branmin

White stone napa leather...Parktronic..Full leather seating package..AMG 19" wheel package with wood trim....Price....102,625......

They are offering to trade my cls500 35,000 miles for $35,000.

Net figure with taxes and fees......will do a deal around 70K.......obviously they are hot right now and the stealers can get what they want.....how much further could I beat them down to a realistic level?

branmin

Anyone?

jl88

You need to provide us more information, MSRP of the new car, information about your trade-in, what state you live in, etc

Just a quick estimation, you're getting lowballed on your trade-in. Assuming average condition, your CLS500 is worth approximately $41k wholesale per Manheim MMR.

Paying MSRP or even MSRP+ right now for the new SL is appropriate. I would try to get a higher trade-in amount for your CLS500. Shoot for $39k to $40k on the trade-in and pay MSRP on the new car and call it a day.

bltserv

I agree.
Thats lowball on the Trade.
Need more info on your trade to be sure.

Not sure about you. But buying a new SL550 and driving it off the lot
is watching $ 30K flyaway. Fine if you got to have new and are well healed.

But I am seeing 2008 SL55`s New for 20-30K Off list.

I am bias as an AMG SL55 Owner. But I have several friends that own
SL550`s that just get sick after driving my SL55.

I could have had an AMG !

branmin

Sorry for the lack of details............. and thx for the replies

MSRP $102,625...........to include Parktronic, Leather seating package and AMG 19" wheel Package..............Destination & Delivery $825.00..Gas Guzzler Tax $1300.00.

My CLS500.....06 34,500 miles..........included is Parktronic, Electronic Trunk Closer, Keyless Go, Lighting PKG, AMG Sport PKG, Premium PKG(which I paid $12500 extra at the time).

Based in Naples FL(high mark up area).

They want approx $67200.00 with trade in which they offered me $35K.....they also mentioned something about $595.00 dealers fee and paperwork for title etc, about $100.00.

Keeping in mind that I will also have to pay ontop of this figure 6% Sales tax and I believe the final figure quoted was around the $72,000 mark.......

And yes, I am wondering if I am slightly mad when there are savings of 20k plus on the 08's.............I do like the new slightly more aggresive shape and haven't they improved navigation and interior somewhat for the 09.
I also agree that I believe they have lowballed me on the CLS and they probably will turn it over for between $42,000-$45,000..so on a trade in of 35K they are doing really well?

I am useless when it comes to bargaining but they are in the driving seat with the 09 and my area has full off idiots(I try not to be though, thats why I need your advice).

Lastly, one of the reasons why I got the CLS at the time, apart from the shape and all the trimmings inside was the fact that you could transport 4 people around if needed and the truck space is reasonable....................I tend to not ferry people around regardless, but was wondering whats the maximum you can get in the trunk of the SL....Golf clubs? weekend going away kit perhaps..................would I miss this space? (talking to myself now)....nah, it's the shape and beauty of the car that must come first.. whats practicability got to do with it

Appreciate your answers here........

Dragoncoach

Dealers are NEVER in the driver's seat unless they have a very rare or one of a kind car. They have the car and want to sell it. You have the money, already have a car and, hopefully, not in a rush to buy the SL. You DON'T need to spend the money.You are going to take it in the shorts if you trade the CL. Why not get a friend, give him $500 and let him sell it for you. Could be another $5-8k in your pocket. Why don't you use a broker? They may be able to save you more on the car as well if you don't negotiate well? Many avenues you can explore to save, in my opinion, a lot more money. Good Luck and remember....there's more than one dealer with the car you want.

branmin

"Why not get a friend, give him $500 and let him sell it for you. Could be another $5-8k in your pocket. Why don't you use a broker?"

True, selling privately can get you much more....but never heard of an auto broker?

CY

Your CLS would sell locally for a lot more...basically theyre marking up the SL by giving you a horrible price on your trade. In 6 months or so I guarantee the 09 SL will be discounted and in 2 years look for the usual $20k off of MSRP since this is just a refresh. If you want it now you have to pay premium I guess.

W211 BEAST

Are you out of your F-in mind? Are you seriously contemplating doing this or is this a joke?!?! 35k for your CLS? even if its an 06 you should get more than that!!!! How much is my brothers CLS worth?

Its an 06
Convenience package 2
AMG rims
Good condition
About 46k miles on it
No extended warranty

How much can he get if this poor b%%tard can only get 35k?

We're all Fd

HLG600

Honestly, buying any Mercedes new is just throwing away money. Sell the CLS privately and pick up a CPO 2007 SL55. You will save quite a bit and will have a more enjoyable car on top of that.

lorinserbenz

Christ, don't let the dealers FOOL you into thinking there is some sort of DEMAND for the 2009 SL... THERE IS NO demand..

The economy SUCKS and 100k TWO seaters are NOT in demand...

Id buy a 2008 SL, they are discounting them 20k!

Oh, and your friendly dealer is trying to have some sandy **** with you..
your car is worth $45k AT AUCTION..
5/06/08 ST LOUIS Lease $47,750 18,565 Above BLK 8G A Yes
05/06/08 ST LOUIS Lease $46,750 17,984 Above IND GRY 8G A Yes
05/06/08 ST LOUIS Lease $38,750 37,449 Avg BLUE 8G A Yes
05/06/08 ST LOUIS Lease $37,500 54,059 Avg BLK 8G A Yes
05/06/08 FAAO Regular $40,800 46,843 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
05/06/08 FAAO Regular $40,000 38,170 Avg WHITE 8G A Yes
05/02/08 NEVADA Lease $40,750 29,929 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
05/02/08 MANHEIM Regular $41,700 42,601 Avg SILVER 8G A Yes
05/01/08 MANHEIM Regular $47,700 28,952 Above WHITE 8G A No
05/01/08 MANHEIM Lease $46,400 31,834 Above WHITE 8G No
05/01/08 MANHEIM Regular $44,500 9,905 Above GREY 8G A Yes
05/01/08 MANHEIM Lease $44,250 24,650 Avg BLACK 8G A Yes
05/01/08 MANHEIM Regular $44,000 45,532 Avg BLACK 8G

HLG600

Please don't trade that car in. I hate to see people get ripped off like that by these ********.

W211 BEAST

That sandy **** comment is one for the history books! lol

branmin

Thx all the replies........................we are now talking about 40K for the trade in and not paying the dealers fee(what the hell is this?) of $595.00....

I know nothing about auctions, but if you are saying that it's worth around 45K, surely there would be an auctioneers fee of around 10%? Obviously the best way is selling privately. Will see what they come up with next.

bltserv

Do yourself a favor.
Go test drive an SL55 before you do this deal.
If you have never owned an SL before. The SL550 is nice.
Its fast and a beautiful car. But the 55 is the last of its breed being
SuperCharged. Finding a new one right now is perfect timing.
With the SL63 hitting the Dealers now they want to get rid of the old
2008 SL55 and will haggle. I even saw a Brand new 2007 at a dealer the other day.

traumadoc

New car smell.

I have had my share of new cars and likely could have retired if not (not that I am complaining).

Just ask yourself if the smell and that fancy new front end is really worth the extra $$$$. If so.... Do it.

If not, listen to some of the other suggestions. That is what I am doing these days.... Letting someone else take the initial hit, selling my car outright or via a broker and saving some serious money that can be used for retirement OR another toy sooner.

branmin

Ok.....how does one go about getting a broker and what do they charge? To the other poster who mentioned about the SL55..it appears there are only two new ones in the country left...........Designio...with all options 145K(sounds high to me) and another at 138k with 12K off MSRP on both...........I presume you were originally referring to a low mileage one as opposed to new?

traumadoc

Our broker is nere in NC. He charges $500 on cars > $35000. He advertises the car, takes pics, does internet ads, all the paperwork, financing and even can procure an aftermarket warranty for the buyer. Sold our Range Rover to a buyer in Texas. Took about a month but $3500 more than trade in.

Nothing wrong with a low mileage car well cared for and still under warranty.

We got our G CPO with warranty babied with 38000 miles less than 1/2 original sticker.

Our SL similar situation private party but not CPO.

2 Seemingly new toys for the price of 1 if you research and are patient.

Besides the Carfax, try to get the Netstar VMI to see all the details that do not show up on the Carfax report.

I did buy the CLS AMG new and will lose enough when I sell it to have bought yet another toy. The flip side is that I ordered it to my exact specs and plan to keep it a long time.

Nothing is a substitite for new if that is what you are looking for. I just see both sides now.

bltserv

I was talking new on the 2008`s. They had 20K off list.
Wow. You may be right. We had 2 New 2008 I saw discounted about 10 days ago at Mercedes of Laguna Niguel her local. Both have sold since I saw them. Will check a couple other local dealers and see if anything left.

Who would have thought there would be a run on SL55`s that sat for a year ?

branmin

Wow, $500.00 for a broker who does all that..boy, one learns something each day..thx for that. Now an update on how things are going...........

Another dealer in a less salubrious area or rather someone who has made it clear that he will do what it takes to make a deal has offered me $42500 min for my CLS. (better than the 35K I was originally offered!!)

Apparently one month ago in the SW FL area the Merc dealers had a huge promotion(knowing that the 09's were on the way) and there are very few 08's available)

He is able to ship from Atlanta a SL550 priced at 109980 this has the P01, trim Package, Pano roof, amg wheel and trunk closer..he will knock about 18K off and possibly skip the dealers fee(he has the costs of trucking it in.)

He also will have a new SL550 (09) in a few days...MSRP for $107235 to include P01 Trim PCK, Plano roof and AMG wheels. He will knock off about $2500.00.....

Difference between having an 08 or 09 is approx $12755.00? However wasn't there some new interior features/upgrades on the 09?

What do you guys think?

p.s. learnt a lot just by some of your comments here........suppose it pays to be patient................also wanted to know if having the see through roof is an advantage........surely it must get hot(I'm in FL) and rather bright?? Is this something thats a must and why?

Again thx for all your replies

lorinserbenz

Yeah I was pretty proud of that one <lol>....

But seriously, I know where the OP is coming from... I went and drove a new 2009 this past weekend and really liked it. When I first saw the pictures I thought the 09 was HORRIBLE looking but in person the car has a very aggressive look.

If you really want the 09 then by all means by it, you wont be happy with an 08. Just dont settle for chicken feed for your CLS..

mveloz

The main change in the interior is the command module, it is much, much better than the 06 that I had, and the best thing (at least for me) is that it has iPod, mp3 hook ups and Bluetooth. The head rest is a nice feature that I have not use it yet.

mveloz

Branmin, get the 09, I thing you will regret it later that you did not get the 09

branmin

Thx to you guys, I negotiated with a dealer who wanted to make a deal..

43K for my CLS....and $3500.00 off MSRP................He is having it trucked in for Saturday.......

Also, he will have it tinted for me, plus an additional tinting on the Plano roof as the wife has problems with her sight if it's too bright.................never had a roof like this before...so overall....... excited

Hope to have some pics for you at a later stage..................

My first SL........................... to you all

mjr24

I think that ended up being a pretty good deal. That is pretty good trade-in for the CLS.