Loaner Cars from Dealership
#1
Loaner Cars from Dealership
I have had to take my car ('22 EGS AMG) in for a problem with the HUD and have been disappointed to find that my local dealership provides service vehicles through Enterprise car rental. The first time, I was told they had no MB loaners available and I was offered a Mustang convertible. The next visit was the same, except the offered vehicle was a Chrysler minivan. I expressed my disdain with the service advisor and his manager, noting that it's ridiculous that they are providing substandard rental vehicles even when a customer is servicing a vehicle that cost $160K+, but I doubt it will have much impact on the bean counters.
I'm wondering if my experience is typical or if other dealerships continue to use a fleet of MB loaner vehicles.
I'm wondering if my experience is typical or if other dealerships continue to use a fleet of MB loaner vehicles.
#2
MB Loaners at MB of Fort Lauderdale every time, but they are out of cars occasionally. Not a big deal, I Uber home 10 mins away.
Had to wait 3 weeks for parts from Germany once, drove around in a C-300 sedan in the meantime.
Had to wait 3 weeks for parts from Germany once, drove around in a C-300 sedan in the meantime.
#3
MB of Cutler Bay (Miami area) always provides a MB loaner and typically an EQS 450. My 2022 EQS 580 is currently there for its 3rd visit since acquisition in Jul'22, and I am driving a brand new (25 miles) GLE350. Definitely prefer the EQS loaner though.....
#4
Just got mine back after the recall software updates today. They gave me an E450 loaner, which was very nice. However, my SA did tell me when I picked up my car that they ran out of MB loaners shortly after I was there, and the Toyota dealer next door helped them out with loaners. There are shortages of cars, still. Sometimes, despite the record of excellent service, they can't work miracles. I try to be understanding about that.
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AppleFan1 (07-06-2023)
#5
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
On the rare occasion I make a appointment for one of my MB’s to my local dealership they “reserve” a loan car at that time. Have never had a problem getting a loaner and they are really busy. Their system is great.
#6
My dealership has a fleet of MB loaners, but if I don't reserve one when making the appointment, then they will be likely out of loaners. I usually make the appointment online, but then have to call to reserve a loaner and they will tell me right away if one is available and if not offer to reschedule the appointment. All pretty reasonable. They don't have unlimited loaners. I've also heard that they now have a small fleet of EQ loaners that they reserve for the EQ customers.
As an AMG owner, though, my biggest beef is that they don't have AMG loaners, which pretty much no dealership has. All the loaners are regular Plain Jane MBs, which to me are boring as hell. At one point they gave me an S 500 and I felt like I instantly aged 30 years driving that boat. . Some dealerships use Enterprise etc. as an overflow fleet, so that's pretty normal. My dealership also offers Uber vouchers, so depending on how long I expect the car will be in the shop I rather take an Uber than driving a plain MB around. They also have a shuttle and the dealership is within walking distance to the train station, so I have taken the train home at times. I live only 15 minutes from the train station on my end, so I have plenty of options.
As an AMG owner, though, my biggest beef is that they don't have AMG loaners, which pretty much no dealership has. All the loaners are regular Plain Jane MBs, which to me are boring as hell. At one point they gave me an S 500 and I felt like I instantly aged 30 years driving that boat. . Some dealerships use Enterprise etc. as an overflow fleet, so that's pretty normal. My dealership also offers Uber vouchers, so depending on how long I expect the car will be in the shop I rather take an Uber than driving a plain MB around. They also have a shuttle and the dealership is within walking distance to the train station, so I have taken the train home at times. I live only 15 minutes from the train station on my end, so I have plenty of options.
#7
I have had my EQS in service 6 times in 9 months. When making the appointment, I request a loaner. That usually puts me 2 weeks out. I have had a GLC300, E300 and, most recently, a EQS450. I have no complaints with my dealer's loaner car policy.
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MBNUT1 (07-09-2023)
#9
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
#10
That's how it is here at my dealership (Walnut Creek, CA). Thankfully, I haven't needed any last minute appointments.
#11
I’ve had my 450 for 16 months and it’s in for the second time now (recall). I requested an EQE loaner and when I arrived they asked if I wanted a sedan or SUV. I’m trying the SUV but it has less room than the EQS, also many thousands less expensive.
#12
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
How does it drive compared to the EQS?
#13
Yes usually to get a loaner around here, the appointment has to be made weeks in advance. I usually get a GLB or GLC, although last time I got an EQS 450+ sedan which was nice.
When my 2022 G63 had a check engine light a week into ownership, the dealer told me there were no loaners. When I respectfully but emphatically mentioned the price of the vehicle I just bought, a GLC magically appeared. Fortunately the CEL was a bad engine thermostat and a quick fix.
When my 2022 G63 had a check engine light a week into ownership, the dealer told me there were no loaners. When I respectfully but emphatically mentioned the price of the vehicle I just bought, a GLC magically appeared. Fortunately the CEL was a bad engine thermostat and a quick fix.
Last edited by Hodog16; 07-07-2023 at 11:06 PM.
#14
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: New England/Florida
2005 SL 500. 2015 S550. 2016 GLE400 2018 S560
My dealer always had a loaner available to me. I usually get a low end Mercedes but I typically have the loaner for the day. I see now that the dealer has a EQS 450+ as a loaner car. I guess they feel since they have a very hard time selling that car, they using it as a loaner and writing it off that way.
I’ve been driving S class for years before buying my EQS. What a difference between the C class and E class loaners I’ve got over the years. Once you’ve been in their top tier cars you can’t even fathom going to a lower class car.
I’ve been driving S class for years before buying my EQS. What a difference between the C class and E class loaners I’ve got over the years. Once you’ve been in their top tier cars you can’t even fathom going to a lower class car.
Last edited by Radman991; 07-08-2023 at 10:55 AM.
#15
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
I’ve always been disappointed with the C and E Class loners I have been given compared to the S Class’ I have owned. I once told my wife that if the loaners had not had the MB Star on the steering wheel I never would have guessed I was driving Mercedes.
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Radman991 (07-08-2023)
#16
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I understand the S-Class is on another level, the C I get it but even the E didn't satisfy the bare minimums in your opinion?
#18
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#21
My EQS sedan needed A2 service so I called for an appointment on a Wed and got an appointment on Sat with a loaner. They offered me an EQE SUV which was nice. The software was completely up to date and I could see that it detects pedestrians and crosswalks on the “Assistance” view which I always use. Hopefully my 2022 EQS will be updated to do that too.
I use Fletcher Jones in Fremont CA. Phenomenal service - my local dealership in Pleasanton CA is a piece of crap by comparison.
I use Fletcher Jones in Fremont CA. Phenomenal service - my local dealership in Pleasanton CA is a piece of crap by comparison.
#22
Yeah don't forget loaners are usually very basic with options. It feels like in the $40-50k range based on loaners I've driven, that brands like Land Rover and Mercedes really don't focus on quality etc because they know buyers at that price point are focused on the badge on the hood and being able to say they drive a Mercedes over anything else. In other words compare what you get in a $40-50k Acura or Lexus compared to a Mercedes.
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pmichaelmd (07-10-2023)
#23
Dropped my 2022 EQS off for the safety recall software updates and was given an EQB loaner. On the one hand I guess I should be happy that I even got a loaner that was a Mercedes. On the other, the EQB is leagues beneath that to which I am accustomed. No wireless charging or CarPlay, no heated seats, no leather seats at all, no moonroof, meager audio without SiriusXM, wildly uncomfortable manual adjusting seats, and had the vehicle delivered to me with 1/2 battery left and a range of 112 miles. The drive home is 55 miles one way so needless to say it is on my charger at home so I can get back.
Would have loved an EQE or EQS SUV as I am considering one for my wife, but Mercedes of Buckhead will never know as I got placed in an EQB.
It is what it is and I can’t wait to get my EQS back.
Would have loved an EQE or EQS SUV as I am considering one for my wife, but Mercedes of Buckhead will never know as I got placed in an EQB.
It is what it is and I can’t wait to get my EQS back.
#24
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2019
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From: Toronto, Canada
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Dropped my 2022 EQS off for the safety recall software updates and was given an EQB loaner. On the one hand I guess I should be happy that I even got a loaner that was a Mercedes. On the other, the EQB is leagues beneath that to which I am accustomed. No wireless charging or CarPlay, no heated seats, no leather seats at all, no moonroof, meager audio without SiriusXM, wildly uncomfortable manual adjusting seats, and had the vehicle delivered to me with 1/2 battery left and a range of 112 miles. The drive home is 55 miles one way so needless to say it is on my charger at home so I can get back.
Would have loved an EQE or EQS SUV as I am considering one for my wife, but Mercedes of Buckhead will never know as I got placed in an EQB.
It is what it is and I can’t wait to get my EQS back.
Would have loved an EQE or EQS SUV as I am considering one for my wife, but Mercedes of Buckhead will never know as I got placed in an EQB.
It is what it is and I can’t wait to get my EQS back.
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pmichaelmd (07-10-2023)
#25
Can’t wait to get it back.