I have a few questions for anyone who has preordered a car before. I am looking at buying the C63 next year, and would like to get my name down on the list to put me in a better position of getting the car when I want. Not looking to be first, but hoping for a late summer early fall delivery. I contacted a dealer and they said I can get on the waiting list with a $5000 deposit. I was expecting a $1000 deposit, but isn't $5k a bit much this far in advance, especially considering no official launch date has been issued? On the other hand, maybe they do this to keep only serious buyers on the list? Should I put down the deposit, see if they'll accept a smaller amount, look elsewhere?

Also, I realize I'm just getting my name put down on some list, but should I get anything down in writing at this point such as MSRP, or do I wait to do this once they call me up to place an official order?

Lastly, regarding the timing issue. Let's say I'm on the list and come January they call me up with a build slot for April delivery, when in fact I'm wanting an August/Sept. delivery, I'm assuming I can just pass the earlier build slot onto the next guy in line?

Thanks for any input.