Hi everyone,

I just ordered a 2019 S560 4matic through my dealer and have two questions.

1) My dealer told me that there is not a lot of discount on custom orders and you usually get less discount compared to the available inventory. Has anyone experienced the same? I just paid 5K in the front to process the order.
2) After the arrival of my order, Do I have the option to walk away and don't take the car if the current numbers on the deal weren't attractive?
Thanks for sharing your opinion.

 

 

The dealer just wants to move their inventory.
1. There is no need EVER to put money down for an S-Class order.
2. There are plenty of discounts on a custom order. You are a bit late in the game (as in difficult to reverse) but I would simply call another MB dealer and tell them you like to order an S-Class but won't unless you can get a confirmed discount on the order. You can also ask them to check in that exact configuration is available at another dealer anywhere in the country. If so, dealers can do swaps.
With our dealer a discount is verbal, with other dealers I would require an email confirming that. I typically get 10% off on a custom order.

S560's are not moving as well as the prior S550's used to due the poor leasing terms so the dealer will likely be motivated by inventory costing money on the show room floor. These will get a bigger discount.
Keep in mind that a dealer will still make money on the car if sold below invoice (due to holdbacks and revenue share on financing). Plus selling more cars will set them up better for the next year (based on sales volume).

In the end, the dealer will hurt more if you walk away from the car once it's built, on the ship or already on the dealer lot. But they also know that you waited for a long time and either desperately want or need the car. That is what they are banking on. Even if they are giving you a discount on the car, they often try to bump the financing /leasing rates. This is a negotiation just like the price of the car.

Good luck!

 

+1
Luckily, even if stated as non-refundable, they legally are

 

Thank you Wolfman for clarifying,

I was kind of worried about my deposit since it doesn't say anywhere on my reciept if it's refundable or not !

 

Not sure I'd write a "car dealer" a $5000 check without knowing but you're past that point. I've order plenty of cars and never put down a deposit. Only way a dealer would want to take a deposit is it's a great way to hang onto you or if you ordered some really weird selection of colors or accessories that would be hard to sell to someone else if you didn't take it. Actually if the car is special ordered and you take it right when it comes in at that point the dealer has almost no financing costs so it's technically the cheapest point cost wise in the deal for him so he ought to pass it on to you. Doesn't seem like you have a history with this dealer and it's now after the fact but that doesn't mean you can't try. In the meantime shop other dealers for the "same" vehicle to get an idea on pricing and you'll have a little knowledge and leverage. On the other hand when it comes in you'll be "hot" for the car and it's a weak moment for you and strong one for the dealer, he'll have the car and you'll want it, good luck.

 

 

 

He can try to charge you whatever he wants, at his own peril though.
There are plenty of other dealers vying for your business also.

 

I configured and bought 4 cars from MB, the most I received off was 2K. But I got the colors, options and whatever else I wanted versus buying off the lot.

 

I ordered an S560 4matic two weeks ago. List is $139.8k, so almost fully loaded. Discount is 10%, with the dealer is charging $900 for "fees" so the actual discount is a little less. I agreed to a $2,500 deposit. Not certain that was necessary - I am a repeat customer. I was told Mercedes is contributing $8k during February to all cars sold from stock. From that standpoint a stock purchase (and negotiating further) could be less expensive. Iridium silver with aniline seats is not currently in stock, hence the order. Delivery not yet confirmed, but car should be available early to mid May.

Good luck with your dealer/negotiations.

 

^Damn no Iridium on the lot??

 

I've always been able to get at least 7% on any custom car order...more if I'm willing to walk. I'm always willing to put a deposit down to show I'm serious, and usually can get a better offer. Of course, I can always walk away and get my deposit back on car delivery if I want to....was prepared to do so if Trump's tariffs went through.

 

Iridium was/is available. The aniline leather seats are difficult to find. Not many are willing to pay for leather that is (1) beige, (2) less robust, and (3) forces the purchase of rear executive and several other packages that raise the price to ridiculous levels (over 20k in "extras"). I couldn't resist the salesman's pitch: The hides are from bulls raised in screened-in pens near the Black Forest and are fed ambrosia and other exotic treats. No insect bites are allowed. No blemishes are tolerated. These hides embody the "Best or Nothing" ethos. They are the closest MB gets to the leather in much more expensive vehicles ....

 

That's very interesting how they treat the bulls, thanx for sharing that

 

Sounds like "Bull" how they treat the Bulls! You really believe that? Nonetheless, I prefer the softer/better leather (and all the extra options it comes with), so my next S560 (When my lease ends later this year) will have the upgraded leather, back seat options, MBC, and more...