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What should I expect to pay for a 24,555 mile? Asking for $24988. Want to go for a test drive and drive home if reasonable price. Any helps are very much appreciated. Regards
You can see how much cars alike are selling here: Certified Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz locally or nationwide, so you know the market, just wait a few seconds until it loads in real time. Of course, these prices are still negotiable, but it will give you an idea... Certified MBZ comes automatically with an extended warranty and generally completely reconditioned and in excellent condition...
Mercedes-Benz residuals just dropped today - which is bad news for leasing.
Although MB Financial lowered some rates too, still - a lot of models leases have worsen. But the good news is: all previous C-Class specials are extended till June 1st.
The BIGGEST savings in May comparing to April are on CLS550, ML Hybrid and R-class. You can see all of the Mercedes-Benz financial specials here: May, 2010 Mercedes-Benz Finance and Lease Specials and see the breakdown of what changed in May from April.
Good for you! I have a 2006 C230 and wore out the rear tires in 11K miles. I asked the dealer where I bought the car if they had put the cheapest tires they could find on the car. He said that it was common for the tires with 17 in. rims to wear out in 10K to 12K miles. What a bummer! :mad:
Hey guys, the guy at the dealer said his deal is better than the promotion out right now...let me know what u think. c300, 4matic, sport, w/premium 1 package
down: 5000 miles: 12,000 $399/month for 36 months. the msrp is 40,970.
Ok guys, based on my sources, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will not change at all, except very few details: Sport sedans will get standard LED daytime running lights; models without bi-xenon headlights receive black headlamp inlays - so headlights will look a little nicer. All models will get new headlight control switch and relocated ESP controls. Also, C63 AMG will have available P31 Package, which will boost 30 more Horsepower and it comes with red calipers for brakes.">link title If Dollar will continue to get stronger vs Euro, I don't think pricing of 2011 models will increase either. But I still think you can get better deal on 2010 model, before 2011 arrive: especially if you want to purchase and finance. There is a rumor that C-Class will introduce convertible model in mid-year. By the way, they already released E-Class convertible a few days ago. The car looks awesome!!! You can see E-Class convertible specs and photo gallery here: 2011 Mercedes-Benz Changes Specs and Media
C300-Sport, Bought the car because Dealer told me it is $2438 below invoice. But Edmunds and Truecar.com show different invoice prices. I am very confused, and worry of paying too much. Helpppppp !.!.! - Edmund Invoice: $34,826 - TrueCar.com Invoice : $35,426 - Dealer Invoice Price is: $35,326
Edmunds doesn't know what the exact invoice price is. And my guess is that you overlooked the part on the first page concerning advertising fees, or IRG charges as MB calls it. Please see:
The invoice price does not include any fees that may be charged by the manufacturer to dealers in a particular area of the country, such as local advertising fees, dealer association fees, or docking and storage fees. Edmunds.com does not track or provide such local fees.
In many parts of the country MB charges dealers a $500 adv. fee on the invoice. This is a real charge included on the invoice, and the dealer pays this to MB. Therefore, you pay it.
Sounds like you've already bought the car. Enjoy it. You did well.
The correct Invoice is: $35,425! You can calculate Invoice amount of any Mercedes-Benz based on MSRP here: Mercedes-Benz Invoice calculator, just enter "0" in the Gas Guzzler tax, because C-Class does not have it. This calculator includes all the fees and charges, all you need to know is MSRP.
I am planning on buying a new C300. At this time, the car I am looking for is (Iridium Silver + Wood trim + AMG wheel + multimedia package + manual xmission)
Realized that few dealers in the south bay area have C300 in stock with manual xmission. Got the following quote from one of the dealers for a car that came closest to what I am looking for:
2010 C300 (manual xmission) with Iridium Silver + P1 pkg + Multimedia pkg + 18" AMG wheels + Wood trim for 41.5K.
Ran the above specs on edmunds and got Total with Options MSRP=$41,485 Invoice=$38,643 TMV=$38,959
What would be a good deal on the above car? Wanted to know how far I could negotiate down from the dealer (internet quoted) sticker price of 41.5K.
I have a 2008 C300 sports (red) w/ premium 1 and unversal media pkg. It has a little over 21000 miles. How much do you think the listing price should be? I want to sell it to a private party since I can get a little more than what I'd get from a dealer. I was wondering if anyone can help me with the listing price. How much would you pay for the car?
First question you need to ask yourself: is this car paid off? Or you are still financing or leasing it. Because if the car is not fully paid-off - it means you don't have title/pink slip on your hands. Still possible, but a lot more difficult if you want to get top dollars, plus you may have inequity - owe more than it worth.
I have about $19,000 of loan left. I just want to list my car at a reasonable price. The KBB says the private party value is around $28,500 but it seems a little high to list at that price.
I'm trying to find if there was a forum to share my recent experience with Keyes European (Van Nuys, Calfiornia). I figured the forum title is also about "buying experience" so here it goes.
I was in the market for a 2010 C300 and started communicating with them via email last week. I was up front and honest about my recent credit situation. I was a Tier 1 rated customer with excellent credit, up until I had to give up one of my properties in March 2010, which led to a decline in my credit score. When they ran my credit, acc. to them, MBZ financial won't finance it due to my recent short sale activity with my property (I was not surprised). I was okay with that. The back-up plan was to have my mom either get the car on my behalf or co-sign with me. Just a little bit of a background, my mom has been legally living with us for over 10 years now. She is authorized to drive any one of my cars, and is a part of our auto insurance. Anyway, they ran her credit, and as expected, she was approved ( credit score over 800). After 2 days of emailing and phone calls, we settled on a deal, the C300 sport will be under my mom's name. We picked it up from Keyes European on Wednesday, my mom signed the papers, the whole contract was under her name, my name excluded.
The next morning, Thursday, I got a phone call from Keyes stating that I have to return the car, that MBZ financial put 2 and 2 together, that I am involved in the vehicle....well - DUH !!! I'm sorry...the dealer knew that all along!!! They were dealing with ME the whole time, my mom was there just to sign, and have her name be used for "credit purposes". In any case, I am so upset because from the get go, I told the dealer my situation, I did not hide anything, I did not make anything up. My mom was approved fair and square, and now, they want the car back.
It is now 5 days since we picked up the car. I still have it in my garage, have not driven it in over 3 days. I don't want to get attached to it. I haven't even played around with the gadgets. I am ready to return it. At this time, when I spoke to the salesman today, he said, they are "fighting" for me to keep the car. The dealership once again reviewed my my credit history, and aside from the recent short sale activity, records show that I have a very clean credit record, everything else is or was paid on time. So they're going to try and use that as angle to keep my car. The dealer has made contact with me for 3-4 days now, either asking me to return the car, or telling me they're still working things out. They have asked me not to drive it around so as not to accrue more miles. I have around 150 miles right now after 2 days of driving.
I'm not really sure who to blame here. I don't know how the dealer could allow us to drive off that car last Wednesday - my mom was obviously approved. And please, I am sure that this is NOT the first time that a "relative" has stepped in to purchase or lease something for someone else. Why NOT my mom? She clearly lives with us, on top it all, she has an excellent credit rating (over 800). It just didn't make sense.
I want the car sooo badly, and returning this to Keyes and getting a C300 sport from another MBZ dealership is not the solution since the whole transaction will end up at MBZ financial. My mom and I are pre-approved to co-sign at Lexus, and I am also approved at BMW.
This exact same thing happened to my boyfriend. Stop answering the phone for keys. They are playing a dirty trick on you. They scare you into thinking you have to turn the car back in and then say they worked out a deal and have you pay more monthly. You don't have to!!!! Just ignore the phone calls. After 10 days they have no rights anymore. So ignore the threats for five more days (10 days from the time you signed the contract) and you are free to drive your car at the price you guys agreed too. When this happened to my boyfriend, a friend of his who used to be a dealer told him to ignore them, that it was a trick. Well my boyfriend took his friends advice and not only did he get to keep the car at the price they agreed to, but because Keys kept attempting to bully him (for about a month they left messages saying he would have to pay $150 more, than $100 more, down to $11 more) they didn't turn the car into audi financial (it was an audi not mercedes) in time and keys had to pay my boyfriends second month (he paid the first in the deposit.). So whatever you do, stop picking up the phone. After 10 days, you are free (if you read your contract in full you will find that 10 day clause). Good luck! Congrats on your car!
MBF declined your application, because they call this type of transaction: "Straw purchase". By the way, straw purchase is not illegal unless it involves fire arms, alcohol or mortgage, so you did not break any law:
"A straw purchase is not illegal per se in most cases, except as noted above. For example, someone may purchase an automobile for another who, due to poor credit, cannot purchase it themselves. The purchase is not illegal; however most financial institutions (ie Banks) have very strict policies regarding this unscrupulous practice; if the other party defaults on payment, the original purchaser would be liable for the debt even if s/he could not collect the debt and/or repossess the car from the other party."
However, MBF enforce it by their own policy. If dealership wouldn't be able to get you financed, they would need to find means to get the vehicle back.
You have a couple other options. First, you can try to get loan from different institution(bank). Second: you can try to add yourself to the MBF loan on credit application, and place your mom on the first line as a primary buyer, because she has better credit. This way loan is going on both names and they will use credit of your mom to get you top tier - so it's completely legal.
Personally, I can tell you, that Keys European finance department is completely immature and they obviously don't know what they are doing, based on your story. Good finance manager needs to know what he's doing, besides stroking keyboard...
Thanks....you're absolutely right - there is a stipulation somewhere on the contract about the 10 days. The 10th day will be this coming Friday. I did tell my salesman that if they think "working this out" will mean I will agree to a higher selling price or higher payment etc.....then the answer is NO. It's just sad that I've had this car 5 days now, and I've not "played" with it for the past 3 days. Stay tuned!
Thanks for clarifying the "legal" term. I called a friend of mine from a Honda dealership and mentioned "straw purchase". But I, just like you, believe that if there was anyone to blame, its Keyes. They're the ones who let the deal go through. They should've known better.
This is how much they knew that the car was for me. While it was my mom who was doing the "signing" of the contract, when it came down to monthly payments, they allowed me to use my personal checking account so it will be taken out of my account. They allowed me to use my personal credit card to pay the downpayment. My mom had to leave immediately after the transaction, and drove off with my brother, and Keyes gave me the whole briefing about the new car, and saw me drive off with the car - not my mom.
During my conversation with my sales man today, he said he is going to try and get me approved, along with my mom so both our names are on the title. Again, I told him that I have no qualms in returning the car. I just need to know. I can easily go and get a BMW now or a Lexus, since we're approved on both. Those dealers are calling me since it's end of month, and here I am just waiting for the result over at Keyes.
Thanks again for taking the time to read my situation.
On Memorial Day, I got another phone call from the dealer asking me for a copy of the short sale offer. I happen to have a PDF so I fwd'd it to them via email. The sales man kept reiterating that they are fighting for me to keep the car based on the fact that I had a stellar credit record prior to the short sale.
He called back and asked me to go back to the dealership (along with my mom) as they had a "couple of questions". My issue with that was I'm at least 45 minutes away plus it was a holiday, so I didn't want to "waste" another time going there. This whole thing was not any of my doing, and it feels like I'm the one who's getting inconvenienced. Why couldn't they ask the "couple of questions" by phone? I was ready to return the car. After the call, I decided, just so I can get it over and done with, I went back to the dealership with my mom later that afternoon.
We walked in, met the salesman, we were seated in his office, and within 2-3 minutes, he came back and said everything is now okay....they are keeping the contract the way it is (which is under my mom's name), so basically, we can drive off with the car. Huh??? So there it is, the car is in our possession. After all that fiasco....it came down to the dealer over-riding MB Financial's decision.
The whole thing seems suspicious to me. I think the fact that you were ready to turn the car back in and said you had other offers is what did it. Congratulations on your car!!!!
MB Financial just came up with Summer Specials. All C-Class specials are extended until August 2nd, except C300 4 Matic Sport model. This model still has lease special, but payment is $30 more than it was in May. You can see all the specials in details here: Mercedes-Benz Finance and Lease Specials. Also, you can see the breakdown of what changed from May to June in positive or negative direction.
Thanks rach4.....prior to me going there last Monday, I made it very clear to my salesman, that there if they are thinking they can change any portion of the deail that will be to my disadvantage, that I will not agree to it and I had no problem returning the car.
It's just now (a week later), that I'm finally enjoying my car....thanks again :-)
Picking up a C300 sport 4 matic with premium pkg 1 and nav today, msrp $41500. I haven't shopped much but the deal looks awesome. There must be dealer cash from MB. They are paying off the last 4 payments on my BMW (about $1800). $3000 total out of pocket. $460 per mo with tax. A similar BMW would be in the high 5s for sure. Audi A4 was $499 per month with me comming up with $4500. I can't imagine a better value for the money today. The dealer is claiming a cap cost of $36500! how could that be????
I guess there can be a problem with MB USA if someone publishes sensitive and confidential financial info openly. Additionally, rates may vary by different regions and States. Rates also vary based on the credit Tier that you are approved at.
Also, a lot of people forget that there are a lot of different banks (other than MBF), that have completely different programs, which can give you better overall payments.
Thats why I always recommend to negotiate the BOTTOM LINE - down payment and monthly payment. Based on my experience: when someone negotiates the TERMS of lease, instead of negotiating the PAYMENTS of lease - Dealer usually wins. Because there are a lot of elements involved in the lease beside Residual and money factor.
I still think that the best way to shop for the lowest payments is to shop multiple Dealers (which sometimes is not easy too). But this way - you make Dealers compete to earn your business. You can do it over the Internet here: Request Mercedes-Benz Price or Lease Quote anywhere in USA.
SPECIALS are just the guide to see the market prices that you can get for sure. Providing more information will be considered...
Are you serious? Do you work for that web page? To figure out a lease payment all you need is residual and money factor and bank fee for the model in question. Figuring out a lease payment is not a secret formula. The buy rate and residual is the same across the country for MBF, Yes Chase and US Bank do have regional rates because some times they want to lease cars in 1 area over another to reduce their risk but MBF buy rates and residual are national. The difference in lease payments from 1 dealer to another dealer is dealers are free to mark up or buy down the buy rate all they want just like on mortgage. So having the buy rate or par rate is very useful information. The only difference is advertised lease special may differ by area, but in general those advertise lease special currently are a joke as all of them assume you are buying the car at a discount of between $1-2k off MSRP and if you are paying more than $1k over invoice for any model except maybe E-Class Cab or SLR you are a smuck.
On most lease programs, MBF has the best program, the only exception is for people with very high FICO on cars that are using any money factor close to the standard rate which currently is 0.00395 and only car that uses that money factor currently is E-Class Cab the next highest money factor is 0.00280 used on the E-Class Coupe and then E-Class Sedan and SL using a 0.00220. While you can get a much better lease going via US Bank or Chase on E-Class Cab, Coupe and SL beside those 3 models currently MBF has a better program, especially on 300 C-Class Sport which for Tier 1 and Tier 1+ credit applicants has 55% residual and Money Factor of 0.00018 vs US Bank has 46% residual and a money factor of 0.00135 for tier 1+ applicants and for tier 1 applicants the money factor shoots up to .00195.
To miked22 Cap cost is the amount of money the finance company is paying the dealer, and that is the amount your interest will be calculated on it. So basically that means the dealer gave you $5k off of MSRP. Cap cost does not affect residual either as that is calculated off of MSRP, no matter what the amount the dealer gets paid from the finance company.
Dealers can mark-up money factor, acquisition fee and any dealer fee they want to. They can even mark up DMV fees in some States. Also, all rates can vary based on your credit worthiness and the whole deal structure... There are number of tricks that can be performed, that I'm not going to detail, because its a long subject to discuss...
Besides US Bank and Chase there is a huge number of local financial institutions (like Credit Unions), who can offer flexible terms, where you can actually adjust Residual Value up to $1, buy down rates and plenty of other manipulations. On top of that, some banks offer exclusive offers to hand-picked car dealers.
So, to pay $1k over invoice in California - yeah, like you said, you are a smuck (and there are plenty of them), but in some States, where there is only 1 or 2 MB Dealerships - you really have to fight to get advertised deal, because like MBUSA said: "This deal is available only at participated Dealers", so if they don't want to participate, then they don't.
What I said in my previous post was: Instead of negotiating fees and rates, why not negotiate the bottom line - down payment and monthly payment? When you do this with multiple dealers - you obviously will get the best of everything included in the lease. This way you can't loose. No need to complicate your life more than it already is.
Yes, it is sort of stiff in Seattle too. C350 MSRP 48375, asked 43k but dealer only willing to sell 44773. So just $300 below KBB invoice. Reason is because there are "hidden" fees, and the car needs to be transported from out of state. Not sure if we can call this a good deal, do you guys think this deal is workable?
I know in bay area at least people can get 1500 off invoice... Advise needed!!
I am planning on going with factory order for C300 sport. I know the MSRP/invoice price etc for the exact car i am ordering through MB dealership. Wanted to know how much room for price negotiation is usually there in such special orders. One of the dealers I talked to indicated that since this is factory order (not picking car from stock), the price i can expect to pay is close to MSRP.
Folks who have ordered their car through dealership, how much below sticker price were you able to negotiate before ordering the car?
Check MB Website there is a standard 7% discount off the MSRP with the European Delivery plus free taxi to and from the airport with one night in a hotel with a voucher for meals.
You can build you vehicle on the MB site and send offers to dealers from their list by states and cities.
You can shop at any dealer in the United States online for a European Delivery. You can negotiate for an additional discount 4, 5 or 6%. There is no shipping charge on the European Delivery.
Greetings! Wanted to see whether any of you had any ideas on whether I got a good deal. Just purchased a new Quartz Blue Metallic 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic with Prem1, Ipod adaptor and Burl wood inlays. In Virginia, the pricing broke down like this: Price $35,934, taxes $1159.46, tags $118.50, processing fee $299. Used USAA car buying service.
Out-the-door I paid $37,510
I think it's not a bad deal, but would be interested to hear others' thoughts.
Xmas, Just saw your question. Your dealer is handing you a line. Ordered a C300 in March. Showed dealer USAA pricing and they came within $400 of that so I got $5200 off sticker for a factory order. Since then my local dealer shows up on the USAA buying service. Prices are now about $1000 higher than they were in March for some reason. Go to zag,com for more info. You have to have been in the military to become an USAA member and access their pricing which is 1500 less due to a deal with M-B which expires 7/30.
Ok guys, anyone who wants a great lease deal on C300 - here it is: CLEARANCE...
Brand new 2010 C300 Sport Edition with Automatic Transmission: Black or Arctic White MSRP: $35,965
36 months lease / 7,500 miles per year - total 22,500 miles per lease. $3,182 - Total out of pocket (includes 1st payment and fees) 35 remaining payments of $299.99 + tax.
This deal is available in Southern California, but it is possible to get this deal to people from other States, except there is a charge for shipping. Based on approved credit. You can be pre-approved over phone/internet.
There are only 80 units left, so don't delay. You can also get different color, more miles and more equippment - it will affect the payment, but it will not affect the overall good deal. You need to work the numbers directly with them.
I'm not going to put contact information as per forum rules. But you can e-mail me directly at igb10@yahoo.com so I can give you the name of the manager and dealership.
Yes, you did well. I paid about 3000 more for the same car (including color) on March 1, 2010, but without the iPod connection. Of course, I like to think I got 1000 more on my trade than I could have elsewhere and MB made my first 2 payments. It is my wife's car, and she does like it more than than the Honda Accord we traded. But that said, again well done.
Comments
$487 mth
36mth
15,000 MPY
Dealer rolled all costs except 1st payment into lease price. They also made my last payment on my Acura.
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Chintan
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
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Certified MBZ comes automatically with an extended warranty and generally completely reconditioned and in excellent condition...
Although MB Financial lowered some rates too, still - a lot of models leases have worsen. But the good news is: all previous C-Class specials are extended till June 1st.
The BIGGEST savings in May comparing to April are on CLS550, ML Hybrid and R-class. You can see all of the Mercedes-Benz financial specials here: May, 2010 Mercedes-Benz Finance and Lease Specials and see the breakdown of what changed in May from April.
c300, 4matic, sport, w/premium 1 package
down: 5000
miles: 12,000
$399/month for 36 months.
the msrp is 40,970.
Sport sedans will get standard LED daytime running lights; models without bi-xenon headlights receive black headlamp inlays - so headlights will look a little nicer. All models will get new headlight control switch and relocated ESP controls.
Also, C63 AMG will have available P31 Package, which will boost 30 more Horsepower and it comes with red calipers for brakes.">link title
If Dollar will continue to get stronger vs Euro, I don't think pricing of 2011 models will increase either. But I still think you can get better deal on 2010 model, before 2011 arrive: especially if you want to purchase and finance.
There is a rumor that C-Class will introduce convertible model in mid-year. By the way, they already released E-Class convertible a few days ago. The car looks awesome!!! You can see E-Class convertible specs and photo gallery here: 2011 Mercedes-Benz Changes Specs and Media
- Edmund Invoice: $34,826
- TrueCar.com Invoice : $35,426
- Dealer Invoice Price is: $35,326
MSRP $37,380
Selling Price: $32,888 +TL
Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic w/Touch Shift - $1386
iPod Integration Kit (In Glovebox) - $349
Burl Walnut Wood Trim - $298
Steel Gray Metallic - $720
My guess is that is where the difference lies...
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
The invoice price does not include any fees that may be charged by the manufacturer to dealers in a particular area of the country, such as local advertising fees, dealer association fees, or docking and storage fees. Edmunds.com does not track or provide such local fees.
In many parts of the country MB charges dealers a $500 adv. fee on the invoice. This is a real charge included on the invoice, and the dealer pays this to MB. Therefore, you pay it.
Sounds like you've already bought the car. Enjoy it. You did well.
You can calculate Invoice amount of any Mercedes-Benz based on MSRP here: Mercedes-Benz Invoice calculator, just enter "0" in the Gas Guzzler tax, because C-Class does not have it.
This calculator includes all the fees and charges, all you need to know is MSRP.
Knowing the invoice price. I feel a lot better now.
I was worry and concern because the trigger with little negotiation.
Thanks Again.
I am planning on buying a new C300. At this time, the car I am looking for is (Iridium Silver + Wood trim + AMG wheel + multimedia package + manual xmission)
Realized that few dealers in the south bay area have C300 in stock with manual xmission. Got the following quote from one of the dealers for a car that came closest to what I am looking for:
2010 C300 (manual xmission) with Iridium Silver + P1 pkg + Multimedia pkg + 18" AMG wheels + Wood trim for 41.5K.
Ran the above specs on edmunds and got
Total with Options MSRP=$41,485 Invoice=$38,643 TMV=$38,959
What would be a good deal on the above car? Wanted to know how far I could negotiate down from the dealer (internet quoted) sticker price of 41.5K.
Thanks
Xmasdude.
Penske MB
Send me an email (laupcc@hotmail.com) if you want the salesman's name
I'm trying to find if there was a forum to share my recent experience with Keyes European (Van Nuys, Calfiornia). I figured the forum title is also about "buying experience" so here it goes.
I was in the market for a 2010 C300 and started communicating with them via email last week. I was up front and honest about my recent credit situation. I was a Tier 1 rated customer with excellent credit, up until I had to give up one of my properties in March 2010, which led to a decline in my credit score. When they ran my credit, acc. to them, MBZ financial won't finance it due to my recent short sale activity with my property (I was not surprised). I was okay with that. The back-up plan was to have my mom either get the car on my behalf or co-sign with me. Just a little bit of a background, my mom has been legally living with us for over 10 years now. She is authorized to drive any one of my cars, and is a part of our auto insurance. Anyway, they ran her credit, and as expected, she was approved ( credit score over 800). After 2 days of emailing and phone calls, we settled on a deal, the C300 sport will be under my mom's name. We picked it up from Keyes European on Wednesday, my mom signed the papers, the whole contract was under her name, my name excluded.
The next morning, Thursday, I got a phone call from Keyes stating that I have to return the car, that MBZ financial put 2 and 2 together, that I am involved in the vehicle....well - DUH !!! I'm sorry...the dealer knew that all along!!! They were dealing with ME the whole time, my mom was there just to sign, and have her name be used for "credit purposes". In any case, I am so upset because from the get go, I told the dealer my situation, I did not hide anything, I did not make anything up. My mom was approved fair and square, and now, they want the car back.
It is now 5 days since we picked up the car. I still have it in my garage, have not driven it in over 3 days. I don't want to get attached to it. I haven't even played around with the gadgets. I am ready to return it. At this time, when I spoke to the salesman today, he said, they are "fighting" for me to keep the car. The dealership once again reviewed my my credit history, and aside from the recent short sale activity, records show that I have a very clean credit record, everything else is or was paid on time. So they're going to try and use that as angle to keep my car. The dealer has made contact with me for 3-4 days now, either asking me to return the car, or telling me they're still working things out. They have asked me not to drive it around so as not to accrue more miles. I have around 150 miles right now after 2 days of driving.
I'm not really sure who to blame here. I don't know how the dealer could allow us to drive off that car last Wednesday - my mom was obviously approved. And please, I am sure that this is NOT the first time that a "relative" has stepped in to purchase or lease something for someone else. Why NOT my mom? She clearly lives with us, on top it all, she has an excellent credit rating (over 800). It just didn't make sense.
I want the car sooo badly, and returning this to Keyes and getting a C300 sport from another MBZ dealership is not the solution since the whole transaction will end up at MBZ financial. My mom and I are pre-approved to co-sign at Lexus, and I am also approved at BMW.
Sorry for venting.
"A straw purchase is not illegal per se in most cases, except as noted above. For example, someone may purchase an automobile for another who, due to poor credit, cannot purchase it themselves. The purchase is not illegal; however most financial institutions (ie Banks) have very strict policies regarding this unscrupulous practice; if the other party defaults on payment, the original purchaser would be liable for the debt even if s/he could not collect the debt and/or repossess the car from the other party."
However, MBF enforce it by their own policy. If dealership wouldn't be able to get you financed, they would need to find means to get the vehicle back.
You have a couple other options. First, you can try to get loan from different institution(bank). Second: you can try to add yourself to the MBF loan on credit application, and place your mom on the first line as a primary buyer, because she has better credit. This way loan is going on both names and they will use credit of your mom to get you top tier - so it's completely legal.
Personally, I can tell you, that Keys European finance department is completely immature and they obviously don't know what they are doing, based on your story. Good finance manager needs to know what he's doing, besides stroking keyboard...
Thanks....you're absolutely right - there is a stipulation somewhere on the contract about the 10 days. The 10th day will be this coming Friday. I did tell my salesman that if they think "working this out" will mean I will agree to a higher selling price or higher payment etc.....then the answer is NO. It's just sad that I've had this car 5 days now, and I've not "played" with it for the past 3 days. Stay tuned!
jason
Thanks for clarifying the "legal" term. I called a friend of mine from a Honda dealership and mentioned "straw purchase". But I, just like you, believe that if there was anyone to blame, its Keyes. They're the ones who let the deal go through. They should've known better.
This is how much they knew that the car was for me. While it was my mom who was doing the "signing" of the contract, when it came down to monthly payments, they allowed me to use my personal checking account so it will be taken out of my account. They allowed me to use my personal credit card to pay the downpayment. My mom had to leave immediately after the transaction, and drove off with my brother, and Keyes gave me the whole briefing about the new car, and saw me drive off with the car - not my mom.
During my conversation with my sales man today, he said he is going to try and get me approved, along with my mom so both our names are on the title. Again, I told him that I have no qualms in returning the car. I just need to know. I can easily go and get a BMW now or a Lexus, since we're approved on both. Those dealers are calling me since it's end of month, and here I am just waiting for the result over at Keyes.
Thanks again for taking the time to read my situation.
jason
On Memorial Day, I got another phone call from the dealer asking me for a copy of the short sale offer. I happen to have a PDF so I fwd'd it to them via email. The sales man kept reiterating that they are fighting for me to keep the car based on the fact that I had a stellar credit record prior to the short sale.
He called back and asked me to go back to the dealership (along with my mom) as they had a "couple of questions". My issue with that was I'm at least 45 minutes away plus it was a holiday, so I didn't want to "waste" another time going there. This whole thing was not any of my doing, and it feels like I'm the one who's getting inconvenienced. Why couldn't they ask the "couple of questions" by phone? I was ready to return the car. After the call, I decided, just so I can get it over and done with, I went back to the dealership with my mom later that afternoon.
We walked in, met the salesman, we were seated in his office, and within 2-3 minutes, he came back and said everything is now okay....they are keeping the contract the way it is (which is under my mom's name), so basically, we can drive off with the car. Huh??? So there it is, the car is in our possession. After all that fiasco....it came down to the dealer over-riding MB Financial's decision.
The whole thing seems suspicious to me. I think the fact that you were ready to turn the car back in and said you had other offers is what did it. Congratulations on your car!!!!
It's just now (a week later), that I'm finally enjoying my car....thanks again :-)
jason
jason
Thanks for the info...what about MF and % of residual for 36 months and 12000miles per yr?
Thanks
Congrat on ur new C300. which dealer you went? how long is the lease? and what's ur MF and % of the residual?
Thanks a lot
Also, a lot of people forget that there are a lot of different banks (other than MBF), that have completely different programs, which can give you better overall payments.
Thats why I always recommend to negotiate the BOTTOM LINE - down payment and monthly payment. Based on my experience: when someone negotiates the TERMS of lease, instead of negotiating the PAYMENTS of lease - Dealer usually wins. Because there are a lot of elements involved in the lease beside Residual and money factor.
I still think that the best way to shop for the lowest payments is to shop multiple Dealers (which sometimes is not easy too). But this way - you make Dealers compete to earn your business. You can do it over the Internet here: Request Mercedes-Benz Price or Lease Quote anywhere in USA.
SPECIALS are just the guide to see the market prices that you can get for sure. Providing more information will be considered...
On most lease programs, MBF has the best program, the only exception is for people with very high FICO on cars that are using any money factor close to the standard rate which currently is 0.00395 and only car that uses that money factor currently is E-Class Cab the next highest money factor is 0.00280 used on the E-Class Coupe and then E-Class Sedan and SL using a 0.00220. While you can get a much better lease going via US Bank or Chase on E-Class Cab, Coupe and SL beside those 3 models currently MBF has a better program, especially on 300 C-Class Sport which for Tier 1 and Tier 1+ credit applicants has 55% residual and Money Factor of 0.00018 vs US Bank has 46% residual and a money factor of 0.00135 for tier 1+ applicants and for tier 1 applicants the money factor shoots up to .00195.
To miked22 Cap cost is the amount of money the finance company is paying the dealer, and that is the amount your interest will be calculated on it. So basically that means the dealer gave you $5k off of MSRP. Cap cost does not affect residual either as that is calculated off of MSRP, no matter what the amount the dealer gets paid from the finance company.
Besides US Bank and Chase there is a huge number of local financial institutions (like Credit Unions), who can offer flexible terms, where you can actually adjust Residual Value up to $1, buy down rates and plenty of other manipulations. On top of that, some banks offer exclusive offers to hand-picked car dealers.
So, to pay $1k over invoice in California - yeah, like you said, you are a smuck (and there are plenty of them), but in some States, where there is only 1 or 2 MB Dealerships - you really have to fight to get advertised deal, because like MBUSA said: "This deal is available only at participated Dealers", so if they don't want to participate, then they don't.
What I said in my previous post was: Instead of negotiating fees and rates, why not negotiate the bottom line - down payment and monthly payment? When you do this with multiple dealers - you obviously will get the best of everything included in the lease. This way you can't loose. No need to complicate your life more than it already is.
I know in bay area at least people can get 1500 off invoice... Advise needed!!
I am planning on going with factory order for C300 sport. I know the MSRP/invoice price etc for the exact car i am ordering through MB dealership. Wanted to know how much room for price negotiation is usually there in such special orders. One of the dealers I talked to indicated that since this is factory order (not picking car from stock), the price i can expect to pay is close to MSRP.
Folks who have ordered their car through dealership, how much below sticker price were you able to negotiate before ordering the car?
Thanks
Xmas
You can build you vehicle on the MB site and send offers to dealers from their list by states and cities.
You can shop at any dealer in the United States online for a European Delivery. You can negotiate for an additional discount 4, 5 or 6%. There is no shipping charge on the European Delivery.
Out-the-door I paid $37,510
I think it's not a bad deal, but would be interested to hear others' thoughts.
Thanks
All you need is to find a MB Dealer, who will agree to an upfront guaranteed selling price in writing, before placing an order.
Of course, you have better ability to negotiate and lower the price, if Dealer has it in his stock, because it's more motivating for them.
CLEARANCE...
Brand new 2010 C300 Sport Edition with Automatic Transmission:
Black or Arctic White
MSRP: $35,965
36 months lease / 7,500 miles per year - total 22,500 miles per lease.
$3,182 - Total out of pocket (includes 1st payment and fees)
35 remaining payments of $299.99 + tax.
This deal is available in Southern California, but it is possible to get this deal to people from other States, except there is a charge for shipping. Based on approved credit. You can be pre-approved over phone/internet.
There are only 80 units left, so don't delay. You can also get different color, more miles and more equippment - it will affect the payment, but it will not affect the overall good deal. You need to work the numbers directly with them.
I'm not going to put contact information as per forum rules. But you can e-mail me directly at igb10@yahoo.com so I can give you the name of the manager and dealership.
The waiting time is over...
MSRP: $43,965
Price Paid: $39,800 (allegedly $1750 below invoice)
12,000 miles/year for 36 months
Money factor: .00042 (1.008% int.)
Residual: 57% (10k miles was 58%)
$1800 down (first payment, tax, tag transfer, $995ish Acquisition fee, $130ish doc fee)
$475 per month. ($487/month with MB maintenance residualized)
Am I right that this was a decent deal? Its a beautiful car, and our 2nd car's lease is almost up....I'm tempted to go deal on a second one.
Thanks for any feedback.