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How to finance a Mercedes-Benz

Overseas service members and recent college grads may qualify for a special discount.

Mercedes-Benz is known for its sleek and stylish cars donning the iconic hood ornament — and this premium brand comes with a premium price tag. But there are multiple financing options available. And you may even be eligible for a special discount if you’re an overseas service member or recent college grad.

How can I finance a Mercedes-Benz?

If you’re looking to get behind the wheel of this luxury brand, the most obvious financing choice is to take out a secured car loan. While it takes time to compare lenders, this is likely the most cost-effective option and typically comes with the lowest rates. However, if you default on your payments, your lender can repossess your car to recoup the loss.

Another option is an unsecured personal loan. This doesn’t require you to use your car as collateral, but it generally has higher interest rates and is more difficult to get approved for.

Prefer to go with the fastest option? Then you might want to consider financing or leasing directly through an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership. Here are your two choices:

  • Financing through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Getting financed at the dealership is one of the fastest and easiest options, though it can come with higher interest rates. The rates you’re offered will depend on what car you’re looking to buy and where you live. In the past, Mercedes-Benz offered special financing deals like 2.99% APR on C-Class sedans with terms ranging from two to six years.*
  • Leasing through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. If you want to upgrade your car every few years, you can save money by choosing a lease. While deals vary based on where you live, past offers include leasing the 2019 C 300 sedan for $429 per month for three years with $4,223 due at signing.*

The local dealership you visit may also offer its own special promotions as well. As with all loans, the actual rates you qualify for will depend on your credit history and personal financial situation.

*Rates as of January 22, 2019.

How to apply with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

Applying for financing through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is pretty straightforward.

Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Go to the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services website and hit Credit Application on the main menu.
  2. Select if you’re applying as an individual or a business, then if you’re applying with a coapplicant.
  3. Read and accept the terms of use and privacy notice.
  4. Select the year, class and model of your desired vehicle.
  5. Select the type of financing you want — lease, loan or balloon loan — then enter your down payment, desired term and the value of your trade-in, if applicable.
  6. Select an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership in your area.
  7. Enter information about yourself, your residence and your employment status — including your Social Security number and monthly income.
  8. Read over any relevant state disclosures, then review and submit your application.

Mercedes-Benz will review your application and notify you of your preapproval status within one to two business days. After you print your preapproval offer, contact your Mercedes-Benz dealership to go over your options. Bring a form of payment, your driver’s license and proof of insurance with you to finalize your purchase.

Like most other captive lenders or lessors, you may be expected to have a decent credit score to qualify for special financing or leasing deals with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

Pros and cons of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

Pros

  • Discounts available for college grads, military members and loyal customers
  • Preowned vehicles may qualify for special offers and financing
  • Convenient mobile app to manage your loan or lease

Cons

  • May be charged a fee to change repayment due date
  • Payment estimator doesn’t include potential fees
  • No discounts for first responders

Compare car loans to finance a Mercedes-Benz

Use our comparison table for a side-by-side view of the lenders available to you. Select up to four loan providers at once.

1 - 3 of 3
Name Product Filter Values Minimum credit score APR Loan term Requirements
PenFed Auto Loans
Varies
Starting at 5.19%
3 to 7 years
Active membership with PenFed
One of the largest national credit unions in the U.S., it offers new and used auto financing with transparent low rates.
CarGurus
CarGurus
Varies
Varies depending on the lender
3 to 6 years
Varies depending on the lender
Carvana
No minimum credit score
3.9% to 27.9%
1 to 6 years
18+ years old, annual income of $4,000+, no active bankruptcies
Get pre-qualified for used car financing and receive competitive, personalized rates.
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Does Mercedes-Benz offer special discounts or programs?

Mercedes-Benz partners with Military AutoSource (MAS) to offer exclusive discounts and financing to US military personnel currently stationed overseas. MAS works with USAA, Navy Federal and every other on-base credit union to offer financing to purchase a new Mercedes-Benz. To take advantage of the program, visit your nearest on-base dealership.

Mercedes-Benz also offers a Rising Stars program for recent college graduates and current students. Deals vary by location, so contact your nearest dealership to find out what savings you’re eligible for. In the past, dealerships have offered no-down-payment financing options, discounted leases and competitive rates usually only offered to buyers with excellent credit.

How much will a new Mercedes-Benz cost me?

A new Mercedes-Benz will generally cost between $32,000 and $170,000, though you may be able to get a better price if you negotiate at the dealership. Here are the starting manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRPs) for Mercedes-Benz’s 2019 models:

Choose a type

Sedans

A Class

  • Starting MSRP: $32,500
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 24/34

CLA Class

  • Starting MSRP: $33,100
  • Build: Coupe
  • City/highway MPG: 24/37

C Class

  • Starting MSRP: $41,400
  • Build: Sports Coupe
  • City/highway MPG: 23/34

SLC Roadster

  • Starting MSRP: $48,950
  • Build: Roadster
  • City/highway MPG: 23/32

E Class

  • Starting MSRP: $53,500
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 21/30

CLS Class

  • Starting MSRP: $69,200
  • Build: Coupe
  • City/highway MPG: 18/26

SL Class

  • Starting MSRP: $89,150
  • Build: Roadster
  • City/highway MPG: 20/28

S Class

  • Starting MSRP: $91,250
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 17/27

AMG GT Coupe

  • Starting MSRP: $112,700
  • Build: Roadster
  • City/highway MPG: 16/22

S MAYBACK Class

  • Starting MSRP: $170,750
  • Build: Sedan
  • City/highway MPG: 17/27

SUVs

GLA Class

  • Starting MSRP: $33,950
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 24/33

GLC Class

  • Starting MSRP: $40,700
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 22/27

GLC Coupe Class

  • Starting MSRP: $47,300
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 21/27

GLE Class

  • Starting MSRP: $55,700
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 17/23

GLS Class

  • Starting MSRP: $70,150
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 16/22

GLE Coupe Class

  • Starting MSRP: $71,350
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 17/23

G Class

  • Starting MSRP: $124,500
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: 13/17

Hybrid

GLC Class

  • Starting MSRP: $50,650
  • Build: SUV
  • City/highway MPG: Not available

Car insurance costs that come with driving a Mercedes-Benz

Does a new Mercedes-Benz come with a warranty?

Yes, new 2019 Mercedes-Benzes come with a basic limited warranty that lasts for four years or 50,000 miles — whichever comes first. And the tires on your new vehicle are covered for either one year or 12,000 miles — whichever comes first. You may also receive a hybrid battery limited warranty and emission warranty depending on the model you purchase and where you live.

Bottom line

Mercedes-Benz is famous for being all about luxury — and its prices show it. Fortunately, you have several different financing options to choose from, no matter if cost or speed are your main priorities. And overseas service members and recent college grads may even be able to score a special discount.

Read our guide to car loans to learn more about they work and compare your options.

Frequently asked questions

Should I get a new or used Mercedes-Benz?

It depends on your budget and priorities. A new car is going to have the best warranty and will allow you to customize your extras, but a used car can be just as nice and save you a significant amount of money.

Does Mercedes-Benz offer a military discount if I’m not currently overseas?

Many Mercedes-Benz dealerships offer military discounts. The discount offered varies between dealerships, so you’ll need to contact your local dealer to learn more.

How long do I have to find a car after getting preapproved for a loan?

You usually have anywhere from 30 to 60 days to find a car after getting preapproved for a car loan. The exact amount of time you have varies by lender.

Picture: Shutterstock.com and Mercedes-Benz’s official page

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