If you can do that electronically, go ahead, but I have more confidence that I'm presenting myself in person. Zoom would be in between.
My point there is that your CarMax may not be the highest bidder. Try a Brick and Mortar dealer, let them see the car so they can't back out (like CarMax) and have them write a Buy Bid.
If convenience is your thing, just do the easiest. Which is, read the sticker and write a check. Plus D&H.
You just rephrased my opinion about dealerships and tax credit.
Exactly.
Maybe. They could care less. Most of them feel they're doing you a favor selling you their car.
Used car managers are spending way above budget to procure cars, advertise and transport. They're looking for your car. Just let them know that you're aware of that. Maybe take in one of their ads saying "Now buying Mercedes GLE's, over market, contact us!"
We're makin' history here!
Everybody has their own style of negotiation. Many think the dealer has the upper hand and just badmouth dealers in general, without doing some work on what is either the #1 or #2 biggest purchases over the course of their lives.
I'll bet more people focus on how do make deals on Cord-cutting than car buying. I know I have to negotiate every couple of years on my phone packages.
The buyer and the dealer are both caught in the supply / demand drama. Always hav6 been.
Last edited by mikapen; Aug 27, 2022 at 07:34 PM.
