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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Mercedes Benz C-Class Prices Paid and Buying Experience
889 messages, Last post on Jun 30, 2009 at 8:45 AM
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First, this forum has been very helpful in finding the cost baseline for what's out there right now. I finally pulled the trigger yesterday after spending two weeks shopping. Hopefully this will be a helpful recap of my experience and deal: Location: Northern Virgina/Metro DC Dealers Contacted: HBL, American Service Center, Euromotors, Herb Gordon, and Mercedes of Alexandria Purchased From: Mercedes of Alexandria (Dwayne Butler [salesman], Lowell Duckett [sales manager]) Comments on Dealerships: I had generally positive experiences with every dealership except American Service Center. This was very surprising since I purchased my last vehicle from ASC, and serviced my car at ASC for the entire 7.5 years that I have owned it. I found ASC sales people to be really into the game playing and the cajoling you with the "I need to make a profit" and the "there's no way that other dealer could be offering you that deal, it's simply not possible" and the "your car isn't worth nearly that, we're giving you way more than book value". I wound up dealing with the Sales Manager at ASC, and even in dealing with her, it was worse than going to the dentist. I had THREE offers from other dealers for the same basic specs at about $5k below MSRP and she told me repeatedly that there's no way I could be getting that type of deal. Very disappointing, especially since I've been an ASC customer for so long. On the plus side, Mercedes of Alexandria was simply AWESOME. It was the best car buying experience of my life, and I highly recommend you deal with Sharon Stepp (internet manager), Dwayne Butler (saleman) and Lowell Duckett (sales manager). I went to the dealership after a quick convo with Sharon, and literally walked out with my new car in two hours. No games, no BS back and forth. I knew what I wanted and they respected my knowledge and research. And Dwayne was one of the nicest people I've ever met in the car business. Lowell Duckett is likely who will be the final say on the deal, and Lowell was one of the funniest and nicest sales mangers you will ever find. I would HIGHLY recommend you deal with them if you want a really great purchase experience. Ok, on to the deal now. My purchase: 2009 C300 Sport, Black, P1 package, Wood Trim, iPod integration MSRP: $38,070 Sale Price: $33,100 Lease Terms: 27 mo/12k miles MF: .00166 (3.984% APR) Residual: 67% (can be greater with 10k or 7.5k mile options) Payment: $471.55 (w/ zero down) So right at $5k below MSRP. I was pretty happy with that deal. I could have probably gotten another $500 off, if I really wanted to work for it for another day or two. But honestly, the fact that I was able to do the deal in two hours with zero hassles made it worth maybe not getting the rock-bottom deal. And at the end of the day, I'm sure the relationship with the sales manager and the salesperson will come in handy whenever I take it in for service. Also, small bonus is that MB of Alexandria offers free car wash anytime you want. ASC didn't offer that to me when I bought my last car (despite same ownership group). Let me know if anyone has any questions. |
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Replying to: aristotlenova (Dec 31, 2008 2:03 pm) Do you guys actually drive to a different state to get the car? How would that affect maintenance - would you have to drive to that dealer for checkups? I'm getting really frustrating with the peeps Im working with. For a car worth less that the recent ones posted here, an absolute basic with no frills, I am getting quoted at higher. Grrrr
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Replying to: gotgt3 (Jan 01, 2009 8:03 pm) If you are buying in Northern Virginia, I highly recommend Mercedes of Alexandria. They were the most professional and straight forward dealership I came across. Go there and ask for Dwayne Butler and tell him that the guy he sold the Black C300 to sent you. He'll take care of you. You may not get precisely the same deal, but I think for the C300s, you can expect about $4700-$5200 below MSRP. So if the car you want is like $40k, you can expect to be able to get it for about $35k.
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Replying to: gotgt3 (Jan 01, 2009 8:03 pm) If the vehicle is pick up in another the selling dealer usually give temporary plates to transport the vehicle to the home state. California required a Smog test on a new vehicle purchased out of state. If a vehicle is ship to local dealer from another there will be a delivery and preparation fee that can run $300 to $400. |
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Replying to: aristotlenova (Jan 01, 2009 8:46 pm) I would buy from another state, and drive the car back, or pick it up at a local dealer I guess, right? By the way, is it also possible to get a regular lease term? instead of 27 and 39, say 24 or 36? Or are they predefined and not negotiable? |
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Replying to: aristotlenova (Dec 30, 2008 9:56 am) |
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I'm about to buy my first car and am looking for a good deal... swinging by the Mercedes dealership I saw a 2006 c230 sport, with several options such as sunroof, entertainment package, all leather, etc.. I want some advice on what kind of deal this is: Car: 2006 c230, certified pre-owned Miles: 31,500 Warranty: until 7-2010 or up to 100,000 miles Great condition Sticker price: $24,900 Sale Price: $18,000 Negotiated down to $15,500 I just worry about being hit with really expensive repair costs after the warranty is up. What do you guys think I should do? Thanks!
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Replying to: gyaruo (Jan 04, 2009 3:02 pm) |
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I strongly recommend that you test drive a C300 before you buy it. The suspension system may not meet your expectations. I've been buying new MB's since 1987. This is the first time that my internal organs shake when I go over a pothole or a crack in the pavement. The dampening factor is non existent. The problem is exarcebated by the inadequate driver's seat (it lacks padding). I also own a 2007 C230 and it's suspension is superb by comparison. If you own a C300 already I'll like to know if you concurr and if you have any suggestions to improve the unacceptable ride. I purchased it at Fletcher Jones Newport Beach, the service dpt drove it and play with the tire pressure but there was no improvement.
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Ride quality on the C300 Luxury is fine - well within the usual MB and German parameters, Ride with the Sport package is certainly too firm for my tastes. I've owned 15 Mercedes since 1968; I'd say our '08 C300 Lux is probably the best of these, period.... |
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