First Class Finish
First Class Finish Overview
Think of the First Class Finish as your VIP roadmap for wrapping up your Mercedes-Benz lease with ease. Whether you’re ready to return your car, buy it, or lease a new model, this program helps you navigate the lease-end process with confidence, ensuring you leave with a smile and maybe even a new Mercedes-Benz to drive!
Key Features:
Lease-End Guide
About 90 days before your lease ends, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS) sends you a First Class Finish Lease-End Guide. This handy guide explains:
- Steps to prepare your vehicle for return.
- How to schedule a pre-inspection.
- Your options: return the car, buy it, or lease a new one.
- It’s like a playbook to make the process effortless.
Pre-Inspection for Peace of Mind
MBFS offers a complimentary pre-inspection 90–120 days before your lease ends. A professional checks your vehicle for excess wear (like big scratches or dents) or mileage overages. You’ll get a report detailing any potential charges, so there are no surprises.
Flexible Lease-End Options
The First Class Finish gives you choices to suit your lifestyle:
- Return the Vehicle: Hand back the keys at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. You may pay a disposition fee (around $595), but this is often waived if you lease or buy another Mercedes-Benz.
- Buy Your Mercedes: Love your car? Purchase it for the residual value listed in your lease contract—a great way to keep your ride!
- Lease a New Mercedes-Benz: Trade up for a brand-new model with the latest tech and style, often with incentives like waived fees or credits for wear (up to $500).
Incentives for Loyalty
If you lease or finance a new Mercedes-Benz at lease-end, MBFS may offer perks, such as:
- Waiving the disposition fee (saving you up to $595).
- Credits for excess wear and use (up to $500).
These rewards make it exciting to stay in the Mercedes-Benz family!
Clear Guidelines on Vehicle Condition
The program outlines what’s considered “normal wear” (e.g., minor scratches covered by a credit card) versus “excess wear” (e.g., large dents or broken parts). Follow these tips to avoid extra charges:
- Keep mileage within your lease limit.
- Maintain the car with regular service at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
- Fix minor damage before the final inspection.
How the First Class Finish Works
Wrap up your Mercedes-Benz lease with confidence, knowing you have clear options, potential savings, and expert support every step of the way. The First Class Finish is Mercedes-Benz Financial Services' (MBFS) streamlined program designed to make the end of your lease as luxurious and straightforward as the drive itself.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: Kick Off the Process (About 4 Months Before Lease End)
The First Class Finish begins roughly four months prior to your lease maturity date. This is your cue to start thinking about your next move. Review your lease-end options early to avoid any rush. Contact Mercedes-Benz of Marion or call the MBFS Lease Maturity Department at 800-873-5471 for personalized guidance. We'll help you explore whether to return the vehicle, purchase it, or transition to a new one.
Step 2: Explore Your Lease-End Options
Decide what's best for you based on your needs—keep your current ride or start fresh. Options Available:
Return the Vehicle: Simply hand it back to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and walk away (or into a new lease). This is ideal if you love switching to the latest models.
Purchase the Vehicle: Buy your leased Mercedes-Benz outright for the residual value stated in your contract. It's a great choice if you've bonded with your car and want to own it.
Discuss these with our experienced sales team or MBFS. If you're eyeing a new Mercedes-Benz, ask about loyalty perks to make the switch even sweeter. If you choose to lease or finance a new Mercedes-Benz through MBFS, you could qualify for incentives like a credit for excess wear and use (up to $500) and a waiver of the vehicle turn-in fee (up to $595). These rewards make staying with Mercedes-Benz feel like a first-class upgrade!
Step 3: Assess Your Vehicle's Condition
Before turning in your vehicle, evaluate it for any excess wear and use that could lead to charges. MBFS provides clear guidelines to help you spot issues.
Use the "Credit Card Test®": Place a standard credit card over any exterior damage like dents or scratches. If the damage is fully hidden by the card, it's usually considered normal wear and won't incur charges. However, larger issues (e.g., dents bigger than a credit card, multiple scratches per panel, or hail damage) may apply.
Check other areas: Inspect the interior for tears, burns, or damaged safety features; glass and lights for cracks or holes; wheels and tires for cracks, mismatched sets, or low tread (must be at least 1/8" or 4/32"); and ensure all factory parts are present and working. Also, confirm scheduled maintenance is up to date and documented—skipping this could lead to fees.
Review modifications: Remove or restore any aftermarket additions, and ensure the vehicle hasn't been repainted in non-factory colors.
Catching small issues early lets you fix them affordably at an authorized dealer, potentially saving money and keeping your lease-end stress-free.
Step 4: Prepare Your Vehicle for Turn-In
Get your Mercedes-Benz ready for its final handover to ensure a smooth inspection.
What to Do:
- Complete any needed repairs, preferably at a Mercedes-Benz dealer for quality assurance.
- Remove all personal items from the car.
- Gather and return all original equipment, such as the second key, spare tire (or inflation kit), tool kit, cargo cover, headrests, DVD remote controls/headphones (if equipped), and EV charging cables (for electric models).
- Check your mileage: Stay within your lease's limit (plus any extra miles you purchased). Excess miles will be charged at the rate in your contract.
If you're over on mileage or have minor wear, remember those loyalty incentives from Step 2 could offset costs if you're leasing a new model.
Step 5: Turn In the Vehicle and Finalize
The official handoff and inspection occur at the store, wrapping up your lease. Schedule the turn-in with our store and Mercedes-Benz will send an indpendent third party who will inspect the vehicle based on the wear guidelines, calculate any charges (for excess wear, mileage, or missing items), and apply incentives if applicable. Pay any remaining fees, like the disposition (turn-in) fee if not waived.
If you've decided to purchase, finalize the buyout. Or, seamlessly transition to your new Mercedes-Benz lease or finance agreement. With everything prepared, this step feels like a fresh start—especially if you're driving away in a brand-new Mercedes-Benz!
Planning your next First Class Lease®? Explore Eligible Inventory
First Class Finish FAQs
What loyalty rewards are available through First Class Finish?
If you return your vehicle and lease or finance a new Mercedes-Benz through MBFS, you may receive:
Up to $500 credit for excess wear and use charges.
Up to $595 credit for the vehicle turn-in fee.
These rewards reward loyalty and can offset costs, subject to disclaimers (e.g., must be a new lease/finance at an authorized dealer).
What happens if my vehicle has excess wear or mileage?
Excess wear (e.g., dents >4 inches, scratches, low tire tread) or mileage over the allowance (e.g., $0.25/mile above 10,000/year) incurs charges at lease end. Use the Credit Card Test® during pre-inspection to identify issues. First Class Lease Protection covers minor items; otherwise, repair at Mercedes-Benz of Marion to avoid fees.
Schedule a pre-inspection 60-90 days before end (call 1-800-654-6222) and address issues early.
Can I extend my lease, and how does it work?
Yes, you can extend for a short period (e.g., 1-12 months, subject to approval) if you need more time. Contact MBFS (1-800-873-5471) or Mercedes-Benz of Marion to apply; payments may adjust based on residual value. No new lease fees, but standard wear/mileage rules apply.
This offers flexibility for undecided customers. Request 30-60 days before maturity.
How do I purchase my leased vehicle at lease end?
Contact Mercedes-Benz of Marion or MBFS to get the buyout quote (residual value + any fees/taxes). Finance through MBFS or pay cash; no additional sales tax in some states.
Request quote 30 days before end; consider adding an Extend Limited Warranty for extended coverage.
What if my vehicle is damaged or totaled before lease end?
Notify MBFS immediately (1-866-321-8351). GAP Waiver (if included) covers the difference between insurance payout and lease balance. For repairs, use an authorized retailer like Mercedes-Benz of Marion.
How can First Class Finish save me money?
Through First Class Lease Protection (covers ~$1,000+ in potential wear fees), loyalty credits ($500 wear + $595 turn-in), and no penalties on buyout.
What if I have questions or need support?
Contact Mercedes-Benz of Marion or MBFS Lease Maturity Department at 800-873-5471. For inspections, call 1-800-654-6222. Online resources at MBUSA.com offer guides and calculators.
Reach out 60-90 days before end for personalized advice.