"Way to go Mike! They say salesmen are the easiest people to sell to, since you are selling all the time salespeople don't like to give other salesmen a hard time. You weren't a pushover."
Yep - I know all the moves.
Just difficult getting used to the time change out here - 3 hours earlier than the east coast.
I decided to make a move on the 2015 E400, driver. I spoke to my dealer back home and he added a few things I wanted to the order and he put my name on the order. My car is worth $62,500 right now and will probably drop another $1000 by October 15th when the new car arrives from Germany. With fleet discounts and paying invoice for the new car, it will almost be an even trade, give or take $1000. I have given up on 19 mpg average in this car. The new one will be 20% better, which is significant. Additionally, with weight differentials, the 330 hp V6 twin turbo will be close in power to the V8.
So, I just made up my mind to do it. I also checked w/my insurance company and it will cost $150 every 6 months less for the E400.
Maybe in my subconscious mind, but remember, I ordered the car weeks before driver ordered his. I just did not know I would end up taking it when it came in.
When you order a car exactly the way you want it and don't have to settle for what the dealer has in inventory, it makes a big difference. I know that's the way driver thinks, as well.
Most of the inventory cars don't have the massaging seats, advanced park assist, lighting package, etc. those things were important to me.
I think I did the right thing - but in the end, if I don't like it when it comes in, I am not obligated in any way. I don't have to give him any earnest money or a deposit. So I can change my mind.
"If it is basically a straight swap, why not? Doesn't cost anything."
Stick, it all depends on what USAA pricing is. When a new model comes out, they usually price it with $2000 as the incentive, which is what I am counting on. I also get another $500 coupon from the Mercedes Benz Club of America. So I would pay invoice less $2500. Assuming invoice is $64,000 on the car, I would pay $61,500, which is exactly what the trade would be worth when the car arrives. But if USAA pricing is less, then it would cost me money out of pocket. It all depends on the USAA incentive.
@abacomike said:So, I just made up my mind to do it. I also checked w/my insurance company and it will cost $150 every 6 months less for the E400
>
Wow! And I thought I bought a car in record time. I had to try sitting in the 550 and though it is beautiful the salesman advised against it because we carry other people around so often.
You got a great deal almost trading even, and with the savings on gas, tires and insurance you will probably come out ahead of the game.
What colors?
Congratulations, I hope you enjoy it....I can't imagine a car being more perfect.
@fezo said:
Richard - the other thing people don't realize about convertibles is that some of the best rides in them are at night. Nothing against the sun - it's my favorite star - but rides under the stars are great.
Today I had the great misfortune to see a Jeep Wrangler in that same orange as that Dart. Talk about eyeslaughter. Fortunately on my way home it was on my blind side. I was never so grateful for the mostly useless eye.
You are right about those convertible rides at night. In the hot summer in the South, I never put the top down until evening. It's really nice when the moon and stars are at their best.
Amen! I was trying to explain the Lincoln and Cadillac letters to my wife the other day. She asked what happened to Town Car and DeVille. Now she just points and says, "I don't like that one."
Mike and others: I can't decide between the ATS and the CTS. Except for a little difference in size, I don't see much to distinguish one from the other. Thoughts?
"Mike and others: I can't decide between the ATS and the CTS. Except for a little difference in size, I don't see much to distinguish one from the other. Thoughts?"
Can't fall asleep tonight - your post gave me something to do out here at 3:00 AM this morning. Thanks Richard.
Ride, wheelbase, handling and interior room and trunk space is much better in the CTS. It's like the Mercedes E Class and the C Class in comparison. The ATS is a mini-CTS.
I've driven both and found the ATS too small for me. The CTS was a much better fit. You are used to much bigger cars and I don't think the ATS, on the long run, would be for you. You might even find the CTS a bit small as well.
If I was buying a Cadillac, I would opt for the XTS instead.
Congrats to you both. I am awed by the ease with which you guys toss around $60+k. The speed with which you do it is impressive too. I agonize sometimes for years over a new car purchase.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
>@mike said: <i>"I don't have to give him any earnest money or a deposit. So I can change my mind.</i>"
Mike, I think your son's Significant Other's beauty and charm clouded your judgement.
Nonetheless, that's a very open ended contract which can work for or against you. If you can back out of the contract with such ease perhaps that gives the dealer an opportunity to change his mind and charge you more on that initial skinny deal.
@abacomike said:I believe, from what my contact back home at the dealership said, both our cars are being produced the same day - September 8th I believe.
That sounds about right...I just wonder who's will come off the line first.
They may be built on a different day or shift, there could be small differences in equipment...so they probably run all the ones the same at the same time
I just got the first package. The extra package stops the car if someone walks in front, and it parks itself I guess. I like my car turning me on but I don't want it to drive itself.
I got an email from my famous SIL last night. You know the one, the guy who tells me the sunroof stopped working on the car he bought from me 7 years ago and is now 10 years old, like as if it is under warranty still. And, he bought it from the dealer anyway, not directly from me.
So, I get an email like this;
Do you know someone with a lawn mower I can borrow. Mine broke down and all our neighbours have a service.
This is typical SIL. If my lawn mower broke down on Saturday at 4:30 I would race over to a store, spend $150, and get a new one, you will need one anyway. Why borrow one and pick it up and take it back, and then end up buying one anyway? It's what he always does, never gets things fixed until they fall apart and then he tries to borrow....and when he borrows he forgets to give it back or he breaks it and has to buy two new ones.
The 10 year old bmw has 150K miles on it. Our daughter has a responsible job that pays very well, and she drives about 60 miles to work and back each day. He'll keep that car going until it completely falls apart. I would rather buy a $25 or $30K Accord, Camry, Fusion, Sonata, get a warranty, and be reasonably certain I wouldn't get stuck on a highway with a major breakdown.
@sterlingdog said:You are right about those convertible rides at night. In the hot summer in the South, I never put the top down until evening.
That's when I liked my convertible the best too...on a mild evening. But, once a giant bird flew over when the top was down on one of those beautiful evenings. I got the largest deposit from a bird I have ever seen...must have been Rodan, and it hit the windshield thank goodness. If that bird had been one foot over I would have needed a shower for a week.
You are right about those convertible rides at night. In the hot summer in the South, I never put the top down until evening. It's really nice when the moon and stars are at their best.
Ahh, one of my very best memories!
1970 Challenger convertible, with a freshly built 340 small block. Headers feeding into a true dual exhaust with turbo style mufflers. The car had a really, really nice rumble to it.
Late at night, driving back from Freeport (on the coast, beach town) to Houston on old highway 288 (2 lane blacktop in those days). Top down, really nice, full moon. The exhaust would echo back at me every time I passed a farmhouse, barn or other structure. There was no other traffic, it was past midnight on a week night. Occasionally I would drop down to 30 or 40 mph, and do a full throttle run up to 70 or 80 mph, just to feel the acceleration and hear that exhaust roar.
"10 of a low volume model on the lot when the next year is rolling out means dealing no matter where you are."
Great story Mike. I am on my second LS and have never had any issues. That is this car's strong suit. Good looking comfortable car and everything works....for a long, long time.
Congrats to you both. I am awed by the ease with which you guys toss around $60+k. The speed with which you do it is impressive too. I agonize sometimes for years over a new car purchase.
A few things about that oldf. Briefly, here is how I see it. Subtract price of trade in from new car and divide by 3 years the 535 cost me $11K a year to drive. Not cheap, but....
A Ford Fusion that could be $30K new will be worth about $15K in 3 years or cost $5k a year to own. So, these cars cost about $6K a year more. That is about the cost of a good bottle of wine a day, 10 or 12 beers a day, the cost of running a motor boat, the cost of playing golf a few times a week, or going on a nice trip each year. Depends on what's important, and not implying you drink 10 or 12 beers a day.
Some people find it hard to spend money. I talked to a guy this week who has over $1million, but he drives an old Civic. He doesn't buy anything he doesn't need. He grew up during the war in England and won't spend money he doesn't have to. I can understand that, but, it seems a shame, to have that money in the bank when he may enjoy a newer car. I guess there is a balance.
Finally, I used to agonize for a year too before buying a car. Then I would stay awake at nights wondering how I would pay for the car if I lost my job. I always tried to be ahead in payments so the car was worth more than the amount owing on it.
@houdini1 said:
Yep, sounds like that dealer threw ol" Brier Mike right into the Brier Patch !!
Brr'r Mike seems to enjoy being in the "briar" patch - he has but one weakness, which is saying a lot - NEW CARS!!! What can I say - it's definitely a "sickness", to be sure! But I only buy one car a year - some of our regular posters here buy 2, and sometimes 3.
@bwia said:
Nonetheless, that's a very open ended contract which can work for or against you. If you can back out of the contract with such ease perhaps that gives the dealer an opportunity to change his mind and charge you more on that initial skinny deal.
Thanks for your concerns and reservations, bwia, however I have bought every Mercedes from that dealer the exact same way. I have ordered 3 of the cars I bought and all of the purchases were as smooth as silk - he never tried to "stick it to me" on any of those cars or any that I bought out of his inventory.
@houdini1 said:
Great story Mike. I am on my second LS and have never had any issues. That is this car's strong suit. Good looking comfortable car and everything works....for a long, long time.
When I sold Lexus vehicles, there was only 1 model that was truly superior in ever way imaginable - and that was the LS430. It was comfortable, handled well, had enough power for almost every situation, room in the back seat as well as the front seat, big trunk, etc., etc., etc.
As for the LS460, IMHO I believe they "lowered" the chassis a bit too much to suit me. That is one of the complaints I have about the CLS550 - too low. Yes, I can raise it about 4 inches, but in that position, it rides very, very hard, so I don't raise it very often.
My son's SO is truly in love with her new car. When she told her parents how much she saved off MSRP, her parents didn't believe her at first. Their comment was, "...even if Mike was in the business, no one buys cars below invoice!" That's the response dealerships love to hear - a customer who expects to pay a few thousand over invoice. When I told her father what I paid for my CLS550, he downright did not believe me. I made him a believer yesterday, though!
@driver100 said:
The 10 year old bmw has 150K miles on it. Our daughter has a responsible job that pays very well, and she drives about 60 miles to work and back each day. He'll keep that car going until it completely falls apart. I would rather buy a $25 or $30K Accord, Camry, Fusion, Sonata, get a warranty, and be reasonably certain I wouldn't get stuck on a highway with a major breakdown.
Just two different ways of thinking.
Well, as we all know, your SIL is not a pauper - so I guess we have to call his way of thinking "Rules For Cheap People Who Want To Sponge Off Others." On the other hand, there is your way of thinking, "...Rules For People Who Have No Second Thoughts About Spending Money!"
Me, I always have second thoughts about spending money. In fact, I have third, fourth, fifth, sixth and, at times, even seventh thoughts about spending money. Unfortunately for me, all of them are just one second apart from each other. What I have to work on is counting to 23 Trillion by "ones" before buying a new car. But if I did that, I would always say, "...boy, it's easier to just buy a new car than do all that counting!"
I remember once a lecture given by some TV money guru, and he said something very interesting: "You can tell how an individual regards money by watching how he actually handles it in his pocket or wallet".
@abacomike said:
My son's SO is truly in love with her new car. When she told her parents how much she saved off MSRP, her parents didn't believe her at first. Their comment was, "...even if Mike was in the business, no one buys cars below invoice!" That's the response dealerships love to hear - a customer who expects to pay a few thousand over invoice. When I told her father what I paid for my CLS550, he downright did not believe me. I made him a believer yesterday, though!
I owned a 2006 LS 430 and loved it also. While I think my current LS 460 is superior in most ways, there are certain things about the 430 that I liked better. For one, the size of the 430 was perfect for me. It was not a very big car, but big enough, and it was very maneuverable, with a tight turning radius. 2006 was the last year for that body style and it's biggest advantage was the excellent outward visibility. You could see all four corners. Not so in the 460.
Briefly, here is how I see it. Subtract price of trade in from new car and divide by 3 years the 535 cost me $11K a year to drive. Not cheap, but....
A Ford Fusion that could be $30K new will be worth about $15K in 3 years or cost $5k a year to own. So, these cars cost about $6K a year more. That is about the cost of a good bottle of wine a day, 10 or 12 beers a day, the cost of running a motor boat, the cost of playing golf a few times a week, or going on a nice trip each year. Depends on what's important...
I don't think I've ever owned a car that depriciated $15k in 3 years, but I do understand where you're going with this.
Some people find it hard to spend money. I talked to a guy this week who has over $1million, but he drives an old Civic. He doesn't buy anything he doesn't need. He grew up during the war in England and won't spend money he doesn't have to. I can understand that, but, it seems a shame, to have that money in the bank when he may enjoy a newer car. I guess there is a balance.
Having reached the age where I'm beginning to lose some of my friends to the Grim Reaper, I have a new found appreciation for enjoying life while I can.
Mike, for a minute there I thought you were the next Larz Anderson who reportedly bought a new car every year. But then gain Larz married the wealthiest woman in America at the time. Best of all he kept a fair number of the cars that are on display at Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, a tony suburb of Boston .
The temperature just hit 110 F, and it's just 1:30 PM. By 3:00 PM, they expect it to hit 112 F. The relative humidity is 16%. Dry, humid, etc., heat is still heat!!!
Comments
"Way to go Mike! They say salesmen are the easiest people to sell to, since you are selling all the time salespeople don't like to give other salesmen a hard time. You weren't a pushover."
Yep - I know all the moves.
Just difficult getting used to the time change out here - 3 hours earlier than the east coast.
I decided to make a move on the 2015 E400, driver. I spoke to my dealer back home and he added a few things I wanted to the order and he put my name on the order. My car is worth $62,500 right now and will probably drop another $1000 by October 15th when the new car arrives from Germany. With fleet discounts and paying invoice for the new car, it will almost be an even trade, give or take $1000. I have given up on 19 mpg average in this car. The new one will be 20% better, which is significant. Additionally, with weight differentials, the 330 hp V6 twin turbo will be close in power to the V8.
So, I just made up my mind to do it. I also checked w/my insurance company and it will cost $150 every 6 months less for the E400.
What can I say?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Back to CCBA Mr. Mike;)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
"Back to CCBA Mr. Mike;)"
Nope, all my friends are here Bradd. Besides, they talk too much new cars. Here, we talk "everything"! LOL.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike, I would tell you I was shocked. But I try not to lie.
I do like the E class. If I was in the market for this class would get a long look.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The MGB was the best British car E-V-E-R, in terms of reliability, cost to own, and fun factor for the buck.
I almost cried when I went to the movies one day and saw James Bond driving a Toyota 2000GT. I was ill for a week.
"Mike, I would tell you I was shocked. But I try not to lie."
Tell me about it!
The CLS 550 is the most beautiful and gutsiest car I've ever owned. Negatives are:
Very low with almost no back seat and a true gas guzzler. Very harsh on bumps though. Tires wear out quickly.
Pluses are:
Fast, gutsy, gorgeous and outstanding balance..
I was going to wait for the 2016, but....that's 18 months on the future. The new 3.0 L twin turbo is the engine they developed for the 2016.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Not like the 400 isn't still wildly overpowered for normal use. And sounds way more practical and usable.
And dang that dealer played you.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
"Not like the 400 isn't still wildly overpowered for normal use. And sounds way more practical and usable.
And dang that dealer played you."
YEP! But he doesn't make very much off me though. Usually about a net of $500 after fees. But he does know my weaknesses, as do all of you!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike,
You just wanted to upstage driver100.
My guess, he will do well on the trade resale
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
"Mike, You just wanted to upstage driver100."
Maybe in my subconscious mind, but remember, I ordered the car weeks before driver ordered his. I just did not know I would end up taking it when it came in.
When you order a car exactly the way you want it and don't have to settle for what the dealer has in inventory, it makes a big difference. I know that's the way driver thinks, as well.
Most of the inventory cars don't have the massaging seats, advanced park assist, lighting package, etc. those things were important to me.
I think I did the right thing - but in the end, if I don't like it when it comes in, I am not obligated in any way. I don't have to give him any earnest money or a deposit. So I can change my mind.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
If it is basically a straight swap, why not? Doesn't cost anything.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
"If it is basically a straight swap, why not? Doesn't cost anything."
Stick, it all depends on what USAA pricing is. When a new model comes out, they usually price it with $2000 as the incentive, which is what I am counting on. I also get another $500 coupon from the Mercedes Benz Club of America. So I would pay invoice less $2500. Assuming invoice is $64,000 on the car, I would pay $61,500, which is exactly what the trade would be worth when the car arrives. But if USAA pricing is less, then it would cost me money out of pocket. It all depends on the USAA incentive.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Close enough.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
>
Wow! And I thought I bought a car in record time. I had to try sitting in the 550 and though it is beautiful the salesman advised against it because we carry other people around so often.
You got a great deal almost trading even, and with the savings on gas, tires and insurance you will probably come out ahead of the game.
What colors?
Congratulations, I hope you enjoy it....I can't imagine a car being more perfect.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
lol...yeh, now he took all the fun out of it for me having the first 2015. (just joking).
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"What colors?
Congratulations, I hope you enjoy it....I can't imagine a car being more perfect."
I got the light gray with black perforated leather. The car comes standard with:
Premium 1 Package
Lane Tracking & Blindspot Monitors
Power retracting Mirrors
18" AMG Wheels with All-Season tires
I added the following:
Lighting Package
Advanced Park Assist w/360 degree sensors and cameras
Rear Spoiler
Wheel Locks
Upgraded Harman/Karmin Audio
Heated and Ventilated Seats
Driver's seat w/massage
Dual oversized NAV Screen
It's got everything I want.
If you take the 2015 Canadian E550, it will have the same standard equipment as the U.S. 2015 E400.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
"lol...yeh, now he took all the fun out of it for me having the first 2015. (just joking)."
I believe, from what my contact back home at the dealership said, both our cars are being produced the same day - September 8th I believe.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
You are right about those convertible rides at night. In the hot summer in the South, I never put the top down until evening. It's really nice when the moon and stars are at their best.
Orange Jeep? Not for me.
Richard
Amen! I was trying to explain the Lincoln and Cadillac letters to my wife the other day. She asked what happened to Town Car and DeVille. Now she just points and says, "I don't like that one."
Richard
Mike and others: I can't decide between the ATS and the CTS. Except for a little difference in size, I don't see much to distinguish one from the other. Thoughts?
Richard
"Mike and others: I can't decide between the ATS and the CTS. Except for a little difference in size, I don't see much to distinguish one from the other. Thoughts?"
Can't fall asleep tonight - your post gave me something to do out here at 3:00 AM this morning. Thanks Richard.
Ride, wheelbase, handling and interior room and trunk space is much better in the CTS. It's like the Mercedes E Class and the C Class in comparison. The ATS is a mini-CTS.
I've driven both and found the ATS too small for me. The CTS was a much better fit. You are used to much bigger cars and I don't think the ATS, on the long run, would be for you. You might even find the CTS a bit small as well.
If I was buying a Cadillac, I would opt for the XTS instead.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Mike & Driver,
Congrats to you both. I am awed by the ease with which you guys toss around $60+k. The speed with which you do it is impressive too. I agonize sometimes for years over a new car purchase.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Mike, I think your son's Significant Other's beauty and charm clouded your judgement.
Nonetheless, that's a very open ended contract which can work for or against you. If you can back out of the contract with such ease perhaps that gives the dealer an opportunity to change his mind and charge you more on that initial skinny deal.
Orange that looks nice. I could taste an orange when near the car.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
My orange SuperBeetle seemed brighter. Maybe the snap of mine was taken with Fuji film or something.
That sounds about right...I just wonder who's will come off the line first.
They may be built on a different day or shift, there could be small differences in equipment...so they probably run all the ones the same at the same time
I just got the first package. The extra package stops the car if someone walks in front, and it parks itself I guess. I like my car turning me on but I don't want it to drive itself.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Heavy overcast. I did some PaintShopPro on it.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I got an email from my famous SIL last night. You know the one, the guy who tells me the sunroof stopped working on the car he bought from me 7 years ago and is now 10 years old, like as if it is under warranty still. And, he bought it from the dealer anyway, not directly from me.
So, I get an email like this;
Do you know someone with a lawn mower I can borrow. Mine broke down and all our neighbours have a service.
This is typical SIL. If my lawn mower broke down on Saturday at 4:30 I would race over to a store, spend $150, and get a new one, you will need one anyway. Why borrow one and pick it up and take it back, and then end up buying one anyway? It's what he always does, never gets things fixed until they fall apart and then he tries to borrow....and when he borrows he forgets to give it back or he breaks it and has to buy two new ones.
The 10 year old bmw has 150K miles on it. Our daughter has a responsible job that pays very well, and she drives about 60 miles to work and back each day. He'll keep that car going until it completely falls apart. I would rather buy a $25 or $30K Accord, Camry, Fusion, Sonata, get a warranty, and be reasonably certain I wouldn't get stuck on a highway with a major breakdown.
Just two different ways of thinking.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That's when I liked my convertible the best too...on a mild evening. But, once a giant bird flew over when the top was down on one of those beautiful evenings. I got the largest deposit from a bird I have ever seen...must have been Rodan, and it hit the windshield thank goodness. If that bird had been one foot over I would have needed a shower for a week.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
>
Ahh, one of my very best memories!
1970 Challenger convertible, with a freshly built 340 small block. Headers feeding into a true dual exhaust with turbo style mufflers. The car had a really, really nice rumble to it.
Late at night, driving back from Freeport (on the coast, beach town) to Houston on old highway 288 (2 lane blacktop in those days). Top down, really nice, full moon. The exhaust would echo back at me every time I passed a farmhouse, barn or other structure. There was no other traffic, it was past midnight on a week night. Occasionally I would drop down to 30 or 40 mph, and do a full throttle run up to 70 or 80 mph, just to feel the acceleration and hear that exhaust roar.
Great story Mike. I am on my second LS and have never had any issues. That is this car's strong suit. Good looking comfortable car and everything works....for a long, long time.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Yep, sounds like that dealer threw ol" Brier Mike right into the Brier Patch !!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
A few things about that oldf. Briefly, here is how I see it. Subtract price of trade in from new car and divide by 3 years the 535 cost me $11K a year to drive. Not cheap, but....
A Ford Fusion that could be $30K new will be worth about $15K in 3 years or cost $5k a year to own. So, these cars cost about $6K a year more. That is about the cost of a good bottle of wine a day, 10 or 12 beers a day, the cost of running a motor boat, the cost of playing golf a few times a week, or going on a nice trip each year. Depends on what's important, and not implying you drink 10 or 12 beers a day.
Some people find it hard to spend money. I talked to a guy this week who has over $1million, but he drives an old Civic. He doesn't buy anything he doesn't need. He grew up during the war in England and won't spend money he doesn't have to. I can understand that, but, it seems a shame, to have that money in the bank when he may enjoy a newer car. I guess there is a balance.
Finally, I used to agonize for a year too before buying a car. Then I would stay awake at nights wondering how I would pay for the car if I lost my job. I always tried to be ahead in payments so the car was worth more than the amount owing on it.
Life can be difficult.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Brr'r Mike seems to enjoy being in the "briar" patch - he has but one weakness, which is saying a lot - NEW CARS!!! What can I say - it's definitely a "sickness", to be sure! But I only buy one car a year - some of our regular posters here buy 2, and sometimes 3.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
You're the guy roaring past and waking oldfarmer up in the night.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks for your concerns and reservations, bwia, however I have bought every Mercedes from that dealer the exact same way. I have ordered 3 of the cars I bought and all of the purchases were as smooth as silk - he never tried to "stick it to me" on any of those cars or any that I bought out of his inventory.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
When I sold Lexus vehicles, there was only 1 model that was truly superior in ever way imaginable - and that was the LS430. It was comfortable, handled well, had enough power for almost every situation, room in the back seat as well as the front seat, big trunk, etc., etc., etc.
As for the LS460, IMHO I believe they "lowered" the chassis a bit too much to suit me. That is one of the complaints I have about the CLS550 - too low. Yes, I can raise it about 4 inches, but in that position, it rides very, very hard, so I don't raise it very often.
My son's SO is truly in love with her new car. When she told her parents how much she saved off MSRP, her parents didn't believe her at first. Their comment was, "...even if Mike was in the business, no one buys cars below invoice!" That's the response dealerships love to hear - a customer who expects to pay a few thousand over invoice. When I told her father what I paid for my CLS550, he downright did not believe me. I made him a believer yesterday, though!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Well, as we all know, your SIL is not a pauper - so I guess we have to call his way of thinking "Rules For Cheap People Who Want To Sponge Off Others." On the other hand, there is your way of thinking, "...Rules For People Who Have No Second Thoughts About Spending Money!"
Me, I always have second thoughts about spending money. In fact, I have third, fourth, fifth, sixth and, at times, even seventh thoughts about spending money. Unfortunately for me, all of them are just one second apart from each other. What I have to work on is counting to 23 Trillion by "ones" before buying a new car. But if I did that, I would always say, "...boy, it's easier to just buy a new car than do all that counting!"
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I remember once a lecture given by some TV money guru, and he said something very interesting: "You can tell how an individual regards money by watching how he actually handles it in his pocket or wallet".
I owned a 2006 LS 430 and loved it also. While I think my current LS 460 is superior in most ways, there are certain things about the 430 that I liked better. For one, the size of the 430 was perfect for me. It was not a very big car, but big enough, and it was very maneuverable, with a tight turning radius. 2006 was the last year for that body style and it's biggest advantage was the excellent outward visibility. You could see all four corners. Not so in the 460.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
@driver100 said:
I don't think I've ever owned a car that depriciated $15k in 3 years, but I do understand where you're going with this.
Having reached the age where I'm beginning to lose some of my friends to the Grim Reaper, I have a new found appreciation for enjoying life while I can.
If I had the extra coin I'd pick up this puppy just for cruising around...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@driver100 said:
Guilty as charged, but I think the statute of limitations has expired on this one. This all occurred about 4 decades ago!
Mike, for a minute there I thought you were the next Larz Anderson who reportedly bought a new car every year. But then gain Larz married the wealthiest woman in America at the time. Best of all he kept a fair number of the cars that are on display at Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, a tony suburb of Boston .
For those interested in history perhaps you will find this Motor Week video to be of interest. http://www.motorweek.org/features/fyi/larz_anderson_auto_museum.
And here is another link to the eclectic car collection http://www.larzanderson.org/about/history/the-collection/
Enjoy!
To me, that car would fit oldfarmer to a T, and he could get it for a lot less than the $35 big ones he plans on spending on the 'stang.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Here's a Thunderbird color I'd forgotten:
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
@imidazol97. Is that picture from the Woodward Dream Cruise? The Edge is probably a lost tourist.
The temperature just hit 110 F, and it's just 1:30 PM. By 3:00 PM, they expect it to hit 112 F. The relative humidity is 16%. Dry, humid, etc., heat is still heat!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger