General Merc Maintenance Costs?
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Joined: Jun 2019
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Audi A4
General Merc Maintenance Costs?
So I'm currently in the market and looking at two alternatives. First choice is a 2018 GLC300 with under 20K kms. My second choice is a 2017 Lexus RX350 F Sport 3. Of course I'm leaning towards the MB for all the obvious reasons but there is one issue that continues to stick in the back of my mind. I'm discovering through my research that the Merc may cost me significantly more to operate than the Lexus for three reasons. One, the parts are generally significantly more expensive, even standard normal operating parts such as brake pads. Two, because general service will be more expensive. And three, because the MB will tend to give me more problems.
So I thought I would come straight to the horse's mouth so to speak, to find out how true this is and to gauge peoples experiences.
The one thing I'm thinking that might mitigate the maintenance/operating cost issue is the additional warranty being offered on the "Mercedes Benz Star Certified Pre-Owned" program giving the vehicle an additional 2 years and 40K kms after the manufacturer's base 4 year, 80K kms warranty. So warranty on the 2018 model, likely purchased and delivered in 2017 would likely run until 2023 (so 4 years from now) at which point I would likely trade it in, if not before that.
Given that kind of warranty, is there still a need to worry about maintenance/operating costs particularly as it relates to the occurrence of problems and issues, since most would hopefully be covered by the warranty? Or are there things I still need to consider that are not covered in the warranty?
So I thought I would come straight to the horse's mouth so to speak, to find out how true this is and to gauge peoples experiences.
The one thing I'm thinking that might mitigate the maintenance/operating cost issue is the additional warranty being offered on the "Mercedes Benz Star Certified Pre-Owned" program giving the vehicle an additional 2 years and 40K kms after the manufacturer's base 4 year, 80K kms warranty. So warranty on the 2018 model, likely purchased and delivered in 2017 would likely run until 2023 (so 4 years from now) at which point I would likely trade it in, if not before that.
Given that kind of warranty, is there still a need to worry about maintenance/operating costs particularly as it relates to the occurrence of problems and issues, since most would hopefully be covered by the warranty? Or are there things I still need to consider that are not covered in the warranty?
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Joined: Feb 2018
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GLC
Lean to DIY at least the oil change. Simple as pie.
There goes the maintenance difference between Meec and Lexus.
As far as warranty. Well, Toyotas are more reliable. However, Germans think of Merc as their reliable work ahorse especially the turbo diesels. It's all relative. I would stress too much about warranty and repairs. Treat your car right then you won't have issues. There are more to life than stressing about repair cost.
There goes the maintenance difference between Meec and Lexus.
As far as warranty. Well, Toyotas are more reliable. However, Germans think of Merc as their reliable work ahorse especially the turbo diesels. It's all relative. I would stress too much about warranty and repairs. Treat your car right then you won't have issues. There are more to life than stressing about repair cost.
Last edited by openwheelracing; Jun 15, 2019 at 08:10 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Fort Myers, FL
AMG GTS, AMG E63S, GLC300
I opted for a pre-paid service contract on my Mercedes---which is a worthwhile savings. Regarding Lexus---check your particular Lexus dealership for scheduled maintenance rates which I found can vary greatly. I have a 2007 Lexus ES350 for my son that just turned 60K. Our local Lexus dealer "surprised" me with a bill in excess of $1K---for not much more than a minor oil service and change of cabin filters, with lots of "check and clean"----which means nothing was replaced or repaired. I checked around and other Lexus dealers were a few hundred less for the same service. I think Lexus has caught up with other luxury brands in terms of service costs. No more Lexus for me. If I'm going to pay---I might as well enjoy the Mercedes.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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'17 GLC43
The prepaid services are a great deal, but depends on what you are buying, it might not qualify. These cars are work horses when maintained properly. You need to do this and keep records in order to not void the warranty. So with the warranty you will be covered if something breaks, however you still have to pay for the maintenance portion (in my experience at the dealer, 400-1000 USD a year depending on service A or B and the miles).
You might be able to find a shop that can do them for less.
You might be able to find a shop that can do them for less.
