I have a few questions for anyone who has dealt with MB leasing. Previously I have dealt with Acura who is the best leasing companyfor many reasons, no end of lease fees, allowances for over miles or minor damages to $1500.00, no hassles if tires are pretty worn etc. How is MB at end of lease? Are there and scheduled service on these leases that you are forced to use MB dealer repair. I would appreciate any information about their leasing policies both pro and con. I have to make a decision this weekend.

Thanks
Robert

 

Obviously you're changing for a reason, even if Acura is the "best" leasing company. Mercedes is not Honda, I mean Acura.

It's a different class of vehicle. There isn't one Acura that compares to the E and you will be pleased with the vehicle. But, service costs. And options cost. And overall it will likely surprise you coming out of an Acura that the MB may not seem to be a "dollar value" comparably. But you are driving a Benz, not a Honda; I mean Acura.

 

Ok, I re-read that and even I think it's a little harsh. If you're leasing a Btec it is likely for 24 months? Buy the prepaid service plan as part of the lease for sure. It adds about $10 per month. You shouldn't need tires in 2 years. As for other end of lease issues: I you lease another Benz and its not bent in half you shouldn't have any issues. Specifically, if a credit card covers the ding there is no charge. Good luck.

Our '12 Btec is awesome by the way. And now diesel is down in price also.

 

Yes you are correct. This is the Bluetec model with strong lease support. There are few cars 2012 available. I was told the 2013s wont be in until October. What did you mean about a if a credit card covers the ding there is no charge? I was interested in the MB because there are great deals on this car. The only reason I mention Acura Finance is they are great with leasing. A few years ago I dealt with Audi and I was not impressed with them.

 

MB finance is fine. If you lease another Benz there is no turn in fee They almost always have 4 or 6 month pull ahead programs that waive your last payments if you get another. And dings smaller than card sized are no charge. Get one and you'll love it. The Btec is the Benz value right now.

 

MB lease is going to be okay... My step-dad was an auto broker for 20yrs and specialized in leases; From our 4 MBZ and 5 Acura that we've leased in the past... HONDA/ACURA is the most strict on lease return. Im serious! lol.

We turned in our MDX and RDX earlier this year and picked up the E350 Blutec. Youll love it btw - nothing like the torque and sound of a diesel. <3

 

If they can secure a car for me this could work out. If the new ones are out in October I could wait it out if needed. Acura/Honda is the easiest lease return always. They cover 1500 in assorted damage, they often dont charge for excess miles, or if tires are pretty worn. I have dealt with them since 96. Got my wife the 2012 TL today. I wonder why you had issues with Honda/Acura. Got them to waive all excess miles on the TL I am returning also.

 

My friend painted the rear quarter of his BMW 6 in his garage 3 days before a lease return and they let it go. Im not saying Honda gives you issues (Ive never had one on our 10+ cars leased through them), but they are known to the be the strictest in the industry, maybe just on paper? I know they wouldnt have let that slide lmao.

And I have no clue how they dont bring up worn tires or excess mileage with you. Those are both clearly noted on the contract as your responsibility, which means they lose money for no reason when they let you get away with that. Ive always turned mine in with almost new tires and never gone above mileage, but all the lease returns my step-dad has done, which is probably 100+; they have always charged... I think only a couple times they let someone go on tires or less than 100mi over. You are one lucky SOB. lol

To add to your original question, the only pro I needed for my lease on the MBZ was that you are paying $2500 down and $390+tax a month for a 2yr lease on a 62k car. Oh and $17/mo on the maintenance plan (MUST get). Are there any better options out there for vehicles or pricing? I think not! :P Will you be able to get the same deal on a new one in Oct though?

 

If I can find a car I would take it now. My deal was E-350+P1+Folding seats/Wood steering (57K) + Maint. For 24 months 12K miles Bank fee 795, (10 Multiple Security Deposits 5K)
With Fla Tax $500. I didnt pick the wood option and the seats BTW. If They had the base car with P1 it would have been $475 all in.

Now about the 2013s. The car dealers always try to get max price (so it seems) on major body refreshes,. I have seen this with Acura and some others. It might be the same damn car but they use it to make more $$$. In those cases if you take the old body style you can sometimes get a steal of a deal. But people always want the new one. Or so it seems. If these are not out until October they have orders that accumulate and I would have no idea if I can get a deal. The worst case is I buy something else. I dont know how popular this car actually is. It is the best deal on a MB based on the lease aspect which attracts sharp buyers like you and me. Motor Trend mentioned a big refresh in 2013. I have only taked to lease brokers on this car. One local dealer quoted me 750 as a special on the E350 gas a few months ago. That was in his words a hot deal. This car basically the same thing for 250 less per month. And he said MSDs dont do anything because interest rates are low.

 

2013 MY is not a big refresh. Not until 2014 MY. Your risk is that MB decides to not set the residual at 70%+ and the lease price goes up. That is not likely but your call. There are btecs around but you may have to travel to get one. Ours was $65k and loaded and the best we've had in many ways.

 

Wow, I really hope you get to find one. Its a great car to lease! Good luck!!! =)

 

Robertw477: Anything out of pocket on that deal? Are you paying the registration/bank fee/etc up front or is it all rolled into the payment?

 

795 Bank Fee and First + Tag transfer up front. That is with 10 MSDS. If the broker can locate a car.

Rob