Explorers3

We are possibly going to negotiate on a GLS 450 and can't find much data out there for what others are paying for this 2017 model. They initially offered us their "best discount" of $2,000 off MSRP (including destination and handling of $925). It's a start, but with a dealer markup of over $5,500 (not including holdback of another $780), it seems like there's still some significant margin for negotiating. In a nutshell:

MSRP: $78,915
Dest/Handling: $925
Offer: $77,840

If my math/understanding is correct, dealer "cost" is $73,391 with a holdback amount of $780 (reducing their true cost to $72,611.

Please let me know what you other buyers are experiencing out there. We are talking with a dealer that has multiple Mercedes locations in our area, so I would consider them to be a higher-volume dealer.

Many thanks, in advance, for your help!
(P.S. What are people paying for Extended Warranties? I'm reading older research saying $4000's is the going rate, and others are saying you are paying too much if over $2000's. ???

fabbrisd1

If you are talking about a 2017 GLS450 in dealer inventory - then set your target - and got for it... it's your job to put the number on the table in good faith and see how the dealer can accommodate your offer..

On Extended Warranty - search the other threads - which will give you direct referrals to several different F&I guys - get your best quote and have your dealer match.

Explorers3

Thank you, Fabbrisd1. Our biggest conundrum is not being able to find any data on what others are paying this month for the 2017's (for in-stock units). I'm all for the dealer/salesperson making a little money off of the deal, but I don't want to "take one for the team" either! I know it's a relatively new model, so not sure what to expect for fair offer that is reasonable to hold out for and walk away from if not met. One website even suggested fair market value is more than MSRP, which I would never pay! I'd wait it out if they were that "hot"! If you have any insight into what that might be, we'd love your advise!

Thanks again!

Chris D

I snagged a 550 off the lot for 4.5% off MSRP in May, dealer didn't bat an eye at my offer. I'd probably dig deeper if I could do it again, say 6% and see whether they countered.

ptzski

I just got a custom GLS 450 for 8.3% off MSRP!

363ny

That is a very nice deal- would you mind sharing your dealer? I am in the market for GLS450 and would like to do a custom build as well.

Congrats on the new GLS

Mspeed_1

don't believe it unless you show us some numbers. Unless i'm doing it wrong, never had a dealer give that much off of a brand new car custom ordered. on the lot maybe

JoeMa

Fab would know but I'm pretty sure 8.3% is below dealer invoice on any GLS450. I think invoice is closer to 6%, not considering any hold back.

fabbrisd1

With the wider # of Mercedes models - yes - overall GLS is a "strong" selling model - and production qty's for Fall - "most" dealers will be getting a few bit fewer that they received for Fall last year.

Yes - I would "guess" 2.5%-3% would be target discount for "most" dealers.

As one measure - "fleet" discounts - which are calculated based against inventory availbale/open to sell - are like in the $500 range - strong/model.

That said - on the last day of August - today would be one good day to bang the drum - since at month end each dealer is working to hit/exceed that month's new car unit sales target - which is a big deal.

I already have sold GL build orders into 2nd decade Nov - and the factory will increase build lock down in September to 6-8 weeks - what I am saying - blink your eyes and by mid-Sept you will have to scramble to build-order for delivery before Christmas..

ptzski

So sorry all, I should have included some details.

I did not order the 2017 GLS 450. The person who ordered it chose not to take delivery of it. My sales guy was the one who made the custom order and he offered it to us after the other purchaser turned it away 2 days prior.

Purchased (leased) on 8/9/16

MSRP = $86,500
Negotiated Total vehicle discount = $7,200
Paid = $79,300

Negotiated 3 year pre paid Maintenance = $1,000
Negotiated All weather floor mats (front, middle, 3rd row & cargo) = $350
Negotiated a lower money factor on the lease as well = ~3%

I don't want to out the dealer; however, all the dealers in the area were willing to do that deal. With all that said, I can't take credit for it, my wife pulled this off over a period of a month or more.

A friend of mine works for Daimler and shared that MSRP is typically about 8% to 10% more than invoice.

If you guys think this is good, last November, she negotiate a brand new X5 diesel down from $65,000 to $55,000 and also a reduced money factor!

vkk0210

My cousin works for corporate.... 8-10% between Inv to MSRP is news to me. Sorry to say but you got the wrong numbers.

ptzski

Well either way... Even if the 8-10% between MSRP and Invoice isn't accurate, I got the deal and the numbers are what they are. I'm not complaining. :-)

1st amg

4.5% is what I ended up with an ordered product. I was also told that the dealer margin is now around is 9-10%.

vila251

Just put a deposit down on a 2017 GLS450. MSRP is $80,700. Paid $77,000 with tax otd. I was trying to get $75,000 otd. His invoice is a little over $75,000. He said he can do 1K under invoice. Let me know what you guys think. I know price is subjective to what a buyer is willing to pay. Thanks

Gentrypwc

Our favorite color is the Selenium Grey with Saddle leather. Unfortunately there are none in the area. Worse, we don't want the panoramic roof because the sunshade does not block all the sunlight (we both have Melanoma issues). Nearly every GLS that we considered has a pano roof. We thought that we'd have to custom order our GLS to get the options we want. I sent out our build sheet from the MBUSA page to the four dealers in this area. Three of the four responded within hours of my email and got to work. Two of those four dealers found a 98% match GLS at the distribution center, it was the same VIN that both were now competing for. The first offer was 5.3% off MSRP but we would have to pay additional shipping from the distro center. So I pressed the second dealer for 6% and no destination charges. They accepted. The third dealer came in at 3.8% and finally, our local dealer responded with no offer/bid and stated "historically, we do not discount custom orders because that is your chance to choose the exact options you want". In other words, our local dealer thinks they are entitled to full MSRP, dealer incentives and hold back to give us the privilege to custom build our car. (we bought two MLs in the past from our local dealer)

We will bring home the new GLS450 with all our options but heated/cooled cup holders this Friday. We'll let our local dealer have the privilege of servicing the GLS they couldn't sell us.

363ny

Put a deposit down for a factory order GLS450 at a 4% discount in NJ in early September. Couldn't find the exact build we wanted already on the ground. I probably left a few bucks on the table at 4%. Seems to me 4% - 5% is doable in most cases.

Boraxo

I am also shopping for a GLS 450 as my MDX has become prohibitive to maintain. According to the "expert" source that I recently consulted, MB "invoice" price has consistently been about 7% below MSRP for.


According to the report I received, which covers both GL & GLS models, actual buyers have paid anywhere from $2500 over invoice in Maryland to $600 below invoice in Florida (and many points in between). That range reflects the fact that the published "invoice" prices bear little relation to the actual price paid by dealers, who receive numerous unpublished incentive payments based on sales quotas, etc.


That being said, I think the best data points are provided in this forum by fellow MB buyers (which I hope to join soon!)