I am selling my 2000 ML320, I was wondering if anyone had any experience in selling his/her ML, what was the best way (private party, dealer, Carmax).

About the car

Black/Black
65000 Miles
No problems
Just completed the B service last week at an authorized dealer, all recalls addressed

Extras:

Bull bar
Side steps
Lorinser quad exhaust
Update 03 lights
AMG chrome grill
Tinted windows
Chrome rings around side lights, climate control

What do you think is a fair price? At KBB, above, below?

Thanks

 

First off your mods no matter how insignificant they are will reduce the value of your vehicle. If you want a fast sale a used car dealer is your best bet (MB dealers usually do not buy cars that old for resale). If you want the most it will bring advertise it and sell it yourself and be prepared to put some time into the project with lots of tire kickers, etc. If you do that protect yourself, accept only a bank check and verify it with the bank that issued it, Do not show it at your home but meet the prospect at a public location, do not permit the prospect to drive the car without you in the car. Take a friend with you also. No title transfer until the check is verified. Do not leave your tags on the car.

 

We have a neighbor who owns a used car dealership that deals mostly with luxury cars. He was nice enough to show the car, list it on Autotrader and Cars.com with lots of good pics. He didn't charge me, but there are dealers out there who will do this for a reasonable fee.

 

Maybe 12k?

 

Thanks for the responses. It seems like selling the car on my own is a hassle, I will probably at least try, if it does not work there is always the Carmax, used car dealer option. I think $12k is a good estimate.

Again, thanks

 

Where are you located?

 

Connecticut

 

Pics?

 

Here you go...

 

List it with auto trader. Good luck

 

I just put it the newspaper. I placed a really low price like 9k. I got so many calls. And then you can just say i have an offer for this much, so and so. Bring up the price. I ended up gettin 18k for mine. 98 ML 320, 100k mi.

 

Having worked as a sales manager at a Mercedes-Benz dealer, I can tell you that as a trade in they will probably offer you $10K. If they offer you more they are either packing it into the new vehicle or the new vehicle has what is called "trunk money" which is special dealer incentive cash from the factory. To give you an idea, I remember a few years back when dealers had SL models left over on the old body style the factory added $10,000 in trunk money to help dealers move them off the lots. Do some research on Edmunds.com, ask around in their forums based on what you want to buy and you'll get an idea. My advice is always the same.

1. First negotiate your trade value vs payoff if any. ONLY after that is done start working on the price you are willing to pay.

2. Find out what invoice value is on the vehicle you want BEFORE going to the dealer. Offer that to the dealer (They still get to keep factory holdback). That way you are negotiating from invoice price up, not MSRP down.

3. Get pre-approved for financing and know your interest rate BEFORE going to the dealer. Don't tell them you are pre-approved - it actually hurts you if they know that. Sometimes they will cut you a very good deal thinking they will make it back up in margin on the interest rate in financing.

4. Always negotiate on vehicle sales price - never on payment!

5. If they try to talk you into a warranty while negotiating, let them know you might think about it but have them quote it with and without.

6. NEVER agree to the dealer applied interior/exterior treatment that protects the paint and leather seating. It comes under many different names but where I worked we called it MOP AND GLOW. It is a waste of money.

If your trade has a lot of problems you'll generally get a better deal trading it in. They will just wholesale it anyway. If it is very clean and running well, sell it yourself first.

Good Luck!!!