To toss some observations onto the discussion, I have read on other sites that some folks are getting MLs at invoice or just a little over, due to our recession. I can’t say this is true but definitely worth making emails to a dozen or so dealers. Second is that I was told by a sales person that during the month of May no one wants to buy SUVs so they tend to be discounted. Lastly, if you want to wait until August/September, or whenever the model year role over takes place, during the last 4 years that I’ve been watching, this is when you can get the best prices. You might get a little less selection, but if you contact those 12 dealers above you will have the opportunity to contact several folks when the opportunity is ripe.

Also, in my observance, the service department doesn’t care where you buy your car. The service department gets paid the same no matter what. WRT rental vehicles, the place I take my cars to will try to low ball me on a rental every time, if I complain they will get me a nicer one. Fortunately I have 2 MBs and have given up on their crappy smelly rentals.

Happy hunting, be patient, know the market place and the odds will be stacked in your favor

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"