Dealer Recommendation
 

I'm getting jerked around by my SA/Dealer on my order and am starting to get real annoyed. I think I'm going to find another dealer. Can anyone recommend a dealer and SA in the So. Cal Area? Willing to drive to San Diego as well. For that matter, Vegas or AZ would work as well. Thanks in advance

Call Jason (Aussie) at House of Imports Buena Park and tell him I sent you:
(714) 627-5553

Not in your area but very easy to work with and gives discount. Gordon Barnes at Mercedes north Houston

Out of State Purchase
 

Hi Vic55, I've two dealers in my area (Las Vegas) and I'm getting ready to place an order for a '19 E53 AMG. Ive not spoke in earnest to either dealer yet but I have a feeling that since they are the only game in town (both owned by Fletcher Jones), I'm kinda stuck between a rock and hard spot...not much competition. I'm coming from the BMW world where 9-11% off MSRP was my usual deal no matter which dealer. My question then is 1) If Im not feeling the deal with my local dealer (5% or better on factory order), would it be worth it to go to So Cal and place the order? 2) If I go to So Cal there are numerous Mercedes dealers and I would try your recommendation (House of Imports). Or maybe Mercedes of Ontario, a "Costco" dealer which usually means about 5% off MSRP anyway. Any thoughts on "Costco" dealers? Thanks

The margins between BMW and Benz differ along with vehicle movement so you will not see that same 10% discount on an E53. Vegas to Cali is a short flight so if the deal is right, hope on Southwest and get the car; I would if the roles were reversed. I only have dealings with the House but they are my dealer since 2005 and I have a long history with them. YMMV but it only takes a phone call to Jason as he will shoot you straight. 5% is right above invoice on the car as holdback percentages are not the same as BMW. I dont know anything about Costco and their deals unfortunately.

Out of State Purchase
 

I've not done an out of state purchase before but just wondering about a few questions. If you bought a car out of state, presuming you don't have an address in that state, 1) you would pay lic and registration for that state to drive the car off the lot, correct? but then 2) would you have to pay license and registration again in your home state? Thanks

If the wheels touch the ground where you buy it, you pay tax where it was retailed. If you have the car shipped to you then you pay tax where you reside.

DMV taxes are paid where you reside. So the dealer could handle the taxes but almost all will not work with out of state DMV's as its a red tape nightmare.

In your specific case, if you took delivery of a purchase in CA and drove it back you would pay taxes where the dealer is. They probably would set up a temp reg permit for 30-60 days so you could drive it home and register it in NV. If you had it shipped then you would pay taxes based on your state when you register it. DMV fees will be paid where you reside either way.

House of Imports is an AutoNation store and they have good experience with out of state buys.

Every car I've bought out of state I've signed an exemption for collecting sales tax in that state and paid it in the state I live in. I would love it if I paid a different state's car tax because Virginia (where I live) is a state where you pay tax on the purchase price, not just the difference with a trade. Taxed on the full amount...and then you pay 2-3% property tax on each car you own each year based on the depreciated value. Craziness.

I also highly recommend seeing if you have the United - Mercedes benefit. I got $2,000 off when I bought my 2018 E63S. I checked just now and they're still offering the benefit on the E63S, thought it's shrunk to $1,500.

Agree with Vic55 on House of Imports. James Ononui made my deal and Jason delivered when he was off. These 2 guys and the dealership are top notch no BS plus being an AutoNation dealership they have access to a lot of cars. I drove there from Tucson, AZ :wootrock:

If your a Veteran you could use USAA that gives a pretty good discount.

Yes, inquiring minds...

How does that work? Do you need to get a code or something from Costco and bring it to the dealer?

It's offered through Truecar but you have to login with a United MileagePlus account. Once you login, you select your model and features, then fill out some info, you get a control number and certificate that the dealer uses. I've done this twice, once on a C450 and then on my E63S, both times worked and no hassles.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...02b41dcb17.jpg

Got it. I am a member, but I already have a negotiated discount with my dealer. I was hoping for a code to add to that.

I know that the United discount could not be applied on top of the European Delivery Program discount, nor could most other discounts. I did get a $500 discount from Mercedes though for attending the LA auto show where the E63S was launched in the US. That discount was added on top of the EDP.

But EDP is a whole different critter from the regular process at a dealership, or so I was told.

Spoke to Jason today...straight up guy and very helpful with info for out-of-state purchase. I should know this time next month if we have a deal. THANKS MUCH for the tip.

would love to help if we were closer