Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

Pull up to MB Sarasota....nothing to do with Mike...would like his advice but not a good time right now.
They have the car ready to go, just need some info from me. Before we find our sales rep I get asked by about 4 different sales guys if I need help. We sit down, I meet the guy who will appraise the Passat, and I meet the sales manager and some other dignitary (probably drives a Buick).
They get my license and phone number etc. They tell me they own VW dealerships so will give me top price for the trade in.
We test the car, and explorer, it looks exactly like the car you had on the cars.com link...red, with a spoiler and fancier wheels than average. The car is immaculate. It started out as a loaner car.....for 6000 miles. Then it was leased for 2 years and only went another 6000 miles. It is in mint condition. One crazy thing on the Carfax report was it is listed as red each time it came in for service, but once at about 9000 miles they said it was black. Salesman checked and said it was a mistake, happens quite often. Does make you wonder about accuracy.

We take the car out and we love it. My wife loves the outward vision, it is comfortable, it handles beautifully on the highway. The little 4 cyl 201 hp is a bit rough, but when you need power it is there, not like the 330 hp E400 but more than adequate for most situations. Cars.com talked about less interior room than competitors....wasn't a factor for us, very comfortable. It is solid and handles beautifully on the highway. Would have loved a rear camera and blind spot warnings but have gotten by for many years without.

I checked KBB for trading in the Passat (2013, SE, no options) and got a value range of $11365 to $12800 approx. I wanted $14000 because it is off the charts perfect with unusually low mileage. When they look it up they get $11300! I don't know if they just use the lowest figure or if they can get into a different screen. They claim the C250 was worth $26847 and they have discounted it as much as possible at $25167. One really great thing is it has a 5 year, 100000 mile warranty...that is incredible...only cars in top shape come with that warranty.

There is a $699 dealer service fee which I said they could drop, and they gave me a big story about why they can't do that....but, I said I think you can....take it off the C or add it to the Passat - I learned that trick from you guys.

The total difference using their prices including DOC fee, registration $400, taxes, $900 came out to $15850.

I told the salesman we are taking it in on Tuesday for the oil change and we will see what kind of value VW puts on it. In the meantime I sent him the KBBs for the Passat and C Class that I found, and said if we were arount $12500 differnce we could talk about it.

My wife and I love the car, and we think it would be perfect for our needs. The Passat served us well and it is great for getting around town, but I think it is pushing the envelope to drive it at 80. It is fine, but there is little reserve power if you had to get around someone. It just isn't as solid as a Mercedes, and the handling just isn't the same.

How much can I trust these Auto Nation guys? In total we must have been approached by about 12 different salesmen when we were on our own, all friendly and nice but a bit much....feel pounced on.

Comments are welcome!

Did you do as I suggested and throw a fit because it wasn't black on black? Maybe ask them if they could repaint it or some other crazy demand to throw them off balance?

Tell them some wild story like your dear aunt Tilly went over Niagara Falls in a red car and you could never offer top dollar for that color and insult your dear departed relative.

It's the equivalent of the salesman's 4-square. Used to confuse.

oldfarmer50

driver100 said:

28firefighter said:

@driver100 I think the problem you will have getting $14k for the Passat is that VW has been discounting them
so heavily new that the used market simply doesn't support that high a value. I'd guess $14-$15k is darn near retail value. On top of that, yours is a 5-cylinder which is just not as desirable. 

Have you popped in at Real-World Trade In Values to get a value from Qbrozen?

Right on firefighter....you are probably correct. Sales manager said it was a stick too, but I think that may be an advantage...that is what makes it so much fun to drive. We paid $23000 4 years ago, so it is probably worth about 40% of it's original value, which probably is closer to $11500. I do find it hard to give up a car wwith so little mileage for $11300...it is really worth much more to me. On the other hand, it has done what it was supposed to do and served us well. I will check RRWVs....great idea.

Have you ever considered selling privately? Would having both cars for a short time cause any problems? If not why not throw it on Craigslist and collect some good stories about how nutty Americans can be. You'll be the hit of this board and probably your bridge club when you go back north.

jipster

imidazol97 said:

So any advice or suggestions on getting a new heating and air conditioning system?

I have a heat pump. My Lennox heat pump had gone 23 years. It needed a flow valve replaced on the inside coil that controls cooling freon flow. I should have replaced it within a year on the logic that the equivalent valve on the outside coil for heating cycle freon flow. 3 years later it went out just as some heat was needed for cool nights. Repair was going to cost $1000. I shouldn't have waited. Do it now. Pick your company based on quality of unit by a company that has the wherewithall to engineer the systems to work. One big local HVAC pieces their together from suppliers and puts their own store label on them. Second, pick your company just like you pick a car based on the dealership and their service quality for after the sale. The difference in HVAC units (vehicles) is small compared compared to the difference in service from the stores. I went with a Lennox and the same store that serviced the original unit when we bought the house. I picked a Lennox that was the highest SEER and heat rating unit that did NOT have multiple speeds. Fewer things to go wrong and the cost increases would not pay back over 15-20 years. The owner who does the estimates agreed with my logic: in fact he recommended the cheapest unit for the outside box. I went up from there.

Thanks for the comments, stick, jmonroe, and imadazal. Got a quote for a new furnace and a/C system. My jaw is still on the floor... dropped faster than an anvil on Jupiter. Starts at $8,800 for the entry level Carrier units with 14 seer, up to about $18,000 with all the bells and whistles. Suppose to get another estimate Tuesday. But at this point turning on the oven,toasters,and space heaters this winter (should calamity hit) is looking better and better.

fezo

My Mazda 5 has the backup sensors which took me a little while to learn to trust but now? No problem. I tell people that it's not a smart car but it's a reasonably clever car.

The Prius has a backup camera.

Had the driver's side power window control break in the Miata. The mechanic's wife said she'd look. I'm in no hurry as that window is unlikely to need to be opened until spring. So I give it a week. I call. Says she can't find one. I go to Amazon and they have one that says OES whatever that means of $75. I go to Ebay and find a new OEM for $55. Hav t on my desk. I look and it just plugin and you're good. So the question is can I pull the old one out.

Meanwhile someone slashed the tires on my daughter's car. You can ay circumstantial evidence but she hs a Bernie Magnet on her car, The other cars around it were untouched. Two tires. So I go over (she's an hour away) get the tow, say take it to Costco. Two hour wait for the tow. 20 minutes to Costco. 2 hour installation. Good thing is after I called ans they assured me they had two Bridgestone Turanzas and would hold them for us but they were gone. They gave us Michelin Premiers which is fine by me and since we had the warranty we only had to pay $53.

We made the best of a bad day. Long one on one with her which I haven't had in ages and she bought me lunch which is a first. She lost a day at which is just gone but that the extent of it. The worst thing is the loss of feeling safe.

berri

Maybe as the country is changing to red, there may be some pushback against lawyers and criminals rights and more focus on victims. Your daughter was a victim. If whoever did that gets caught there should be at least some community service and full restitution, but in the unlikely event it does get solved it will just be a plea that the perpetrator is down on their luck and a very light slap on the wrist...and of course the criminal will be back in court for something else shortly thereafter.

jmonroe

driver100 said:

explorerx4 said:

My daughter dealt with one of the dealerships in that group in Ohio(they are big).

Driver100, just focus on the price difference, if you want that car.
Ignore their sales games.

Our sales guy worked at one of their Ford dealerships in Cleveland, then they asked him to move to Mercedes...they felt he had potential. He was a nice young guy, but, I start o wonder when you are introduced to 4 or 5 higher ups who are all there to help.

I like the line about the price difference. It probably is worth $15k to trade for the C...it is a year newer, and it is a far superior car. Part of that increase is tax and registration, about 10%. We love the car, but not overly motivated because we have lots of time...could even do it next year. Also, there seems to be quite a few low mileage 2014s around. We would also consider a bmw 328 or an Audi A4, so we still have choices.

We take the Passat in for service on Tuesday, and we can walk across the road to their BMW dealership.....hmmm, they also sell Porches there too!

I doubt that I could buy a car from that dealer. All I can manage is a salesman and the back room. 4 or 5 closers is waaaaay out of my league.

jmonroe

jipster

The 2 stage compressors sound pretty good, the a.c stays on longer at a lower power, to keep a more continuous air flow and reduce humidity, but I have read some things about how they aren't as reliable. Plus to upgrade to a two stage compressor, it's a grand or two more.

The company that gave me the estimate is high volume with a lot of advertising.  I'm sure my "Jipst Method of Car Buying" would transfer well to heating and air systems.

oldfarmer50

berri said:

Maybe as the country is changing to red, there may be some pushback against lawyers and criminals rights and more focus on victims. Your daughter was a victim. If whoever did that gets caught there should be at least some community service and full restitution, but in the unlikely event it does get solved it will just be a plea that the perpetrator is down on their luck and a very light slap on the wrist...and of course the criminal will be back in court for something else shortly thereafter.

Hate to get political but isn't assigning any particular bad behavior to a specific group a form of bigotry in it's own right?

driver100

fintail said:

Is that color "Mars Red"? (a non-metallic red) It is nice with that interior color. What options does it have? Theoretically, a C250 could have toys, but I think odds are better on the larger engined model. I'd fight on the price, also mentioning that it is now a prior model.

driver100 said:

<

I appreciate the comments...really helps to decide. Let me try to answer all comments;
*We did need two cars down here, but, we are managing with one. Not always easy, but, it can work.


We have an appointment to see it this afternoon. Haven't decided if we are going to pull the trigger yet, but, if they make a deal we can't refuse I might have an unexpected story to tell.

Fin, it is Mars Red. I saw other cars with low mileage, but the red jumped out. Back up cameras and blindspot warnings are options offered, but not on this car. It does have keyless, premium sound, alloy wheels, spoiler but they are only worth $100 or so.
Nothing drives like a Mercedes though. The little 4 is a bit rough, but the turbo gives you power when you need it. It feels solid on the highway, does 80 mph easily. It feels so right. And, my wife and I prefer this design to the new ones. One of the best views forward of any car we have been in.
In a way, not too far away in price....I was hoping to pay $10000 difference, they want $16000, but $1000 is tax, $400 is licence and registration, $700 is DOC fee. ....if we eliminate which is $2000 right there...leaves us $4000 difference.........I think I would do it at $13000. My wife wants the car and would just pay the amount they want. I wonder how many people do that? I am doing a little more research first.

driver100

perhaps *Driver is a little image conscious, showing up at the tennis club in a Passat is probably too déclassé for a man of his station in life.

cdnpinhead said:

bwia said:

. . . perhaps *Driver is a little image conscious, showing up at the tennis club in a Passat is probably too déclassé for a man of his station in life.

Nicely put. I was thinking something similar, but you put it better.

I will repeat, I have no problem driving the Passat anywhere, it looks like a small Mercedes anyway...it is a smart looking car. The tennis club costs me $50 a month, unlimited playing, people pay more than that for a round of golf and they do it 2 or 3 times a week.

I understand some people drive a particular car because of the image, but, you can believe me or not, but, image has nothing to do with why I buy a particular car. It has to do with the way it handles and drives. You get one chance at life and I get a lot of satisfaction from a well made/engineered car that feels right. I like the Passat, but, I don't like driving it at 80 mph on I-75. It was a great car for getting around town, but I want to drive in comfort and confidence if I am on the highway.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

28firefighter said:

@driver100 I think the problem you will have getting $14k for the Passat is that VW has been discounting them
so heavily new that the used market simply doesn't support that high a value. I'd guess $14-$15k is darn near retail value. On top of that, yours is a 5-cylinder which is just not as desirable. 

Have you popped in at Real-World Trade In Values to get a value from Qbrozen?

Right on firefighter....you are probably correct. Sales manager said it was a stick too, but I think that may be an advantage...that is what makes it so much fun to drive. We paid $23000 4 years ago, so it is probably worth about 40% of it's original value, which probably is closer to $11500. I do find it hard to give up a car wwith so little mileage for $11300...it is really worth much more to me. On the other hand, it has done what it was supposed to do and served us well. I will check RRWVs....great idea.

Have you ever considered selling privately? Would having both cars for a short time cause any problems? If not why not throw it on Craigslist and collect some good stories about how nutty Americans can be. You'll be the hit of this board and probably your bridge club when you go back north.

I did consider selling privately, for about 15 seconds. Have other people come to the house and try to shake me down. And, the difference in taxes put me about $600 behind to start. Then they will want to drive the car too, not to mention the inconvenience.

The MB dealer mentioned Carmax will give me on the spot cash. Probably a waste of time.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

berri said:

Maybe as the country is changing to red, there may be some pushback against lawyers and criminals rights and more focus on victims. Your daughter was a victim. If whoever did that gets caught there should be at least some community service and full restitution, but in the unlikely event it does get solved it will just be a plea that the perpetrator is down on their luck and a very light slap on the wrist...and of course the criminal will be back in court for something else shortly thereafter.

Hate to get political but isn't assigning any particular bad behavior to a specific group a form of bigotry in it's own right?

I would never put a bumper sticker promoting any candidate on my car...that is like asking for trouble. That;s not bigotry, I am treating everyone equally.

driver100

This is what Q says:
This is a 2.5 Passat, yes? Feel like I value this one before. $11k is about right, unfortunately.

The Benz is around $19k, give or take a nickel. So its a genuine MB CPO? If so, I can see their reasoning for $25k.
btw....it is a 2.5 and the Merc is highest category CPO, 5 year warranty - 100000 miles

explorerx4

Is it a Mercedes CPO or dealer CPO?
Is the 5 years from when you buy it or from when new?

stickguy

driver, there are a lot of those C classes out there. with an assortment of colors, though the red is probably on the rarer side. so if you don't do anything now, not like you won't have plenty chances in the future (and the MB will certainly depreciate faster).

Also, don't discount Carmax. Sometimes they do odd things, especially with super clean low miles cars.

stickguy

that place Sandy likes has a bunch of them (at least 15 2014 250s). Here is one that looks like the one you drove (a few more miles, but not too bad, just for reference).

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c250-sport-rwd-wddgf4hb9er314152.htm

A couple of things I did not realize until looking. Just RWD (which should be fine in S. Florida, if it doesn't matter to you), and it still has the old 1.8l turbo motor. That explains the roughness. I think this one goes back to the Kombressor model days. I think the 2.0t they use now is a much smoother, more powerful unit.

actually, surprised to see it hardly costs anything to get the V6/AWD version instead. Looks pretty much the same equipment wise (other than black interior), lower miles and only $2k more. Worth that to me!

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c300-sport-4matic-awd-wddgf8ab9ea940011.htm

graphicguy

jmonroe said:

graphicguy said:

Does this count as a punch?



https://www.flickr.com/photos/97396424@N08/shares/9NP6Xi

Yeah, that'll get you a punch alright, like getting your lights punched out.

jmonroe

?????????

qbrozen

stickguy said:

that place Sandy likes has a bunch of them (at least 15 2014 250s). Here is one that looks like the one you drove (a few more miles, but not too bad, just for reference).

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c250-sport-rwd-wddgf4hb9er314152.htm

A couple of things I did not realize until looking. Just RWD (which should be fine in S. Florida, if it doesn't matter to you), and it still has the old 1.8l turbo motor. That explains the roughness. I think this one goes back to the Kombressor model days. I think the 2.0t they use now is a much smoother, more powerful unit.

actually, surprised to see it hardly costs anything to get the V6/AWD version instead. Looks pretty much the same equipment wise (other than black interior), lower miles and only $2k more. Worth that to me!

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c300-sport-4matic-awd-wddgf8ab9ea940011.htm

I like that C350 coupe they have. Too bad it has black guts.

bwia

How can people in this impoverished island of Dominica afford these unconscionable fuel prices? $10.87 a gallon...with Chavez dead, no more concessionary prices.
http://sundominica.com/articles/gas-prices-go-up-3955/

houdini1

oldfarmer50 said:

berri said:

Maybe as the country is changing to red, there may be some pushback against lawyers and criminals rights and more focus on victims. Your daughter was a victim. If whoever did that gets caught there should be at least some community service and full restitution, but in the unlikely event it does get solved it will just be a plea that the perpetrator is down on their luck and a very light slap on the wrist...and of course the criminal will be back in court for something else shortly thereafter.

Hate to get political but isn't assigning any particular bad behavior to a specific group a form of bigotry in it's own right?

Yes, criminals used to be a protected group, but as berri said, the country is turning red, so that might change.

stever

More blue votes though.

But I've had a red car and would rather have a blue one next.

We are talking cars, right?

Good, just checking.

ab348

driver100 said:

Fin, it is Mars Red. I saw other cars with low mileage, but the red jumped out.

The color combo is very nice. "Mars Red" was also the name of a color offered on mid-1980s VW GTIs, and it was really more of an orangey-red. This appears darker than that. I guess colors can be called whatever the car manufacturer wants to call them.

suydam

stever said:

More blue votes though.

But I've had a red car and would rather have a blue one next.

We are talking cars, right?

Good, just checking.

Thank you.

ab348

stever said:

More blue votes though.

But I've had a red car and would rather have a blue one next.

We are talking cars, right?

Good, just checking.

Yes, thank you, my online world has been contaminated by far too much political stuff the last while.

I am not much for FB but have a handful of accounts there that I follow and like as people. I fear one of them has had some sort of breakdown as her feed has changed from an entertaining focus on theater, food, fashion, travel and NYC to mostly profane rants against those who supported the winning side. It was shocking. I am truthfully concerned she is close to a serious problem. I used to be somewhat more involved on the Twitter side of things but for the last few months it has become consumed with intolerably political posts, with all kinds of misinformation and what I consider to be trolling on both sides. It has suddenly become acceptable there to call people you do not know at all the most vile names if they do not agree with your politics. We do not need that here. I don't recall anything similar to this being online in the last few elections.

henryn

suydam said:

stever said:

More blue votes though.

But I've had a red car and would rather have a blue one next.

We are talking cars, right?

Good, just checking.

Thank you.

+1

henryn

driver100 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

driver100 said:

28firefighter said:

@driver100 I think the problem you will have getting $14k for the Passat is that VW has been discounting them
so heavily new that the used market simply doesn't support that high a value. I'd guess $14-$15k is darn near retail value. On top of that, yours is a 5-cylinder which is just not as desirable. 

Have you popped in at Real-World Trade In Values to get a value from Qbrozen?

Right on firefighter....you are probably correct. Sales manager said it was a stick too, but I think that may be an advantage...that is what makes it so much fun to drive. We paid $23000 4 years ago, so it is probably worth about 40% of it's original value, which probably is closer to $11500. I do find it hard to give up a car wwith so little mileage for $11300...it is really worth much more to me. On the other hand, it has done what it was supposed to do and served us well. I will check RRWVs....great idea.

Have you ever considered selling privately? Would having both cars for a short time cause any problems? If not why not throw it on Craigslist and collect some good stories about how nutty Americans can be. You'll be the hit of this board and probably your bridge club when you go back north.

I did consider selling privately, for about 15 seconds. Have other people come to the house and try to shake me down. And, the difference in taxes put me about $600 behind to start. Then they will want to drive the car too, not to mention the inconvenience.

The MB dealer mentioned Carmax will give me on the spot cash. Probably a waste of time.

Actually, no, they won't. Assuming they work the same way in Florida as they do in Texas, they give you a draft. Which is not the same thing as a check. The one time I sold a car to Carmax, it took about 7 to 10 days for the money to clear in my credit union. That wasn't a big deal to me, but it might be to others.

driver100

explorerx4 said:

Is it a Mercedes CPO or dealer CPO?
Is the 5 years from when you buy it or from when new?

It is their top grade CPO. 5 Years from when we buy it, but 100000 miles total. We will probably put on about 5000 or 6000 miles a year.

Mr_Shiftright

graphicguy said:

jmonroe said:

graphicguy said:

Does this count as a punch?



https://www.flickr.com/photos/97396424@N08/shares/9NP6Xi

Yeah, that'll get you a punch alright, like getting your lights punched out.

jmonroe

?????????

I think he means that on a bicycle, sometimes a car will "a-door" you.

driver100

stickguy said:

driver, there are a lot of those C classes out there. with an assortment of colors, though the red is probably on the rarer side. so if you don't do anything now, not like you won't have plenty chances in the future (and the MB will certainly depreciate faster).

Also, don't discount Carmax. Sometimes they do odd things, especially with super clean low miles cars.

Good advice stick. I have been looking at others and anything with that low miles is either $1000s more or there is no warranty. 5 year warranty is better than new, which was 4 years. Probably make you jump through hoops to keep the warranty in force. The red is very rare, and beige interior is pretty rare too. I checked Edmunds on the Passat, they have dealer trade in price of $11744 and dealer selling price of $14,960. I could be wrong, but if they gave me $13000 they don't have to do a thing to it, and they would make a quick $1000 or more.

Mr_Shiftright

I don't think the dealer would work off that small a margin of $1000. They want more cushion than that.

houdini1

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

driver, there are a lot of those C classes out there. with an assortment of colors, though the red is probably on the rarer side. so if you don't do anything now, not like you won't have plenty chances in the future (and the MB will certainly depreciate faster).

Also, don't discount Carmax. Sometimes they do odd things, especially with super clean low miles cars.

Good advice stick. I have been looking at others and anything with that low miles is either $1000s more or there is no warranty. 5 year warranty is better than new, which was 4 years. Probably make you jump through hoops to keep the warranty in force. The red is very rare, and beige interior is pretty rare too. I checked Edmunds on the Passat, they have dealer trade in price of $11744 and dealer selling price of $14,960. I could be wrong, but if they gave me $13000 they don't have to do a thing to it, and they would make a quick $1000 or more.

We all tend to think that our kids are smarter than others, our dogs are cuter, and our cars are worth more than they really are.

qbrozen

Agreed. I think $12.5k difference (plus taxes and fees) would be pretty fair.

seems they are somewhere around $13,850 now, right? 

driver100

stickguy said:

that place Sandy likes has a bunch of them (at least 15 2014 250s). Here is one that looks like the one you drove (a few more miles, but not too bad, just for reference).

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c250-sport-rwd-wddgf4hb9er314152.htm

A couple of things I did not realize until looking. Just RWD (which should be fine in S. Florida, if it doesn't matter to you), and it still has the old 1.8l turbo motor. That explains the roughness. I think this one goes back to the Kombressor model days. I think the 2.0t they use now is a much smoother, more powerful unit.

actually, surprised to see it hardly costs anything to get the V6/AWD version instead. Looks pretty much the same equipment wise (other than black interior), lower miles and only $2k more. Worth that to me!

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c300-sport-4matic-awd-wddgf8ab9ea940011.htm

Those are great prices. Too bad Off Lease is so far away. It doesn't include a warranty, though they will sell you a warranty, up to 7 years. Anyone had experience with them?

houdini1

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

that place Sandy likes has a bunch of them (at least 15 2014 250s). Here is one that looks like the one you drove (a few more miles, but not too bad, just for reference).

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c250-sport-rwd-wddgf4hb9er314152.htm

A couple of things I did not realize until looking. Just RWD (which should be fine in S. Florida, if it doesn't matter to you), and it still has the old 1.8l turbo motor. That explains the roughness. I think this one goes back to the Kombressor model days. I think the 2.0t they use now is a much smoother, more powerful unit.

actually, surprised to see it hardly costs anything to get the V6/AWD version instead. Looks pretty much the same equipment wise (other than black interior), lower miles and only $2k more. Worth that to me!

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c300-sport-4matic-awd-wddgf8ab9ea940011.htm

Those are great prices. Too bad Off Lease is so far away. It doesn't include a warranty, though they will sell you a warranty, up to 7 years. Anyone had experience with them?

driver, have you ever thought about a convertible for those nice Florida winters?

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

I don't think the dealer would work off that small a margin of $1000. They want more cushion than that.

We traded in 2008 bmw for a 2013Audi, I wanted $24000 for the bmw trade in. Used car manager said he would giv me $24k put it on the lot for $28000, if it doesn't move at a higher price he will always be able to sell it for $25000, and with nothing to do to it he can sell it for a fast $1000 profit.....and get me to switch brands....I liked his way of thinking.

driver100

houdini1 said:

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

that place Sandy likes has a bunch of them (at least 15 2014 250s). Here is one that looks like the one you drove (a few more miles, but not too bad, just for reference).

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c250-sport-rwd-wddgf4hb9er314152.htm

A couple of things I did not realize until looking. Just RWD (which should be fine in S. Florida, if it doesn't matter to you), and it still has the old 1.8l turbo motor. That explains the roughness. I think this one goes back to the Kombressor model days. I think the 2.0t they use now is a much smoother, more powerful unit.

actually, surprised to see it hardly costs anything to get the V6/AWD version instead. Looks pretty much the same equipment wise (other than black interior), lower miles and only $2k more. Worth that to me!

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car/mercedes-benz-c-class-c300-sport-4matic-awd-wddgf8ab9ea940011.htm

Those are great prices. Too bad Off Lease is so far away. It doesn't include a warranty, though they will sell you a warranty, up to 7 years. Anyone had experience with them?

driver, have you ever thought about a convertible for those nice Florida winters?

Don't want a convertible down here. My lovely trophy wife doesn't want too much sun...get enough at tennis and walking around. Besides, messy hair, windy, sun beating down, Gigi hates it, no back doors or room for passengers. I think they are great, for other people. Owned one and it was fun, got it out of my system. Only 10% buy a second one.

Mr_Shiftright

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

I don't think the dealer would work off that small a margin of $1000. They want more cushion than that.

We traded in 2008 bmw for a 2013Audi, I wanted $24000 for the bmw trade in. Used car manager said he would giv me $24k put it on the lot for $28000, if it doesn't move at a higher price he will always be able to sell it for $25000, and with nothing to do to it he can sell it for a fast $1000 profit.....and get me to switch brands....I liked his way of thinking.

Well yeah that's a good fall-back but if he ran every deal like that he'd be out of a job.

fintail

In theory anyway, maybe via special order, you could build one of those with leather, pano, COMAND, etc. But I think that was more likely on a 6cyl.

My mother is one of those people who will just pay what they want (which is funny, as she negotiates like an old trader at a yard/estate sale). Her most recent car purchase was a Camry, and she did the paperwork without me - she paid their price, but had them throw in a nicer set of floormats. Tough! My deals always take me several hours of going back and forth, and I like the game.

Regarding red vs blue cars. I prefer blue cars, I have 2 of them, have never owned a red car and they seldom appeal to me (my dad's red 60 Ford was super cool though). I suppose I could give a red car a chance, but I would be suspicious about how it behaves in the long run - kind of like something else red, I guess

driver100 said:

Fin, it is Mars Red. I saw other cars with low mileage, but the red jumped out. Back up cameras and blindspot warnings are options offered, but not on this car. It does have keyless, premium sound, alloy wheels, spoiler but they are only worth $100 or so. I wonder how many people do that? I am doing a little more research first.

driver100

AutoNation says they can't change the price. Is that true?
Possibly $500 more for trade, that is only movement.

28firefighter

driver100 said:

AutoNation says they can't change the price. Is that true? Possibly $500 more for trade, that is only movement.

I'd walk away. C-Class cars are a dime a dozen. 

qbrozen

Even if true, it shouldn't matter to you. If they want to show $12650 for your trade and charge you full price on their car, then so be it. Comes out the same for you either way. As Terry always said, "The difference is the difference." At least I think that's what he said.

driver100

qbrozen said:

Even if true, it shouldn't matter to you. If they want to show $12650 for your trade and charge you full price on their car, then so be it. Comes out the same for you either way. As Terry always said, "The difference is the difference." At least I think that's what he said.

Firefighter and Q. I don't have to have the car, there are lots of them around and the Passat is OK to use..The Passat goes in for service Tuesday, and the VW dealer has a Mercedes dealership....will see what they have and what they would offer.

Q, What Terry says is exactly right. Right now the difference is $15800....I said I would come in today at $14000. I can hold off it is more than that, which I think it will be. They haven't called back and it has been over an hour so they aren't that interested....that is OK. If it wasn't meant to be it wasn't meant to be.

ab348

@driver100 , it sounds like my experience on Friday at the home center.

Sandman6472

Never had luck at an AutoNation dealer, they tend to draw their line in the sand and not move again. Truthfully, don't care what it says on paper as long as I get the deal I want, usually my vehicle and some cash. I always prefer to do an "otd" price so make the paper look any way you want, especially since the doc fees in Florida are always printed in BOLD letters. To me, I hate those fees and always do an "otd" sale like I said above. I usually have to really really love the vehicle to go above my price.
And loving my blue vehicle which will be 2 next month. Considered the red but it was too red for me so blue it was. Don't see that many on the road which is fine with me. I also got a different set of rims on it so it looks like no other Golf on the road.
Have been driving a bunch of CLA 250's at work, all base models, but like them. On my short list for the next vehicle I purchase.

The Sandman

roadburner

ab348 said:

Yes, thank you, my online world has been contaminated by far too much political stuff the last while.

I am not much for FB but have a handful of accounts there that I follow and like as people. I fear one of them has had some sort of breakdown as her feed has changed from an entertaining focus on theater, food, fashion, travel and NYC to mostly profane rants against those who supported the winning side. It was shocking. I am truthfully concerned she is close to a serious problem. I used to be somewhat more involved on the Twitter side of things but for the last few months it has become consumed with intolerably political posts, with all kinds of misinformation and what I consider to be trolling on both sides. It has suddenly become acceptable there to call people you do not know at all the most vile names if they do not agree with your politics. We do not need that here. I don't recall anything similar to this being online in the last few elections.

I just don't make political posts on my FB page. That said, I'll mix it up on a friend's page if they share my political views and they enjoy a lively debate. On the other hand, I unfriended a couple of people who constantly posted angry and bitter diatribes.

Sandman6472

AB348, agree with you totally and have basically left all social media besides Edmunds because of all the nastiness I encountered by folks I thought I knew. Being a mostly optimistic person, found too much negativity, more than I wanted to handle! Brought out behaviors that I just decided I didn't want to deal with anymore so haven't been back since the election. Not sure I even want to go back honestly! Don't want to deactivate my accounts per se, but am on a sabbatical for the time being and probably will be for the next few months. Don't for see things improving, just getting worse and since I view social media as enjoyment, best just to walk away for the time being and deal with my real passion, the automobile!

The Sandman

driver100

sandman_6472 said:

Never had luck at an AutoNation dealer, they tend to draw their line in the sand and not move again. Truthfully, don't care what it says on paper as long as I get the deal I want, usually my vehicle and some cash. I always prefer to do an "otd" price so make the paper look any way you want, especially since the doc fees in Florida are always printed in BOLD letters. To me, I hate those fees and always do an "otd" sale like I said above. I usually have to really really love the vehicle to go above my price.
Have been driving a bunch of CLA 250's at work, all base models, but like them. On my short list for the next vehicle I purchase.

The Sandman

Sandman, I am glad you told me that. That was my impression of their business model at AutoNation, they have lowered their price - so they say - and they could possibly find a bit more in the trade-in. No cancelling DOC fee because they have to pay for the office staff - don't most businesses absorb that cost?

I think they are used to this game and they know if I am really keen on that car I will come up to their price, and if not, they will wait. I called over 2 hours ago and they haven't called back. That is OK, there are more fish in the sea.

I had a CLA loaner and it was OK, but if you can try a C Class it really is a big step up.

driver100

sandman_6472 said:

AB348, agree with you totally and have basically left all social media besides Edmunds because of all the nastiness I encountered by folks I thought I knew. Being a mostly optimistic person, found too much negativity, more than I wanted to handle! Brought out behaviors that I just decided I didn't want to deal with anymore so haven't been back since the election. Not sure I even want to go back honestly! Don't want to deactivate my accounts per se, but am on a sabbatical for the time being and probably will be for the next few months. Don't for see things improving, just getting worse and since I view social media as enjoyment, best just to walk away for the time being and deal with my real passion, the automobile!

The Sandman

I was talking to a computer expert today. He says he doesn't like FB or Twitter because all your info is out there and people have become so nasty these days. I think since the election, people have had stronger opinions and they have become much more aggressive drivers. Everyone feels they are entitled to sound off! OK, back to my car deal.......sorry JMonroe....no actual consummation of the deal yet.....though, not entirely my fault.

stickguy

it was "the only difference, is the difference".

FB, I have, but I never post. I just skim occasionally to see what some other people are up to, but see very little of what is out there. Very easy to ignore the crap. And I don't Twitter, which is very good for the old mental health.

stickguy

that off lease place, Sandy seems to like it. or at least sees a lot of their cars out and about. One other nice thing is they say the price is all-in, and not added dealer fee (which down there, seems to be $699 or so).

I am not that worried about CPO, if it is going to mean a $4-6K upcharge. But, I do want something under factory warranty. So a lot of the ones I look at online still have 1-1.5 years of BtoB warranty left, plus a couple of years of powertrain. So, enough to make me comfortable.