Mercedes SLK200 AMG Sport - Car Lease Exchange on Medical Grounds - Advice - Adam1183

Hello all,

This may be a stange question but has anyone ever had a lease car and needed to exchange it on health grounds? If so what was the outcome?

I took delivery of a new Mercedes SLK on a two year lease from Mercedes in early september, for whatever reason driving the car has caused a back problem which hasnt bothered me in many years to return. Driving the car is vertually impossible as after four or five miles I am in so much pain I have to stop. At first I didnt realise it was the car which was causing the problem, however driving most other cars has no effect on my back at all, therefore I am unfortunatly having to come to conclution that the car is the cause, my doctor and physio are also in agreement.

I idealy would like to exchage the car for another Mercedes and would be more than happy to pay any cost involved but does anyone have any experiance of anything along these lines?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

Adam

Mercedes SLK200 AMG Sport - Car Lease Exchange on Medical Grounds - Advice - RobJP

You're probably at the mercy MB / the dealership, unfortunately. First step for you is to read, in full, your complete lease agreement, and see exactly what it says about early termination and the penalties.

Accept that that is the worst that can happen, and you might have to do just that. But go and see your dealership. See what they can offer you - but have your 'weapon' in the background, that you can terminate the lease, pay up, and go ... to a different manufacturer. Even if you've no intention of doing so, the threat gives you a little bit of strength to negotiate from.

Mercedes SLK200 AMG Sport - Car Lease Exchange on Medical Grounds - Advice - daveyjp

We terminated a Mercedes PCP lease early on one smart to swap it for a different model. No problem whatsoever in doing so. You just need to go in and speak to someone about the potential cost to you.

If the dealer can make money from selling you a new car they will do it.

Mercedes SLK200 AMG Sport - Car Lease Exchange on Medical Grounds - Advice - oldtoffee

I think it will be very expensive to get out of the lease, your car has suffered a big depreciation hit and that will reflect back. I hope Mercedes do the decent thing and soften the blow for you and you can strike a deal. Clearly whatever model you go for test drive it as much and as long as you can and avoid the harder AMG suspension.

There are specialists who can advise on correct seating and driving position coupled with a replacement orthopaedic driving seat that supports your back and legs. Could be a less expensive option and much better for your long term health.

Mercedes SLK200 AMG Sport - Car Lease Exchange on Medical Grounds - Advice - Adam1183
That is for the advice, I go on holiday tomorrow but intend to visit Mercedes when I return. I have read through the lease documents in full and it does state that the lease cannot be terminated early with out aquiering high fees. However I have spoke to Mercedes Benz financial services and they advised that there is a different option for "exchanges" based on health grounds, they advised someone will contact me within 7 days to discuss, so fingers crossed.

Regards
Adam