dealer markup

I am considering putting a deposit for the upcoming 360 successor. I assume it'll be here in 06. My question is: Are dealers allowed to charge huge markups or are they required to sell at MSRP? And if I don't like the car can I easily change my mind?

 

I'm pretty sure you can take your name off the list and get your deposit back if you don't like it. There will be enough people on the list anyway - they won't care.

 

I'd be very careful about putitng a deposit on any car unless it is refundable AND, you have that in writing. Case in point. I bought my wife an '03 E320 Mercedes from Lancaster Mercedes in PA. I drove an SL55 and was reasonably impressed. I put a "refundable" deposit on one and got on the waiting list. Subsequently, I bought a 360 Modena and asked for my deposit back before my number came up. That was Christmas. I'd have to sue to get it back. Now, this was a new car dealer. Do they care if I buy the next new Mercedes elsewhere-no.

Just be very careful. Even a "reputable" dealer can screw you. By the way all you guys in PA. The salesman at Lancaster is Joe DeCarolis and the sales manager is Tony. Caveat emptor.

Ken.

 

I can only tell you about the policy where I have my deposit. The deposit guarantees me that I will buy the car for MSRP and that my place in the list is guaranteed. No moving up or back. The deposit is non-refundable but my understanding is that I can move it to another model if I want.

 

I have also seen people "prosper" from selling their reservation spots. Watch ebay , especially when a hot new model becomes avl. I saw an auction reach $10,000 just for the opportunity to purchase the first 350Z Roadster at a particular dealer for MSRP. Whatever.