What do I do now?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
What do I do now?
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 493
From: Birmingham, AL
2019 S560, 2022 Audi S8
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 8
From: Pennsylvania
2018 s560 4matic
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
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.
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.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,583
Likes: 3,691
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
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.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
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.
Thanks for the your feedback, Wolfman.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
07 Maybach 57, s550, s430
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.
Thanks for the your feedback, Wolfman.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,834
Likes: 773
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
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
Banned
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 445
Likes: 57
2015 cls550
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.
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
These last two posts are way too logical.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
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
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,201
Likes: 4,426
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I believe you need to get out of your region. Shop the big markets in California, Chicago, NY, etc. These days, cars are a commodity that are easily shipped across the country. Or, as previously mentioned, find the car, secure the deal and then fly out and drive it home. Now, all that said, if you still can’t find the car you want, order the car from ANOTHER dealer. As the old saying goes: “Screw me once, shame on you. Screw me twice, shame on ME!”
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
I believe you need to get out of your region. Shop the big markets in California, Chicago, NY, etc. These days, cars are a commodity that are easily shipped across the country. Or, as previously mentioned, find the car, secure the deal and then fly out and drive it home. Now, all that said, if you still can’t find the car you want, order the car from ANOTHER dealer. As the old saying goes: “Screw me once, shame on you. Screw me twice, shame on ME!”
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,834
Likes: 773
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,201
Likes: 4,426
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 51
From: Southern California
2007 CL550
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.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,583
Likes: 3,691
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
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.
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.
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
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
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
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
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,583
Likes: 3,691
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
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).
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 396
From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
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.
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.
