Toyota loaner car
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
2006 CLS 500(sold), 2005 C230K, 2005 E 320,
I gave in my new cls 500 for several warrranty issues that I had, including a Aux Battery recall. It had 2800miles on it. I got a Ford Taurus that vibrated ( I mean shaked ) at 50miles an hour. Its rear door was entirely dented.
I was really upset, but didnt complain. I figure that MB has so many non service related problems that they just cannot have enough c class loaners.
It was interesting to see that this could potentially be a point where MB owners get fed up and just decide to purchase lexus instead ( regardless of how boring their cars may be, compared to MB or BMW ).
If I got a new clean car, I would have been okay. But putting a customer in a beat up rental really shows that there is a bigger problem MB is facing, that forces them to do this. I reckon they just cannot handle the cost of warranty issues, hence the removal of the free maintenance stint.
I was really upset, but didnt complain. I figure that MB has so many non service related problems that they just cannot have enough c class loaners.
It was interesting to see that this could potentially be a point where MB owners get fed up and just decide to purchase lexus instead ( regardless of how boring their cars may be, compared to MB or BMW ).
If I got a new clean car, I would have been okay. But putting a customer in a beat up rental really shows that there is a bigger problem MB is facing, that forces them to do this. I reckon they just cannot handle the cost of warranty issues, hence the removal of the free maintenance stint.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Originally Posted by rjm
My local dealer will usually provide either a Toyota Camry or a C-Class. I've driven both of them, and frankly, prefer the Toyota to the C-Class.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 1
2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by DWP
I would go a bit further and say that it would be risky for a M-B dealer to give a Camry as a loaner to a C-class dirver. The current Camry is good enough (if you don't mind numb handling) that a C-class driver could start wondering if the emblem on the hood is really worth the $10,000 premium. Of course, we E-class drivers would never entertain such doubts about our $25,000 premium, would we?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by rjm
My local dealer will usually provide either a Toyota Camry or a C-Class. I've driven both of them, and frankly, prefer the Toyota to the C-Class.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28,933
Likes: 12
Well, the new Camry's are actually pretty tight.
Believe it or not, just a while back I was just checking out how these mid-size Japanese sedans are fairing. Loaded and what not, they are topping out at around 40k$!
Believe it or not, just a while back I was just checking out how these mid-size Japanese sedans are fairing. Loaded and what not, they are topping out at around 40k$!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 1
2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by CE750
ok now.. rjm, put down the crack pipe, and think about this for a minute.. we're talking Camry not Lexus here, right? :p
https://mbworld.org/forums/off-topic/117102-scion-c230.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
Well, the new Camry's are actually pretty tight.
Believe it or not, just a while back I was just checking out how these mid-size Japanese sedans are fairing. Loaded and what not, they are topping out at around 40k$!
Believe it or not, just a while back I was just checking out how these mid-size Japanese sedans are fairing. Loaded and what not, they are topping out at around 40k$!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
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
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
I just rented an Avalon. Nice rental car! 
Sunroff, Leather, decent sound system and 280hp. Nice looking interior trim.
Boring as he77 exterior.
Sunroff, Leather, decent sound system and 280hp. Nice looking interior trim.
Boring as he77 exterior.
Last edited by lig; Aug 25, 2005 at 11:42 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 70
From: Naples, FL
2025 AMG CLE53, 2025 Range Rover P550E, 2025 Ford F150 Raptor
Back in "the day" in 1995 when we purchased (leased actually) our first ever MBZ, a C220, we never even got a loaner/rental from Schumacher in Scottsdale. Not a damn thing. You got some cookies and disgusting Coke from their machine that was out of whack. You watched CNN a hundred times and burped and farted while the old farts were checking their glasses and looking at you like you were a lowballer.
So, I guess the moral of my story is to be happy with whatever rental car you get. Really, you can flog the living crap out of it, return it, then cruise gently home in your MBZ and treat it right!!
So, I guess the moral of my story is to be happy with whatever rental car you get. Really, you can flog the living crap out of it, return it, then cruise gently home in your MBZ and treat it right!!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
08 S550, 08 E63, other non-Green cars
Originally Posted by PHXATC
Back in "the day" in 1995 when we purchased (leased actually) our first ever MBZ, a C220, we never even got a loaner/rental from Schumacher in Scottsdale. Not a damn thing. You got some cookies and disgusting Coke from their machine that was out of whack. You watched CNN a hundred times and burped and farted while the old farts were checking their glasses and looking at you like you were a lowballer.
So, I guess the moral of my story is to be happy with whatever rental car you get. Really, you can flog the living crap out of it, return it, then cruise gently home in your MBZ and treat it right!!
So, I guess the moral of my story is to be happy with whatever rental car you get. Really, you can flog the living crap out of it, return it, then cruise gently home in your MBZ and treat it right!!
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: Rockville, MD
Enterprise tried to give me a Buick
There was a Camry next to it and I switched. Sure I'd like a comprable car, but as long as its not a boat that sways when you try to change lanes, I'll usually put up with it for a few hours.
One service advisor that I was friendly with, would always reserve a nice car for me. Once I got a cab on a nice sunny day (ahh the joy of top down motoring).
One service advisor that I was friendly with, would always reserve a nice car for me. Once I got a cab on a nice sunny day (ahh the joy of top down motoring).
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
05 CLK500; 07 Volvo XC90
it all depends on the dealers. some got contract with enterprise so they loan out whatever enterprise gets while others loan out their benzes.
american service center and merc of alexandria (same ownership) use enterprise while hbl in a ritzy part of town loans out their benzes.
i don't really care what they loan out as long as i don't have to wait in the lounge watching cnn or a soap opera (you can only sit in the showroom cars for so long).
american service center and merc of alexandria (same ownership) use enterprise while hbl in a ritzy part of town loans out their benzes.
i don't really care what they loan out as long as i don't have to wait in the lounge watching cnn or a soap opera (you can only sit in the showroom cars for so long
).
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: San Carlos (SF Peninsula) CA
'03 ML500, '07 E350 Sport (wife's)
Loaner cars
For years we have been using a dealer in the east bay to service our Volvos even after we moved about an hour and a half away almost three years ago. One reason was that they almost always gave us a nearly new Volvo. Usually V70 or XC70, but sometimes an S40 or S60. One time they ran out of loaners and tried to put us in a Corolla. I wined and they upgraded us to a Taurus or something like that. I told them I drove a Volvo for the safety and would not drive a tin can like that. One other time when they had to keep my wife's convertible they rented us a Sebring convertible, as it was toward the end of the summer season with the last bit of nice weather. The local dealer here for Volvo gives out older Volvos as available which is fine, at least they're safe. Should have been a sign, but the last loaner they tried to get me into had a dead driver seat control, so I had to get a rental, which I paid for an upgrade.
The Mercedes dealer here which we are using does give out Mercedes loaners. I need to schedule my first appt, so I will let you know what I get. I do expect something of similar quality and safety and refuse to drive a tin can, even if it is just for the day. Safety is of primary concern and that's one good reason we spend so much money on our cars. Don't think my expectations are too high. As a note, my boss brought his mother's CL600 in to another local dealer and received a new E, whereas everyone else was getting Cs. Not unreasonable, I don't think. Bash me if you will.
The Mercedes dealer here which we are using does give out Mercedes loaners. I need to schedule my first appt, so I will let you know what I get. I do expect something of similar quality and safety and refuse to drive a tin can, even if it is just for the day. Safety is of primary concern and that's one good reason we spend so much money on our cars. Don't think my expectations are too high. As a note, my boss brought his mother's CL600 in to another local dealer and received a new E, whereas everyone else was getting Cs. Not unreasonable, I don't think. Bash me if you will.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Michigan, USA
'05 E320 CDI, '07 VW Touareg V10 TDI, 2007 Porsche GT3
I see this thread has dragged on to become c. 2 years old!!!
Our dealer (Williams Auto World/Lansing Imports/Okemos Auto Collection) has routinely given me the next-lower-class car for a loaner, if I make an appointment in advance (BMW 5-series=3-series: MB E-series = C-series). If I can't make an advance appointment, I take potluck with a rental car the dealer pays for - usually a sucky Buick with mouse fur interior and lots of dents, but at least they pick you up!
I don't think this is utterly unreasonable, given the cost to the dealership of maintaining an inventory of BMW/MB loaners! Sometime, it would be nice to be given an S-class M-B when I bring my E320 CDI in for service, particularly when I've bought $160K worth of new cars from the dealership since 2005, and >$200K since 2000. But I'm not holding my breath.
Our dealer (Williams Auto World/Lansing Imports/Okemos Auto Collection) has routinely given me the next-lower-class car for a loaner, if I make an appointment in advance (BMW 5-series=3-series: MB E-series = C-series). If I can't make an advance appointment, I take potluck with a rental car the dealer pays for - usually a sucky Buick with mouse fur interior and lots of dents, but at least they pick you up!
I don't think this is utterly unreasonable, given the cost to the dealership of maintaining an inventory of BMW/MB loaners! Sometime, it would be nice to be given an S-class M-B when I bring my E320 CDI in for service, particularly when I've bought $160K worth of new cars from the dealership since 2005, and >$200K since 2000. But I'm not holding my breath.
Last edited by khaug; Jan 24, 2007 at 12:34 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2003 E320
I'm coming up on my 4th anniversary on my E320, and I took my car in for a couple of odds and ends before my primary warranty expires. I got a free Toyota Camry rental. I was happy with it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 429
Likes: 1
From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
You STILL have to remember that they gave you 2 cars in exchange for the 110 grand. All things require service. The loaner is still a free acconmodation. When was the last time a jeweler gave you a watch to wear (even a Timex) when you had to leave your Rolex/Tag/Breitling there for a day or 2 for a battery/cleaning/resealing... same thing expecially when you think about how much we're paying for a watch these days.
You shouldn't get a Chevy Cavalere... thats not comfortable or refined at all. Not much more than a toy really, but free is free, and a Camry is truely acceptable for a day.
I'm an Optician & we dont lend anyone loaner glasses when we have to get a part for a frame, no matter how much they paid for THEIR pair, or how many they buy here.
AS MB owners, I suppose we allow ourselves to get a little spoiled. You paid them money, they gave you cars, an accomodation is still an accomodation. Its not an opportunity for a free road test & traffic light showdown because people tend to beat on the loaner cars like they would NEVER drive their own car OR a friends. You also should not be surprised about the cost of parts or labor to service these cars. These fees should be in line with what the cars cost to buy. You'd really feel ripped off if it cost $600 bucks for a tune up on a Malibu. It costs less because they sell more of them & therefore service more of them so its easier to make a living at the lower price by working on fewer cars. Lower volume always means more expensive to own & service.
These guys are authorized sellers of cars that are made in Europe by strangers. They are not all connected together in 1 big money making machine. MB dealers have huge expenses keeping up the image for MB, and staying in business after paying all the expenses, and I bet more than a few of the MB Dealership owners would rather be selling hot Nissans or Infinitis right now at lower markups but higher numbers. The car business is just a retail store. The fact that these cars and we become very emotionally bonded, doesn't change the fact that if theres not enough profit to justify ALL the Bull****, the dealership's owners don't need it, so they do the best they can to satisfy the customer & still make a living comensurate with the work load. Some customers are nice, and some customers are demanding, and some customers want more than they are entitled to in a fair deal. They are not out to screw you or lose your business, just watch expenses. If you take in 8 Million dollars a year & you owe 8 Million and One dollars, You are Broke and out of Biz.
You shouldn't get a Chevy Cavalere... thats not comfortable or refined at all. Not much more than a toy really, but free is free, and a Camry is truely acceptable for a day.
I'm an Optician & we dont lend anyone loaner glasses when we have to get a part for a frame, no matter how much they paid for THEIR pair, or how many they buy here.
AS MB owners, I suppose we allow ourselves to get a little spoiled. You paid them money, they gave you cars, an accomodation is still an accomodation. Its not an opportunity for a free road test & traffic light showdown because people tend to beat on the loaner cars like they would NEVER drive their own car OR a friends. You also should not be surprised about the cost of parts or labor to service these cars. These fees should be in line with what the cars cost to buy. You'd really feel ripped off if it cost $600 bucks for a tune up on a Malibu. It costs less because they sell more of them & therefore service more of them so its easier to make a living at the lower price by working on fewer cars. Lower volume always means more expensive to own & service.
These guys are authorized sellers of cars that are made in Europe by strangers. They are not all connected together in 1 big money making machine. MB dealers have huge expenses keeping up the image for MB, and staying in business after paying all the expenses, and I bet more than a few of the MB Dealership owners would rather be selling hot Nissans or Infinitis right now at lower markups but higher numbers. The car business is just a retail store. The fact that these cars and we become very emotionally bonded, doesn't change the fact that if theres not enough profit to justify ALL the Bull****, the dealership's owners don't need it, so they do the best they can to satisfy the customer & still make a living comensurate with the work load. Some customers are nice, and some customers are demanding, and some customers want more than they are entitled to in a fair deal. They are not out to screw you or lose your business, just watch expenses. If you take in 8 Million dollars a year & you owe 8 Million and One dollars, You are Broke and out of Biz.
