MB Prices

[aklim]

Does anyone know anything about the prices of the cars, new or used? I mean, I was talking to a salesman who said the price on the sticker is the price you get because they are standardizing all the pricing schemes so it does not pay to shop around. I suppose that used cars are not controlled in this case because it is subjective but what about say a new M class? Would I benifit by going say up to 500 miles away or is the salesman telling the truth? TIA.

[Kuan]

Yes there's a standard markup. I think it's 7.5% across the board plus some 3% dealer holdback. But this doesn't mean you can't try and deal.

Kuan

[G-Benz]

I went to the dealership last weekend to consider trading up to the newest MLs...

...sticker shock got me!

I think I'll just buy an extended warranty and keep my 99, thank you.

[aklim]

So how do we know who will and who won't deal as far as that goes?

[Gilly]

Andrew:
If you are going to get a slightly better deal, it seems like the larger dealers can do it.
Another scheme that can be used is to give better trade-in deals if you are going to trade in another vehicle.
As I have posted before, there are other consideration though in regards to buying from the dealer who will be servicing the dealer. Some dealers take a dim view to servicing vehicles bought elsewhere, particularly if they feel you just bought elsewhere just to save some money. If someone just moved to town, then it's understandable that it was bought elsewhere.
This can have an effect on things like who gets an MB loaner and who gets a rental. Some people don't care if they get an MB loaner vs a rental car, some people do. If there only a few loaners and a "good" customer needs a loaner vs someone who bought elsewhere to save money, when it comes down to it, who gets the MB loaner and who gets the rental?
It can also sway things in your favor, say if there is a problem with the car just after the warranty expires. The dealer has just "so much" money to goodwill warranty per month. Again, if a "good" customer needs some goodwill warranty claim fixed up, and also someone who bought elsewhere, who will be more likely to get a little help without kicking and screaming at the district rep?
Just something to keep in mind if buying elsewhere can save you only a few hundred bucks.
But I'm with you, I'd shop around a little too if I were in the market for a new one especially. For a used one, I'd definitely want to shop around and not limit myself to what the local dealer has on hand. Shouldn't make much difference one way or the other on a used car.
Gilly

[aklim]

I'm not talking about saving a couple bucks. If the savings is under say a couple hundred, I won't drive all the way to say Iowa to get it. I mean, it has to be worth it. You see, I had the local salesman tell me that all MB prices are standard across the board. AFAIK, Saturn is that way and where you go matters little as the price is the same for the same features. Just didn't know if Benz was that way too or was he full of it.

[Gilly]

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was trying to get across.
Sales isn't really my forte, just throwing out there what I do know, and some info that maybe a sales-type may not bring to light. I believe I heard that MB is supposed to use a one-line price so everyone is on a level playing field, but also I've heard there is room for some negotiating. That's not hard facts though, just rumors and BS. It may or may not pay to shop around, you let us all know how you do.
Gilly

[Lebenz]

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

[ChouPei]

fwiw, i bought an ml in february - paid about invoice (so dealer profitted with the holdback).

[Champa]

Back in February I asked the same question when we were buying a new c240. I went to two dealerships before buying the car. Both gave us the same story about standard fixed prices. What they did agreed to do (when we called the salesman from dealer 1 to tell him we were about to buy at dealer 2) was to put in options without charge. It is cheaper for them to do it this way. Since for ex. they give you a CD changer for $900 but pay $400 for it. The final price and how much in extras you get thrown in, is a matter of you negotiating ability. I am no genius at dealing, so I am sure you can get at least $2K off.

I am not so sure about getting perks or better service if you buy it from your local dealer. We bought the C240 and a used ML in a two week timeframe and the service from the techs is as good as you local (insert brand here) shop, and we still got the crapy mazda 626 rental.