Just got a note from my dealer - The 2009 base price remains unchanged from 2008 but he doesn't have details on programs yet (leasing rates, etc).
Just checked the website and it hasn't been updated.... still showing the 2008 only. Hopefully the lease rates will be reasonable!!
Thanks for the heads up, on the fence about waiting for a 2009 vs ordering a 2008 demo at a good deal (not to mention the 2.5% lease rate). If the 2009 lease rate is anything like other german manufacturers on new models (ie. 7% plus) then I think its going to be 2008 for sure.
Might not be as simple as comparing the lease rates. If you're leasing, the residual value is set by Mercedes and changes each quarter throughout the model year. The 2009s will have their highest residual value now (i.e. quarter #1), and the 2008s will have their lowest (quarter #4). The difference between the price of the car (i.e. $29,995) less the residual is what you're actually leasing - the lower the residual the larger amount you're borrowing. The lease rate for the 2009 will certainly be higher, but the higher residual value MIGHT bridge the gap enough to make it a pretty close comparison - plus you get a slightly new body design and better wheels / radio etc.
It'll be a tough decision!
Hi brad,
You mention that the 09 gets a better radio. Would that be a speaker upgrade or is there a different radio compared to the past standard Audio 20(Alpine 100 watt)?
Derek
I was going off this list I received from my dealer... (#2 specifically).
1. Small interior and exterior face-lift
- Upgraded front and rear bumpers and grille
- Shorter Antenna (Car wash friendly)
- New 17" 5-twin-spoke wheel design
- Rear windshield more curved at the sides
- New seat cushion design
- Redesigned tailgate handle
- New two piece taillight design
- All aluminum trim done in smoke grey
2. CD Changer/MP3 and Bluetooth is now standard with redesigned color
display
3. Optional media interface MP3/ipod
4. New colors: Lotus Blue and Steppe Brown Metallic
The Petrol B 200 & B 200Turbo appear to have been dropped from the UK website as it is only showing the B150 & 170 as petrol & B180 & 200 CDI diesels. Hmm Interesting
They don't appear to be showing the new model colours either.
The new color Lotus Blue can be seen on the B class brochure and Steppe Brown Metallic can be seen on the A class brochure. I wish MB had Lotus Blue two years old. They finally come up with something that matches Bimmer's Montego Blue color. Looks like the rear chrome bumper protector comes standard? MB has standardize the styling and size of the foglight. It looks the same for all class now.
Linear Mode
