rush1169

I'm ready to order a 550 (someone posted that they are now taking orders) and need a little help.

First, my local dealer is crummy and I will not, under any circumstances, buy a car from them. So, I'm in need of a dealer that I can fly/drive home or drive/drive home or can ship such that the additional freight is not a deal-breaker when figured in. I'm in Oklahoma.

Second, I want a good price - doesn't have to be the best, just a good price for both parties. Is published invoice reasonable? My local dealer is MSRP or just under (I assume, based on trying to buy a 2011 GL550 where they only came off $2K but offered to throw in a $1,000 paint protectant - geesh. I think my local dealer management has taken the stance that since they are the only dealer they've decided they will stick to sticker - that's OK as I'm sure it's working fine for them). I'm not "into" back-and-forth haggling - I'd rather just find a different seller. With that, I won't share the price offered with another dealer just to pit them against each other.

Thrid, someone mentioned conquest cash - I have a BMW. It's titled in my c-corp and my ML purchase will also be in my c-corp. Does the conquest cash apply in this case? How much? Is it the case that conquest cash would only depend on if it's available when I take delivery as opposed to when it's ordered?

[STRIKETHROUGH]Fourth, I'd like an "order sheet" or other document that I can use to pick the stuff I want. For example, I noticed in another thread someone pointed out a "Dynamica" interior - I would otherwise have no idea that it was a choice - So, I'd like something "official" that I can see ALL my choices.[/STRIKETHROUGH] --- I found that order sheet in another thread.

I look forward to your thoughts - thank you!

smiley47

Go to the USAA website car buying service. If you qualify there is a $3000 rebate on new ML's. Then there is the normal USAA discount which should total another 3-4K for a total of around $6-7K off MSRP on a ML550. Then you can drill down and find a dealer that works with USAA (there are many) that is close to you. G/L

rush1169

Thanks Smiley. Went and signed up and started the order process, but the 550s are not available there. . .I'll keep an eye on it.

smiley47

Try this. Use the USAA site to configure a 350. When it gives you the price it will give a list of dealers by distance from youo who participate in the USAA program. Start calling them and ask about the 550 and if they'll give you the USAA price to order it now. They probably know what it is or will very soon. At least you'll know who the USAA MB dealers are.

F18BEN

FYI Guys---USAA does not add a vehicle to it's program until it has been released and at the dealers. You cannot preorder a unreleased model from them. I had to wait 3 months to order the 2012 ML. I spoke with the person who runs the program. Hope this helps.

smiley47

Good info F18BEN. Wonder how long it will take to get on the web site?

If it was me I'd still "run the hoops" on a 350 to get names of participating dealers. Then talk to them. They might do a good deal similar now just to get an early order in ahead of the pack outside of USAA.

Just my $0.02.

DCubed

Stuff like conquest is tough on an order, when the car is ready for delivery and on the dealer lot is when the available incentives can be applied, if there is no conquest program then it will not apply on your order.

rush1169

So - Did the config to get a price (it said to basically expect $2,300 off sticker on an ML350) - got to the dealer tab and it said there are no dealers near me. I changed my zip to Dallas and it had one dealer.

I'm assuming that dealer (undisclosed) will simply offer the $2,300 off price shown by USAA (or whatever invoice to MSRP ratio would be equal in a 550), which doesn't seem to scream any great deal using USAA other than you don't have to mess around with the whole shopping drudgery. I'm OK with that price, but now I can't get my order in for early production - I'd think there has to be a no-BS type dealer than will do a similar price and order it for me. . .

Is there reason to believe, if only one participating dealer, that they would offer it less than the USAA "advertised" price?

F18BEN

American Express also has a similar program.
Try this link

http://amexnetwork.zag.com/main.html

rush1169

Did it. Appears to be exactly the same web interface as USAA. Also said no dealers in my area. Changed to Dallas and had one (undisclosed) - same everything as USAAs interface. . .thank you for the suggestion.

smiley47

There is also currently a $3000 USAA rebate on the 2012 ML 350. Expires on 10-31-11 but other posters have said it has been getting renewed monthly of another 30 days. When I did a config on a loaded 350 the total discount was about $5800.
It showed 2 ddealers in metro Phoenix that participated.

DCubed

USAA/Overstock/AMEX auto buying services are all owned by Zag.com

listerone

Dallas can't be *that* far from you.....

smiley47

Dallas, Denver, Little Rock, Kansas City would all make for a very nice break-in ride home in the new ML. Back in the day I did that 3 times from California to Texas. Lots of fun.

rush1169

Dallas is my first choice - it's my playground - so yeah, anyone know of a normal human salesperson at a Dallas area dealer that will sell near invoice, over the phone, and not surprise me every time we talk?

GregW / Oregon

Also, don't forget the MBCA discount of $1,000 if you've been a member for at least a year upon delivery.

hyperion667

I played three dealers agaisnt each other and got a very low price on my AMG....
they hate that too.......

seanthome

I looked at the USAA site, and it seems to be financial services for military personnel. Does one have to be, or have been, in the military to join?

Called them and the USAA car buying service is open to anyone. Their Auto loan/insurance is for military personnel.

F18BEN

I have USAA and got my ML from them. As far as insurance goes you must be active or retired military. If your father was military he can pass it down to you and you in turn can pass it down to your children..

seanthome

The 2012 ML? How much of a discount were they able to get for you? And how many dealers did they give you?

smiley47

Sign up with the USAA buying service. Then you can configure the exact ML options etc and get the exact discount for the vehicle you want.