Open Road Mercedes is a financing and leasing program for people with disabilities
Open Road Mercedes is a vehicle financing and leasing program run by Mercedes-Benz that offers modified cars and trucks to people with disabilities. The program covers the cost of vehicle modifications — like hand controls, wheelchair lifts, or lowered floors — that you would normally pay for separately. You finance or lease the car itself through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, and the modifications are included in that same loan or lease agreement.
The program exists because standard car loans don't account for disability-related modifications, which can cost thousands of dollars on top of the vehicle price. Open Road bundles those costs together so you're not taking out two separate loans or paying out of pocket for adaptations.
Key Takeaways
- Open Road covers the cost of vehicle modifications like hand controls, wheelchair lifts, and wheelchair securement systems as part of your financing or lease.
- You work with a Mercedes-Benz dealership that participates in the program; not all dealerships offer Open Road, so you may need to contact multiple locations.
- The modifications are performed by certified vendors, and the total cost — vehicle plus modifications — is financed or leased through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.
- You must have a disability that requires vehicle modifications to use the program; the dealership will ask about your specific accessibility needs.
How the financing and leasing process works
When you decide to use Open Road, you start by contacting a participating Mercedes-Benz dealership. The dealership's sales team will discuss your disability-related needs and help you choose a vehicle model that can be modified to meet them. They will then connect you with a certified modification vendor — a company that specializes in disability adaptations — who will assess what changes your vehicle needs.
Once the modifications are specified, the dealership provides you with a quote that includes both the vehicle price and the modification costs. You then finance or lease that total amount through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services using the same process and approval process as a standard car loan or lease. Your monthly payment covers both the vehicle and the adaptations.
The modification vendor performs the work after you've financed or leased the car. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the modifications, but you should expect to wait several weeks from purchase to delivery of your fully modified vehicle.
Types of modifications covered by Open Road
Open Road covers a wide range of disability-related vehicle modifications. Common examples include hand controls for people who cannot use foot pedals, wheelchair lifts or ramps that lower the vehicle floor, wheelchair securement systems that lock a wheelchair in place while driving, and steering wheel modifications for people with limited arm mobility.
The program also covers modifications for people with hearing or vision disabilities, such as backup camera systems with audio alerts or enhanced mirror setups. The specific modifications available depend on the vehicle model you choose and what your disability requires. The modification vendor will work with you to determine which adaptations are necessary and feasible for your situation.
Finding a participating Mercedes-Benz dealership
Not every Mercedes-Benz dealership participates in the Open Road program. To find one near you, you can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service and ask which dealerships in your area offer Open Road financing and modifications. You can also call dealerships directly and ask whether they work with Open Road and have relationships with certified modification vendors.
When you contact a dealership, be prepared to describe your disability and the type of modifications you need. This helps the sales team determine whether they can meet your needs and which vehicle models would work best for you. If the nearest participating dealership is far away, some dealerships may be willing to work with you remotely and arrange delivery of your modified vehicle.
Cost and financing terms
The total cost of an Open Road vehicle depends on the Mercedes-Benz model you choose and the complexity of your modifications. A basic hand control system might add $5,000 to $10,000 to the vehicle price, while a full wheelchair lift system can add $15,000 to $30,000 or more. These are estimates; actual costs vary by vendor, location, and the specific work required.
Because the modifications are included in your financing or lease agreement, you don't pay for them upfront. Your monthly payment will be higher than it would be for an unmodified vehicle, but you're spreading the cost over the life of the loan or lease. Financing terms typically range from 36 to 72 months, depending on the lender and your credit situation. Leasing terms are usually 24 to 36 months.
What happens if you need warranty service or repairs
Mercedes-Benz covers the vehicle itself under its standard warranty, which typically lasts three years or 36,000 miles. The modifications are usually covered under a separate warranty provided by the modification vendor, which may have different terms and length. When you purchase or lease your vehicle, ask the dealership and the modification vendor for written warranty information so you understand what is and isn't covered.
If your vehicle needs repairs, you can take it to any Mercedes-Benz dealership for standard maintenance and repairs. For modifications that need service or repair, you may need to return to the vendor who performed the work, or the dealership may be able to handle it depending on the type of modification. Keep all documentation about your modifications so that service centers understand what work has been done to your vehicle.
Alternatives if Open Road doesn't meet your needs
If you cannot find a participating dealership near you, or if Open Road doesn't offer the vehicle or modifications you need, you have other options. You can purchase a vehicle independently and then work with a private modification vendor to add disability adaptations, though you'll need to finance the vehicle and modifications separately. Some states offer grants or loans specifically for vehicle modifications through vocational rehabilitation programs, which can help cover the cost of adaptations on any vehicle you choose.
You can also explore other manufacturer programs. Some other car companies offer similar disability-focused financing and modification programs, though they may have different vehicle options and modification vendors. Your local vocational rehabilitation office or disability services agency can tell you what programs are available in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a specific type of disability to use Open Road?
No. Open Road is available to anyone with a disability that requires vehicle modifications. This includes mobility disabilities, hearing disabilities, vision disabilities, and other conditions that affect your ability to operate a standard vehicle. The dealership will ask about your specific needs to determine what modifications would help you.
Can I choose any Mercedes-Benz model, or are there restrictions?
Most Mercedes-Benz models can be modified through Open Road, but some modifications work better with certain vehicle types. For example, wheelchair lifts are easier to install in SUVs and vans than in sedans. The dealership and modification vendor will help you choose a model that suits your needs and budget.
What if I want to end my lease or loan early?
Early termination terms depend on whether you're financing or leasing. With a loan, you can pay off the balance at any time, though you may owe a prepayment penalty depending on your agreement. With a lease, early termination usually results in fees. Review your contract carefully before signing to understand the terms.
Are the modifications transferable if I sell the vehicle?
Some modifications are permanent parts of the vehicle and transfer with it if you sell. Others, like certain hand control systems, can be removed and reinstalled in a different vehicle. Ask the modification vendor which adaptations are transferable before you purchase.
Can I use Open Road if I have bad credit?
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services reviews credit applications individually. Having lower credit scores may result in a higher interest rate or require a larger down payment, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you. Contact a participating dealership to discuss your situation with a financing specialist.