I completed my research using the information in "Fighting Chance" by James Bragg, which I have utilized for the past quarter of a century, and I came out very well after purchasing a new vehicle three years ago. Conquered all financial office gimmicks, extras, and markups.
So, what's the thing with MB dealers and the financing folks? Will they negotiate a fair price with you? I like to buy straight from the manufacturer so that I don't have to deal with any of those dealer-installed extras. Whenever I conduct a "find it for me" search, which pulls inventory from different vendors, I see all these unnecessary, expensive extras that I don't want.
Plus, the one I get when I buy it straight from the manufacturer hasn't been lying around becoming dirty and scuffed for a long time. My own autos are fun for me to detail.
The strategies, techniques, and pricing of new dealers
-
astridtaylorub
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am
Re: The strategies, techniques, and pricing of new dealers
From my interactions with many MB dealerships, I can say with confidence that they are quite similar to Chevrolet dealerships.
All sales strategies are consistent. You may expect a more polite greeting when you step into an MB dealership. No way. Bring all your old defenses along, and be ready for the typical hassles. Furthermore, the closer will undoubtedly endeavor to heap all the blame on you. Overall, it's important to be ready.
All sales strategies are consistent. You may expect a more polite greeting when you step into an MB dealership. No way. Bring all your old defenses along, and be ready for the typical hassles. Furthermore, the closer will undoubtedly endeavor to heap all the blame on you. Overall, it's important to be ready.
-
leo.watsonyw
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am
Re: The strategies, techniques, and pricing of new dealers
While everyone is focused on finding ways to save a few dollars in the showroom, the service bay is where dealerships really cash in, thanks to $500 oil changes.
Salespeople that are dishonest do not bother me. I do all of my research and negotiations online, pay cash, refuse the finance guy's extras when I take delivery, and change my own oil.
Salespeople that are dishonest do not bother me. I do all of my research and negotiations online, pay cash, refuse the finance guy's extras when I take delivery, and change my own oil.
Re: The strategies, techniques, and pricing of new dealers
That makes sense, and I agree with you. I will continue doing the simple things and make use of an independent mechanic whenever possible since I am a mechanical and hands-on kind of man. Yet I see your point.
Re: The strategies, techniques, and pricing of new dealers
Additionally, "order directly from factory" is not an option. Just a handful of companies, including Tesla, Lucid, and Rivian, let you interact with the manufacturer directly rather than going via the typical middlemen. However, in that instance, there are no off-MSRP talks and no add-ons either.
Also, contrary to what I've read in a number of forums, MBenz is not limited to so-and-so percent like other brands. Take advantage of all current manufacturer discounts in addition to 10% off MSRP on new orders that are customized to your specifications. What matters most is the quality of your connection with your dealer, the frequency of your purchases, and their level of appreciation for your business in terms of the discount they provide. I am familiar with GM, but I have previously mentioned discounts of 10% off MSRP for vehicles like the E-class AMG, GLE AMG, and GLS 450. My BMW dealership gives me a little more, but Mercedes-Benz couldn't compete because their invoice prices were already quite near to mine (10%). Even on brand-new vehicles, you can negotiate a free year or two of maintenance, an extended CPO warranty, or some other perk if you intend to keep the vehicle for a long time (the best warranty is the one you get early while the factory's 4-year warranty is still valid, even on day-1).
I wish you the best of luck; all you can do is compare prices and reach out to people you already know. In my opinion, the salesperson will never negotiate a price that is even close to the dealer's maximum offer. You'll have to collaborate with the general manager, but unless you're really close with them, they're probably too proud to bargain directly or even invite you to their office when you visit the dealer to finalize the sale. Even a relationship requires background, but with an honest salesman's aid, it's possible.
Finally, before you haggle any figures, make sure you have the out-the-door baseline sheet. This is different from the build sheet; it's a one-page selling sheet that includes the price of the car, sales tax, dealer fees, and any extras. It also displays the expected payments for financing or leasing, if applicable. Just tell them to print the paperwork as if you were paying cash, presuming there is no loan or lease, so you can see the deal figures, even if they ask for your Social Security number. You should use it as a starting point before negotiating anything, since any additional expenses will become apparent as soon as discussions begin, rather than after you have already settled on a price that is lower than the MSRP. Before you negotiate the off-MSRP, ask them to remove any add-ons.
If you're concerned about swirl marks on your new automobile, one option is to specify when placing your purchase that the vehicle not be washed or detailed and that any inside stickers, plastics, and the like be preserved. I have always gotten my wish to unwrap the automobile in my garage, and it's a very satisfying and entertaining experience. This has happened with nearly every new car I've bought. Whatever, they'll have to bring it to the service bay, hook it up to a PC, and run some required diagnostics before it's "customer-ready"—but they may skip the detailing part.
Also, contrary to what I've read in a number of forums, MBenz is not limited to so-and-so percent like other brands. Take advantage of all current manufacturer discounts in addition to 10% off MSRP on new orders that are customized to your specifications. What matters most is the quality of your connection with your dealer, the frequency of your purchases, and their level of appreciation for your business in terms of the discount they provide. I am familiar with GM, but I have previously mentioned discounts of 10% off MSRP for vehicles like the E-class AMG, GLE AMG, and GLS 450. My BMW dealership gives me a little more, but Mercedes-Benz couldn't compete because their invoice prices were already quite near to mine (10%). Even on brand-new vehicles, you can negotiate a free year or two of maintenance, an extended CPO warranty, or some other perk if you intend to keep the vehicle for a long time (the best warranty is the one you get early while the factory's 4-year warranty is still valid, even on day-1).
I wish you the best of luck; all you can do is compare prices and reach out to people you already know. In my opinion, the salesperson will never negotiate a price that is even close to the dealer's maximum offer. You'll have to collaborate with the general manager, but unless you're really close with them, they're probably too proud to bargain directly or even invite you to their office when you visit the dealer to finalize the sale. Even a relationship requires background, but with an honest salesman's aid, it's possible.
Finally, before you haggle any figures, make sure you have the out-the-door baseline sheet. This is different from the build sheet; it's a one-page selling sheet that includes the price of the car, sales tax, dealer fees, and any extras. It also displays the expected payments for financing or leasing, if applicable. Just tell them to print the paperwork as if you were paying cash, presuming there is no loan or lease, so you can see the deal figures, even if they ask for your Social Security number. You should use it as a starting point before negotiating anything, since any additional expenses will become apparent as soon as discussions begin, rather than after you have already settled on a price that is lower than the MSRP. Before you negotiate the off-MSRP, ask them to remove any add-ons.
If you're concerned about swirl marks on your new automobile, one option is to specify when placing your purchase that the vehicle not be washed or detailed and that any inside stickers, plastics, and the like be preserved. I have always gotten my wish to unwrap the automobile in my garage, and it's a very satisfying and entertaining experience. This has happened with nearly every new car I've bought. Whatever, they'll have to bring it to the service bay, hook it up to a PC, and run some required diagnostics before it's "customer-ready"—but they may skip the detailing part.
Re: The strategies, techniques, and pricing of new dealers
It would have been more appropriate if I had said that the dealer placed the order on my behalf from the fac. Your request for the information on the door sheet is appreciated.