trade problem
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 53
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From: Washington DC
2005 SL55
trade problem
So I am high on the list for a new E55, delivery not firm, but likely around June time frame. Problem is, I do not think I can justify 2 of these cars, and trading looks like it would cost too much to justify, (especially when a Maserati can be had for similar dollars.)
Anybody pondered this issue? My 2002 is like new with about 4700 miles, but there really appears to be no (fair) market for this, and unless I can convince the dealer to make little or nothing on either the trade or the new car, I will probably not go through with the buy.
Brilliant suggestions on bargaining strategies, offers on my 2002, or out of the box brainstorms welcome..
Anybody pondered this issue? My 2002 is like new with about 4700 miles, but there really appears to be no (fair) market for this, and unless I can convince the dealer to make little or nothing on either the trade or the new car, I will probably not go through with the buy.
Brilliant suggestions on bargaining strategies, offers on my 2002, or out of the box brainstorms welcome..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,585
Likes: 212
From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
The sad truth is that cars are not investments and "W" can not pull the economy out of the toilet and things could get worse once the Iraq war starts. New cars are selling OK but the market has a glut of luxury cars used cars on the market.
For the highly anticipated short supply 03 E55 the dealer has all the aces - he can sell your 2003 E55 spot for $15k over sticker and will not give you more than wholesale for you 02 E55. Once dealer smells blood you are done trading an 02 E55 for a 03 E55 the dealer will assume & know you are very desparate and very anxious and no deal will be offered.
I had a hard time trying to trade my 98 E430 - took 10 months and many price drops. Good Luck.
For the highly anticipated short supply 03 E55 the dealer has all the aces - he can sell your 2003 E55 spot for $15k over sticker and will not give you more than wholesale for you 02 E55. Once dealer smells blood you are done trading an 02 E55 for a 03 E55 the dealer will assume & know you are very desparate and very anxious and no deal will be offered.
I had a hard time trying to trade my 98 E430 - took 10 months and many price drops. Good Luck.
Last edited by E55 KEV; Mar 14, 2003 at 08:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Washington DC
2005 SL55
I agree that there is a glut of nice cars in the slightly used market. I also agree about the dunking of the economy; as such, I am not sure my spot is really worth 15K, especially when delivery waits are in the 2-4 month range now. I remember the good old days when I waited 18 months for delivery...
Sad thing is, the AMG mark is far less exclusive than it once was, prompting my comment about alternatives. I am curious to see if that evokes any comment from some of my die hard brethren...
BTW, Kev, are we neighbors???
Sad thing is, the AMG mark is far less exclusive than it once was, prompting my comment about alternatives. I am curious to see if that evokes any comment from some of my die hard brethren...
BTW, Kev, are we neighbors???
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 82
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From: Houston
2000 BMW 540i
Claudio,
Here is a thought. A lot of folks, me included, have decided that we don't want a 2003 E55 due to its lack of Navigation and a delivery time that will allow you to have a "new" car for only a couple of months. See if he will put you on the list for an '04 and sell your '03 spot. My dealer was glad to do it and actually, I was able to help someone on this board by pointing him out to my dealer. Maybe you can do the same. On the trade in, however, you don't have much leverage with the major changes in the E55.
Good Luck!
Here is a thought. A lot of folks, me included, have decided that we don't want a 2003 E55 due to its lack of Navigation and a delivery time that will allow you to have a "new" car for only a couple of months. See if he will put you on the list for an '04 and sell your '03 spot. My dealer was glad to do it and actually, I was able to help someone on this board by pointing him out to my dealer. Maybe you can do the same. On the trade in, however, you don't have much leverage with the major changes in the E55.
Good Luck!
