APLifestyle

Hi Guys!

I'm making a trip to my local MB dealer tomorrow to take a look at a 2017 E43 AMG that was damaged in delivery to the dealer. My friend was in for routine maintenance on his S550 and he asked if they had any E43's as he knows I'm looking for one. They told him they were willing to make a killer deal on one they just got back from the shop so he hit me up and I've been chatting with the dealer for a few days now getting them down slowly.

The back left corner taillight and side panel were damaged and there was some minor frame damage as well. Pics attached. I desperately need some advice and feedback if it's a good deal or not.

The MSRP after options is $81.3k. They are offering me invoice price of $76.4k and have hinted they can do even better if I lease. I'm hoping to get a decently optioned E43 for the price of a base model with no options ($72.4k or $799/mo lease) but I'm pretty scared about the damage waiver they want me to sign acknowledging the damage before buying.

It's also not the color I really want (selenite grey) so I think I'd have to wrap it or something to really love it.

What's the best deal that you guys have heard of on these E43's? There's not a lot of inventory to choose from so I'm thinking most dealers are gonna play hardball but I'm also willing to wait and walk away if it doesn't feel right. I don't think I'll end up buying tomm but would love your guys advice if you have any for a potential new MB owner and forum member.

Many thanks in advance!

bobblehead

that looks like at least $8-10K in damage. $5K off on a damaged car. I don't see any deal at all, even if you are to lease it. If dealer really wants to get rid of this, I think $10K off is the min. I would like to see.

PeterUbers

Agreed. You are getting NO deal. And frame damage?

just pass on this... and if you must have it, lease it, and you should get this for 68-70k pre tax if this is $82k sticker

its not even the color you want

APLifestyle

Thanks guys! I had a feeling it wasn't the best deal. It was actually $13k in damage according to the repair invoice they showed me. My initial offer was $72k and I think I'm going to stick to that number. $10k off sounds like a fair number if they want to move it. I really like the matte grey and black so I'm going to look at some other E43s in the area in those colors as well and see if those dealers want to make a deal. I'll report back later tonight. Thanks again bobblehead and PeterUbers!

Chappy

You would be totally stuck with the diminished value when you go to re-sell. Mid 60s tops!

APLifestyle

Yeah, I'm only considering a lease on this one Chappy.

bobblehead

Have you test driven it ? To make sure car drives straight, no funny noise, etc.

APLifestyle

Not yet, but I do plan to thoroughly test it before I sign anything. Another dealer says they think they can do a dealer trade and give me a better deal also. Waiting to hear back from them now. I postponed my trip to the dealer as it's raining and traffic sucks so I'm going to wait until the weekend to go in.

PeterUbers

It's a decent deal at mid 60's if the accident doesn't cause you any emotional distress; this dealer is going to have to auction this car as it will be difficult to move if they don't get more aggressive with the price

some place like "Gary's import world and exotic car hut" will acquire this car from auction and sell it

absent

Damage will show on carfax as "serious" because of frame damage, resale value non existent.
If you must have it only the lease makes sense, since you just return the damn thing in the end.

stealth.pilot

DONT buy this car unless you get at least 20% off, I will explain more in a bit.

Amg63-

Your crazy to get a car that has frame damage to it. Don't buy it.

APLifestyle

Please do clarify stealth.pilot! I'm thinking at mid 60's this would be a great deal that I would be happy with unless the frame damage affects the way the car drives.

stealth.pilot

Here's the deal. The 2018 models will hit the streets 8 weeks from now. At that point a new 2017 will sell for about 14% off MSRP. I know I have bought like this before.

However the car you are buying has been repaired and has "diminished value". Based on the information I am guessing the diminished value is about $8000. My M5 was rear ended a couple of years ago. No frame damage just a bumpers and the insurance company paid me $5800 in diminished value.

So I think you should get 20% off.

I have negotiated 10% off on a brand new 2018 GLC63S built to order.

APLifestyle

Thanks for clarifying stealth.pilot! I've heard reaching out via dealer's websites and talking to their online sales department is usually where you get the best deals. Would you agree? I'm in the SF Bay Area and the models I want are in Walnut Creek and San Diego. If I can get 14% off MSRP I would be ecstatic!

I reached out the dealer with the damaged vehicle and asked for 20% off MSRP and he wished me the best of luck lol.

PeterUbers

lol!! And you wonder why dealers and car salesmen get such a bad reputation ... waiting for the sucker that'll pay for that damaged car or auction it

absent

LOL indeed, he is the one who needs luck with the sale of that car.

otakki

Agreed with the 20% off as mentioned above. If the seller doesn't like it, then just walk out of there.

I recently had a few trade-in-value appraisal done on my vehicle that struck couple of deers 4 years ago, and recently was pelted by hails. The fact is, as long as there is any history of good-sized damage on CarFax, etc, the trade-in-value diminishes by 20-25%. So if the seller is willing to consider somewhere in the $60K's, then it is worth considering.