Approved Used Standard - Recent Purchase

[The.Wolf]

Hi All,

My first post on the forum..

I recently purchased an Approved Used from Mercedes - a 2010 C180 CGI (Within the last two weeks). I'm very happy with the car however there were a few issues including the passenger central locking which is'nt working. They ofcourse are happy to fix this.

My question is, I was given a health report from the technician. They flagged OSF / NSF Heavily worn tires on the shoulders possibly due to wheel alignment and also 3/4 heavily corroded break pipes.

Are these something that I should accept with the age of the vehicle or argue for them to fix since I only purchased the car two weeks ago and its an Approved Used?

Advice appreciated?

 

[Flackadder]

Well, for me, that would have been brake pipes sorted and the wheel alignment and tyres done as well.

That simple in my view.

You have mentioned the pipe and tyre issue with them ?

 

[whitenemesis]

This health report from the technician, was it a written report or a verbal opinion?

 

[The.Wolf]

It was an official, written electronic and videoed Stratstone - Health Check Advice which they done when I took the car in to get the locking issue fixed.

Maybe the technician didnt realise that I had only recently purchsed the car from them two weeks ago!

 

[Flackadder]

I am thinking a phone call is in order ??

 

[grober]

First approach Stratstone with a copy of the report- {keep the originals } and your recent purchase receipt. They should have someone in charge of pre used sales servicing/inspection of their used cars and ask for the faults to be rectified under the terms of their Official Mercedes Used Car scheme. Tell them you are giving them the chance to rectify the situation before going to MB UK directly with your case.

 

[The.Wolf]

Thanks for the advice.

Now is it reasonable that I ask them for new tires given the advice was to have them re-checked in 3/4 months? Could they not say that they are fit for purpose at present? As with the corroded break pipes?

Thanks.

 

[grober]

These may be flagged as " advisory items" rather than dangerous or in need of immediate replacement. Sometimes dealers "gild the lily" when flagging faults to generate extra business- this is maybe what went on here. It really depends on just how worn the tyre are and whether the brake pipes are indeed badly corroded or simply have a light covering of rust. This is for you or perhaps a knowledgeable third party or friend to judge. I would still go in to the dealership that sold you the car- express your concern- and see what happens.

 

[The.Wolf]

Ok, thanks for the help and input guys.

 

[oldguy57]

So 2 weeks ago the dealer sold you a car with heavily worn tyres and heavily corroded brake pipes? So much for "approved"! The dealer has now definitely shot themselves in the foot either way - it will be interesting to see how they get out of that one . Please let us know the outcome.

 

[tonysmb]

It will be interesting to hear their explanation. They are, in effect, saying that they've sold you a car with heavily worn tyres and corroded brake pipes. A calm chat with them to explain that you want it sorted out.

If it was me, I certainly wouldn't be looking to pay to have the 'faults' remedied. If it was a private sale, you'd just have to stump up. An approved used car, down to them.

I wonder which option they'll go for, selling it in an unacceptable condition, or a gilded safety report.

 

[markjay]

...Maybe the technician didnt realise that I had only recently purchsed the car from them two weeks ago!

^^^^^^^^^^ This.

Sad but true.

 

[Mr slow]

If they don't fix the problems quickly and with good grace it kinda blows the whole approved used schemes credibility out of the water.

 

[markjay]

If they don't fix the problems quickly and with good grace it kinda blows the whole approved used schemes credibility out of the water.

Sadly quite a few members here reported issues with MB Approved Used cars. Not everyone had a bad experience, but enough to make me think that MB Approved Used cars should be checked by the buyer prioir to purchase in the same way that any second hand car would.

 

[JoeyM88]

I bought my C class from MB used. When i test drove it the I noticed knocking from the front suspension and pointed it out to him. I also asked if the maps was up to date as i was aware thatthis can be fairly costly to do an he assured me it was and the knocking noise would be addressed.

I went back to Liverpool (50 miles away from dealership) decided to buy the car and done the deal over the phone reminding him again of the issues. The car was then delivered to me with the problems still evident so i had to then sort it out via the 12 month warranty. Along with some other stuff that only owning the car would throw up. I wasnt too impressed with the after care of the particular dealer and had 80% of the work and all new services done at Mercedes in Southport and they have been great.

I would be hesitant about buyin from the scheme again but at the same time younare looked after ar a good dealership

And the satnav was never updated becquse the sales guy i assume was fired for wat ever reason pretty much straight after i bought my car and the sales manager argued that they would not update it for free because of mis selling because its my workd against his and i could be confused by what he meant

 

[The.Wolf]

So I called and spoke to the Mercedes 'Service Leader' highlighting the contents of his technicians health check report and my desire to get the issues rectified. He advised that he will speak to his Service Manager since he doesn't have the ability to authorise this.

I politely highlighted, and reminded him that I retain the right to hand back the car if I so wish within 30 days of purchase.

Will update you when I hear back..

 

[The.Wolf]

Thought I'd provide an update.

New tyres werent authorised since there is 4.5mm odd left on them. They are replacing the break pipes and taking care of the other issues


..The handling of the car is dissapointing and concerning me now. However I dont want to come across as a serial complainer or nuisance.

I've been driving it a lot lately on the motorway and anything over 65mph and doesnt feel stable, anything 70 or over and I panic! Hard to describe, It's like I lose confidence in the car when taking bends etc

Any thoughts. Is it me or the car

 

[markjay]

Too many complaints here about MB dealers selling 'Approved Used' cars with multiple faults... then rectifying the issues once the customer complained.

One can't help but think that they worked-out it is cheaper to it this way, (a) because some customers don't actually come back and complain, and (b) because even if the customer does come back, the dealer only need rectify the faults that the customer actually noticed....

Very sad state of affairs.

 

[markjay]

...The handling of the car is dissapointing and concerning me now. However I dont want to come across as a serial complainer or nuisance.

I've been driving it a lot lately on the motorway and anything over 65mph and doesnt feel stable, anything 70 or over and I panic! Hard to describe, It's like I lose confidence in the car when taking bends etc

Any thoughts. Is it me or the car

A full-geometry alignment is not a bad idea, though not sure if this will be covered by the car's Approved Used warranty (even if adjustments are needed).

Something similar to this:

Wheel Alignment Experts Chesham | Car Tyres Fitting and Wheel Alignment Specialists

(not sure where you are based)

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Too many complaints here about MB dealers selling 'Approved Used' cars with multiple faults... then rectifying the issues once the customer complained.

One can't help but think that they worked-out it is cheaper to it this way, (a) because some customers don't actually come back and complain, and (b) because even if the customer does come back, the dealer only need rectify the faults that the customer actually noticed....

Very sad state of affairs.

Or, maybe, fixing faults before sale comes out of profit but fixing faults post-sale comes from a different cost centre, i.e. warranty.