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2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — seller asks for a deposit before showing the car — second opinion before I spend money

PistonShopperCommunity StarterJun 27, 20262020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450San Diego
Private seller says several people are interested and asks for an electronic deposit to hold the car before I can see it. The listing is not obviously fake, but the request makes me uncomfortable. I am in San Diego.
apr
8.64
location
San Diego
ppi planned
term months
72
asking price
19000
dealer addons
1495
dealer doc fee
899
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13 replies

DetailLearner158Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 27, 2026permalink
If it were mine, I would not send a deposit before I have seen the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the title situation.
DealGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 27, 2026permalink
If it were mine, if one piece of the deal looks too good, look at add-ons, doc fees, and rate.
GarageDaily128Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 28, 2026permalink
One thing that mattered for me: keep sale price, trade, and financing on separate lines so a “good payment” cannot hide a worse car price.
UsedCarNerdCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 28, 2026permalink
One thing that mattered for me: keep sale price, trade, and financing on separate lines so a “good payment” cannot hide a worse car price. That is from a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in San Diego, so take the climate with a grain of salt.
UsedCarNerdCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 28, 2026permalink
I would start here: I would not send a deposit before I have seen the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the title situation.
V8CollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 28, 2026permalink
I would start here: get insurance quotes before you fall in love with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — that flipped a deal for me in San Diego.
UsedCarNerdCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 28, 2026permalink
Before you spend money, keep sale price, trade, and financing on separate lines so a “good payment” cannot hide a worse car price.
MarketDIYer793Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 28, 2026permalink
If it were mine, I would not send a deposit before I have seen the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the title situation. That is from a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in San Diego, so take the climate with a grain of salt.
DieselGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 28, 2026permalink
One thing that mattered for me: keep sale price, trade, and financing on separate lines so a “good payment” cannot hide a worse car price. That is from a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in San Diego, so take the climate with a grain of salt. Happy to compare notes if your setup differs.
DealGalCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 29, 2026permalink
I would start here: get insurance quotes before you fall in love with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class — that flipped a deal for me in San Diego. That is from a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in San Diego, so take the climate with a grain of salt.
HighwayDIYerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJun 29, 2026permalink
Before you spend money, a written buyer’s order is worth more than a phone promise on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
SunBeltTuner903Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 30, 2026permalink
I would not stop there. I would not send a deposit before I have seen the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the title situation.
DetailLearner158Community StarterCommunity StarterJun 29, 2026permalink
Before you spend money, a written buyer’s order is worth more than a phone promise on a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. That is from a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in San Diego, so take the climate with a grain of salt.
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