So you might be in the market for a new or pre-owned Mercedes Benz, Atlanta based, and naturally looking for the best deal? Well you’re probably already aware that not all Mercedes Benz dealers will offer you the same level of service, or a deal that is best structured to meet your needs!

Naturally, you’re seeking a dealer that will give you the best level of customer service, the sharpest price, and excellent after sales service. These things are ‘givens’…

But here’s three other important tips for you to bear in mind that could well save you a lot of money and grief!

Mercedes Benz Atlanta, Buying Tip #1 - The deal and finance structure

These days many buyers are coming to dealers with large amounts of ‘negative equity’ in the vehicle they are trading. Usually this is due to the traded vehicle depreciating more quickly than the lease has paid it off and/or, there has been negative equity put into the previous lease as well, which is now having to be paid for!

It is obviously ideal to approach such losses by paying them out in cash.

But this is not always achievable.

A dealer with a competent and creative financing department will be a great asset for you in such cases. Sometimes it’s possible for a dealer to assist the situation by providing a “Book” value for the new vehicle to the finance company, which is significantly higher than the ‘real’ purchase price, thereby allowing you to ‘carry’ the negative equity over to the new lease, at least to some extent.

Bear in mind though, that if you do this, you are really only deferring the problem to a later date in the future, and you WILL pay more as a result in the end! You could even wind up in some serious financial trouble, so be very careful.

Mercedes Benz Atlanta, Buying Tip #2 - Stock availability

It’s helpful to be awake up to salespeople who try to push you into a particular auto that doesn’t seem to really match the exact criteria you have. To assist your own position in this regard, you’ll find it useful to give some thought to the actual “buying criteria” that relates to your auto purchase. Simply list the top half a dozen aspects that are the most important for you.

Is it performance, price, color, safety, prestige, room for sports gear or family, warranty? Is it convenience of service, on-road service, etc. etc. Give some careful thought to all these things.

You may find yourself being subconsciously ‘impressed’ with other aspects of your buying experience, depending on which dealer you go to, for example being given an extravagant lunch, demonstration cars to take home, non essential accessories thrown in, etc. These are all good, but probably not central to the most important of your buying criteria!

Having said that, a special deal that the dealer has in stock may be good for you, but make sure it fits what YOU are wanting, not what the sales consultant wants you to buy!

Mercedes Benz Atlanta, Buying Tip #3 - Are new model releases coming up?

This is very important, if you are concerned at all about reducing the depreciation potential of your new car.

Buying a particular model of auto just before a new model is due to be released is generally not a good idea at all! Naturally, the dealership wants to turn over stock, so they will often offer you some really attractive deals just before a model is about to be updated - but unless you research the situation, you may not know.

So it’s important that you do some careful research, and ask your consultant some careful questions. Find out how your new Mercedes will stack up in six, 12, or 18 months time, from a valuation perspective!!

Don’t forget that YOU are the client, you are the one forking out the money. Work WITH the consultant to get the best deal that fits yourself and YOUR criteria the best, and you will benefit from what you negotiate now, for many years to come!