Mercedes deal we couldn't pass on

syncroid · 06-04-2011, 04:09 PM

Our local MBZ dealer has been hounding my wife for the last couple of months to trade in her lease car early. Its a 2008 C300 Sport. It was a four year lease with one year left on it. Today we finally went into the dealership to talk turkey. She gets a brand new 2011 C300 on Wednesday. No money down, AND, the lease payment is about $40 bucks less a month. Both cars are identically equipt.
What is up with them wanting the older model back? Whats in it for them?
Her 08 only had 24,250 miles on the clock and was in mint condition but I still don't get it. It was a no brainer for us.

EarlyPorsche · 06-04-2011, 04:26 PM

Its not that they want the old one back. They are most likely replacing the C with another model, or releasing an "update" so the dealer wants to get 2011 inventory off the lot. It can be a win for the dealer because MBUSA incentivizes the lease and a win for you.

motion · 06-04-2011, 06:24 PM

The '12 is a mid model refresh with new interior, new exterior styling, etc.

EarlyPorsche · 06-04-2011, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motion

The '12 is a mid model refresh with new interior, new exterior styling, etc.

There's our answer.

legion · 06-04-2011, 09:50 PM

Here's another thought.

New cars are not selling right now. A LOT of people are buying used to save money. So much so, that used car prices have doubled or more. I can confirm this both by anecdotal evidence and by news articles.

The trade-in gave them a much-needed used car to sell, and got a new car off of the lot. Because the used car is worth so much more now (2-4 times as much as a year ago), they are willing to make what would normally seem like a crazy deal.

This is one of those rare situations where there is no catch, and everyone wins.

ths911 · ths911's Garage

As Legion stated - Quality used cars are not as available as in the past. Dealer makes more $$ on a used car sale so is willing to deal to get your wife's car on the lot. Moving the new car also gets the dealer money from M-B. Win-win for the dealer. Your wife benefited too.

Dealers are only motivated by profit.

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

Yep. Used car prices are absolutely stupid right now. I took advantage of it yesterday as well.

I have a 2009 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. I have had it for around 19 months and put 35,000 miles on it. It has been a great car. But, there are two things coming up that I wanted to possibly avoid. First, the warranty expires in less than 1,000 miles. Second, it will need new tires soon. It came with Bridgestone Potenza RE92A tires, and replacing those with the same tires would run over $1,000.

I had been reading all of the news stories about high prices and trade in values on late model used cars, specifically used Japanese cars. I decided to see if I could cash in on it. So, I stopped by the dealer yesterday to see what kind of deal I could work out.

I wound up making a deal for the same car, but a new 2011 model. For my trade, I got $1,100 less than I paid for it. On the new car, I paid $200 more than I paid for my 2009. So, I wound up paying $1,300 to drive a new car for 19 months and put 35,000 miles on it. Plus, I get a brand new car with a warranty and new tires in return.

My new car will be in next week.

mikesride · mikesride's Garage

We did a deal here at 0% for 84 months AND they allowed $10,000.00 of neg equity so we moved a high interest rate student loan to this loan and topped up on "shortfall" insurance. Now we are carrying the full debt load out over 84 months with NO INTEREST....WTF???

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

A sale is a sale -- the dealer can make a new car sale (your new lease) as well as a used car sale in that transaction.

BTW: If you count Sprinter van sales in the mix, then Mercedes is leading both BMW and Lexus in new car sales this year.

-Z-man.

syncroid · 06-05-2011, 05:14 PM

Great input guys. We are looking forward to receiving the car on Weds. They are even going to deliver it here to the house. I told them that we would have the old one detailed before they take it and they declined. "Just leave it as is." Gotta love that. I'll snap a couple of pictures of it and post them up when it arrives. I guess the reason it won't be here till Weds. is because it is coming from a dealership in Fresno.

motion · 06-05-2011, 07:37 PM

Nice car BTW. I've had a C350 loaner and couldn't stop roasting the tires. Fun cars!

speeder · speeder's Garage

I have a buddy who had a C63 which is an absolutely ridiculous car but the current C-class is a beautiful car.

slow&rusty · 06-06-2011, 03:14 AM

I really like the new C-Class, MB has done a great job in the styling department..I wish there was an intermediate motor between the C350 and the C63 (like the E550 and S550 before you hit the AMG models).
Yasin

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

If you guys think the C-class sedan looks nice, wait till you guys see the new C-coupe in person...

I've seen a couple floating around the home office, and it is very nice --- somewhat sedated, but still very elegant.

Here's a link to some non-official pictures:

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-mercedes-c-class-coupe-first-drive/#4179350

-Z-man.

motion · 06-06-2011, 07:11 AM

Hmmmm.... nice looking exterior, but looks like they're going BMW-style on the interior. Not a fan.

syncroid · 06-06-2011, 07:57 AM

Agreed. Nice looking exterior except for the butt ugly side view mirror shells. I kind of like the interior too. Thanks for the link Z.

syncroid · 06-08-2011, 04:49 PM

Well it arrived as stated. I think I like it!

It came with the upgraded wheels too. The standard wheels were ugly! I asked the wife if she had any regrets. She only said she felt bad for the trade in (old car) and hoped that it would go to a good home. The only bummer is that they drove it to San Jose from the Fresno dealership it came from. I guess its had its first flogging. Just wish it could have been me, not them.
P.S. Anyone want a cat with a serious attitude problem?
Pics as promised.

pavulon · 06-08-2011, 05:59 PM

Did MB offer any deals on the C63?

syncroid · 06-08-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavulon

Did MB offer any deals on the C63?

Now you're just bustin my balls. Thats way out of our price range. No. They didn't offer any deals on that.
BTW, I take it you passed on the last one we were going to look at.

pavulon · 06-08-2011, 06:26 PM

Sorry...just hoping for the best for you guys!! Actually, all the better as the '12 C63's will have MB's MCT...which I think is a really cool transmission.

yeah...if it's going to be a P-car, I'm (for now) waiting for my Holy Grail ('89 930). However, to my eyes that looked like a pretty nice 964T!!

Glad you're happy w/ the C300!!