Trick number one: When I signed the form from sales initially. I found a typo in my email address on a printed paper. I pointed it out, but he said please just sign and he would fix it later. I just signed then the way he fixed was just put the white tape on the additional char on the paper, not fixed in the computer system. The purpose of that I guess is to prevent me to receive MB survey because he knew I would figure out the tricks later.
Trick number two When I worked with finance guy, I found the monthly payment was $413, then I found out MB has a first-month waiver program. I refused to sign, the sales came and explain that the deal we all agreed on was $986 as sign-off then $400 per month include tax. This was just the way they can make up the deal. The number 986 was a make-up number because of the first-month credit program. The DMV fee + $400 is less than $986, so I believe the deal adds some small number on top of the cap cost.
Trick number three: When I purchase Pre-Parid maintenance plan, the finance guy add $1050 for two years. I questioned on the number and he said MB just increased the price. I found out on MB website when I got home. It’s actually $850. But it’s too late, I signed already.
I did one-pay for my personal reason, the totally cost for two years is about $107xx. (include ppm)
Beware of these dealership tricks and have a happy hacking.
Thanks for the shout out. Not a bad deal for a brand new car (mine was an ex loaner). I’m glad you identified your mistakes, just improve on the next lease. Till then, enjoy your car!
Great deal and thanks for the warnings! More info about the summer event for the first month waiver:
*Offer valid for select vehicles contracted between August 1, 2019 – September 3, 2019. This first payment offer is only valid on 2019 GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC®, GLC 350e 4MATIC®, C 300 Sedan, C 300 4MATIC® Sedan, GLA 250 and GLA 250 4MATIC®. Offer only valid for retail or leased vehicles financed through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Subject to credit approval. Please see dealer for full program details.
Can’t you cancel the pre-paid maintenance if unused or within certain time period? Honestly, in 24 months (10k miles annually), not sure what type of maintenance you’d require that would set you back $1050… Then again, I’m not entirely sure about MB’s typical maintenance costs.
I don’t think it can be cancelled once add PPM into the lease. Bc we only pay residual value of the PPM plan. For example, two year plan cost $850 and you only pay 850 x 64% = 554. In my case, they mark up to $1050, so I paid $6xx which is just round $100 more.
Thank you for the warnings.
This is one industry where price transparency hasn’t changed in 100 years. The buyer always comes back home feeling cheated.
