If you can't afford it, don't drive it!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 689
Likes: 5
From: Vegas
'21 GLC63, '19 M5
I don't think there is anyone here who doesn't like to spend money... It's just that no one likes being a sucker. If I pay too much I get pissed not because of the money, but because I feel that someone got an upper hand on me. This is a business transaction after all. Now if I feel like being screwed I'll ask one of the girls, not the dealer.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
My ex-cars: 03 E55,04 C32, 05 C55 ,03 E320
I agree with others...I dont get pissed off about the money at most...its just the feeling that you couldve got something cheaper that makes me mad something...yes..just like someone else had an upper hand...that feeling...
Having money doesnt mean you can just throw em everywhere...being able to afford doesnt mean you should waste.....
Why do big companies always have to have competitors bid on price? Sure they can afford the highest price for a product...but they dont pay the highest price...thats the way things work Nick.
Having money doesnt mean you can just throw em everywhere...being able to afford doesnt mean you should waste.....
Why do big companies always have to have competitors bid on price? Sure they can afford the highest price for a product...but they dont pay the highest price...thats the way things work Nick.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,436
Likes: 6
300ce
.......paying too much on purpose just to feel superior is a sign of lack of intelligence.
........Chris Rock said it best; "there is rich and then there is wealthy." Rich means you have a 401K. Wealthy means you own the bank that the 401K is invested.
.......I don't think that those that are actually wealthy got there by not understanding the value of money and the proper cost of goods and services. These are folks that understand the market place. They understand tax law, deductions, cutting overhead, cutting expenses, boosting the bottom line, investments, etc.
Ted
........Chris Rock said it best; "there is rich and then there is wealthy." Rich means you have a 401K. Wealthy means you own the bank that the 401K is invested.
.......I don't think that those that are actually wealthy got there by not understanding the value of money and the proper cost of goods and services. These are folks that understand the market place. They understand tax law, deductions, cutting overhead, cutting expenses, boosting the bottom line, investments, etc.
Ted
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, The City By The Bay
2004 SL500R / 2003 BMW M5
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, ON
'12 ML350
.......I don't think that those that are actually wealthy got there by not understanding the value of money and the proper cost of goods and services. These are folks that understand the market place. They understand tax law, deductions, cutting overhead, cutting expenses, boosting the bottom line, investments, etc.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 943
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New york
2004 S55 AMG
You know I don't normally read post like this but to the OP if you like to get *** raped by the dealer good for you. For us other guys we will shop around for deals. Most guys on this board can afford a hell of alot more than a mercedes but do you thing they got to that point by spending money like that.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 5
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
[quote=OzE55;2389871]
Or even better, do you shop price for heart surgery?
QUOTE]
You clearly have absolutely no idea about medicine, reputation and cost of service. They are uncorrelated. This is more true in the USA (where I have worked and lived) than anywhere else I've experienced.
In fact, you've now made me even more concerned that I'm paying MB for some nedulous concept of 'prestige' or 'quality' which may or may not be real.
Sometimes its best just to pay up and acknowledge that its the way things are.
Lets forget the key. I don't care where the key comes from until its broken.
Its only a few dollars.
I just paid $500. for my 1st A Service. It also included wheel balancing $130.00-Wheel Alignment $250.00 and the oil/filter $125.00. If I would go an independent it would cost 50% less. I know that. I paid for the peace of mind for MB. For you guys that don't know this yet, it comes with age.
I work hard for my money and I earn every penny. It makes me even more concerned that I spend it wisely and that means sometimes by my terms, I pay more to be certain it is done the way I want it.
This is different than paying $300.00 or so for some fancy designer label knock off of some Levis which is nothing more than a name of a fabric. I think that is were we are all in agreement. I'm talking about experience and taking repsonsiblity and backing it up by a large orgainization that will not disappear like a little shop Owner kicks the bucket or gets divorced or any one of a hundred of personal problems/excuses that non professional grease monkeys cry about.
I'm not trusting or handing over my 100+K MB to anyone that cannot write me a check for that amount if something goes wrong.
Just my $.02.
Or even better, do you shop price for heart surgery?
QUOTE]
You clearly have absolutely no idea about medicine, reputation and cost of service. They are uncorrelated. This is more true in the USA (where I have worked and lived) than anywhere else I've experienced.
In fact, you've now made me even more concerned that I'm paying MB for some nedulous concept of 'prestige' or 'quality' which may or may not be real.
Sometimes its best just to pay up and acknowledge that its the way things are.
Its only a few dollars.
I just paid $500. for my 1st A Service. It also included wheel balancing $130.00-Wheel Alignment $250.00 and the oil/filter $125.00. If I would go an independent it would cost 50% less. I know that. I paid for the peace of mind for MB. For you guys that don't know this yet, it comes with age.
I work hard for my money and I earn every penny. It makes me even more concerned that I spend it wisely and that means sometimes by my terms, I pay more to be certain it is done the way I want it.
This is different than paying $300.00 or so for some fancy designer label knock off of some Levis which is nothing more than a name of a fabric. I think that is were we are all in agreement. I'm talking about experience and taking repsonsiblity and backing it up by a large orgainization that will not disappear like a little shop Owner kicks the bucket or gets divorced or any one of a hundred of personal problems/excuses that non professional grease monkeys cry about.
I'm not trusting or handing over my 100+K MB to anyone that cannot write me a check for that amount if something goes wrong.
Just my $.02.
Last edited by m_berman; Aug 31, 2007 at 05:05 PM. Reason: spell
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 5
From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
[QUOTE=m_berman;2391821]
Lets forget the key. I don't care where the key comes from until its broken.
Its only a few dollars.
I just paid $500. for my 1st A Service. It also included wheel balancing $130.00-Wheel Alignment $250.00 and the oil/filter $125.00. If I would go an independent it would cost 50% less. I know that. I paid for the peace of mind for MB. For you guys that don't know this yet, it comes with age.
I work hard for my money and I earn every penny. It makes me even more concerned that I spend it wisely and that means sometimes by my terms, I pay more to be certain it is done the way I want it.
This is different than paying $300.00 or so for some fancy designer label knock off of some Levis which is nothing more than a name of a fabric. I think that is were we are all in agreement. I'm talking about experience and taking repsonsiblity and backing it up by a large orgainization that will not disappear like a little shop Owner kicks the bucket or gets divorced or any one of a hundred of personal problems/excuses that non professional grease monkeys cry about.
I'm not trusting or handing over my 100+K MB to anyone that cannot write me a check for that amount if something goes wrong.
Just my $.02.
My independent MB trained mechanic's shop is meticulous and is licensed and bonded. I wouldn't take my MB or any car I own to a mechanic that wasn't...I'm lucky that he's been there over 10 years. Plus, I don't think MB would write you a check for the full value of the car if something goes wrong (w/o some fight or legal wrangling) or they may cover at a level you deem not satisfactory...who knows.
I also have experienced that taking it to MB doesn't guarantee that things will be done right...
Lets forget the key. I don't care where the key comes from until its broken.
Its only a few dollars.
I just paid $500. for my 1st A Service. It also included wheel balancing $130.00-Wheel Alignment $250.00 and the oil/filter $125.00. If I would go an independent it would cost 50% less. I know that. I paid for the peace of mind for MB. For you guys that don't know this yet, it comes with age.
I work hard for my money and I earn every penny. It makes me even more concerned that I spend it wisely and that means sometimes by my terms, I pay more to be certain it is done the way I want it.
This is different than paying $300.00 or so for some fancy designer label knock off of some Levis which is nothing more than a name of a fabric. I think that is were we are all in agreement. I'm talking about experience and taking repsonsiblity and backing it up by a large orgainization that will not disappear like a little shop Owner kicks the bucket or gets divorced or any one of a hundred of personal problems/excuses that non professional grease monkeys cry about.
I'm not trusting or handing over my 100+K MB to anyone that cannot write me a check for that amount if something goes wrong.
Just my $.02.
I also have experienced that taking it to MB doesn't guarantee that things will be done right...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 1
From: Mia
2005 E 55
Lets forget the key. I don't care where the key comes from until its broken.
Its only a few dollars.
I just paid $500. for my 1st A Service. It also included wheel balancing $130.00-Wheel Alignment $250.00 and the oil/filter $125.00. If I would go an independent it would cost 50% less. I know that. I paid for the peace of mind for MB. For you guys that don't know this yet, it comes with age.
Just my $.02.
If you could actually see some of the dealer techs at work you would quickly change your tune. The better private shops are usually owned and operated by people who spent a good number of years honing their skills at the dealer and decided to go on their own.
So next time you are at your dealer look at the guys doing the oil changes and tire balancing, 9 out 10 times it's the guys with the least amount of automotive experience. In the end most people don't care and think the dealer will step-up if and when they make a mistake and that's what keeps them going back and overpaying for service.
So for me the question becomes do I want a tech that can afford to make a mistake or someone whose lively hood depends on their work.
(just my 2 cents )
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 5
From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
So for me the question becomes do I want a tech that can afford to make a mistake or someone whose lively hood depends on their work.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 5
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
[quote=AMGfan;2391893]
My independent MB trained mechanic's shop is meticulous and is licensed and bonded. I wouldn't take my MB or any car I own to a mechanic that wasn't...I'm lucky that he's been there over 10 years. Plus, I don't think MB would write you a check for the full value of the car if something goes wrong (w/o some fight or legal wrangling) or they may cover at a level you deem not satisfactory...who knows.
I also have experienced that taking it to MB doesn't guarantee that things will be done right...
I agree. Here in So Cal its fashionable to screw the customer. So Buyer Beware is the rule.
You're very lucky to find such a great Independent.
For the rest of us, I rely upon the warranty and pay (alot) out of pocket for the 5K oil changes and wheel alignments. Just a way of life.
My independent MB trained mechanic's shop is meticulous and is licensed and bonded. I wouldn't take my MB or any car I own to a mechanic that wasn't...I'm lucky that he's been there over 10 years. Plus, I don't think MB would write you a check for the full value of the car if something goes wrong (w/o some fight or legal wrangling) or they may cover at a level you deem not satisfactory...who knows.
I also have experienced that taking it to MB doesn't guarantee that things will be done right...
You're very lucky to find such a great Independent.
For the rest of us, I rely upon the warranty and pay (alot) out of pocket for the 5K oil changes and wheel alignments. Just a way of life.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 5
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
See that's what the dealer excels at more than the local shops, marketing. It begins the minute you buy the car, you are told that the they are the only people qualified to work on your car. They also hint of your warranty being in peril by getting your service performed elsewhere. The majority of the people by the propaganda and pay the inflated prices.
If you could actually see some of the dealer techs at work you would quickly change your tune. The better private shops are usually owned and operated by people who spent a good number of years honing their skills at the dealer and decided to go on their own.
So next time you are at your dealer look at the guys doing the oil changes and tire balancing, 9 out 10 times it's the guys with the least amount of automotive experience. In the end most people don't care and think the dealer will step-up if and when they make a mistake and that's what keeps them going back and overpaying for service.
So for me the question becomes do I want a tech that can afford to make a mistake or someone whose lively hood depends on their work.
(just my 2 cents )
If you could actually see some of the dealer techs at work you would quickly change your tune. The better private shops are usually owned and operated by people who spent a good number of years honing their skills at the dealer and decided to go on their own.
So next time you are at your dealer look at the guys doing the oil changes and tire balancing, 9 out 10 times it's the guys with the least amount of automotive experience. In the end most people don't care and think the dealer will step-up if and when they make a mistake and that's what keeps them going back and overpaying for service.
So for me the question becomes do I want a tech that can afford to make a mistake or someone whose lively hood depends on their work.
(just my 2 cents )
There are a few of these Tuning Shops in So Cal that will blow your socks off. But if I was a really good MB mechanics and had a family to support, it seems that these guys would associate with the MB Dealers due to their staying power in business, employee benifits like 401ks, etc.
I seen the shop end of the service drive up line too. I do agree. It all boils down to all who touch your car. A great MB certified mechanic is a treasure, but when the at risk, disadvantage, young punk drives your car from the service line into the repair bays via the 'Jack in the Box' drive through, I'm in trouble.
If anyone knows of a great alternate to MB Dealer (other than Vic--who is one of the best), let me know.
Last edited by m_berman; Sep 1, 2007 at 11:19 AM.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 558
Drives Slowly
See that's what the dealer excels at more than the local shops, marketing. It begins the minute you buy the car, you are told that the they are the only people qualified to work on your car. They also hint of your warranty being in peril by getting your service performed elsewhere. The majority of the people by the propaganda and pay the inflated prices.
If you could actually see some of the dealer techs at work you would quickly change your tune. The better private shops are usually owned and operated by people who spent a good number of years honing their skills at the dealer and decided to go on their own.
So next time you are at your dealer look at the guys doing the oil changes and tire balancing, 9 out 10 times it's the guys with the least amount of automotive experience. In the end most people don't care and think the dealer will step-up if and when they make a mistake and that's what keeps them going back and overpaying for service.
So for me the question becomes do I want a tech that can afford to make a mistake or someone whose lively hood depends on their work.
(just my 2 cents )
If you could actually see some of the dealer techs at work you would quickly change your tune. The better private shops are usually owned and operated by people who spent a good number of years honing their skills at the dealer and decided to go on their own.
So next time you are at your dealer look at the guys doing the oil changes and tire balancing, 9 out 10 times it's the guys with the least amount of automotive experience. In the end most people don't care and think the dealer will step-up if and when they make a mistake and that's what keeps them going back and overpaying for service.
So for me the question becomes do I want a tech that can afford to make a mistake or someone whose lively hood depends on their work.
(just my 2 cents )
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
+1
Meaning add me to the count of those who support this opinion. It's a manual way to express meta-moderation; the idea that certain posts are better than others.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 558
Drives Slowly
Now Ricky, don't get all smart on me..........."meta-moderation?"
Wow, I even screwed up my number.
Got it........... +1 = guy in the know!!!
Last edited by Rock; Sep 1, 2007 at 11:34 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Meta moderation would be the including of terms like
+1 Funny
or
+1 Informative
Actually that would be a pretty cool thing to implement, help weed out the useless posts versus useful posts.
