OK, here’ the scoop on the Ebay auction from Crown. The ML pictured is in fact the ML500 that I drove, but it’s only being used for demonstrative purposes because the dealership does not actually have any vehicles in stock. They expect them by the weekend. That ML500 is a “mule� being driven by a factory exec that was kind enough to loan it to Crown for a few days. The vehicle will eventually be destroyed when it has outlived its usefulness.
They have over 20 ML’s pre-ordered by customers, but they also have three or four due in that are unallocated. They will likely be sold very quickly. The Ebay auction is simply a way to get people to contact the dealership. This is just a marketing tactic. Of course there’s nothing wrong with that, but you just need to know what it is. They want you to call so that they can try to sell you a car – not necessarily the on in the auction – just any car. That’s their business.
Crown is a reputable dealer. I know most everyone that works there (sales, service, and management) because I worked there. Yes, one of the things I always wanted to try from the “inside� was selling cars. It was a lot of fun, but too much work for too little reward. Other than them being a typical car dealership (i.e. being in the business of making a huge profit by selling cars), there is nothing wrong with them. In fact, their current sales manager is really turning things around. He will actually negotiate on most models where before, they had long history of demanding MSRP – even when they seemed desperately overstocked. I bought all my MBZ’s prior to working there and I did not buy from Crown because of their lack of negotiation. With their new management philosophy, I would recommend them. In fact, if anyone wants to buy from them, PM me and I’ll give you a reference and even what help I can in getting a good deal.
- RODNEY
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