ServicePlus dilemma

[crockers]

Well if you only need 1 service during the next 3 years I agree - BUT - it also covers 3 MOTs, any brakes etc which I expect you will need by the end + it is practically a warranty - for wear and tear items....

Like most things -- one pays ones money..etc...

 

[glojo]

I don't know - if I go for the 3yr deal it's £950/yr - having spent just £250 in 3 yrs then that seems ridiculous.

Are you trying to get someone to justify this expense? I am asking in the nicest of ways because any outlay is a gamble. ServicePlus is a warranty that is designed to make the seller a profit? I have always looked at this offer as peace of mind. I know that for the next three years I have no worries about car problems, but is it worth it?

John

 

[Rory]

Are you trying to get someone to justify this expense?

Not really - just after people thoughts and opinions.

Normally I'm dead against extended warranty type things, and part of my thinking is that I'm effectively running 4 cars (1 for each family member). One is out of warranty, 2 (inc mine) are just about to come out of warranty, and the 4th is new.

Hopefully I won't be unlucky on all 4 cars, so I can average any repair costs across them all.

However I just know that when I take the MB for a B service, brake fluid change & MOT and get a bill for £600+ I'll feel really sick! Somehow paying monthly won't seem so bad.

When I first looked at it, it was 50 odd pounds per month, so I was thinking £5-600/yr - it's a no-brainer. However that's without VAT, and the 3 year deal bumps the price up, so it ends up being almost £1000 year. Suddenly seems like a lot of money.

 

[ddentrec]

I strongly recommend that you get a warranty of some sort.

My C-Class is 3.5 years old and 37,000 miles. It has ServicePlus cover.

last year, under the standard warranty, it had a complete new exhaust (due to severe corrosion) and new 'modified type' front and rear wishbones/bearings/bushes (due to suspension collapse - car leaning 2 inches to left. And yes, the dealer has seen this before on W203s).

The car has just had a new steering rack (due to low speed grinding/moaning noise- done under servicePlus): I asked the dealer is this was a known issue and his response "MB UK do not like us talking about that" or words to that effect.

So, please think carefully. Oh, and take a look under your front wheel arch liner to see how much tin worm there is....I have lots.

 

[Rory]

I strongly recommend that you get a warranty of some sort.

I have decided to go for it, and sent the form off to MB earlier.

My local dealer deciding to knock a big chunk of the servicing prices made the decision even harder, but I spoke to someone there, and they were very keen that I took out ServicePlus - surprising considering they only get paid about half their normal labour rate. The guy I spoke to told me it covers 'everything'. I took a note of his name!

The dealer suggested I could come in and take out ServicePlus there and then, but he was adamant they would have to give the car a quick once over (FOC). Even though I told him that's only necessary if it's out of warranty, he was adamant they had to. So I just sent the form of to DC UK directly.

It's not so much the cost, although I don't really want pay £3000 when £1500 ought to easily cover the cost, but it's the arguing that would be stressful if something failed and I felt it ought to be covered by goodwill etc. ServicePlus should be much more relaxing.

 

[hawk20]

I strongly recommend that you get a warranty of some sort.

My C-Class is 3.5 years old and 37,000 miles. It has ServicePlus cover.

Oh, and take a look under your front wheel arch liner to see how much tin worm there is....I have lots.

Could you check the build date of your car -not registration date- please. Dealer will have it on their computer. I am interested because they were fully galvanised from beginning of 2003.

 

[hawk20]

Let me be more specific: -
All steel panels were galvanised from Quarter 2 2003 production onwards.
During the previous six months (Q4 2002 + Q1 2003) the process was
gradually introduced on the production line and therefore some vehicles
were galvanised during this lead-up period, but not all.

And you can get the rust fixed under the thirty year rust guarantee. Lots of threads show Mercedes very good on this.

 

[ddentrec]

Could you check the build date of your car -not registration date- please. Dealer will have it on their computer. I am interested because they were fully galvanised from beginning of 2003.

The construction date of the car was October 17th 2003 according to the build tag that was with the car. The car was imported into the UK 7 days later and registered early Nov 2003.

This car definately has corrosion inside the front wings: clear patches of rust. The car has never been involved in any accident and I have owned it from new. The dealer is aware, but is not sure what to do since it is not cosmetic (yet) and there is no point treating it (too many recesses). So, I am waiting for it to eat around to the wheel arches, then get it repaired under MobiloLie (sic).

My dealer invited me to take a spin in the new W204...he was banging on about how much the quality has improved. Funny, they said exactly that when the W202 was replaced with the W203...Jurgen Schremp should be ashamed of what damage he has done to the MB brand. Funny...in my experience the W202 was the best of the bunch: I thought the later cars are supposed to be an improvement on the earlier ones?

Anyhow, the good news is that I am now cured of Mercedes-itis: I have £££££ sitting in the bank and I aint spending it on another Merc.

 

[hawk20]

Anyhow, the good news is that I am now cured of Mercedes-itis: I have £££££ sitting in the bank and I aint spending it on another Merc.

I wish you well with whatever you choose. But nobody else I know equals the Mercedes 30 year rust guarantee, which they have been extremely good at honouring as many threads testify. Nor, I think, will any other firm give you the equivalent of 30 year MobiloLife free breakdown cover.

But there are plenty of good cars out there. So good luck.

 

[DieselE]

One scenario in which ServicePlus doesn't ever make sense is a car two years old or younger, as the OEM warranty covers pretty much everything the Plus in ServicePlus offers. In that scenario it's best to go Service Only until third anniversary and then switch to ServicePlus.

Further to my earlier reply to your post. In the eighteen months from when I took out ServicePlus until the car is three years old in December I will pay out £1268.28.

So far, I have had one service and the next is due in 2,300 miles. At the next service, the brake fluid will need changing and one of the rear discs is wearing unevenly. I reckon I will be close to or above break even. The bit I don't know is whether the £71.46 I will be paying every month until the car is five and a half years old is higher or lower than it would have been if I had waited until around now before taking out ServicePlus.

 

[glojo]

The bit I don't know is whether the £71.46 I will be paying every month until the car is five and a half years old is higher or lower than it would have been if I had waited until around now before taking out ServicePlus.

Hindsight, hindsight.
If you had waited then your car would be inspected prior to being able to take out the policy and I wonder if that inspection would pick up worn parts that would need replacing PRIOR to being able to take out the policy?

I personally am not worried whether I claim or not?? It would be nice to get value for money and get copious new bits, but would 100% reliability be better?

Take care,
John from a very misty Torquay

 

[hawk20]

Further to my earlier reply to your post. In the eighteen months from when I took out ServicePlus until the car is three years old in December I will pay out £1268.28.

So far, I have had one service and the next is due in 2,300 miles. At the next service, the brake fluid will need changing and one of the rear discs is wearing unevenly. I reckon I will be close to or above break even. The bit I don't know is whether the £71.46 I will be paying every month until the car is five and a half years old is higher or lower than it would have been if I had waited until around now before taking out ServicePlus.

It is definitely cheaper if you take it out while under guarantee. They allow for the saving the guaraantee will make for them. One year old I was quoted only £62 per month ex vat for my S class. It won't be that when it is 3 years old. I am planning to join at 2 years old.