So I have ordered my B-Class and am told that it will be ready for on Thursday - I am quite excited!
Yesterday I received an email from the Business Manager at the dealer I bought the car from. She offered a number of 'extras' for me, including Tire and Rim protection ($495), First Class Lease Protection ($995), Chemical Package ($1299) and a Parrot Bluetooth Kit ($899).
The only one that I am considering would be the Tire and Rim Protection:
"This is the most popular item amongst our customers. This is protection
against road hazards such as glass, nails, pot holes, fallen rock, screws,
debris from other cars etc., which is not covered under the warranty. It
includes the cost of installation, mounting, balancing and taxes and it is
totally transferable. The cost to replace a tire and rim on a B Class is
probably more than the coverage itself so it's well worth it."
Apparently this protection covers any tires you put on the car - even snow tires (which will be on next winter).
Does anyone have any feedback on whether this is a worthwhile investment or not?
I wouldn't buy it - I've been driving for 24 years and never had to replace a wheel (now I'm tempting fate). Tires do occassionally fail, but it's not certain - replace it if it happens.
The only extra I was offered was the lease protection, which was way too expensive. I told my dealer flat out if they try to charge me $1000 for wear and tear at lease end it will be my first and last Mercedes. This nickel and diming people at the end of a lease is an alarming new trend - don't just accept it folks! And don't buy the insurance either - way too much money and pure profit for them. My 2 cents.
I wouldn't buy it - I've been driving for 24 years and never had to replace a wheel (now I'm tempting fate). Tires do occassionally fail, but it's not certain - replace it if it happens.
The only extra I was offered was the lease protection, which was way too expensive. I told my dealer flat out if they try to charge me $1000 for wear and tear at lease end it will be my first and last Mercedes. This nickel and diming people at the end of a lease is an alarming new trend - don't just accept it folks! And don't buy the insurance either - way too much money and pure profit for them. My 2 cents.
I believe the extras provided by dealers have only one objective- to make more profit for the dealer.
For about $ 200 more that the dealers offer, you can get a full set of snow tires and rims at tirerack. I ask only which is the better deal?
My feelings exactly. Another way to line their pockets. And now a chemical package!!
Don't forget the flood damage package.
Please fill us in on the chemical protection. We probably need it too!!
Seriously though, congratulations on your new B!!
Last edited by Derek Lecours : 03-19-2008 at 07:59 AM.
So I have ordered my B-Class and am told that it will be ready for on Thursday - I am quite excited!
Yesterday I received an email from the Business Manager at the dealer I bought the car from. She offered a number of 'extras' for me, including Tire and Rim protection ($495), First Class Lease Protection ($995), Chemical Package ($1299) and a Parrot Bluetooth Kit ($899).
The only one that I am considering would be the Tire and Rim Protection:
"This is the most popular item amongst our customers. This is protection
against road hazards such as glass, nails, pot holes, fallen rock, screws,
debris from other cars etc., which is not covered under the warranty. It
includes the cost of installation, mounting, balancing and taxes and it is
totally transferable. The cost to replace a tire and rim on a B Class is
probably more than the coverage itself so it's well worth it."
Apparently this protection covers any tires you put on the car - even snow tires (which will be on next winter).
Does anyone have any feedback on whether this is a worthwhile investment or not?
Thanks,
Paul
Nothing quite so exciting as the moments before getting a new car. Especially a Mercedes!!! Enjoy the moment and the car.
I paid for that $ 1000 protection package because the leasing manager said to me that if anything goes wrong/chip the windsheild which is rain sensing etc, cannot be repaired , cost to replace is about $800 plus labour.....then she also said by the time I return the vehicle if the tires are below thresold then min. $ 150 per tire to replace plus labour....so I figure if I replace 4 tires that is $ 700-800 already...so I went with this 'option'....thoughts ?
__________________
2008 Benz B200 Turbo w/ Premium Package White
2005 Toyota Sienna CE (POS...breaking lease to get the benz)
1996 Dodge Stratus (great car first repair on it's 5 th year)
Surely your insurance would cover any windscreen damage. In the UK we normally have to pay an amount towards each windscreen damage claim usually about £50 (100$ Can approx) But if it is just a chip repair they normally don't charge.
I paid for that $ 1000 protection package because the leasing manager said to me that if anything goes wrong/chip the windsheild which is rain sensing etc, cannot be repaired , cost to replace is about $800 plus labour.....then she also said by the time I return the vehicle if the tires are below thresold then min. $ 150 per tire to replace plus labour....so I figure if I replace 4 tires that is $ 700-800 already...so I went with this 'option'....thoughts ?
Sounds like snake oil. The $150/tire in particular assumes you buy the tires from them AND that you are replacing the tires with brand new ones. I don't even think you'll be below threshold with the tires you have, not likely if you switch to winter tires during the winter months, and you are doing normal mileage, the tires will be fine.
Years ago my wife and I bought a New Beetle. I happen to have a friend who owned car dealerships but no VW ones. I called him up asking him about all the "extras" I was quoted on the VW, very similar to the OP's list. After a little back and forth he basically told me none are worth the money.
That being said, I did opt for the extended service package when I got my BMW E46. I don't remember what I paid but it essentially paid for all brakes and wear-and-tear items for 3 years. I considered that one worth it given that I do take my car lapping occasionally and will eat through brake pads.
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