saying bye bye to the ML500
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Sep 2006
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saying bye bye to the ML500
lease is up on the ML500, wife doesn't want it anymore b/c of poor mpg and prem. gas.
i asked MBUSA about reducing the buyout, which is $36k!!!! but they say "we don't renegotiate" payoff amount!!!!
i tell them they're crazy if they expect someone to pay $36grand with todays gas prices.... but they're not willing to drop it one buck
oooo well... they can eat the truck at auction, which probably won't fetch $25k
now will look for another suv, though smaller and more fuel efficient.
i asked MBUSA about reducing the buyout, which is $36k!!!! but they say "we don't renegotiate" payoff amount!!!!
i tell them they're crazy if they expect someone to pay $36grand with todays gas prices.... but they're not willing to drop it one buck
oooo well... they can eat the truck at auction, which probably won't fetch $25k
now will look for another suv, though smaller and more fuel efficient.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,199
Likes: 243
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
You're not the only person with difficulties ridding themselve of an over-engined gas guzzler.
Lots of folks are downsizing because many companies are eliminating offering leasing.
Lots of folks are downsizing because many companies are eliminating offering leasing.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 429
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From: South Florida
2006 ML500
I recently sold my ML500 06 at the stealership for 31k on a tradein for a lease. I know I got ripped off, but I just didn't have the time/patience to sell it privately.
I'm now in an 08 infiniti g35 lease and am very happy. The leases on the benzes were double the price (or more) and the g35 was just a refreshing change for me.
I bring all this up because I'm figuring they were going to get 32-33k min at the auction for the 06 ml500 based on what they gave me for mine....but that is a guess. Pretty sad how quickly that thing dropped in value.
I'm now in an 08 infiniti g35 lease and am very happy. The leases on the benzes were double the price (or more) and the g35 was just a refreshing change for me.
I bring all this up because I'm figuring they were going to get 32-33k min at the auction for the 06 ml500 based on what they gave me for mine....but that is a guess. Pretty sad how quickly that thing dropped in value.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 257
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From: Maryland USA
08 ML350; 07' Acura RDX; 05'FX45; 03'Murano
lease is up on the ML500, wife doesn't want it anymore b/c of poor mpg and prem. gas.
i asked MBUSA about reducing the buyout, which is $36k!!!! but they say "we don't renegotiate" payoff amount!!!!
i tell them they're crazy if they expect someone to pay $36grand with todays gas prices.... but they're not willing to drop it one buck
oooo well... they can eat the truck at auction, which probably won't fetch $25k
now will look for another suv, though smaller and more fuel efficient.
i asked MBUSA about reducing the buyout, which is $36k!!!! but they say "we don't renegotiate" payoff amount!!!!
i tell them they're crazy if they expect someone to pay $36grand with todays gas prices.... but they're not willing to drop it one buck
oooo well... they can eat the truck at auction, which probably won't fetch $25k
now will look for another suv, though smaller and more fuel efficient.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Sep 2006
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really??? would MBUSA actually ship the MLs overseas to sell??? WOW!!!! 
if they're so expensive overseas, how do people afford them?? i would think the ones who could afford the expensive trucks/cars, would just buy new ones!!!
if they're so expensive overseas, how do people afford them??
i would think the ones who could afford the expensive trucks/cars, would just buy new ones!!!
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 314
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
1972 280SE 4.5
Used luxury vehicles is a HUGE market overseas. Especially in places like Latin America. To answer your question above; new cars are so expensive abroad because of import duties which sometimes amount to 300 and 400% of the car's value.
On the other hand, for every year of use, some governments give large discounts. Sometimes to the tune of 30 and 40% per year of use. So, where a new ML might pay US$180,000 just in import duties (no, I am not kidding and/or exagerating) a 2006 ML might pay little or nothing.
Originally Posted by am_beagle
...I really don't think that they will auction off those trucks in the US.
Leased cars are no longer owned by the manufacturer. But, instead, by the finance company. In some cases it's Mercedes Benz Financial. In others, large banks like Chase. Those companies are not in the business of exporting and/or selling cars. Their only focus is financing.
When a car is turned back in at the end of the lease, it goes to auction. Period. Some finance companies give dealers an opportunity to pick up a car that has been turned into their store before it goes to auction. Some others don't. But, the bottom line is that they want to get rid of that car as quickly as possible.
Also, remember that the price the finance company is giving their customer includes sales tax. So for example, the $36k they quoted Roughyear are really only about $33k. In addition, lease contracts are not straightforward and the buyout price might reflect additional profit for the finance company.
All and all, they have the whole thing figured out. Auction prices are very stable and all finance companies know pretty much what a particular car will be worth three years down the road.
Hope this clarifies some of your questions, guys.
j.
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Joined: May 2007
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my parents paid £35k for our x5 (2002 model) which is around 68,413.43USD.
AND that lacked sat/nav!!!
we brought it in 2005 i think...
Now its worth around £10k around 19,545.34 USD
so yeah second hand car market is BIG in europe!
I'd rather pay £35k instead of £60 for the same car, only to have lost £10k the second i start the car from the dealers!
