My wife has a 2015 Mercedes C300 that went into the dealer for a minor repair. (June 19). About three weeks later, we were told that the repair (clogged defroster drain) was complete, but the car was invvolved in a hit and run accident where it was rear ended at a stoplight. At this point the dealer arrange for a rental car.
Six weeks later after many attempts to contact the dealer, they finally awnsered the phone, said the car was finished and would be delivered the next day. Upon delivery, there was a fresh deep scratch in the door. a misaligned bumper, nonfunctional rear seatbelts digging into the seat cushions, and a Christmas's tree like display of warning lights regarding airbags and safety avoidance functions not working. My wife was in tears (and was pissed).
We sent the car back and are at a loss on what to expect them to do. The dealership originally offered us a bluebook value trade in on another vehicle. I pretty much told them to pound sand and managed to get them to up the trade in value a bit. But not enough to satisfy me.
What should I do next?
Thanks,
OZ

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Oscar Zulu,

Hire a lawyer.

I would have been up there immediately to see how much damage was done before the repairs happened. That’s a nightmare scenario. Normally I’m not the lawyer up type but in this instance I think you’re going to need one because if they are like most dealers they are going to try and do the least possible and move on.

^^^^^^^^^^
No not yet. Call your insurance agent for advice. Second check the mileage. Do what your agent says.

This sounds so fishy.
Sounds like someone was joyriding and wrecked it.

Yea, spend a few hundred to talk to a lawyer. Problem will be the amount of time that has elasped. Get any and all pix. Regardless of what they say. There will be some. The dealership no doubt expected to be sued over this. This should cost you nothing and you should receive full retail value for your car at the very least. I would not accept the car back period. Your lawyer will collect his fees from the dealership. I would have been red hot over something like this. The dealership sounds shady at best.

Record any and all conversations /contacts with any and all dealership employees/represenatives. Contact a lawyer...Just because the dealerships have signs and posted policy that they are not responsible for any damage to your property while in their custody might need to be tried in a courtroom... If they have made some type of restitution offers then they are rying to get off on the cheap side.... Hold their feet to the fire.... drill sgt.

Sooo, it took them THREE WEEKS to perform a 'minor repair' (clogged defroster drain only?) and then it was rear ended 'hit & run style' at a stop light! First, why were they driving it in the first place, as the repair you describe would NOT require a 'test drive', and second, did they provide you w/ a police report re: the accident?

I'll reserve judgement until the facts are more clear, but I think you need an attorney!

Is this a actual authorized Mercedes dealership?
Call your own insurance and see what they recommend but also contact the Mercedes zone office and let them know what’s happening.
And asking for the police accident report is another good idea to see what’s really happening. Sounds a bit fishy to me.

They still have the car. They claim to have a police report but have not given me a copy. Claiming that was rear ended in traffic in a hit and run is something I would say (If I were a shady car dealer) if an employee backed it into something on the lot.I did ask why a replied H/vac would need a test drive.
I let them know that I want a trade in value the same as a private sale in pre accident condition. And that I am comfortable with them not making any money on any deal made. Pretty livid, still.

OZ

Send in your Attorney!

"Bluebook value trade" yeah, they will want 100% retail against another car.

They owe you a prefect exact car.

I would contact the police department that has jurisdiction in that area with a personal visit to the station. Explain the situation and ask for a copy of the report as it was your property that was damaged while in the care, custody, and control of the dealership.

The answer you receive may determine your next course of action. You'll also have this on the radar of the police should you need their assistance.

Funny how people rarely respond to being sued as you aren't really suing them, you're suing their insurance agency. BUT.... when you start tossing around felony charges and arrest warrants, people tend to pay attention a little better.

^^Should have refreshed before I went to respond.^^

You might think about contacting the local PD and requesting a copy of the police report. They may be able to look it up by VIN#. You are the owner of the car, I don't know why they wouldn't give it to you.

Insurance agent first. Let them fight the battle with the attorneys they keep on retainer or as part of THEIR payroll. JMHO...

Oh...and the dealership is full of fecal matter.

Dianna Du Preez
Vice President, Customer Services
One Mercedes-Benz Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Even if they repair it I would look into a diminished value claim. The vehicle now has an accident history.

And I would not play the game with trade in values. Car dealerships are like casinos, they win most of the time.

Insurance agent first. Then lawyer.

At some point you may want to light them up in the Google reviews. With the emphasis on internet marketing in the auto trade, they watch those reviews like a hawk. Larger dealerships employ people with titles like "Reputation Manager" tasked with reaching out to the vocal, pissed customers with settlements that usually include removing the unpleasant post.

The only repairs they should of made are the ones you took it there for and signed off on.