Negotiation tactics
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3
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2010 GLK
Negotiation tactics
I went to buy a 2013 ML 350 off the lot yesterday, and I told the sales guy I wanted it for invoice. He said, no problem, and that the sales manager would probably approve it. Everything seemed smooth sailing, then he came back with the sales manager and she said they would only do 3% off the MSRP (invoice was 6% off). Their reasoning was that ML's are in short supply, and that production of ML's is down. Here are my questions:
1. Is it realistic to get a 2013 ML 350 for invoice (I also have a GLK trade in that they are going to make some money off of)? The fact that the sales guy said "no problem" and that the SM should approve it makes me think that he frequently sees cars sold for invoice.
2. Are 2013 ML's really in short supply? She said that 2000 fewer units are being produced this year. This seems insignificant if it is a worldwide number. Is it the case that other cars may be selling for invoice, but ML's are not?
3. The sales manager said that the holdback is 2% of MSRP. My understanding is that the holdback is 3%.
4. If I try to go the Costco route, can I go directly to the dealership, or do I have to call Costco first?
Thanks!
1. Is it realistic to get a 2013 ML 350 for invoice (I also have a GLK trade in that they are going to make some money off of)? The fact that the sales guy said "no problem" and that the SM should approve it makes me think that he frequently sees cars sold for invoice.
2. Are 2013 ML's really in short supply? She said that 2000 fewer units are being produced this year. This seems insignificant if it is a worldwide number. Is it the case that other cars may be selling for invoice, but ML's are not?
3. The sales manager said that the holdback is 2% of MSRP. My understanding is that the holdback is 3%.
4. If I try to go the Costco route, can I go directly to the dealership, or do I have to call Costco first?
Thanks!
Last edited by YYZ to NRT; Sep 23, 2012 at 04:04 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
2013 ML350
The dealer told me that the Costco discount only applies to off the lot purchases. Same with the BJ's discount. BJ's referred me to another dealer who was willing to give the discount - $1500 over invoice which amounted to a $2600 reduction in my case. Armed with a quote, I returned to the first dealer and quickly negotiated a deal after saying "Are you going to make me drive all the way back to dealer #2 to write a check today?"
Has anyone else used the Costco discount and if so, what was it worth?
Has anyone else used the Costco discount and if so, what was it worth?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 513
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
13ML BT
I went to buy a 2013 ML 350 off the lot yesterday, and I told the sales guy I wanted it for invoice. He said, no problem, and that the sales manager would probably approve it. Everything seemed smooth sailing, then he came back with the sales manager and she said they would only do 3% off the MSRP (invoice was 6% off). Their reasoning was that ML's are in short supply, and that production of ML's is down. Here are my questions:
!
!
It is likely going to get more difficult getting large discounts because the ML inventories are getting smaller.
My suggestion is to buy one from an LA dealer and have it shipped or travel here and enjoy your drive back. Let me know if you need me to connect you with the reputable dealer that I'm working with.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Where are you located?
I'm assuming you're in Toronto - if so, 3% off MSRP is realistic. Supply is very limited and the situation is not getting any better in the coming months.
Also, your assumption that they're "going to make some money off of" your GLK might be a bit unfounded. The GLK supply situation is nothing like the ML.
I'm assuming you're in Toronto - if so, 3% off MSRP is realistic. Supply is very limited and the situation is not getting any better in the coming months.
Also, your assumption that they're "going to make some money off of" your GLK might be a bit unfounded. The GLK supply situation is nothing like the ML.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3
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2010 GLK
I'm assuming you're in Toronto
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
2013 ML350
Pricing is heavily dependent on where you live. In LA, getting invoice and under is easy. Other places no discount is the norm.
It is likely going to get more difficult getting large discounts because the ML inventories are getting smaller.
My suggestion is to buy one from an LA dealer and have it shipped or travel here and enjoy your drive back. Let me know if you need me to connect you with the reputable dealer that I'm working with.
It is likely going to get more difficult getting large discounts because the ML inventories are getting smaller.
My suggestion is to buy one from an LA dealer and have it shipped or travel here and enjoy your drive back. Let me know if you need me to connect you with the reputable dealer that I'm working with.
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Joined: Apr 2012
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2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
Where are you located? Does LA mean Los Angeles or Louisiana?
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: LA
2013 ML550
In late April, after they announced the specs on the MY13 ML550, I received a couple good offers, like 7% under invoice. But a later, not much response. So, it does seem the supply is so short, dealers are not willing to compete on CarWoo for ML550 sales....they can sell what they get without the help of CarWoo.
Where are you located? Does LA mean Los Angeles or Louisiana?
Where are you located? Does LA mean Los Angeles or Louisiana?
I'm in Louisiana. I wish I was in Los Angeles so I can get a better deal.
I tried CarWoo twice and got no response at all even though after talking to someone at CarWoo. I was thinking about waiting for MY14, but I really want the car so bad now. There is one 550 on the lot in LA, but it does not have most of the options I wanted (HK, ambient light, etc), so ordering is the best way to go. I'm crossing my fingers to get it by Thanksgiving now.
