Yes

It was basically fine until right at the end. I uad a 3 year lease which included the 3 annual services, tyres, etc.

First two years no problem. 3rd year service was due so I booked in as usual. Due to covid backlog, they had to delay the service date. Did the service and they presented me with a bill. Er, no. There then ensued an argument between me, Mercedes and the company who provide the service package which, unbeknownst to me was not Mercedes. I had leased direct from Mercedes and was having my services done at Mercedes but turns out the service package is outsourced.

Anyway, I dug my heels in, said it wasn't clear enough and wasn't going to pay for the service. Given the lease was basically up, I simply said keep the car. At which point Mercedes tell me they aren't Mercedes, they are a franchise Mercedes and the lease is with Mercedes finance which isn't them.

Told them I didn't care, keep the car, my lease is up.

In the end, the manager came and found a solution. I'm not allowed to purchase the car after a lease but he is. So he agreed with Mercedes and me that he would buy the car and swallow the cost of the service, given he would service anything he bought anyway, and the car was in perfect condition.

Anyway, long story short, leasing was a great way to manage things, just watch out for stiff like above and male sure you know who you are dealing with, read all the small print yadayada

I got a good deal because Mercedes were just refreshing the c class so had old stock they were offloading. Keep an eye out for that sort of timing and you'll grab yourself a bargain.

Posted By: Jester, Jul 27, 12:01:31