SL/R230: Dealer Greed
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8
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From: Southern Calif
cl 500
Dealer Greed
I recently inquired about ordering the new SL at my dealer.
I was informed that the policy about the new SL was the following:
All of the new SL's at that dealership for the next 3-4 years would be sold at a hefty premium above MSRP.
NO EXCEPTIONS. They were taking orders but all clients need to understand that they will be paying a minimum of at least 25K over sticker. Maybe as high as 45K-55K over sticker for the first 2 years.
The saleperson told me that this was the policy according to the general manager. He further stated that if I even wanted a car I should place my order soon because otherwise I would never even get a car. He stated that the new SL is going to be a very limited production.
Needless to say, I didn't like what I heard and I didn't leave a $5,000.00 deposit.
Somehow, I don't understand the business philosophy of Mercedes these days. Are they trying to send a message to customers that some of their cars are as exclusive as Ferrari, but then on the other hand sell Chryslers and their "el cheapo C sport" to the masses at the same time?
Personally, I don't think that anyone paying 25K-50K over sticker for a new SL is getting anything but screwed.
BTW As I was leaving the salesman asked me if I was interested in the current SL 500. He said "don't mind the sticker price, we are willing to hear any offer."
I told him that I would get back to him.
I was informed that the policy about the new SL was the following:
All of the new SL's at that dealership for the next 3-4 years would be sold at a hefty premium above MSRP.
NO EXCEPTIONS. They were taking orders but all clients need to understand that they will be paying a minimum of at least 25K over sticker. Maybe as high as 45K-55K over sticker for the first 2 years.
The saleperson told me that this was the policy according to the general manager. He further stated that if I even wanted a car I should place my order soon because otherwise I would never even get a car. He stated that the new SL is going to be a very limited production.
Needless to say, I didn't like what I heard and I didn't leave a $5,000.00 deposit.
Somehow, I don't understand the business philosophy of Mercedes these days. Are they trying to send a message to customers that some of their cars are as exclusive as Ferrari, but then on the other hand sell Chryslers and their "el cheapo C sport" to the masses at the same time?
Personally, I don't think that anyone paying 25K-50K over sticker for a new SL is getting anything but screwed.
BTW As I was leaving the salesman asked me if I was interested in the current SL 500. He said "don't mind the sticker price, we are willing to hear any offer."
I told him that I would get back to him.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,783
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From: Sunny South Florida
1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible
Geesh....
I would contact MBUSA Immidiately... Dealers are not allowed to sell "NEW" Cars above MSRP.
If the dealer is rolling the car (i.e., having it titled twice), and selling it as "USED", then they can charge whatever people are willing to pay..
Where are you located? I would happily report them for you
If the dealer is rolling the car (i.e., having it titled twice), and selling it as "USED", then they can charge whatever people are willing to pay..
Where are you located? I would happily report them for you
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
01, Blk/Blk S500
Forget it! I paid $1,000 deposit for the SL and will wait for the car. The main reason I got turned off of BMW dealers is the premium they expect for their cars.
Mercedes has never done that to me, to date, anyway. I suggest you report the dealership and the sales guy to MBNA. The $5,000 for a deposit is unheard of.
Dont go for the current SL. They will (if not already) start looking outdated when the new one comes out. Having said that the Mercedes of my dreams would be the 1999 - S600, the most beautiful car in the world!
And as JamE55 said they sure are smoking smoking something.
Nick and his 2 cents worth.
Mercedes has never done that to me, to date, anyway. I suggest you report the dealership and the sales guy to MBNA. The $5,000 for a deposit is unheard of.
Dont go for the current SL. They will (if not already) start looking outdated when the new one comes out. Having said that the Mercedes of my dreams would be the 1999 - S600, the most beautiful car in the world!
And as JamE55 said they sure are smoking smoking something.
Nick and his 2 cents worth.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
Re: Geesh....
Originally posted by SL55AMG
I would contact MBUSA Immidiately... Dealers are not allowed to sell "NEW" Cars above MSRP.
If the dealer is rolling the car (i.e., having it titled twice), and selling it as "USED", then they can charge whatever people are willing to pay..
Where are you located? I would happily report them for you
I would contact MBUSA Immidiately... Dealers are not allowed to sell "NEW" Cars above MSRP.
If the dealer is rolling the car (i.e., having it titled twice), and selling it as "USED", then they can charge whatever people are willing to pay..
Where are you located? I would happily report them for you
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, California
2004 SLK 32 AMG, 2002 E320, 2002 ML320, 1986 Porsche 944
No kidding about the rule against premium prices over MSRP? Geesh, I paid $6k over premium for my SLK32 AMG a few months ago! 
And I remember a salesman from another dealer speaking about premiums near $10k being normal.
On a related note, I spoke with a former Mercedes employee at a different dealer and he was predicting that the SL55 would sell at a major premium over MSRP.
Because of this, I just scratched the SL55 from my list of prospective replacement for my current SLK32 in 3 years. MSRP is what, around $110 - $120k; and we're talking well into the 5 digits on the additional premium?
And I remember a salesman from another dealer speaking about premiums near $10k being normal.On a related note, I spoke with a former Mercedes employee at a different dealer and he was predicting that the SL55 would sell at a major premium over MSRP.
Because of this, I just scratched the SL55 from my list of prospective replacement for my current SLK32 in 3 years. MSRP is what, around $110 - $120k; and we're talking well into the 5 digits on the additional premium?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 0
From: Sunny South Florida
1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible
Some Dealers!!
I have my deposit in for my SL55, and the dealer I have gone to specifically wrote on the contract that the vehicle will be sold AT MSRP, at time of delivery!!!
It is Gulf Stream Motors in West Palm Beach, Fl. They are good people!
It is Gulf Stream Motors in West Palm Beach, Fl. They are good people!
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, California
2004 SLK 32 AMG, 2002 E320, 2002 ML320, 1986 Porsche 944
Well, if I could be assured of MSRP, I might consider the SL55. It's still a lot of bucks for me but for that kind of car, I'd be motivated to live on peanut butter sandwiches. 
(Just kidding.)
Seeing as to how policy may vary geographically (maybe even dealer to dealer), maybe the thing to do is buy somewhere else.
Hmm, I wonder if those Internet dealers would carry the SL55? Now that would be ideal! And if Mercedes does in fact discourage (how strongly and in what way?) pricing over MSRP, it seems that the Internet dealers would less likely do that because of nationwide exposure.
But that SL55 is an awesome car!
(Just kidding.)Seeing as to how policy may vary geographically (maybe even dealer to dealer), maybe the thing to do is buy somewhere else.
Hmm, I wonder if those Internet dealers would carry the SL55? Now that would be ideal! And if Mercedes does in fact discourage (how strongly and in what way?) pricing over MSRP, it seems that the Internet dealers would less likely do that because of nationwide exposure.
But that SL55 is an awesome car!
