Tried to get a deal on a new C63...and failed!

[Palmball]

What a strange feeling...my hardcore negotiation skills haven't worked for about the first time!

The sharper ones amongst you may wonder why on earth I'm trying to get a deal on a C63 when I already own one?

Well, the car I actually want (and have done from about the 2nd week after owning my current C63) is the new Performance Pack PLUS C63. I've likely sold my current one for good money (either possible private or dealer buy-back...either/or gets me a good enough price to make it worth my while) so I've been trying to get a decent discount on a new one and I seriously thought 10% would have been achievable with some hard negotiating (I did after all get my ex-demo at a very good price). However, it seems MB don't need my business at what I want to pay at the moment as I can't even get 5%!!

Anyway, I'm not giving up. In fact, I'm still considering selling the C63 either privately (of which I currently have interest before even advertising it) or back to the dealer. I'll then be back in a C63 by probably....September? when I can get an ex-demo C63 PPPlus with some decent money off list (or when they start discounting new ones!).

So, why sell the C63 now? Well, I thought I'd fancy one of these Aston Martins and am hoping that if I buy cheap enough with a good spec, I can enjoy the car for a few months and get most of my money back!

 

[mercboiuk]

Don't get me wrong, I think the the PP+ C63 is certainly an enticing prospect!

But wouldn't wouldn't an alternative be to keep yours and modify it?

PP+ does even get you 500bhp, IIRC. DMS Automotive will chip it to 530bhp.
You can also buy an LSD and suspension upgrade from AMG, and I'm sure they wouldn't say no if your wanted to order and alcantara/leather steering and Carbon Fibre boot spoiler, too.

As for the V8 Vantage, they're superb cars. I've not driven the V8, although the V12 was astonishing! I'm sure the V8 is louder!
Whether or not the V8 is louder than a C63 remains to be seen, erm I mean heard!

Just my thoughts, but if you're after a genuine PP+, try other dealers, then head to back to yours with some more agreeable figures - and then get them to match it with a bit of sweet-talking - I like your dealership and service, yadder-yadder

Whatever your course of action, good luck with and be sure to keep us updated

Darren

 

[scumbag]

you really wanted more off an even more limited edition model?


they can probably sell all the standard c63's as it is so they are hardly likley to take more off a specced up one.

still, no harm in trying. Try going back again and see if they have had a change of mind yet!

but in fairness, 10% is pushing it a bit. I guess it depends on whether you want the car, with any discount, or whether you feel that what you want to pay is the deal stopper and you are not prepared to move on it. In fairness, thats not hard negotiating, thats just drawing a line in the sand.

you could try paying list for the car, and see if they are prepared to spec it up in the same price.

 

[Palmball]

Two very good points!

Scumbag - if you don't ask you don't get and yes, maybe my expectations on such a new and rare version of the car were a little too much! I was really just comparing to the sort of deal I got offered when I bought mine on a new one but things have clearly changed.

I also base my expectations on price on the likely depreciation on the car; whichever way I look at it, £62+k on a C63 will be under £50k in just a few months so it would be irresponsible to pay anything like full price (and this is coming from me - a normally irresponsible serial car buyer!)

Therefore, there is some meaning in my plan to wait a bit until they come down in price - even by 5-10% for an ex-demo one!

Mercboiuk - again, a very fair point but the desire for a new C63 isn't really just for the power (my current car has the PP so already has LSD etc).

It's more to do with the fact the engine has some major changes so it's much more than a remap. Also, it gives me the opportunity to spec a car just as I wanted it - my ex-demo was a compromise based on the price I was offered it at (too good to miss!). I really wanted a white car, with a non-black interior and the leather dash - my C63 is almost the exact opposite!

Had I not got my current car for such a good price then I wouldn't be in a position to consider this but, as I did, I think I'll take the opportunity to own a bit of exotica for a few months before my ideal C63 is more reasonably priced!

 

[Tan]

I am a firm believer in haggling and believe that nothing has a fixed price, especially in this economic climate. Saying that it does seam that it is harder to get a good deal on cars this year than it was the same time last year.

Overall may be its a good sign that the economy is picking up or it could be the fact that it is banker bonus season.

 

[horsesuitedfool]

Send yours to Brabus for custom engine, body and interior mods and then drive it like a madman......

 

[James Rothwell]

I would have thought 7% or 8% would be possible, but 10% will be eating into the dealers backend margin which they won't want to mess with on a car of that value.

 

[Superted]

I would have thought 7% or 8% would be possible, but 10% will be eating into the dealers backend margin which they won't want to mess with on a car of that value.

I would agree with that. I got about 6.5% off mine which i must say i was pretty happy with. These types of cars are not easy to get discount on.

 

[chiefski26]

being a c63 owner to this is a interesting post let us know how you get on.cheers

 

[scumbag]

it is probably not the best for deals either. if things have been a bit slow for the last few months they will want to be making more.


maybe.

 

[jaymanek]

Id say 5% is achievable on a car like this.. more than that and I dont think they will bite.

 

[HowardD]

Try different dealers, someone might bite!

 

[MrMotul]

I have been told that there is a PPP C63 in White at Mercedes Benz Loughton, Essex, dont know if you are gonna get off what you want, but its gotta be worth a phone call!!

Good luck with the search,

Terry.

 

[Palmball]

Well, I had another busy day at work today and popped off this afternoon to my local Aston dealer in Derby to look at a selection of Vantage's and I've got to say.....just how disappointed I am.

The build quality was shocking, the seats were appalling and although this will vary car by car, the condition of the 06 and 07 plate ones I looked at were, well, just not to my standard. It did sound nice...but AMG nice? No, not IMO.

Now, I'm not entirely surprised but I guess one just hopes that such a good looking car could be exceptional...but it's not. In fact, I was glad to get back into my C63 which, with the exception of looks and image, was by far the superior car in every other respect. It really did ram home just how good my car is!

I know I shouldn't compare the two...but it's got to be a normal human process to compare despite there being no apparent comparison. I just don't think I could get out of the C63 and into a 3-4 year old Vantage and be happy - I'm too fussy and crave good engineering too much!

I did also sit in a much newer, 09 model year Vantage and to be fair, that was lovely and seemed a totally different car to sit in (not sure about driving but they also have a more powerful 4.7 litre motor). The quality was noticeably better but I can't afford the £75k+ that I would need to get one of these (and if I could, I'd still want something else in a few months).

So, my plan is to keep working on Merc for that deal on the C63 PPP and I will certainly try some other dealers - so far, no luck from 3 different local dealers and my neighbour who works in Mercedes of Loughborough practically laughed when I asked for 10%!

So, my choice is to either keep what I've got (which is fine by me if my private sale falls through), get a C63PPP but with less discount or ease off on the spec a bit

 

[AMG-Al]

I drove this at the weekend, and when you push the button to allow the exhausts to bypass the cats it makes a great noise.

I thought it was fairly well put together inside and out (excepting the Ford stalks) and generally quite good fun.

Aston Martin : Aston Martin Prodrive V8 vantage 4.3

I think he would probably let it go for £44,000

 

[mercboiuk]

Aston Martin Seats

Just a quick word about the Aston's seats....

During 2007, the interior was slightly upgraded, which included a new design of seat. I belive the standard spec was also increased, but don't quote me on that one!

This was in line with a similar upgrade given to the seats in the DB9.
My Dad's DB9 is an 05 reg, with the earlier seats. While these are comfortable enough for short trips about, I've found them uncomfortable on longer journeys and not very support when I've driven it on a track.

I sat in a later DB9 and a new AMV8 - the seats where MUCH better.
I seemed just to "fit" better, if that makes sense.
I guess you may have discovered these better seats in the 4.7 V8.

If I was going for an AM V8, I would ensure it has these upgraded seats.

Alternatively, get a cheaper V8 and retro fit the bucket-esque seats from the V12 Vantage - their design makes driving the car a bit of an event

Darren

 

[benj]

amazing thread, theres me hunting high and low for a pair of w124 wings i can afford, theres you chopping a c63 for a better c63 with an aston for interim

im not jealous!

 

[Palmball]

Alternatively, get a cheaper V8 and retro fit the bucket-esque seats from the V12 Vantage - their design makes driving the car a bit of an event

Darren

Darren - you are a bad man! Stop encouraging me.

TBH, there I did notice a difference between the 06 and 07 cars which did have different seats but the new ones were different again - and yes, I just seemed to fit better in the latest ones!

 

[paul_jw]

Just tell them you're in the forces and ask for MOD discount.

 

[Fizzer]

Palmball, if your paying cash I can get you 10 - 15% off. May cost you a small consideration for my trouble but I think it would be worth it. Cant pm at the moment due to under 30 post count but if your genuinely interested I will give you my number.