AppleFan1

As most of you know by now, I had an agreement (12% off sticker of $107,275) with the local dealer a few weeks ago to get the 2018 S450. They were going to get it from allocation from another dealer somewhere with the specs/options I want and that it would be here by the end of May or early June. However, the dealer informed me early this week that there was a mixup from that other dealer and they thought I was getting the S560. The dealer then called an MB rep to see what could be done, if anything. No dice! I cannot get the 2018 S450 any more and that I need to get the 2019 model (may not have it until September). And, to top things off the dealer now says that they will not give me any more than 7% off from the sticker price of $107,275 for the car I want since this is a 2019 model.

This has been quite disappointing to me to say the least. Did they lie to me in the first place so as to force me to pay more for a a 2019 model? I sure hope not. I don't know why it took so long for them to find out that there was a mixup. Now I cannot order the 2018 S450. I told the GM that I will not pay for anything less than 10% off the sticker price for the 2019 model. I am heading to the dealer to talk to the GM in person. What would you folks do if you were in my shoes? Any suggestions would be very welcomed.

MBS63AMG

To begin with, don't go back to that dealer. They can't be trusted. Secondly, I would consider a very low mileage 2017 for a greater discount. I love my 2017.

RoseyPSU

Agree that you shouldn't go back to that dealer. Start shopping around. There are plenty of dealers with 2018 s450s in stock. Tell them what you're looking for and play them off of one another. Even if you have to fly to get the car, nothing like a road trip home in your nice new MB.

Ariesfamous

Find a slightly used one with warranty for way less money.
Tune it.
Nice rims.
Have a nice summer

1bad540

theres no shortage of them on autotrader? Find it yourself.

AppleFan1

Well, I decided to go and talk to the GM. I have to tell you that I totally trust him after the conversation I had with him. Here's the deal. MB is phasing out the production of the 2018 S450 and there is no way I can order one with my options. He tried and tried. 7% off is the invoice price for the 2019 S450. However, he promised that he will pass on to me whatever the certificate savings is in addition to the 7% off sticker. He then suggested that we order the car and I am under no obligation when it arrives. I agreed to that arrangement.

Wolfman

Less than 10% on a 450 would be a non-starter for me. I got that discount offered without even asking right at launch. MY18 allocations might be tight/gone but I am wondering if there isn't an exact build out there. Has your dealer done a region search for a car with your exact specs? Our dealer pulls inventory from other dealers all the time.

AppleFan1

Yes, the dealer has done a nationwide search and could not find my build. Basically, the GM told me that 7% discount brings it down to invoice level. Then he will also give me the certificate value whatever that happens to be on the 2019 S450. This car will not arrive until September or early October. I'm hoping that the 2019 model will have some refinements on the Driver Information package and Distronic to make me feel better about paying a few $thousand more. There is obviously no obligation on my part. I have already inquired from the KC Dealer and they cannot offer me a better price than the local dealer. We'll see what happens.

Thanks for the your feedback, Wolfman.

dnop550

dude your nuts, do not buy from that dealer whatever deal they are trying to promise you. Take your business elsewhere, whatever the certificate is its not even guaranteed. Sounds like a classic bait and switch which you are completely falling for. If I were you go to another dealership and put in the order.

2012 merc amg

Why not just offer them 84 grand on this car, get the car and have it now, great car, could save a bundle I'm sure. https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...elCode1=MBS450

Ariesfamous

These last two posts are way too logical.

AppleFan1

Very simple. This is NOT the car I want. It's not the exterior or interior color I want. It is also used a little. Additionally, it does not have the Warmth and Comfort Package, the Night Vision Assist, Head-up Display, Fragrance System, and Wheel Locks. I am very particular as to what I want in the car. As an aside, I read the specs on it and some of the items are repeated 2-3 times which is rather stupid. Most all of the items are standard features.

AppleFan1

No, they are not too logical. Read my reply to 2012 Merc AMG.

AppleFan1

I have checked out the Kansas City dealership and they are offering even a worse deal than my local dealer. It is guaranteed that I will get the value of the certificate. The GM does not yet know what it will be exactly, but it should be about $2K. I realize that this sounds like a bait and switch but in this case, I don't think it is. I was just too late to guarantee I get the car I want. Maybe I am too trusting with people and I trust this GM. In any case, I am under no obligation.

Streamliner

AppleFan1

They tried to allocate the car I want from CA and no dice. Besides, I don't feel like doing all this prep work for a possible (emphasis on POSSIBLE) $2-4K savings from a huge market. But just for kicks, I will call a couple Chicago (only 350 miles east of Des Moines) dealerships to see what they have to offer for a 2019 S450.

2012 merc amg

Should not be that big a deal locating a 2018 S450, there are tons of them out there, although you more than likely will only get the normal 6 to 8 percent off sticker, that dealer that told you 12 or 13 percent or whatever it was, was full of it. Like was said, bait and switch scheme, your not thinking straight if you continue to deal with those guys.

AppleFan1

The problem is the 2018 S450 has to have the exact colors and specs I want: selenite gray exterior, black interior with light burl walnut trim, Premium Package, Driver Information system with Distronic, Warmth and Comfort Package, Night View Assist Plus, Head-up Display, Fragrance System, Wheel Lock Nuts (no big deal on this one). I realize you guys are trying to help me get the best deal, but if any of you can locate a 2018 S450 with these exact specs, please let me know.

By the way, you say I will more than likely get the 6-8%, Wolfman says he got 10% last fall without even trying. Well, which is it? The local dealer offered me 7% plus the certificate savings on a 2019 S450 so according to that I'm not getting screwed if I go by your numbers especially since I will be getting a 2019 model with those savings. Maybe the 2019 will have some refinements on the Distronic, etc.

Streamliner

AppleFan1

Thanks for the heads up on Fletcher Jones.

steveb9771

It appears the head-up display was a rare option for the S450. I suspect it is much more common for the S560. There appears to be several S450 available with your interior/exterior colors, but none with head-up display.

Wolfman

Keep in mind that the dealer makes money selling a car below invoice as well (I think the S-Class net without incentives is 14%) plus they are getting a cut on the financing/lease...
10% off any allocation is no problem on a S450, provided you have a relationship with a dealer. 10% off a car in the showroom is very easy provided you find a car that fits your needs. Showroom floor = money spent by the dealer.

There are over 60 S450's in selenite grey/black on cars.com. Plenty of choices BUT the issues that you will run into with your particular build are:
1. No dealer will spec. night vision of a base S-Class. Not enough bang for the buck for prospective clients (some weird configs excluded)
2. HUD is nice but people rather spend the money on larger wheels.
3. Configured S450s are either sub $100k base models, $100-110K mid models, usually spending money on the sport package or $115k+ loaded showroom models. The most expensive models will yield the highest discounts as they compete with the S560 and are typically showroom queens...

Timing is a bit tough right now too as the inventory will deplete somewhat without huge new MY18 intake.

I will check with our dealers in Mpls. on their inbound inventory. Mpls is definitely more competitive than Des Moines

AppleFan1

Thanks again Wolfman! I looked at all the dealerships in Chicago on line and found nothing that comes close to what I want. The inventory here in Des Moines next to nothing on the 2018 S450. Yes, please let me know what you can about MSP MB dealers. I greatly appreciate your feedback about the tricks of the game. I'm printing this last post from you to have as a reference. It appears that the GM in DSM is probably telling me the truth. By the way, I am not leasing (purchasing outright).

Wolfman

Will keep you posted. Keep in mind that an outright purchase provides no leverage with a dealer. They will make less money on the sale... Did you also purchase the 2015 S550?
Being German, I used to only purchase cars before; no financing as that was seen as a bad thing thing to do but after one time adding up the last previous purchases/trade-ins I realized the horrendous waste of money. Unless it's a collectable, cars make no sense to own anymore. Not trying to change your mind but there is no pride in owning a rapidly depreciating asset with little tax advantage, given the speed in which tech advances.
I believe that we'll see a more dramatic shift in car tech over the next 7 years than we did in the last 30.

AppleFan1

It's just my philosophy not to owe any money, so purchasing has been my only option. Yes, I also purchased the 2014 S550. Just for curiosity, what is the current lease rate for the S450? What would be my monthly payments for a 3 year lease if the 2019 S550 costs say $96K after the discounts? I have always thought that the total cost to me after selling my S550 (and paying tax on the difference only) would be considerably less than a 3 year lease.