[otee10]

Hi guys,

I went to a Mercedes Benz dealership today as I saw an approved used C43. So I was told to come down to discuss/see it in person hence I went down today and they asked me the typical questions surrounding my current car etc (told them I was contemplating this alongside other vehicles). They then seemed happy, took my license and they came back to inform me that they would not allow me to test the vehicle unless I paid a deposit (no amount mentioned) and only if I sold my car first?! So they assumed I was in no financial position to work out a deal following the test drive.

This seemed puzzling, he said that this was the sales procedure with all "AMG" models. Bare in mind this is a C43 and not a full blown AMG car... he also went onto say "people don't usually test drive, as they know they want it, it's a C43" . I totally understand if this was a full blown AMG with a sticker price of perhaps £80k plus but for an approved used (worth 31k)? I cannot comprehend how I would know if the car is right for me without testing it.... worst thing is that the deposit is non-refundable... seems absurd?

Has this ever happened to anyone else or did the salesman simply not take me seriously?

Thanks

[stefan4]

I wouldn't understand it on a 'full blown' AMG model, its total bollocks. Walk away, try another dealer, if not look elsewhere because that is an utter JOKE!

[otee10]

Originally Posted by stefan4

I wouldn't understand it on a 'full blown' AMG model, its total bollocks. Walk away, try another dealer, if not look elsewhere because that is an utter JOKE!

Tell me about it man, I was so confused

[stefan4]

Originally Posted by otee10

Tell me about it man, I was so confused

I've put down a refundable deposit before, this was on an M3 CP with a great spec so I could see it being in demand. I didnt buy in the end as I got a brand new car for less monthlies. I received the refund without question.

[otee10]

Originally Posted by stefan4

I've put down a refundable deposit before, this was on an M3 CP with a great spec so I could see it being in demand. I didnt buy in the end as I got a brand new car for less monthlies. I received the refund without question.

If it's a high performance car and a refunable deposit is required, I get that... but I'm not sure what car warrants a non-refundable deposit

[stefan4]

Originally Posted by otee10

If it's a high performance car and a refunable deposit is required, I get that... but I'm not sure what car warrants a non-refundable deposit

none!

[breathe3asy]

What a load of shit, almost insulting, I would have told them to get fucked if they spoke to me like that

[otee10]

I've just been on the phone to another MB dealership and spoke to an AMG sales specialist with 15 years worth of experience. He said in all his time he's never heard of such a policy and he is perplexed that I was genuinely asked for a deposit upfront.

Fair to say, my sales advisor today didn't fancy taking me seriously then.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by otee10

I've just been on the phone to another MB dealership and spoke to an AMG sales specialist with 15 years worth of experience. He said in all his time he's never heard of such a policy and he is perplexed that I was genuinely asked for a deposit upfront.

Fair to say, my sales advisor today didn't fancy taking me seriously then.

Stick a strong complaint into the dealer principal and another to MB-UK, then move on. Shocking* tactics. How MB-UK responded would be my guide on whether I would try another dealer or just give up on the brand entirely.

*Sort-of shocking, but every MB dealer I've ever set foot in has been stuffed with full-of-themselves looking employees who ignore me completely, so I am not that surprised. Never had this problem in BMW/Audi/Porsche/Land Rover/Lexus, I guess it is how MB rectruit/train them.

[aquazi]

I test drove a prereg e53 recently... no issues with checking my licence only - no deposit demand.... gave me the keys and said there is enough fuel for about 30 miles i can have it for an hour or so!

[otee10]

Originally Posted by RichMB

Stick a strong complaint into the dealer principal and another to MB-UK, then move on. Shocking* tactics. How MB-UK responded would be my guide on whether I would try another dealer or just give up on the brand entirely.

*Sort-of shocking, but every MB dealer I've ever set foot in has been stuffed with full-of-themselves looking employees who ignore me completely, so I am not that surprised. Never had this problem in BMW/Audi/Porsche/Land Rover/Lexus, I guess it is how MB rectruit/train them.

I am not one to kick up a fuss about these things but on this occasion I do feel as if I have been treated unfairly so that is precisely what I am going to do.

I've been into Audi, BMW, and Ford (mustang) for a test drive within the last 2 months and I've had absolutely no issues with them and their way of conducting test drives (funnily enough all the cars I test drove prior were worth more than this C43).
Ultimately, I cannot see MB taking me seriously surrounding this complaint but you never know!

[JustChris]

Take offence, never go there again!!

Took this little bad boy out for 5hrs with a days notice. The arrogance of some dealers is staggering!

[otee10]

Originally Posted by aquazi

I test drove a prereg e53 recently... no issues with checking my licence only - no deposit demand.... gave me the keys and said there is enough fuel for about 30 miles i can have it for an hour or so!

Just like how it should be, I assume this was an accompanied test drive?

[Wills2]

For whatever reason he didn't want you test to test drive the car, I'd just move on and forget about it.

I've only once come across a cock of a salesman he was a total prat but that's life, just buy one from elsewhere.

[otee10]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Take offence, never go there again!!

You got that right.

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Take offence, never go there again!!

Took this little bad boy out for a while after with a days notice. The arrogance of some dealers is staggering!

TBF that's hardly surprising you're their No1 customer.

[speedski]

Id love to see the morons justify the non refundable deposit stance on a test drive.

None refundable that would imply more of a rental agreement than a test drive...dodge. E.

[rlmesq]

Find a better dealer. Mine calls me to offer test drives when they get something new and interesting to tempt me with.

[dopper99]

Thats absolute rubbish. My local Merc dealer let me test both C63 and C63s before I bought mine. No talk of any deposit in order to test drive one.

No idea how some dealers sell any cars with their own stupid made-up rules.

[evdok]

12 years ago I was given a CLS500 for 24hrs, used £70 in fuel & took it back no probs, bought an e class 6 maths later.

[FSE23]

today, Mercedes saloon, I enquire about a new C63. The salesman came over not happy, probably having his lunch ( at 3 pm) and asked me a qquestion - "do you really want a new C63?" my answer was - " why are you wonder?" - he replied quickly, - "no, no, just because we have a few approved used in stock". So I left this dealership quickly....I'm not going to return to buy anything from them.

[agentorange]

I'd have told the dealer to shove the car where the sun doesn't shine, sideways.

Clearly the dealer didn't have the balls to come out and say "We don't like the look of you, so you're not driving the car", so they dreamed up the the deposit BS.