Service Loaner Experiences
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
'15 TLX, '16 MDX
Service Loaner Experiences
So lately I've been looking to replace my Acura TLX V6 and it likely has come down to the '17 A4 Premium and a '15 C300. A4 is fun to drive and feels more sporty but will definitely cost more. The C300 is a 4matic w/ P1&2 pkg, multimedia, blind spot monitor, and keyless go. It'll be a '15 with about 10k miles. Question is, have any of you guys bought service loaners and if so what is your take on it? I'll be leasing it for a couple years, so do you guys have any tips for leasing like buying the prepaid maintenance? Any input is much appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
I think the loaner fleets are well maintained and MB owners aren't typically going to thrash their free loaner.
I don't buy anything prepaid (aside from my kids college tuition) unless there's a decent discount incentive for doing so.
You can, at time of purchase or at any time before the factory 4/48 warranty expires, add an MB limited extended warranty. But on the 15, depending on the term of the lease, you might already be covered the whole time anytime.
I put a lease deal spreadsheet that lets you plug in your figures and calculate your own payment here:
Www.carbuyingsite.wordpress.com
I don't buy anything prepaid (aside from my kids college tuition) unless there's a decent discount incentive for doing so.
You can, at time of purchase or at any time before the factory 4/48 warranty expires, add an MB limited extended warranty. But on the 15, depending on the term of the lease, you might already be covered the whole time anytime.
I put a lease deal spreadsheet that lets you plug in your figures and calculate your own payment here:
Www.carbuyingsite.wordpress.com
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 19
2016 C300
i don't know about other states, but here in NY service loaners are a no-no.
i know i beat the crap out of service loaners. I usually do take care of my leased cars, but service loaners i do not hold back.
the same goes for rentals.
i know i beat the crap out of service loaners. I usually do take care of my leased cars, but service loaners i do not hold back.
the same goes for rentals.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 20
2020 GLC43
Treat service loaner as rentals and demos.
I got a CLA250 with 60 clicks on it, the customer got it before me already smoked in it even after dealer peppered no smoking sticker everywhere and told her no smoking before handing her the keys.
I got a CLA250 with 60 clicks on it, the customer got it before me already smoked in it even after dealer peppered no smoking sticker everywhere and told her no smoking before handing her the keys.
Last edited by Xtrema; Jul 1, 2016 at 11:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
'15 TLX, '16 MDX
I'm hesitant on the whole service loaner thing, but a very small portion of customers drive the loaners hard. And it's not like it's an AMG so I doubt the car inspires many to drive it to the limits. I am aware of the whole "who cares, it's a loaner" mentality so if I decide to get the car I will take it home for a couple days and make sure it's in excellent shape. I just drove one of the dealership's '15 C300 loaners with 15k miles the other day and it was in very nice condition with no odd smells or anything of the sort.
Do you guys have any recommendations or advice getting into a Mercedes lease? I've never leased with them before, and I'm not sure what money factor I should be shooting for with the 2 yr lease.
Do you guys have any recommendations or advice getting into a Mercedes lease? I've never leased with them before, and I'm not sure what money factor I should be shooting for with the 2 yr lease.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 124
Likes: 10
Mercedes benz c300 2015
Could someone please break this down to me. I don't understand how you beat the hell out of a car (figuratively). Do you try to race every sports car or sports bike? Do you verify the specs on 0-60 mph at every green light ? do you test the stopping distance at speeds over 60mph ? Do you take it to the drag strip? Do you use it in high speed chase scenes, like the ones in the movies ? Do you slam on breaks at every stop light or better yet, do just let the Collision Assists break for you full time? Loaners are usually base model vehicles, I cant see alot of people doing anything really crazy with a base model.
Please, someone tell me how people beat the hell out of their rental/loaner/demo cars. I'm interested in knowing how normal people beat the hell out of these cars.
Last edited by Mplayers2006; Jul 4, 2016 at 09:58 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 505
Likes: 58
From: Gold Coast, Oz.
C300 S205 AMG, GLA 45 AMG
I find them wonderful to test out new detailing products and techniquies on, and occasionally for spare parts.. 
Main point here is be very aware, have everything checked by an independant tech and a report made as if you were buying a second hand car from a private owner.. dealerships are more motivated to make money than most provate owners and do it every day.. as such their care and empathy are eroded over time..
They also know most tricks to conseal issues so you realy do need to know your onions..
Best of luck.
Main point here is be very aware, have everything checked by an independant tech and a report made as if you were buying a second hand car from a private owner.. dealerships are more motivated to make money than most provate owners and do it every day.. as such their care and empathy are eroded over time..
They also know most tricks to conseal issues so you realy do need to know your onions..
Best of luck.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 200
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA
2016 C450 AMG
Could someone please break this down to me. I don't understand how you beat the hell out of a car (figuratively). Do you try to race every sports car or sports bike? Do you verify the specs on 0-60 mph and stopping distance ? Do you take it to the drag strip? Do you use it in high speed chase scenes, like the ones in the movies? Do you slam on breaks at every stop light or better yet, do just let the Collision Assists break for you full time? Loaners are usually base model vehicles, I cant see anyone doing anything really crazy with a base model.
Please, someone tell me how people beat the hell out of their rental/loaner/demo cars. I'm interested in knowing how normal people beat the hell out of these cars.
Please, someone tell me how people beat the hell out of their rental/loaner/demo cars. I'm interested in knowing how normal people beat the hell out of these cars.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 505
Likes: 58
From: Gold Coast, Oz.
C300 S205 AMG, GLA 45 AMG
[QUOTE=
Please, someone tell me how people beat the hell out of their rental/loaner/demo cars. I'm interested in knowing how normal people beat the hell out of these cars.[/QUOTE]
Some examples of use might be:
Red lining every gear, throwing the car through corners inducing slips (front and rear), using power to break traction through corners..
doing laps of roundabouts in the iddle of no where until either the front or the rear start to slide.. Driving hard of rough country roads (terrible surfaces, stones and debris flying evverywhere.. undertaking very late braking engaging ABS.. taking the cars on gravel raods and rallying them.. not slowing down for speed bumps.. straight lining mini roundabouts..
I have also heard some people who have 2 of the same car in the family using loaners for parts..
I'm not endorseing any of this but people do it... and whilst cars are surprisingly robust.. none of it is exactly taking the utmost care of the cars.....
Personally i am past that and i enjoy returnig the cars better than when i got them.. so they usually get a a thorough clean.. wash and wax with interal vallet is not uncommon..
I did the service managers GLK once as he was good enough to loan that to me for the day.. i spent an hour or two detailing it.. Do unto others and all that....
Please, someone tell me how people beat the hell out of their rental/loaner/demo cars. I'm interested in knowing how normal people beat the hell out of these cars.[/QUOTE]
Some examples of use might be:
Red lining every gear, throwing the car through corners inducing slips (front and rear), using power to break traction through corners..
doing laps of roundabouts in the iddle of no where until either the front or the rear start to slide.. Driving hard of rough country roads (terrible surfaces, stones and debris flying evverywhere.. undertaking very late braking engaging ABS.. taking the cars on gravel raods and rallying them.. not slowing down for speed bumps.. straight lining mini roundabouts..
I have also heard some people who have 2 of the same car in the family using loaners for parts..
I'm not endorseing any of this but people do it... and whilst cars are surprisingly robust.. none of it is exactly taking the utmost care of the cars.....
Personally i am past that and i enjoy returnig the cars better than when i got them.. so they usually get a a thorough clean.. wash and wax with interal vallet is not uncommon..
I did the service managers GLK once as he was good enough to loan that to me for the day.. i spent an hour or two detailing it.. Do unto others and all that....
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 787
Likes: 110
From: BNE, Australia
W205 C250BT
I'm exactly the same. All loaners I've ever had were given back cleaner than when I received them. I struggle to think of a good reason of why you would treat a loan car any differently to how you would treat your own. I'd be hesitant in buying a previous loan vehicle though, mainly because I know plenty of others out there don't think along the same lines as above.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 20
2020 GLC43
1) Flog the engine cold.
2) Part swap (tires is common one)
3) Just disregard of someone else's property in general (my smoking example).
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 692
Likes: 24
From: Cambridge, MA
2015 C300 Sport 4MATIC
My car was a service loaner with around 5,600 miles on it. I am now at 22k miles and no problems besides the ones typical of 2015's, all covered under warranty. I leased it
