"Buying a new M-B" sticky?

[gr1nch]

Being fortunate enough to buy a new car comes with it a mix of emotions, questions and concerns. Now I've been on the forum for a month or so and seen a steady stream of newbies , in wondering if there is a sticky I've missed, or if not, how about the experienced members contributing to one?

e.g.
* tips on getting a good deal from M-B / dealers
* quirks of using portals like carwow.co uk
* tracking by VIN (online or via dealer)
* delivery (dealer or factory - officially stopped around 4 yrs ago, but are there alternatives, eg visiting with your new car?)
* insurance extras (bodywork, wheels, etc)
* useful extras? eg spare wheels, winter tyres, boot liners, etc
* roadside assistance (always bundled?)
* helpful checklists?
* maintenance strategy
etc...

 

[gr1nch]

--

 

[dozypillock]

At first glance, I assumed this thread to be regarding how to buy an MB club sticker?

Maybe others thought the same, and did not open it?

Neil

 

[merc85]

I understood it, But unfortunately im not fortunate enough to buy a New MB, So have no constructive imput lol

 

[gr1nch]

OK, so no appetite for a new car sticky. But I have some info though that might help newbie new M-B buyers (those that never have done before).

For me delivery ("D") day is 1st March 2017 when I go pick up the car from the main dealer.

D-138 car ordered 14 Oct 2016 over the phone, deposit paid
D-138 setup Mercedes Me account online
D-97 received build date (16 Jan), earliest delivery date (3 Feb) by email
D-54 received VIN by email - I asked for it. I added it to my Mercedes Me a/c
D-44 car built (14 hours, says the dealer)
D-37 car leaves Zeebrugge port on a RO-RO ferry (a ship called Pauline!)
D-36 car arrives Killingholme port , Grimsby
D-35 car arrives at dealer in Grimsby
D-40 car passes PDI notification date (PDI likely happened earlier)
D-33 book pickup slot (they are spaced at 30 min intervals, busiest day of the year?)
D-22 number plate offered and selected. I added it to my Mercedes Me a/c
D-18 go online to order the free First Cover insurance

Still to go
* pay remaining outstanding balance, likely D-14
* decide/arrange paint prep (new car detail)
* arrange annual insurance, likely D-7
* decide on extra insurance: Tyres/Wheens, Scratch, GAP, etc
* D-0 at dealer, activate desired services on Mercedes Me
* find house with decent garage and workshop (or build one)
* drive off!

 

[gr1nch]

At first glance, I assumed this thread to be regarding how to buy an MB club sticker?

Maybe others thought the same, and did not open it?

Neil

Good point. I was hoping to find a sticky about buying a new, or I guess any car from an M-B dealer, as quite a lot will be common apart from the build and ship.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

D+21 - Damn car squeaks/scratched/crabs on full lock/creaks

 

[gr1nch]

Did it? That's was funny to read, but I hope it didn't happen to you in real life! Am hoping for...
D+7 everything a new car should be

 

[Dickie Fix]

Rule one : If you don't ask, you don't get. I asked if mats came with the car and if I could have a spare rear numberplate for the caravan. Both were there, FOC, when I collected the car.

 

[timskemp]

Pay no more than you have to, use brokers, online sites, visit more than one dealer.

If you don't have a relationship with a dealer already don't automatically give the order to the closest, visit a few and find which seems best suited to working with you for the next 3-5 years.

Take any dates given with a pinch of salt, some tabasco, and a large dose of paracetamol.

Remember that the purchase is the start of the relationship, so be fair but firm, and understand that they need to make a profit to keep in business and serve you well.

Get a fair valuation of your trade in before you ask, use the online sites. Personally I prefer to sell the existing car privately, that should put an extra £1000 or more in your pocket and gives the dealer less work to do. Don't expect them to match a broker and also pay more than we buy any car...

Drink the coffee, use the toilets, take your time, ask every question.

Write everything down.