<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Would you consider a car that had been repainted brand new?</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>We purchased a brand new 2003 Mercedes-Benz with 17 miles on the odometer from John Holtz Mercedes-Benz of Rochester NY and now have discovered the side was repainted before we took deliver.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>While cleaning the car we discovered that the drivers door on our brand new Mercedes had been repainted. I contacted the dealership and spoke with the general manager Dave Wells on several occasions. I told him we were extremely unhappy, we had purchase a new car and did not feel that is what we received. In short we did not want this car. Currently the car is 4 months old and has 4500 miles. I offered to pay a mileage adjustment considering we had driven the car but did not expect to pay any depreciation because if we were told about the previous damage we would have not purchased the car. Dave said he would get figures together and get back to me. Davehas not called back.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Buyer beware. Apparently in New York state a dealer is not required to disclose damage on a new car unless it exceeds 5% of the sticker price. And for all of the customer service hype Mercedes promises............................you decide.</FONT></DIV>

 

<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Update;------------</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Negotiations are back on, looks like this will be taken care of. Will update.</FONT></DIV>

 

you should contact MB directly in the US</P>


in the uk MB has a customer care departament that you can complain to, that the car you purchased was not as it left the factory , it was repaired not to MB standard ,as if it was you would not be able to spot the repair.</P>


MB would deal with any garage representing the MB brand and selling damaged goods as new. Let MB do your bidding.as its not the NY law at stake but the MB brand.</P>


I to once had to complain about a MB about a dealer for bad service, the matter was delt swiftly and the problem rectified .</P>

 

<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>UPDATE</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><img border="0" src= "http://www.mercedesforums.com/smileys/smiley1.gif></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>After several calls to the 1-800 MB customer service number and to the <U>upper</U> management of the John Holtz auto group this matter has been resolved. We agreed on monetary compensation, a written lifetime guarantee of the repair and a once a year detailing.
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Our faith is restored in MB. The dealership remedied the situation even though they were not required by law. I would once again recommend the MB line and John Holtz MB to everyone.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>One thing to keep in mind when buy a new car, you may want to inquire about "lot" damage. Most dealers want you to sign a disclosure statementabout the car you are trading in.In the disclosure there is a statement about "paint work", itmay be a good idea to have them sign the same type of disclosure on the new car you are purchasing.</FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV>