prepaid maintenance

[bileve]

Mercedes-Benz of Westminster, CO sent a mailer offering Pre-Owned Prepaid Maintenance. “Plans are honored at all authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships.” Otherwise not much information. Telephone conversation with Ryan priced two service events for $800 and three, $1,200.

Don’t think that would be a good choice in my situation. Previous purchase of lifetime oil changes for $295 has broken even after 3 – ½ year ownership and 29,000 miles. A lot of listed items are inspections that I do myself. Also change cabin air filter myself. Next on the list are transmission fluid at 39,000 miles (quoted $350), fuel filter ($195) and engine air cleaner at 50,000 miles ($140). Although for fifty years I did that myself I’ll sublet at advanced age of 74.

In conclusion a la carte seems to make more sense than signing up for prepaid maintenance.

This summer I have to wrestle with the extended warranty issue. Vendors on that list include Mercedes dealer, AAA, and USAA and perhaps others.

Your additions, corrections, deletions?

Regards,

Bill

[AsianBlackR350]

For myself, I would let the dealer takes care of transmission fluid, fuel filter.
DIY air cleaner and cabin filter would save you at least $150.00.

[smokersteve]

I do the air filter, oil filter and oil my self. Very easy tasks. Out side of that I will have the dealer do. I would normally do the trans my self, and fuel filter, but there is not enough data on the forums for me to know my way around the vehicle.

[alvin18]

Some people are just plain turned off at how aggressive dealers have gotten recently, so they are hesitant to visit a dealership unless it is warranty related or the indy guy can't do it. I have looked into the plans recently, not bad in pricing but as always the dealer will try to upsell addl stuff bringing your bill to a high amount. People, do what makes you comfortable, there will be a savings by going to an indy mechanic, but the dealer is the dealer.