SL/R230: Discount in UK?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
Discount in UK?
Soon be spec'ing my SL for June delivery. I've a feeling the dealers have us UK buyers over a barrel here and will not get much discount if any. Joined the waiting list in April and was originally told an 18 month wait but it shortened. If they ask the full price we'll hardly walk away!
UK buyers - what kind of deal did you get? Just like to have some sort of idea of my bargaining position. May trade in my CLK.
Thanks.
UK buyers - what kind of deal did you get? Just like to have some sort of idea of my bargaining position. May trade in my CLK.
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: UK
C63 AMG
Dont be fooled by the dealers, there is no waiting list at the moment.
I enquired in November 2003 and asked about delivery. One garage told me June / July 2004. The second garage told me JAN 04.
As it happened i wanted the car for April 04 new reg delivery, and placed the order. I was told it would be ready in mid Feb for collection as I am opting for the factory collection.
I recieved a phone call from MB UK 1st week of Jan telling me the car was ready in Germany for collection.
I spoke to the dealer who then told me there are plenty of cars available.
As for discount haggle hard and there is a deal to be had. Tell them you are serious and that you are willing to put the deposit down. If not tell them you will go to another dealer who has offered you a better price. Dont be afraid to walk out of the garage.
Good Luck
I enquired in November 2003 and asked about delivery. One garage told me June / July 2004. The second garage told me JAN 04.
As it happened i wanted the car for April 04 new reg delivery, and placed the order. I was told it would be ready in mid Feb for collection as I am opting for the factory collection.
I recieved a phone call from MB UK 1st week of Jan telling me the car was ready in Germany for collection.
I spoke to the dealer who then told me there are plenty of cars available.
As for discount haggle hard and there is a deal to be had. Tell them you are serious and that you are willing to put the deposit down. If not tell them you will go to another dealer who has offered you a better price. Dont be afraid to walk out of the garage.
Good Luck
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
Thanks ShanSL350.
Funnily enough, we're collecting at Bremen as well and was asking about rough delivery dates and was asked "When would you like it?"!!! So I think there's a queue but not very orderly!
Let me know what you think of Personal Collection will you?
And your lovely SL of course!
Funnily enough, we're collecting at Bremen as well and was asking about rough delivery dates and was asked "When would you like it?"!!! So I think there's a queue but not very orderly!
Let me know what you think of Personal Collection will you?
And your lovely SL of course!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
Does sound like the supply situation has eased considerably. What's also happening is that secondhand prices are plummeting as well. Owners of early SL55's could be looking at £20k depreciation now.
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 76
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From: UK
C63 AMG
Hi Scotsman
I'm booked for Thursday 11th March flights and collection on the 12th March so i'll let you know all about it on my return.
Everyone that i've spoken to says its an experience to be had.
BlueSL your right about the SL55's they are dropping 2-3k per month in the glasses guide.
Thats painfull if you own one but good news if your out looking to buy one i guess.
Its always the bloody way though, when you want one there are lists and premiums to pay, but once you've got one they start to drop like stones.
I guess your happy with yours though, i wish i could have justified the extra money but its a big jump for me.
I'm booked for Thursday 11th March flights and collection on the 12th March so i'll let you know all about it on my return.
Everyone that i've spoken to says its an experience to be had.
BlueSL your right about the SL55's they are dropping 2-3k per month in the glasses guide.
Thats painfull if you own one but good news if your out looking to buy one i guess.
Its always the bloody way though, when you want one there are lists and premiums to pay, but once you've got one they start to drop like stones.
I guess your happy with yours though, i wish i could have justified the extra money but its a big jump for me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
I'm sure you'll be more than happy with an SL350, and benefit from lower depreciation.
The old SL320 was always the best bet financially. The top-end models always depreciate heavily - my old SL600 cost £103000 (!) in 96, now worth less than £20k with 78000 on the clock. That's still more than £1 a mile depreciation.
And you're correct, a visit to the plant is very interesting, as is the city of Bremen. Look out for the Schnoor district, good place to find a restaurant for dinner.
The old SL320 was always the best bet financially. The top-end models always depreciate heavily - my old SL600 cost £103000 (!) in 96, now worth less than £20k with 78000 on the clock. That's still more than £1 a mile depreciation.
And you're correct, a visit to the plant is very interesting, as is the city of Bremen. Look out for the Schnoor district, good place to find a restaurant for dinner.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
I went there on an MB Club factory visit which then went on to Brabus but because of business stuff, I couldn't spend the full time away, so flew there and back.
Depending on your time and interest, it's worth dropping down to the Eifel mountains and the Nurburgring, not necessarily to take you car on there but to watch what's going on, there's an interesting museum. Recommended hotel is Die Blaue Ecke (Blue Corner), in Adenau, close by. Simple but very motor sport focussed.
In Bremen, there's a Beck's Brewery which does visits plus interesting architecture, I found it a very accessible place for a short visit and I always appreciate the German politeness. No take-it-or-leave-it shrug of the shoulders you'd get in the UK for example.
Depending on your time and interest, it's worth dropping down to the Eifel mountains and the Nurburgring, not necessarily to take you car on there but to watch what's going on, there's an interesting museum. Recommended hotel is Die Blaue Ecke (Blue Corner), in Adenau, close by. Simple but very motor sport focussed.
In Bremen, there's a Beck's Brewery which does visits plus interesting architecture, I found it a very accessible place for a short visit and I always appreciate the German politeness. No take-it-or-leave-it shrug of the shoulders you'd get in the UK for example.
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