New (to me) car and PCP servicing question

[Montybaber]

After a bit of advice please

I am picking up a car on Saturday, I have bought it used from a Lexus main dealer and I am using Lexus PCP to finance the car

The car is a 4 year old Mercedes and the dealer is currently preparing the car and have agreed to service it before collection (car was showing service reminder on test drive)

To be honest I am happy for Lexus to service the car and I would probably go to a specialist for future services but on previous PCP's I have always used the main dealer

The agreement states the car must be serviced following the manufacturers servicing schedule, does this mean using the Mercedes dealer?

To be honest it didn't occur to me that Lexus servicing the car may cause issues but I think I should have addressed this with them when I agreed to buy the car, I don't mind going away from main dealer services but would rather keep it fully serviced with Mercedes if I am tied into it during my ownership

Hope that all makes sense, I have emailed Lexus financial services with my query and I will speak to the dealer tomorrow but just seeking opinions on here

[Paddy!]

The block exemption regulations mean that you can get your car serviced anywhere (pretty much) as long as specified oils and OEM parts are used. This will keep the balance of manufacturers warranty intact up to 3 years. Pretty sure you’re out of manufacturers warranty on a Merc at 4 years (apart from bodywork).

I’m not saying use a main dealer for servicing but the one benefit is they will get the technical bulletins relating to your car for any future recalls which non (or wrong) franchises won’t. Merc will also definitely update the digital service record which could help at end of your PCP potentially with a bit more equity. Not sure if non (or wrong) franchises can do that.

[tomsdad]

If it were me I'd try to work a deal that included an 'allowance' for you to take the car away and have it serviced at MB, mainly for the reasons mentioned above. But also because should you decide to put an extended warranty on it in the future, a full MB history is required (assuming its had the first couple of services done at MB already, which is highly likely at that age). I wouldn't run any chunky motor outside of a manufacturer approved warranty these days, far too many expensive items to go pete tong, predominantly non-engine electrics.

[Montybaber]

The block exemption regulations mean that you can get your car serviced anywhere (pretty much) as long as specified oils and OEM parts are used. This will keep the balance of manufacturers warranty intact up to 3 years. Pretty sure you’re out of manufacturers warranty on a Merc at 4 years (apart from bodywork).

I’m not saying use a main dealer for servicing but the one benefit is they will get the technical bulletins relating to your car for any future recalls which non (or wrong) franchises won’t. Merc will also definitely update the digital service record which could help at end of your PCP potentially with a bit more equity. Not sure if non (or wrong) franchises can do that.

I know a local MB specialist will update the service record but to be honest I am more concerned about the Lexus service causing issues at the end of the agreement

One thing that I do think is the service was carried out theoretically before the agreement starts

[Montybaber]

If it were me I'd try to work a deal that included an 'allowance' for you to take the car away and have it serviced at MB, mainly for the reasons mentioned above. But also because should you decide to put an extended warranty on it in the future, a full MB history is required (assuming its had the first couple of services done at MB already, which is highly likely at that age). I wouldn't run any chunky motor outside of a manufacturer approved warranty these days, far too many expensive items to go pete tong, predominantly non-engine electrics.

The car is covered by a full Lexus warranty for a year so that is some comfort, I doubt the manufacturers warranty could be extended as it ended Oct 17 (I assume it needs to be extended at three years)

I am comfortable servicing using Lexus/specialists but not if it will affect the final guaranteed value of the car when I want to trade it in

[jaytip]

You will already have been given the GFV so servicing it outside the dealer network won’t be a problem as long as the Mercedes Benz servicing schedule is followed.

[Montybaber]

You will already have been given the GFV so servicing it outside the dealer network won’t be a problem as long as the Mercedes Benz servicing schedule is followed.

This is exactly what I was after thankyou, I assumed 'in line with manufacturers schedule' didn't mean that I was tied to MB but confirmation is good

The GFV has indeed been given although I assume charges etc will be incurred if the car is not serviced as they require (much like going over the stated mileage)

[Montybaber]

Just had confirmation from Lexus that servicing needs to be carried out by a 'certified service centre'

Can someone please confirm this means a Mercedes main dealer?

I am going round in circles with them all, all seem scared to answer my question! The salesman assured me it just simply needs to be a service to manufacturers schedule (but completed anywhere) but this info seems at odds with their own customer service team

[Gavbaz]

The block exemption regulations mean that you can get your car serviced anywhere (pretty much) as long as specified oils and OEM parts are used. This will keep the balance of manufacturers warranty intact up to 3 years. Pretty sure you’re out of manufacturers warranty on a Merc at 4 years (apart from bodywork).

I’m not saying use a main dealer for servicing but the one benefit is they will get the technical bulletins relating to your car for any future recalls which non (or wrong) franchises won’t. Merc will also definitely update the digital service record which could help at end of your PCP potentially with a bit more equity. Not sure if non (or wrong) franchises can do that.

I run a car dealership. This advice is spot on. Just ensure they follow the manufacturers guide lines.
Also mentioned, if being part exchanged again at a dealer, your vehicle will be valued more favourably with full franchise service history. Not a major difference however.

[Montybaber]

I run a car dealership. This advice is spot on. Just ensure they follow the manufacturers guide lines.
Also mentioned, if being part exchanged again at a dealer, your vehicle will be valued more favourably with full franchise service history. Not a major difference however.

Thanks

It looks as though I will be using MB for servicing but I wonder how the single Lexus service will affect its value long term

I also want confirmation that Lexus servicing the car before I own it will not cost me a penalty if I hand the car back in a few years