I am thinking of purchasing a C230K next spring, but I read that you have to be a certain age to get a loaner from the dealer if they do any work? Is this true? I live in Houston where there are three dealers, and this would effect my purchasing from one of them.

P.S. I will be 18 at time of purchase and paying for every penny myself.

it depends on your service advisor. MB has a general policy of you needing to be 21 to get a loaner. however, if your service rep knows you well, he can vouch for you, like mine does for me, and sign off on the loaner for you. i just turned 19 a month ago. it all depends on your service advisor.

Hey I was wondering, what kind of insurance are you paying? The difference between an 18 and 19 year old won't be that much different. If you want, you can e-mail me Poonkla@hotmail.com. Thanks!

Hmmm... they better give me a loaner if I'm buying an E500 from them and they need to work on it... I will not be a happy camper if I'm stranded for a few days. On a different note, I wonder what my insurance will be...

The loaner cars depends on several things.

First, state law. Some (Most) states require you to be 25 to rent a car. If your dealer subs out to "Budget" for example, you would need to be the legal age.

Then, its up to the dealer to decide if your old enough for their policy.

Either way, if you get the chance, take the $15-20 insurance...sometimes your insurance won't cover you, and its not worth the hassle...quick story:

Friend rented a van in California...didn't take the $15 insurance. Sideswiped a pole, cause $8,000+ worth of damage...and his insurance did not cover it...he had to pay out of pocket.

Erik