Worth Buying a Prepaid Maintenance Select Package on Used Vehicle
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
2015 Mercedes Benz GL350 BlueTEC
Worth Buying a Prepaid Maintenance Select Package on Used Vehicle
I got myself a used 2015 GL350 BlueTEC. I purchased from a private dealer but am planning to get the service done at a MB dealership. I understand I can still purchase a Prepaid Maintenance package. Anybody knows if it’s worthwhile?
I’m located in the Greater Toronto Area and based on a couple of phone calls, MB dealerships in this area charge between $400-$500 for Service A and around $900 for Service B.
The same dealership is selling a 2 service package for $1299. I don’t see the savings. Am I missing something? It doesn’t sound like they’re willing to negotiate the price of a prepaid maintenance package.
I’m located in the Greater Toronto Area and based on a couple of phone calls, MB dealerships in this area charge between $400-$500 for Service A and around $900 for Service B.
The same dealership is selling a 2 service package for $1299. I don’t see the savings. Am I missing something? It doesn’t sound like they’re willing to negotiate the price of a prepaid maintenance package.
Last edited by Choliya; Aug 22, 2019 at 08:51 AM. Reason: Further comment
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 154
Likes: 18
From: South Florida
GL550
Congrats on your purchase.
In my humble option, it is best to find a reputable local independent mechanic, preferably one that works on just Mercedes or a shop that works on Euro cars. I find myself paying less than half the cost of what a dealer would charge and you have the option in getting the parts yourself. This can save a little extra if you shop around online for the parts.
Example: Dealer wanted 1,200 USD to perform a service (I don't recall the exact one), while the Indy was only 299 USD. The independent mechanics are just as qualified as the dealer mechanics, most of the time, they began their careers at the dealers.
Just my 2 cents.
In my humble option, it is best to find a reputable local independent mechanic, preferably one that works on just Mercedes or a shop that works on Euro cars. I find myself paying less than half the cost of what a dealer would charge and you have the option in getting the parts yourself. This can save a little extra if you shop around online for the parts.
Example: Dealer wanted 1,200 USD to perform a service (I don't recall the exact one), while the Indy was only 299 USD. The independent mechanics are just as qualified as the dealer mechanics, most of the time, they began their careers at the dealers.
Just my 2 cents.
Last edited by NaviTimer1; Aug 22, 2019 at 10:28 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 8
2008 ML 350
I have a GL350 as well, if you are still under warranty, I'd stay with the dealership, you can always negotiate prices for services. If you are out of the warranty, I agree with going with Indy. However, you'd want to check with them on what type of oil they'd use for your oil change.
I have an Indy that I trust and have been going to for years before my GL350. The owner was a master tech at mercedes for years, before coming out to open his own shop. When I got my GL350, I asked him about the type of oil he'd use, and he has no idea that the bluetecs need to use 229.52 oils, which only comes in 0-30 or 5-30. I still go to him for my other car's services and repairs, however, I'd either bring him the right oil, or do my own oil changes.
I have an Indy that I trust and have been going to for years before my GL350. The owner was a master tech at mercedes for years, before coming out to open his own shop. When I got my GL350, I asked him about the type of oil he'd use, and he has no idea that the bluetecs need to use 229.52 oils, which only comes in 0-30 or 5-30. I still go to him for my other car's services and repairs, however, I'd either bring him the right oil, or do my own oil changes.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 53
Likes: 11
13' GL550, 10' GLK350, MKIV Supra Turbo, MKIII Supra Turbo
I personally have a GL550, and think the package is a great deal, if you can time it so that you get two (2) service B's and one (1) Service A's. I have older Toyota Supra's that routinely work on cars and feel that the MB vehicles are a pain to work and and not worth working on other than, simple tasks such as brake pads / rotors, and cabin filters (cabin filters) are included in the service A and B. Here in VA i pay 1200 for the 3 year package. Cheers.
-HDT
-HDT
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
2015 Mercedes Benz GL350 BlueTEC
Congrats on your purchase.
In my humble option, it is best to find a reputable local independent mechanic, preferably one that works on just Mercedes or a shop that works on Euro cars. I find myself paying less than half the cost of what a dealer would charge and you have the option in getting the parts yourself. This can save a little extra if you shop around online for the parts.
Example: Dealer wanted 1,200 USD to perform a service (I don't recall the exact one), while the Indy was only 299 USD. The independent mechanics are just as qualified as the dealer mechanics, most of the time, they began their careers at the dealers.
Just my 2 cents.
In my humble option, it is best to find a reputable local independent mechanic, preferably one that works on just Mercedes or a shop that works on Euro cars. I find myself paying less than half the cost of what a dealer would charge and you have the option in getting the parts yourself. This can save a little extra if you shop around online for the parts.
Example: Dealer wanted 1,200 USD to perform a service (I don't recall the exact one), while the Indy was only 299 USD. The independent mechanics are just as qualified as the dealer mechanics, most of the time, they began their careers at the dealers.
Just my 2 cents.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
2015 Mercedes Benz GL350 BlueTEC
I have a GL350 as well, if you are still under warranty, I'd stay with the dealership, you can always negotiate prices for services. If you are out of the warranty, I agree with going with Indy. However, you'd want to check with them on what type of oil they'd use for your oil change.
I have an Indy that I trust and have been going to for years before my GL350. The owner was a master tech at mercedes for years, before coming out to open his own shop. When I got my GL350, I asked him about the type of oil he'd use, and he has no idea that the bluetecs need to use 229.52 oils, which only comes in 0-30 or 5-30. I still go to him for my other car's services and repairs, however, I'd either bring him the right oil, or do my own oil changes.
I have an Indy that I trust and have been going to for years before my GL350. The owner was a master tech at mercedes for years, before coming out to open his own shop. When I got my GL350, I asked him about the type of oil he'd use, and he has no idea that the bluetecs need to use 229.52 oils, which only comes in 0-30 or 5-30. I still go to him for my other car's services and repairs, however, I'd either bring him the right oil, or do my own oil changes.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
2015 Mercedes Benz GL350 BlueTEC
I personally have a GL550, and think the package is a great deal, if you can time it so that you get two (2) service B's and one (1) Service A's. I have older Toyota Supra's that routinely work on cars and feel that the MB vehicles are a pain to work and and not worth working on other than, simple tasks such as brake pads / rotors, and cabin filters (cabin filters) are included in the service A and B. Here in VA i pay 1200 for the 3 year package. Cheers.
-HDT
-HDT
