I’m looking at ex-loaner GLS with between 5-10k miles and realized that first oil changes are usually 10-12k on these cars. What kind of things are ppl asking for in deals so they aren’t getting stuck with maintenance bills in the first months of a lease? If one is doing a 36mo 12k lease, that’s going to be a bit of wear on the tires on top of the expected routine oil changes and if there’s already 5-10k of tire tread eaten by fun loving loaner customers, how to protect against cost of having to do a tire replacement soon before returning the vehicle when it’s nearing the 45-50k mileage mark?
All these additional costs are simply compensated for by a larger discount. If you start making the deal complicated your odds of success go to almost zero. The key is to make sure the warranty wont be over before the end of the lease (defeats the purchase of leasing).
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Initial oil change, cabin filter, and eventually tires at 43000 miles near lease end are my biggest expenses in the mind.
How does tires work with leases? As in is that considered wear and tear or do I have to return tires in the same condition as what I got the car in? I don’t want to get hit with some exit fee there.
Thank you
MBFS will provide the checklist and give you the option of a pre-return inspection. Tires to be at 4/32 min tread depth, and same specs as OEM. Doesn’t have to be OEM brand and your call whether you buy new or used.
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Used? Can one buy used tires? Wild!
The MBFS lease-end guide is linked in this thread.
Follow the links to see tire requirements.
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If you lease a loaner with 8k miles and the first service is due at 10k then yea, there’s no way around that. That’s one reason why loaners are discounted more.
You can push the dealer to include the first service as part of your negotiations, but as mentioned stuff like this will lower your chances of getting a really aggressive deal. Just depends on the deal and how bad the dealer wants to move the car.
These Mercedes services come up frequently on here, find a good indy shop and your oil changes and other basics are $250-$350 or so. I wouldn’t let a great deal slip away for fear of a $300 oil change in 4 months time.
And as noted at lease turn in the tires just need to be above 4/32”, doesn’t matter what condition they were in when you leased the car.
If you know the car will ultimately need tires then the smart thing to do is replace them at 30k or so, don’t wait until lease end, at least that way you get a year’s use out of them.
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Lotsa info on LH you can search for. Good luck
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I see you like to live dangerously. Do yourself a favor and do your oil changes every 5K
see its not “his” car. We are lucky if customers EVER do oil changes. cheap customers dont spend money at all
You can, but before the independent inspection at the lease end. After that, you need new tires, unfortunately, if the remaining tread is below 4/32”. Remember to meseure it at the center of the tire.
To make sure you are above the minimum requirement, please invest $5 into this device or more expensive for $10 with digital display.
Amazon.com: GODESON 88702 Smart Color Coded Tire Tread Depth Gauge 2 pieces(Pack of 1) : Automotive Amazon.com: GODESON 88702 Smart Color Coded Tire Tread Depth Gauge 2 pieces(Pack of 1) : Automotive
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Some random guy off the street is going to walk in, pay more for the GLS than you, already expect to pay the maintenance and make the dealer more $$$$
What’s this “oil change” you speak of? Lol
Ouch man…lol. I just follow what the manufacturer tells me to do. I’d the light comes on at 8k, I’ll take it in at 8k. Every bmw/merc I’ve had in my few young years have all said 10k miles and that’s what I’ve done.
I appreciate the reply. This is useful.
I’m considering just buying (financing) the car since it’s such a discount. Loaner 2025, keep it for 3 years and I’m see about trading in in 2029 for 45-50% of the MSRP (if I’m unlucky maybe 40%) whatever.
I’m looking at depreciation vs lease deduction and from my view it seems better to depreciate the full price in the first year or do MACR depreciation rather than just the lease payment amount.
Thoughts?
come appraise cars with me. I promise after about 10 cars appraised, YOU could guess what kind of customer owned each off lease
LOL. This isn’t the 1980’s anymore. There have been advancements in oil since then.
If the manufacturer calls for 10K oil change intervals, why would you waste money and do it at 5K?
What do you get for that wasted money? More trade in value? Better warranty?
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Don’t buy a loaner. Which is another name for a rental.
Buy a one owner used 2024 or 2023. Do your diligence, have it PPI’d by an independent mechanic.
This strategy is much safer than buying a former rental even though it is “newer” and has fewer miles
I’ve leased many MB vehicles through my company. The GLS eats tires, so expect to put tires on the vehicle before lease end. A lot of the new MB vehicles come with Pirelli Scorpions and you are lucky if you get 20,000 miles out of them–especially if you live in the midwest. If you decide you want to pursue the loaner, be sure to make sure inspect the vehicle for dents, chips, scratches, rim rash, etc.
Sounds like you have a business tax deduction for the vehicle. Why not go brand new to maximize that deduction as long as the business supports the expense.
My concern with loaners is how well they have been treated. Most newer vehicles can handle a few months of abuse at the hands of random drivers, but not sure I would want to own that vehicle long term. I am sure most renters will not refill tank with premium fuel for example. How does that impact engine longevity? You will likely need to replace tires on a GLS either way. Untied Tires is great for used tires at lease end.