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Mercedes Benz M-Class Prices Paid and Buying Experience

725 messages,  Last post on May 21, 2013 at 1:25 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz M-Class, SUV

Messages Page 41 of 73

#400 of 725 Re: 2009 ML350 P2 Deal [explainrs] by asa2

Feb 04, 2009 (5:54 pm)

Replying to: explainrs (Feb 03, 2009 8:23 pm)
Sorry I just saw this-I had the same exact impression as you on the other dealerships. The best by far was the guy I dealt with at Contemporary in Monmouth County (exit 109) . I was referred by a friend who bought there and said I had to call this guy before signing anywhere else and now I am a true devotee. I dealt with Joe. Met owners and everyone is very friendly, eager to please. I would highly recommend him-the best car buying experience I ever had. Didn't feel like a game, etc. Good luck---are you getting an ML? I got the 08 and LOVE IT-had a BMW X5 and a Range Rover-ML scores big against both for me. They say the 09 is even better but I'll have to wait til 2011 unless we get one for my wife, but that's a little weird. Definitely sticking with Benz though from here on out. Best of luck again-

#401 of 725 Re: 2009 ML350 P2 Deal [explainrs] by trachda

Feb 05, 2009 (5:05 am)

Replying to: explainrs (Feb 04, 2009 2:35 pm)
you can email us at ktrachtenberghvc.rr.com

#402 of 725 Re: 2009 ML350 P2 Deal [asa2] by mercedesleasee

Feb 06, 2009 (12:31 pm)

Replying to: asa2 (Feb 04, 2009 5:54 pm)
Thanks for the heads up Asa. I took your advice and agree, what a pleasure and welcome change. We cannot wait to return our X5 now. Thanks again-cheers!

#403 of 725 2009 ML350 vs 2010 Lexus RX350 by det1

Feb 07, 2009 (5:22 am)

I had Looked at ML 350 and at the 2009 Lexus and like the ML better becuse I did not want the DVD navigation in the Lexus. The 2010 has a hard drive Navigation as does the ML. Any thoughts on either car as as both are nice.

#404 of 725 Re: 2009 ML350 vs 2010 Lexus RX350 [det1] by asa2

Feb 09, 2009 (10:34 am)

Replying to: det1 (Feb 07, 2009 5:22 am)
Det1, in my opinion, no comparison-go with the ML. I've had X5 4.4 and Range Rover recently but have to say, without a doubt, love the ML best. I have the 08 and have found it to be the most comfortable, pleasure to drive vehicle we've owned. I don't know where you live but the 4MATIC performance was fantastic in ice/snow. My neighbor has the Lexus and while they may seem similar, they are very different. Lexus was sliding/fishtailing on same road as mine. The MB cars almost feel as if they "know" the road and adjust gears, grip intuitively. It's not a car where you take your foot off the gas and it keeps cruising-it will know and you will feel the difference.
 
I also feel the interior of the Lexus comes off sort of cheap as well-looks sort of cheap and "plastic-y". Also, and this is just totally a pet peeve of mine, I can't justify paying more money for the Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, etc. brands because I feel at heart they are Toyotas, Nissans, Hondas, etc.
 
IMO, Benz cars drive better, are safer and more solidly built. The Lexus do seem to be very maintenance friendly, but in the long run, I'm a fan of Mercedes Benz more than any other and can't see myself leaving the brand for anything else. Have you driven both yet? I notice a difference even in the way the doors close, etc. Just a more solid vehicle overall but that's just my opinion. Good luck either way--

#405 of 725 OK Price on 09 ML? And opinion on ML vs GX by tinsley1

Feb 15, 2009 (4:41 pm)

Have an uncle selling MB and with the family discount can get 6% off Invoice on an 09 ML350 ... anyone done better than that on an '09 purchase? Live in Dallas and am looking at the P2 package, running boards, appearance package. Thinking I'll stick with MBTex rather than leather as I have 2 small kids and hear MB Tex wears well. MSRP is 55,670, Invoice is 51,834 and the price he's giving is $48,720... basically 7K off MSRP.
 
Also, currently drive a Lexus GS300 that I have loved- loved the service (sewell), the car, etc. And am considering the GX. I prefer the ML from a style perspective but having no experience with the dealer am concerned about service and reliability compared to the Lexus. Anyone have good/bad experiences with switching from Lexus to MB?

#406 of 725 Re: OK Price on 09 ML? And opinion on ML vs GX [tinsley1] by explainrs

Feb 16, 2009 (4:01 pm)

Replying to: tinsley1 (Feb 15, 2009 4:41 pm)
Not sure about the % off 'invoice' but here's the comparison of my proposed lease to your purchase figures based on MSRP... my lease money factor = 1.7% interest rate, so I am not being taken on the MF.
 
2009 ML350 w/P1, heated seats, blah, blah
MSRP $52,695
Price $44,616
$8079 off MSRP = 15% off MSRP
 
Your proposed deal:
MSRP: $55,670
Price: $48,720
$6950 off MSRP = 12% off MSRP
 
Just my thoughts...

#407 of 725 Re: OK Price on 09 ML? And opinion on ML vs GX [tinsley1] by asa2

Feb 16, 2009 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: tinsley1 (Feb 15, 2009 4:41 pm)
Are you leasing or buying? I asked my rep and he said in all fairness to other dealership, he couldn't say without more information and particulars of the deal. One thing he did mention is they (corporate) recently slowed production on ML's and GL's so there will be more of a premium on them now. He used to go behind invoice occasionally but they are much less likely to do it now because the vehicles will be getting scarce. More difficult to swap from other dealers, etc. (glad I'm looking at sedans/coupes now!)
 
As for MB Tex vs. leather-I'm a HUGE tex fan. It is very comfortable and wears really well. (I have kids too) I have the black but know friends with macademia (tan)---black of course holds up best with grass stains from cleats, etc.
I definitely would go for the ML-I have the 08 and wish I had the time to wait for the 09 but had to turn in another car. 09 is great from all reports. I will definitely stick with the M line and am looking for another MB after next lease turn in. I haven't really had any huge issues service wise, but when I had a problem with a tire, my dealership got us right in, loaner and out. Can't speak for other dealerships/other states. Regardless, best of luck to you--

#408 of 725 ML 350 (2009) pricing by train99

Feb 17, 2009 (9:23 am)

Just wanted to post a price level for the ML. My wife and I just drove one off the lot yesterday (we leased). Black on black. The P01 and P02 trims were ~3,300 and 6,600 extra, respectively. We chose the BluTech, turbo diesel. It had more torque and punch vs the regular V6. But both are good.
 
We choose the base package (P00). This trim still leaves you with a great car. We weren't too concerned with DVD screens, running boards, heated seats among other things. With the base package, the price of the car was well under the X5's and comparable to the Volvo XC90 V8.
 
We looked at the XC90. Overall it was nice and good for the price. Our issue was the V6. It seemed too hollow from the sounds when you gave it some gas. It was worked too hard just to get enough speed to enter the highway. We take lots of trips to the mountain for skiing so a little more under the hood is reassuring in the higher elevations.
 
The new X5 is a nice looking car but just not worth the big price tag in our opinion. We are turning in our X3 shortly. The X3 was a nice vehicle but with our newborn, there just wasn't enough room (I'm 6'4" and leg room is a necessity). The ML has plenty of space, especially in the trunk.
 
We looked at the Touareg. Really liked the design and look. However the consumer report ratings were surprisingly low. We didn't even test drive.
 
Our experience was good at the dealership. The negotiations went smoother than I expected. There was some back-and-forth but not too bad. Below is the initial deal our salesman pitched to me followed to the deal I got:
 
2009 - ML320 BlueTEC 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A)
 
MSRP: ~49,600 (I'm rounding here)
Their current "special", no negotiation:
Monthly lease payment: $579/mo
Lease factor: 2.14 or .0009
Dealer Discount: $1,600 off MSRP
3 year/36 month lease
10,000 miles a year. $0.25/mile afterward
~4,200 down (roughly. I dont remember the exact $ amount)
This deal comes out to $1,200 over invoice/dealer cost
 
After negotiations:
Lease factor: 1.80 (versus the 2.14 in the initial offere). Their cost is 1.44 so their profit was 70 basis points before negotiations. I said I would split the difference, which is how I received the 1.80. Might have gotten it lower but I wanted to focus on the price of the vehicle to get the bulk of my savings.
Ultimate/Final Price: $100 over invoice of ~46,600
Lease Term: same, 3 years
At this point the lease payment was ~615/month, give or take. I told him at $600 even we have a deal. They said yes.
Note: We increased the mileage to 15,000/year which increased the payment ~70/month. If we left if at 10,000, the payment would have been in the low $500's.
 
I suggest you first lock in a lower Lease Factor and set the miles/per. Then ask for the invoice. ALWAYS negotiate from the invoice. In my case, there was a $1,200 difference. I would chipping away from the bottom up which in the end helps you out and reduced their negotiating power.
 
They still made an ok profit as I left a little meat on the bone. There was more room to go but I didn't have enough info for a strong argument. The dealership receives factory rebates and volume discounts after they sell a vehicle so in my case their profit was more than the $100 over invoice. Another point: They get taxed on vehicles that remain on the lot at the end of each month so you can make the point that your saving them $ by taking it off their hands.
 
Last point (I know this is a long post). They had a ton of cars there, which is good from a buyers perspective and made the negotiations a little less painless. Feel free to ask me any follow up questions.

#409 of 725 Re: ML 350 (2009) pricing [train99] by hollydog

Feb 17, 2009 (9:40 am)

Replying to: train99 (Feb 17, 2009 9:23 am)
sounds like you got a great deal. How much did you have to put down?
Thanks

Messages Page 41 of 73

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