Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

oldfarmer50

Well I've committed myself.

No, it's not what you think. :@ I just threw the Eclipse on CL. I guess I'm officially serious about getting a Mustang. Now for me that might be in another two years but it's something.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4731073475.html

I was disappointed by the numbers I got from RWTIV. They said $10k so I priced it at $10.9k and we'll see what happens. I guess I should edit my ad with some interior shots but how do you show off a black interior?

nyccarguy

@oldfarmer50‌

Looks good.  Stand your ground.  Don't take any low ball offers.  You'll get your $10K!  Good luck!

abacomike

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400

I decided to take my CLS550 up to my dealership this morning for a car wash as it was filthy after not being washed for 2 weeks. I arrived in service, they took my car back to their wash facility, and I went into the lounge with my Dad to wait. The GM came by and asked if I was ready to take possession of my new car! I said, "you mean it came in?" He responded that it had arrived late last night and he was going to call me later in the afternoon after he had it detailed, PDI'd, etc.

So, I met with the salesman to always handles my deals and he took my registration, license, etc. I said to him that we have not solidified a price yet and I wanted to speak with my manager. I got up and walked into his office. I requested that this not take much time as I was still recovering from pneumonia. He said not problem, Mike. I gave him my Fleet Certificates from USAA and MBCA, my title to my CLS550, and mentioned that this would be a flat deal, which he responded stating he just needed to take one more look at the car.

Needless to say, we traded cars "even" with $156.00 due back to me.

Now the ride and handling and the new engine. The first thing I noticed was that I was sitting much higher up in the car than I did in the CLS. Next, visibility is a 100% improvement over the CLS. About the same room up front for driver and passenger, but a big increase in rear seat access and comfort. Took the car up on I-95 and the first thing I did not hear was the V8 "groan" I was used to hearing. Acceleration is not as quick, forceful or neck-wrenching. However, it responded much better than the E350 3.5 liter's engine does - much quicker. I have not yet floored the accelerator, for obvious reasons, but it is definitely a 6 cylinder, not an 8. Inside is luxurious, well appointed (just as nice as the CLS). Car rides much more refined and "softer" due to the all season radial tires as opposed to the CLS performance tires.

Stopping and cornering are a bit "looser" as the car sits up higher than the CLS and the new E400 I ordered was without air-suspension, which the CLS had. But I am relieved to be back in an E Class Mercedes after being in the CLS for a year with it's hard ride, low stance, and inaccessibility to the rear cabin. Trunk is much bigger and wider in the E Class. I am very familiar with the dash board and controls since they are identical to the CLS.

Audio system is actually acoustically more refined and crisp, still a Harmon Kardin system - 650 watts with 16 speakers and two sub woofers.

All in all, thing turned out exceedingly well with absolutely no hassle in working with the dealer's management. I am super impressed with the manner in which they do business.

So, end of story. Car in parking space and I am going to rest up from the big ordeal today.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400

I decided to take my CLS550 up to my dealership this morning for a car wash as it was filthy after not being washed for 2 weeks. I arrived in service, they took my car back to their wash facility, and I went into the lounge with my Dad to wait. The GM came by and asked if I was ready to take possession of my new car! I said, "you mean it came in?" He responded that it had arrived late last night and he was going to call me later in the afternoon after he had it detailed, PDI'd, etc.

So, I met with the salesman to always handles my deals and he took my registration, license, etc. I said to him that we have not solidified a price yet and I wanted to speak with my manager. I got up and walked into his office. I requested that this not take much time as I was still recovering from pneumonia. He said not problem, Mike. I gave him my Fleet Certificates from USAA and MBCA, my title to my CLS550, and mentioned that this would be a flat deal, which he responded stating he just needed to take one more look at the car.

Needless to say, we traded cars "even" with $156.00 due back to me.

Now the ride and handling and the new engine. The first thing I noticed was that I was sitting much higher up in the car than I did in the CLS. Next, visibility is a 100% improvement over the CLS. About the same room up front for driver and passenger, but a big increase in rear seat access and comfort. Took the car up on I-95 and the first thing I did not hear was the V8 "groan" I was used to hearing. Acceleration is not as quick, forceful or neck-wrenching. However, it responded much better than the E350 3.5 liter's engine does - much quicker. I have not yet floored the accelerator, for obvious reasons, but it is definitely a 6 cylinder, not an 8. Inside is luxurious, well appointed (just as nice as the CLS). Car rides much more refined and "softer" due to the all season radial tires as opposed to the CLS performance tires.

Stopping and cornering are a bit "looser" as the car sits up higher than the CLS and the new E400 I ordered was without air-suspension, which the CLS had. But I am relieved to be back in an E Class Mercedes after being in the CLS for a year with it's hard ride, low stance, and inaccessibility to the rear cabin. Trunk is much bigger and wider in the E Class. I am very familiar with the dash board and controls since they are identical to the CLS.

Audio system is actually acoustically more refined and crisp, still a Harmon Kardin system - 650 watts with 16 speakers and two sub woofers.

All in all, thing turned out exceedingly well with absolutely no hassle in working with the dealer's management. I am super impressed with the manner in which they do business.

So, end of story. Car in parking space and I am going to rest up from the big ordeal today.

You have my admiration for the ease with which you purchase cars. I have to analyze and re-analyze every move. Takes me much longer.

Enjoy your new ride while I fuss.

stickguy

sounds nice Mike. At this point, I would make the same decision based on those 2 options.

I need to find a place where I can just trade cars and get cash back, while getting something I like better!

robr2

oldfarmer50 said:

Well I've committed myself.

No, it's not what you think. :@ I just threw the Eclipse on CL. I guess I'm officially serious about getting a Mustang. Now for me that might be in another two years but it's something.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4731073475.html

I was disappointed by the numbers I got from RWTIV. They said $10k so I priced it at $10.9k and we'll see what happens. I guess I should edit my ad with some interior shots but how do you show off a black interior?

OF - take some pictures at dusk to eliminate the reflection of the sun. Also try taking pics at a flat or upward angle - that's leads to some nicer pics.

As for the interior, you should still post one from each side and one of the odometer.

Good luck.

robr2

abacomike said:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400

Needless to say, we traded cars "even" with $156.00 due back to me.

Congrats and good luck.

Now for everyone else, pull out your tickets and see if you won the Mike Buys A Car lottery...

stickguy

Farmer, I decided to be nice and not email you a "will you take $199?" offer. I got a few on my Volvo. always 5K. drove me nuts.

also, I should flag it for deceptive advertising. "mature adult"? My aunt Fannie.

though that one does look super clean, and very low miles for the age. Should not be too hard to sell. I predict you get some younger guys offering between 8-9K.

nyccarguy

@abacomike‌

Mazel-Tov on the new E400!  If I was just smidge closer with just a little more time, I'd come see it (& you) in person.

What color did you end up with again?

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

Well I've committed myself.

No, it's not what you think. :@ I just threw the Eclipse on CL. I guess I'm officially serious about getting a Mustang. Now for me that might be in another two years but it's something.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4731073475.html

I was disappointed by the numbers I got from RWTIV. They said $10k so I priced it at $10.9k and we'll see what happens. I guess I should edit my ad with some interior shots but how do you show off a black interior?

Sounds good oldfarmer.......I understand the adult part but who judges the "mature" part?

Black interiors can look nice on professional sites, especially when there is contrasting stitching, but, probably best for amateurs not to attempt it.

driver100

abacomike said:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400
The GM came by and asked if I was ready to take possession of my new car! I said, "you mean it came in?" He responded that it had arrived late last night and he was going to call me later in the afternoon after he had it detailed, PDI'd, etc.

All in all, thing turned out exceedingly well with absolutely no hassle in working with the dealer's management. I am super impressed with the manner in which they do business.

So, end of story. Car in parking space and I am going to rest up from the big ordeal today.

You mean after all that I lost! Mike got his first

Mike glad you like the new "E" and it sounds like it was the right choice for you, based on your observations. I could have bought a CLS550 since they are still available here, but, I wouldn't be interested....for the exact reasons you gave.

The only thing I miss is the drama. I had such good stories to tell after buying the last 3 cars, but, this one was so simple. They gave me exactly what I wanted on the trade-in, and they took off a decent amount on the list price. You can't get an end of the month deal when you are buying a new model that won't be out for a few months.

I didn't have all the fun GG is having comparing cars and having to decide if he should jump in where he never planned on going a few days ago.

Mike congratulations and happy motoring!

driver100

robr2 said:

abacomike said:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400

Needless to say, we traded cars "even" with $156.00 due back to me.

Congrats and good luck.

Now for everyone else, pull out your tickets and see if you won the Mike Buys A Car lottery...

I was the one that said he would find a way to get his first.

abacomike

driver100 said:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400 The GM came by and asked if I was ready to take possession of my new car! I said, "you mean it came in?" He responded that it had arrived late last night and he was going to call me later in the afternoon after he had it detailed, PDI'd, etc. All in all, thing turned out exceedingly well with absolutely no hassle in working with the dealer's management. I am super impressed with the manner in which they do business. So, end of story. Car in parking space and I am going to rest up from the big ordeal today.

You mean after all that I lost! Mike got his first Mike glad you like the new "E" and it sounds like it was the right choice for you, based on your observations. I could have bought a CLS550 since they are still available here, but, I wouldn't be interested....for the exact reasons you gave. The only thing I miss is the drama. I had such good stories to tell after buying the last 3 cars, but, this one was so simple. They gave me exactly what I wanted on the trade-in, and they took off a decent amount on the list price. You can't get an end of the month deal when you are buying a new model that won't be out for a few months. I didn't have all the fun GG is having comparing cars and having to decide if he should jump in where he never planned on going a few days ago. Mike congratulations and happy motoring!

HOLD EVERYTHING!  Car was supposed to have lane tracking a blind spot monitors standard.  Sticker shows them on standard features.  Car doesn't have them.  Car was improperly produced leaving those features off in error.

Back to dealer - they agreed it was left off. They are ordering me a new one from Germany on VIP STATUS, should be here in 5 weeks.  Meanwhile, I drive this one unless Mercedes wants it back sooner.  Dealer is standing behind replacing car no matter what.

So, I have a 2015 E400, but it won't be mine long.

Upset is an understatement.

imidazol97

abacomike said:

HOLD EVERYTHING!  Car was supposed to have lane tracking a blind spot monitors standard.  Sticker shows them on standard features.  Car doesn't have them.

Even Mercedes makes mistakes!!! Wow.

abacomike said:

They are ordering me a new one from Germany on VIP STATUS, should be here in 5 weeks.

Now that's what I'd expect from the company/dealer.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

abacomike said:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400
The GM came by and asked if I was ready to take possession of my new car! I said, "you mean it came in?" He responded that it had arrived late last night and he was going to call me later in the afternoon after he had it detailed, PDI'd, etc.

All in all, thing turned out exceedingly well with absolutely no hassle in working with the dealer's management. I am super impressed with the manner in which they do business.

So, end of story. Car in parking space and I am going to rest up from the big ordeal today.

You mean after all that I lost! Mike got his first

Mike glad you like the new "E" and it sounds like it was the right choice for you, based on your observations. I could have bought a CLS550 since they are still available here, but, I wouldn't be interested....for the exact reasons you gave.

The only thing I miss is the drama. I had such good stories to tell after buying the last 3 cars, but, this one was so simple. They gave me exactly what I wanted on the trade-in, and they took off a decent amount on the list price. You can't get an end of the month deal when you are buying a new model that won't be out for a few months.

I didn't have all the fun GG is having comparing cars and having to decide if he should jump in where he never planned on going a few days ago.

Mike congratulations and happy motoring!

HOLD EVERYTHING!  Car was supposed to have lane tracking a blind spot monitors standard.  Sticker shows them on standard features.  Car doesn't have them.  Car was improperly produced leaving those features off in error.

Back to dealer - they agreed it was left off. They are ordering me a new one from Germany on VIP STATUS, should be here in 5 weeks.  Meanwhile, I drive this one unless Mercedes wants it back sooner.  Dealer is standing behind replacing car no matter what.

So, I have a 2015 E400, but it won't be mine long.

Upset is an understatement.

Like a great mentor who was once my manager of a retail store said:
"Mistakes always happen. I don't count it as a mistake, if it you correct it".

At least they are going to make it right as quickly as humanly possible....now they are probably losing money on the deal. If you come up to see us in the St Petes area, you can put the miles on the dealers car...ha ha.

That is disappointing though. I hope mine is right, or I'll have to come back from Florida to get it, and that's a long drive to do an extra time....two times to get the 535 back.

Very unfortunate. I've said before, I bought my 1984 Celebrity from a car broker I was told was a genius. The genius ordered the car but left out air conditioner. He had to pay for an after market one, that wasn't (I was going to say so hot but that would mean it was good) very good....had wonky controls for one thing.

There should be a way in this day and age to check so a mistake like that isn't made.

Does that mean your new car should have been priced higher, or were those extras factored in?

jayrider

oldfarmer50 said:

Well I've committed myself.

No, it's not what you think. :@ I just threw the Eclipse on CL. I guess I'm officially serious about getting a Mustang. Now for me that might be in another two years but it's something.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4731073475.html

I was disappointed by the numbers I got from RWTIV. They said $10k so I priced it at $10.9k and we'll see what happens. I guess I should edit my ad with some interior shots but how do you show off a black interior?

Checked VMR and got 9300 wholesale and 11,675 retail. You seem close to the middle -- appears reasonable. Don't know what loan values are.

abacomike

@driver100 said:

"Does that mean your new car should have been priced higher, or were those extras factored in?"

No - this is a standard feature on the USA E400, even says so on the sticker - no cost. I am going to guess that this is not the only one that is being built this way. There are no other E400's around right now - all in Germany.

The dealer's guess is that they will replace the car with a new one that is built correctly and will take the one I have and probably show a credit on the Sticker or give it to one of the Zone reps to drive.

I couldn't undo the deal because the car is already registered to me. Besides, what would I drive?

Mercedes will probably send a zone manager to the dealership to inspect the car, but believe me, there is no lane tracking (steering wheel doesn't vibrate upon leaving land) and no triangular light in the mirrors indicating a car in either lane left or right.

I won't have a car without blind spot monitors. If I would accept this car, I could probably get thousands from Mercedes because they build a car without standard equipment which shows up on the vehicle delivery sticker (Moroney Label) as standard equipment. It was just "LEFT OFF" the car.

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

abacomike said:

HOLD EVERYTHING!  Car was supposed to have lane tracking a blind spot monitors standard.  Sticker shows them on standard features.  Car doesn't have them.

Even Mercedes makes mistakes!!! Wow.

abacomike said:

They are ordering me a new one from Germany on VIP STATUS, should be here in 5 weeks.

Now that's what I'd expect from the company/dealer.

Actually, this is the first year these two features became standard on the upscaled E Class sedan. It was not standard on the E550 or E350, but were only available as an optional feature. So I am going to guess my car was one of the fits 2015's produced and the computer that generates equipment was improperly programmed. So, my guess is that thee are many others that were produced without the two standard features.

What upsets me is that it went through quality control and then was reinspected at the Port of Brunswick. This is a MAJOR ERROR for Mercedes.

Am I happy? Of course not. Am I angry, of course! But there is nothing I can do about it right now. I expect a call from the dealership on Monday once they talk to MBUSA and Mercedes will determine what they will do with the car. They might want it back immediately or they may let me drive it until the new once comes in.

But as I said, if a manufacturer produces a car INCORRECTLY, I will not hesitate to complain, even if it is my car!!!

abacomike

driver100 said:

robr2 said:

abacomike said:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400

Needless to say, we traded cars "even" with $156.00 due back to me.

Congrats and good luck.

Now for everyone else, pull out your tickets and see if you won the Mike Buys A Car lottery...

I was the one that said he would find a way to get his first.

Actually, driver, I didn't expect to get the car until Monday or Tuesday. It was a fluke that it came in on the transport late last night unbeknownst to me. Besides, you win since this is not going to be my car for very long.

[Deleted User]

Mike, I was just about to write a congratulatory note after reading your first note about delivery of the new MB, and then came across the post about the mis-build. I can't recall ever hearing such a thing but I'm relieved to hear MB and the dealer are treating the situation properly. Take care and I hope you're starting to feel better.

abacomike

tyguy said:

Mike, I was just about to write a congratulatory note after reading your first note about delivery of the new MB, and then came across the post about the mis-build. I can't recall ever hearing such a thing but I'm relieved to hear MB and the dealer are treating the situation properly. Take care and I hope you're starting to feel better.

Thanks, TY.  But I will admit that this whole fiasco had left we weak.  I just need some rest.

cdnpinhead

"Actually, driver, I didn't expect to get the car until Monday or Tuesday. It was a fluke that it came in on the transport late last night unbeknownst to me."

Well, you certainly travel prepared if you had the two certificates and the title for the "old" vehicle with you. If it were me, that stuff would have been home awaiting the deal early next week.

Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy both of the new cars. Congrats.

abacomike

cdnpinhead said:

I had them locked in my glove box go Monday.  

ab348

stickguy said:

also, I should flag it for deceptive advertising. "mature adult"? My aunt Fannie.

Heh. I saw that also. You beat me to it.

driver100

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

robr2 said:

abacomike said:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE NEW MERCEDES E400

Needless to say, we traded cars "even" with $156.00 due back to me.

Congrats and good luck.

Now for everyone else, pull out your tickets and see if you won the Mike Buys A Car lottery...

I was the one that said he would find a way to get his first.

Actually, driver, I didn't expect to get the car until Monday or Tuesday. It was a fluke that it came in on the transport late last night unbeknownst to me. Besides, you win since this is not going to be my car for very long.

Well, I wouldn't want to win this way....so let's call it a draw.

I hope mine came complete. Just a guess but they'll probably unload them at some huge discount price. Is it possible the lane change warning is there, but is hidden somehow, only actually shows up when a car is there. Also, there should be a button to turn it on and off I guess - the A4 has a switch.

I am with you on wanting lane change warning system, the A4 has it and it is a great feature.
The lane tracking is good, but I could live without it. It may even be annoying, sounds like you have a flat tire or there is something wrong with the car.

oldfarmer50

robr2 said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Well I've committed myself.

No, it's not what you think. :@ I just threw the Eclipse on CL. I guess I'm officially serious about getting a Mustang. Now for me that might be in another two years but it's something.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4731073475.html

I was disappointed by the numbers I got from RWTIV. They said $10k so I priced it at $10.9k and we'll see what happens. I guess I should edit my ad with some interior shots but how do you show off a black interior?

OF - take some pictures at dusk to eliminate the reflection of the sun. Also try taking pics at a flat or upward angle - that's leads to some nicer pics.

As for the interior, you should still post one from each side and one of the odometer.

Good luck.

Thanks for the tips. My son took the initial pictures and I noticed the reflection problem. Took a few more myself including some interior shots. Like I said black doesn't show well. The odometer on that car is tiny so it might not show up but yeah, I'll give it a shot.

Take a look now.

abacomike

@driver100 said:

"Is it possible the lane change warning is there, but is hidden somehow, only actually shows up when a car is there."

No driver.  There are supposed to be small triangular light in the mirrors that light up orange below 25 mph and then go off showing that the monitors are activated.  When a car approaches in the blind spots the triangular light glows red as a warning. If you move into that lane, it flashes and audibly alerts you not to enter that lane.

The dealership personnel and I went over the car following the directions in the manual.  There is no blind spot monitor setting (on, off or sensitivity) on the settings menu as there is supposed to be. Same with lane tracking.

Remember, I had these features in the CLS and the 2014 E I had and those two cars show the two features in the settings menu.  So there is no doubt in anyone's mind that they did not add those two standard features to the car - but rather left them off.  They would have to add new mirrors and the radar sensors along with the vibrating steering wheel for lane tracking which cannot be added to the car after it is built.

jayrider

abacomike said:

tyguy said:

Mike, I was just about to write a congratulatory note after reading your first note about delivery of the new MB, and then came across the post about the mis-build. I can't recall ever hearing such a thing but I'm relieved to hear MB and the dealer are treating the situation properly. Take care and I hope you're starting to feel better.

Thanks, TY.  But I will admit that this whole fiasco had left we weak.  I just need some rest.

A bit of bad luck for sure. might be a cue to hit the slots to distract you from the stress. A jackpot may be waiting.

oldfarmer50

jayrider said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Well I've committed myself.

No, it's not what you think. :@ I just threw the Eclipse on CL. I guess I'm officially serious about getting a Mustang. Now for me that might be in another two years but it's something.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4731073475.html

I was disappointed by the numbers I got from RWTIV. They said $10k so I priced it at $10.9k and we'll see what happens. I guess I should edit my ad with some interior shots but how do you show off a black interior?

Checked VMR and got 9300 wholesale and 11,675 retail. You seem close to the middle -- appears reasonable. Don't know what loan values are.

If I recall correctly Edmunds said $9300 trade and $10,600 private party. KBB was the same on private party. So comparable, sort of.

Mike: I can't believe such a screw up! Yikes!

driver100

abacomike said:

@driver100 said:

"Is it possible the lane change warning is there, but is hidden somehow, only actually shows up when a car is there."

No driver.  There are supposed to be small triangular light in the mirrors that light up orange below 25 mph and then go off showing that the monitors are activated.  When a car approaches in the blind spots the triangular light glows red as a warning. If you move into that lane, it flashes and audibly alerts you not to enter that lane.

t.

I thought it was worth a shot because the lane change warning in the A4 is a little different than the one on the E350, but, it sounds like you have done a thorough search.

This to shall pass, and you'lll be driving your own car soon.

abacomike

One surprise with that new 3.0 liter 330 hp (355 lb GT torque) engine is that I am averaging 35.5 mpg Highway - unbelievably great fuel economy Considering 68 miles on the car.  But the EPA rated it at 29 mpg highway.  I believe that's because the engine is new, it has not been fully tested yet.  Around the city, I am getting 21 mpg.  All in all, an improvement of 22% increase in mpg over the CLS 550.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Farmer, I decided to be nice and not email you a "will you take $199?" offer. I got a few on my Volvo. always 5K. drove me nuts.

also, I should flag it for deceptive advertising. "mature adult"? My aunt Fannie.

though that one does look super clean, and very low miles for the age. Should not be too hard to sell. I predict you get some younger guys offering between 8-9K.

"Mature adult" sounded better than "old fart".

Any young whipper-snappers that offer $8-9k will be told I can get that from a dealer.

You know, the new tires make the car handle so much better that I almost hope it doesn't sell.

isellhondas

oldfarmer50 said:

Well I've committed myself.

No, it's not what you think. :@ I just threw the Eclipse on CL. I guess I'm officially serious about getting a Mustang. Now for me that might be in another two years but it's something.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4731073475.html

I was disappointed by the numbers I got from RWTIV. They said $10k so I priced it at $10.9k and we'll see what happens. I guess I should edit my ad with some interior shots but how do you show off a black interior?

"Mature Adult" Say it isn't so!

I like Mitsubishis but they sure have a weak dealer network around here. At the Seattle Car Show last year I don't believe they even showed up.

Good luck with your sale. It sure looks like a nice car!

stickguy

Nice touch having the rusty Vandura in the background. At least if anyone questions the "never seen snow" claim, just point to the van and the Caddy.

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

Nice touch having the rusty Vandura in the background. At least if anyone questions the "never seen snow" claim, just point to the van and the Caddy.

Yeah, I should have move it. Son's Caddy doesn't have much visible rust...probably because it's 5 years newer than the 27yo van.

stickguy

in that area, rusted out cars are so common I doubt any even notices.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

I am not so sure the Acura won't depreciate more over the next 2 years. For a couple of reasons.

one is that it is already 2 years old, and seems to have stopped just short of the depreciation cliff. Now way at 4 YO it can still be selling for close to that. At some point it has to drop.

But, the Caddy is so heavily discounted already, that in 2 years it should not drop that drastically.

spitballing, Caddy SP is 45K, so Acura trade in must be 35K. in 2 years, the Caddy could pull 35K as a super clean unit, but hard to see the Acura at 4 YO doing more than 25K.

35K off a 60K sticker is about 58% residual. Gonna get that at least on a 2 year lease, so seems reasonable to me. Plus 2 more years of BtoB.

25K off of 45K MSRP on the TL is about 55%, so nearly the same residual for double the miles and age. And remember, this is also when the warranty is going to expire.

Of course, I am just whipping this all up in my head so YMMV.

so I will just go back to my simple "pick which one of the 2 you really like the best and want to own, and go for it" because I just don't see that huge of a financial difference (other than the 10K GG has to fork over!)

Same thought process I'm using. Just as convoluted, too. Nothing done yet. Will update everyone tomorrow.

BTW Mike....congratz on the new E. Sorry it wasn't what you expected. Sounds like they're taking care of you, though?

explorerx4

Next spring one of my kids is going to be looking for a new car. CR-V was pretty high on the list, but now it's off. Don't see the point of buying an AWD vehicle where the AWD doesn't work, or if enabled will break. Probably will look at a Subi, Escape, and Rav4. They grew up driving a CUV and that's what they like driving due to the higher seating position.

abacomike

As I awakened this morning, and began thinking of what happened yesterday with the new Mercedes E400 I bought, it began to bother me even more. It's like taking delivery of a new car that was build without power steering or with drum brakes instead of disc brakes. It came out of the factory without two essential (in my opinion) standard features as so listed on the Monroney Sticker of the vehicle.

The issue is that Mercedes Benz built a car incorrectly and then, after passing quality control inspections in both Germany and at the vehicle preparation center in Brunswick Georgie, delivered it to the dealership for sale to a customer. That is the most frightening aspect of this entire fiasco.

I remember when we sat down to order this car, I listed, for the manager, all the things I wanted on the car. When we came to Blind Spot Monitors and Lane Tracking, there was no option to select from because these were listed as STANDARD on the E400, but optional on the E350. But, to confirm that they are standard, it states so on the sticker of the car.

Quite frankly, I am considering that this will be the very last Mercedes I will every buy from them if they can allow a vehicle to pass multitudes of inspections and leave off critical standard features.

ab348

Well, not to dismiss your concerns, Mike, but it was ordered very early in the model year cycle and was likely one of the first built in the production process, and there was a push to get it delivered early. That being said, they obviously had a major gaffe in their quality control every step of the way if it managed not to be noticed all through the supply chain.

bwia

Quite frankly, I am considering that this will be the very last Mercedes I will every buy from them if they can allow a vehicle to pass multitudes of inspections and leave off critical standard features.

This is quite a dilemma for the dealer. It will cost them dearly having to re-sell the E400 as a used vehicle after you return it five weeks down the road. A suggestion (not an insult) is to keep the car and ask for a huge discount equivalent to the depreciation hit; then six months down the road, trade it in for the car you really want.

And one more thing: Could the car be an E350 with E400 badging? Since this will likely be your last MB; time to start looking at a Cadillac or perhaps a Jaguar.

abacomike

ab348 said:

Well, not to dismiss your concerns, Mike, but it was ordered very early in the model year cycle and was likely one of the first built in the production process, and there was a push to get it delivered early. That being said, they obviously had a major gaffe in their quality control every step of the way if it managed not to be noticed all through the supply chain.

Yes, I agree because this is the first year they made those features standard on the upscale E sedan.  The sad part is that their quality control is non-existent when it came to passing this car through.

oldfarmer50

"...I remember when we sat down to order this car, I listed, for the manager, all the things I wanted on the car. When we came to Blind Spot Monitors and Lane Tracking, there was no option to select from because these were listed as STANDARD on the E400, but optional on the E350. But, to confirm that they are standard, it states so on the sticker of the car..."

You mean the options are listed on the window sticker but not on the actual car? That's terrible! Much worse than just a miscommunication when ordering options. Couldn't MB get in trouble with the feds for mislabeling a car like that?

abacomike

oldfarmer50 said:

"...I remember when we sat down to order this car, I listed, for the manager, all the things I wanted on the car. When we came to Blind Spot Monitors and Lane Tracking, there was no option to select from because these were listed as STANDARD on the E400, but optional on the E350. But, to confirm that they are standard, it states so on the sticker of the car..." You mean the options are listed on the window sticker but not on the actual car? That's terrible! Much worse than just a miscommunication when ordering options. Couldn't MB get in trouble with the feds for mislabeling a car like that?

I doubt it, OF.  I think it was a computer glitch in assembling the car.  But it is illegal to list on the window sticker a standard or optional feature that is not on the car.

stickguy

the dealer isn't going to take a hit. That is going right back to MB.

Not sure what their quality control process is, but apparently it doesn't include trying every feature. Not even sure they could. It does seem that somewhere along the line that the program wasn't updated to include those particular features automatically. And if no one along the way knew that they were now standard, it would not surprise me that they didn't see it as an issue that they weren't on your car.

Yes, it is an annoyance for you. Kind of like when the Acura dealer sold me one car, but delivered a different one (sheer incompetence in that case). Did cause me some hassle, but on the flip side, I got a free month of driving, as will you! So roll up some miles, then you get a fresh one.

I am more curious to know how much of a panic this is putting MB corporate in, because if this was a systemic issue, they may have built a whole bunch of units incorrectly, and you were just the first to notice (being probably the first US delivery customer).

graphicguy

Quick update in the CTS saga......

Didn't buy anything yet. So, the good news here, the original dealership is really bending over backwards to find something I want.

I think I've established I like the way the car drives. I really like the 4 cyl turbo motor....lots more torque off the line than my TL V6 Vtech (which really doesn't start chugging until about 4K RPMs, but still is no slouch). Suspension and steering is where the car really shines. Tip of the cap to Cadillac engineers. They did a great job, out doing the other competitors in the segment in that regard.

Cadillac seems to have cleaned up the CUE glitches. It is responsive, throws up gorgeous graphics on the screen, and the voice recognition is simple to use and more accurate than anything I've ever experienced on any car.

The Bose stereo is still not the equal of the ELS in my TL. But, it sounds as good as anything else I've heard in Audis, Infinitis, Benzs or BMW.....better than most, actually.

Lots of tech......Blind spot monitoring in the side mirrors, accident avoidance (when set will automatically brake the car to prevent you rear ending another vehicle), lane keep assist, and a whole lot more. All works well. While I really don't like the nannies, and they are defeat able, Cadillac did a good job with them.

It makes more of an aggressive "growl" than the smooth sound of the Acura's motor. Not sure which is better, but they're both just different. Nothing beat the sound of the S/C V6 in my S4. But, that engine sound was "piped in via that car's stereo". So, not sure that counts.

I've been dealing mostly with the owner's son (and dealership GM). Great guy. genuinely interested in winning me back as a customer. As an aside, I asked him what had happened to the GSM who gave my late Mother and me so much grief all those years ago. While he told me some long and drawn out details, bottom line, apparently the guy was an alcoholic and prone to angry outbursts, not only with the sales guys, but also with some customers as well. I had felt he took advantage of my late Mother, and told the owner's son about his outbursts with me when I called him out on the deceptions he heaped upon my mother and the subsequent lack of support when they sold her was a lemon.

The last straw with him came after a dealership get-together in which the old GSM had been drinking too much, and went off on a curse filled tirade on the dealer's owner. GSM came in the next day and was promptly fired, but he didn't leave until he had damaged some of the cars in the showroom.

Crazy story.

That brings us to right now.

I've sort of decided on a 2.0 AWD Performance edition that's dark grey metallic with silver interior, wood inserts, including heated/cooled soft leather seats, real aluminum and chrome, as well as suede inserts....just beautifully done....carfeully assembled.

Owner's son has given me his daily driver.....red CTS 2.0 with tan interior, all loaded up, to see if they can find something by tomorrow.

I have not given them any money, nor have I even signed any sort of agreement stipulating if I wrecked their car, I was responsible. He just gave me his keys.

If we come to terms, this may be the best buying experience I've ever had, for any car, for any manufacturer.

If I buy, any service, even simple oil changes, they'll pick up my car, leave me with a loaner, take my car for service, and return it washed and cleaned.

They're winning me over, for sure.

More tomorrow.

Mr_Shiftright

I'm not a big fan of nanny gadgets myself as a rule but after driving a rental GMC Yukon with Blind Spot Detection I have to say that I would be most unhappy to find out I had paid for it and didn't get it. It definitely eases the stress of driving on busy freeways, especially here in CA where there are only the Quick and the Dead.

Gee my friends C300 is on order. I'd better remind him to check that prior to driving off!

driver100

explorerx4 said:

Next spring one of my kids is going to be looking for a new car. CR-V was pretty high on the list, but now it's off. Don't see the point of buying an AWD vehicle where the AWD doesn't work, or if enabled will break. Probably will look at a Subi, Escape, and Rav4. They grew up driving a CUV and that's what they like driving due to the higher seating position.

I read recent reviews for the CR-V and RAV4. Reviewer said they were fine cars, but the Escape was a lot more fun to drive.

In fairness to Honda's CR-V, that AWD was tried in one very unusual situation, probably no one has come across that situation in real life.

AWD systems do vary though. I just read a review for the A3 and they praised the car highly, said it was superior to a Mercedes CLA in many respects, the AWD Quattro system being a major one.

driver100

abacomike said:

As I awakened this morning, and began thinking of what happened yesterday with the new Mercedes E400 I bought, it began to bother me even more.
I remember when we sat down to order this car, I listed, for the manager, all the things I wanted on the car. When we came to Blind Spot Monitors and Lane Tracking, there was no option to select from because these were listed as STANDARD on the E400, but optional on the E350. But, to confirm that they are standard, it states so on the sticker of the car.

Quite frankly, I am considering that this will be the very last Mercedes I will every buy from them if they can allow a vehicle to pass multitudes of inspections and leave off critical standard features.

We were driving by my Mercedes dealer today so we stopped to see if we could find my car. We did, it's sitting out there all alone and not cleaned up. It has the right color and interior, and was the only E400 I could see. It was a cold day so I couldn't stay out there too long.

I hope I have lane change warnings. I didn't actually see them, though I don't know if I would when the car is off. I did get a premium package and I told my salesman I wanted that feature. He had one copy of the option packages, but, I didn't get a copy so I can't even check what the car really has and doesn't have. Guess I'll find out Tuesday....but, if I don't have them it will probably be my fault.

Mike, it was a stupid mistake your car not having those options, but, there was a glitch somewhere.....I don't think it is quite something that would make me lose confidence in the car company. I think they are handling it as well as possible. Don't be hasty in making a life altering decision to cut them off.

driver100

graphicguy said:

Quick update in the CTS saga......

That brings us to right now.

If I buy, any service, even simple oil changes, they'll pick up my car, leave me with a loaner, take my car for service, and return it washed and cleaned.

They're winning me over, for sure.

More tomorrow.

GG, I'd like to see your valuation calculations....if you don't mind. I think if I drove my 535 for another year I would save about $6000, but that is only if I didn't have a major repair.

The other thing is, the greater the cost of what my car is worth now compared to in one year could make buying new more difficult the next time. In other words, buying early is a form of forced savings. I pay more now, do without, but it will be easier to buy a new comparable car next time.

In the meantime, I have a car under full warranty protection, so I won't have any huge payouts for some repair.....like my friend with a 2007 Mercedes ML350, that needs a $7000 transmission job.