Dans_SL

Hi All I'm interested in the 2007 SL. Still not sure which 2007 model I'll purchase nor when. I'm new here, so pardon me if I get the etiquette wrong. Is it proper to ask what people paid for their SL's? If that's too personal, may I ask in general how much below the sticker price should I look to pay? Suppose the price is still too high, does it pay to wait until the 2008 models hit the showrooms, assuming last year's models depreciate quickly. I wonder what the average yearly rate of depreciation is on such valuable cars. Also, any hints about how to survive the negotiation process and get the best price? Thanks in advance for any and all help.

dogma

I was speaking to a guy in the valet line. He bought a 2006 SL55. He paid right around $130,000. He was looking at the 07 SL600. The dealer offered him $90,000 after 1 year for his SL55.

StephenK

That sounds about right. (wholesale)

Sgooter

Just as the 07 SL550s hit the showrooms in July, I was able to get an 06 SL500 for $16K below sticker. So...it can be done.

lorinserbenz

SL's depreciate at a mind boggling rate. I have seen 2003 Sl500's selling for $49-53K locally. Id get a 2006 Sl55 market. You can get an 06 at auction for $89-93..

AfterlifeBand

Hi LorinserBenz,
I have been looking for a 2005 black SL500 at local dealerships waiting for the right one to come in. Do you think the prices on them should drop as we approach winter or after the new year? Sounds like a dumb question but I am just learning about these beauties and what's out there. Thanks, Rob.

LovinMercedes

Prices usually drop after the summer.

lorinserbenz

Lovin is right... I compared Manheim prices just before summer and in winter, the difference in prices is around $5k.
2005 Sl500s are going for $59k (hi miles) to $67k for low miles at auction.

AfterlifeBand

Thanks guys.

Dans_SL

Thanks

roccoriley

In order to compensate for the huge depreciation on SL's you need to start out with a hefty discount from MSRP so don't go easy on the dealers. You should be buying under INVOICE on the 07 SL's and way, way down there on the 06's. Mercedes delears make a lot of money off of buyers who think that dealers invoice is some kind of barrier.

Dans_SL

Thanks roccoriley, I won't go easy on the dealer but....If the dealer's invoice price means nothing, how can I find out what the car really costs the dealer?

dogma

Go to www.consumerreports.com. For $14 you get a complete breakdown between dealer cost and invoice. This includes all option packages also. They also give all current dealer incentives. Therefore, when the dealer says they are selling $2000 below invoice (which might be true) they may be getting $5000 in incentives from MB. Thus they are still making $3000 on the vehicle.

I think it is well worth the money.

waboehler

Why is it wrong for the dealer to make 3,000 on a 100,000 car? Best Buy makes that much on one plasma TV that costs 6500-7000. You dont argue and haggle for pricing on a TV and if you do, you take the 10-15% off they give you when you do and think you have a deal. If the markup on a car is 7500 (typical for a 100,000 car) Why would you expect the dealer to let it go and not make at least a 2% profit or better?

AMG 17GT

Its not about finding out what a dealers cost is.......its about finding the car you love and finding out the lowest price they will sell it for.....I was real happy with my dealer call Orlando at Benzel Busch Motor Company in NJ at 2015671400 tell him the guy from atlanta sent you....he was real straight foward

dogma

I didn't say it was wrong. I just used that as an example. But I have always liked to have as much information as possible when negotiating. These guys are in business to make money and I want them to make a fair profit so they will be there tomorrow. However, I don't want to be a stooge and line their pockets for no reason, especially when the customer service I receive from them sucks.

waboehler

thats a fair statement. Most of us who work for dealers know not to waste your time. Why would I spend 2 hours deciding on color, options, car etc. just to lose the sale because I wont offer you a fair price. Time is valuable and Id rather move a car at 3,000 profit quickly than spend 3 weeks trying to close it at 5,000. If you come in and offer 2-3K over cost (not invoice) on 90% of our cars, we take the deal and look forward to the next car you need. Certain cars like a loaded S550 (right now with limited options available at the factory) the discount would be less. If you cant replace the car easily and quickly, you can negotiate nearly as much. Needless to say with 23 new S550 in stock and 13 SL550 we are taking some unreal deals right now.

roccoriley

The terms Fair Price and Fair Profit don't apply when you are buying an auto.

The prices and profits are completely hidden from both the salesman and the buyer so it is impossible for either party to determine "fair". Moreover, the sale price is going to be the result of negotiation between two entities who have completely different goals, the salesman is compensated more at higher prices, the buyer benefits from lower prices. When the salesman asks you why you aren't willing to offer a "fair" price you know he is thinking of you as just another sucker.

bari

What is the difference between cost and invoice? Do dealers take deals below cost or invoice? Thanks.

roccoriley

bari: go here: www.consumerreports.com.

Duane

yes I bought my 2006 e55 at 10k off and this was awhile ago before the e63's were out.

dogma

Invoice is typically what they pay for the vehicle. However, MB Benz may allow for various incentives (basically dealer rebates) on the car.

i.e. the dealer may pay $78,000 for an E55 which then has an MSRP of $84,000. Thus if you bought for $74,000 it may look like you are paying below what they paid for the car. However, they are probably receiving about $9,000 in incentives from MB to move out the 2006s. Thus their ultimate cost was $69,000 ($78-$9). Therefore they made about $5,000 ($74-$69) when they sold you your car "below cost".

blazinginder

Dealerships are a money making business, just how much they make on each car is varied haha...i know i know....stating the obvious

Sgooter

Many years ago in my rural home town, my best friend's dad owned a big Ford dealership. As a way to help me pay for my college education, his dad put me through their car salesman training course and I worked there part time now and then on weekends selling new Fords. I learned the ins and outs about selling cars and learned even more about how the car dealership business works from the "special tutoring" I received from my friend's dad. I remain forever grateful to him for all that I learned and for enabling me to complete my undergraduate degree.

I will always remember the "measure of merit" they hammered home to their salesmen at that Ford dealership: Did the tired and weary farmer who drove to lot in his beat up old pickup truck, and looking to buy a new pickup truck to work the farm, ultimately drive off the lot that day in a shiny new Thunderbird?

It was true then, and it's still true today.

Duane

I agree with you but this was early in the year when they will still building e55's. I know the sales manager at this deal and they def lost money on this one.