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Comments
M
Basically, I concluded that they were trying to figure out if you thought this is a kid hauler or adult hauler. They even had seating layouts with a second row bench and were looking for personal preferences.
Not sure what this is all about, but IMO sounds like they are trying to get a handle on this creation and if it is indeed satisfying the faction of the market they were intending it for.
Clearly they are not selling, as was further evidenced by an offer I got today from a local dealer willing to sell one at $500 over invoice, even built to spec (and including any incentives in place at time of delivery.)
Go with your gut instinct. The 5 series wagon and the R-class are supposed to be world's apart. Buy what motivates you and will service your needs. Best of luck in your decision. For what it's worth, I'm 6'-3" and fit nicely in the last row of my wife's Sienna... :surprise:
I agree with Albell that in this case, it is not 6 Vs 7 seats etc.. but the whole value concept / intended buyers is a disconnect. This vehicle should move to better price point with the expected amenities expected in a "touring" vehicle. $ 60K for "family" vehicle with V6 is just not a hot selling proposition. Both, standard content & price have to move to better equilibrium. I priced out R 500 and concluded that I rather put in a bit more and buy the S class .. Hell with the extra seatings that I may need sometime and will keep my E wagon for that.
I would also take the relative light traffic and modest enthusiasm on this and other forums as an indication that the R's introduction has suffered the same fate as it's Pacifica cousin. The Pacifica startng moving only once the value equation was fixed.
I think MB will figure it out...the market obviously changed and they made some marketing and content errors, but the R is still an excellent vehicle.
The dealer here seems to have the same 6-7 R's on the lot for a couple of weeks now while the Cs, Es, and S-Classes move. They even have a R500 with the AMG sports package in White. Very dynamic looking imo. The price of this loaded R500? About 70K!
I think there might be three things holding the R back, styling, price and just a general downturn in SUV/Wagon type thingies right now. Not sure about the latter, but I can definitely see where the former 2 are reason to give some buyers pause. The Saks edition looks good in Pewter with its 19 inch wheels. The R needs larger, better looking standard wheels, ditto for the M-Class.
With a few changes like these and that diesel and no price increase for next year's new V8 (yeah right) the R would be ready to sell, IMO.
M
The salesman said that they have sold a few, but not as much as they or MB expected. No S--t. He says that the lease deals are generating more interest.
My COMMAND system navi is the world's worst, so I wish you a lot of luck with that one. I hope MB is continuing to work on this one because it is so far behind all of the other navi systems out there. My 1999 Acura had a better system that what MB has today. Let's see some pics when you get it!! Once again, I love Pewter.
Never has a nav before, and am pretty technically literate, so we'll see how it goes. Of course, my co-pilot is still confounded by her cell phone. I have read that the new Nav updgrade/software is better than the old version, but I am starting from zeo point of knowledge.
The wait begins...
Getting a used (1 month old, 1300 miles) R350 at invoice at the same lease deal as being offered through their winter sale. Car has Premium, Heated front seats, second row console and after market parktronic. (Sticker, 56,705, invoice 52,791, lease payment including tax $630, 39 month lease 10k per year)What do you think? Better this or pay the $500 over invoice that most seem to be able to negotiate on a new car? Your comments appreciated
it is crazy to save $ 500 in order to buy a used (even if only 1300 miles). Why not buy spanking new with the options that you want vs. what you get.
There is no rush for the R Class. take your time and buy what you like. Prices are not going up anywhere for this vehicle.
It is not the MB parktroninc it is an after-market product.
This transaction is in PA and the numbers I put up include the 9% tax. The $2600 I was planning to put down was to get to an apples to apples comparsion on this car vs. a new car under the MB lease terms.
I am not sure I can get a car for just $500 over cost but I have read a few comments on the web that say this is possible.
A few of you have pointed out and convinced me that the used one is not worth the effort. I am now trying to work out a lease deal on a new R350. Will let you kow how it progresses. From what I have seen most of them out there have the premium package which has components I don't care about so that is one issue, and the second I'd like to get the mileage up from 10K under the current offer to atleast 12k per year.
Thank you all and any futher insight is appreciated
There is indeed lots of inventory, but the colors and content seemed, at least to me, not quite right. Don't think that many sport packages are in the market at all...there was delayed availability.
drivenow,
That is a too bad about the wait. Did the dealer do nationwide search for you? It would seem to me that Mercedes would concentrate on building customer orders right away since they "standard build" models aren't selling. Doesn't make sense at the factory level to me.
M
M
Looks like I'll be among the first 3000 or so owners when mine comes in at mid-month. Can't say that I've seen many in the NYC metro area. Two, I think.
You may include the dealership name, city and state in your post. Please do not post names of salespeople, telephone numbers, email addresses, or other contact information.
cons:
There is drivetrane resonance from the 4wd at higher speeds thru the floorboard. Not much but if your feet are flat on the floor you can feel it.(expected)
The voids in the seats when folded were not an issue, but if Chrysler can do it why can't we.
Headlamps are easily over driven at 70mph.
No standard fog lamps.
To comment on posted issues... Mercedes-Benz has historically been an ordered car. Most of the vehicles in stock were built to dealership specs and Sales Managers preferences, not the manufacturer. I do wonder if those that boast a $500 over deal are a cash deal with no trade-in. Is $500 over on an ordered vehicle or an in stock item purchased before Nov. 30th?
Sorry to hear about your deer incidentand glad it was minor. You were fortunate to escape so lightly impacted.
Glad you are enjoying the R. The family and I are anxiously waiting our arrival.
I am glad you are excited. I don't feel you will be disappointed.
Do you have the 500 or the 350? What options other than the airmatic?
To paraphrase David Byrne: "Changed my car so many times now, don't know what it looks like."
Did you get the panorama roof? My wife came home with a Christmas tree strapped to the top a few nights ago. grrrrrrrrr Since I have an 82 300TD with 77K and a Thule rack just for that, I WAS A BIT MIFFED. Mine is all glass (R) so it did not leave a mark. But geeeees a tree?
If I get in any snow or ice I will let you know. The ML's are absolutely BORING in the snow and this should be no different. Which is a good thing unless you are into doing doughnuts for fun.
Plan to pick up my tree before the R arrives so that I can use the wagon's roof rack...and let the dealer worry about the sap.
I am getting close to pulling the trigger. My tax guy says I should buy something this year. Its down to the SRX and the R-Class. If money were the only issue, the SRX would be the logical choice. But I do prefer the R-Class. Any help in getting the price of the R-Class down would help.
Best I have been able to negotiate is $100 over invoice. Would you mind passing on the name of the dealership you were able to negotiate $1500 off invoice with?
Hmm, maybe it's just my skill. LOL. Dealer is MB of Nanuet, NY. If you email me privately, I can give you specific information.
"Alls I'm sayin" is that this forum is a good thing because MBUSA won't promote 1/2 of the features and benefits on their cars.
I would love to see a commercial where a person has their hands full at the rear of an R Class and pushes the atomatic hatch closure button on their remote, or the kids are argueing over music and the problem is solved with the rear audio control feature.