Why are dealers so anxious to sell the 2002 S Class?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 116
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From: Orange County, California
'06 S430 Sport, '05 C 55 AMG, '06 BMW 330i, '06 VW Beetle Convertible
Why are dealers so anxious to sell the 2002 S Class?
I've looked and driven several prospects to replace my '99 E 430 including the toy laden, "unique" looking 745i and the no personality Lexus LS 430. I've narrowed it down to an '03 E 500 or an S 430. Several dealers have told me the 2003 S Class will not be out until October or November and they have no pricing information but they are very anxious to sell what is in their inventory. I have had three dealers offer to sell me a new '02 S 430 for invoice and that was without any negotiating. Also the car has an additional $2,200 in factory to dealer cash so another $1,000 off is probably realistic. I am suspicious that the '03 may have a price drop similar to the one that occured a few years back on the SL 500. I am not thinking a substancial amount, perhaps $2,000. Any thoughts or comments?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: SoCal
MB
even with that 2 grand off.....the 2002 will be cheaper...a lot cheaper, they arent gonna get you good deals..even my salesperson said at invoice...and all i asked was "whats the msrp on the s430"
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, California
'06 S430 Sport, '05 C 55 AMG, '06 BMW 330i, '06 VW Beetle Convertible
Bmms8, I agree with you, the '02 still will be several thousand cheaper but it will also be one model year older and that difference will be made up in the resale value. I'm only going to keep this car for three years at the most.
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sl and M-class E320 4Matic SLK350
guessing game
Obviously at this point it is a guessing game, but the reality is that the new E Class is more technolgically advanced car than the 2003 S Class and it won't be until 2005 that the S Class catches up. The facelift that has been attempted for 2003 is unfortunately cosmetic. Knowing this, Mercedes is in the unenviable position of having to market a car that will likely have little demand. Those who can wait until 2005 will, and many of those who can't will go for the 500 E instead. If Mercedes can offer an S for the same price as a highly optioned E (in the 70,000 dollar range) then there will be those who will go for the S just for its prestige. These are the buyers Mercedes must target and as you pointed out the best way to get them on board is through incentives and price reductions.
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Porsche 997 C2S
Re: Why are dealers so anxious to sell the 2002 S Class?
Originally posted by Lender1
I've looked and driven several prospects to replace my '99 E 430 including the toy laden, "unique" looking 745i and the no personality Lexus LS 430. I've narrowed it down to an '03 E 500 or an S 430. Several dealers have told me the 2003 S Class will not be out until October or November and they have no pricing information but they are very anxious to sell what is in their inventory. I have had three dealers offer to sell me a new '02 S 430 for invoice and that was without any negotiating. Also the car has an additional $2,200 in factory to dealer cash so another $1,000 off is probably realistic. I am suspicious that the '03 may have a price drop similar to the one that occured a few years back on the SL 500. I am not thinking a substancial amount, perhaps $2,000. Any thoughts or comments?
I've looked and driven several prospects to replace my '99 E 430 including the toy laden, "unique" looking 745i and the no personality Lexus LS 430. I've narrowed it down to an '03 E 500 or an S 430. Several dealers have told me the 2003 S Class will not be out until October or November and they have no pricing information but they are very anxious to sell what is in their inventory. I have had three dealers offer to sell me a new '02 S 430 for invoice and that was without any negotiating. Also the car has an additional $2,200 in factory to dealer cash so another $1,000 off is probably realistic. I am suspicious that the '03 may have a price drop similar to the one that occured a few years back on the SL 500. I am not thinking a substancial amount, perhaps $2,000. Any thoughts or comments?
