Mercedes Dealers seem a bit odd to me.
Discussion
I have been looking to buy a new SLK 350, BMW Z4 350 or a Boxster. Tried all 3 and each have their pros & cons.
The MB dealer is telling me that I cannot order a new SLK as their are still 125 editions coming thru with some free goodies (command etc.)
He found me one close to the spec I want arriving from MB mid December. Now as I am on holiday from mid December to January it makes sense to buy\register the car in 2012 which will help its future value.
The dealer wants to sell\register the car this year because of his targets. I have said that his targets are his problem not mine.
I cannot understand why it is so difficult to order a new car.
It all seems a bit odd and will probably result in me buying the Beemer.
PS - The other MB dealer I visited gave me the same story about the 125 editions. Spent a good 30 minutes evaluating my car for px then did not contact. I chased him up on Saturday and said he would call me that afternoon ???
The MB dealer is telling me that I cannot order a new SLK as their are still 125 editions coming thru with some free goodies (command etc.)
He found me one close to the spec I want arriving from MB mid December. Now as I am on holiday from mid December to January it makes sense to buy\register the car in 2012 which will help its future value.The dealer wants to sell\register the car this year because of his targets. I have said that his targets are his problem not mine.
I cannot understand why it is so difficult to order a new car.
It all seems a bit odd and will probably result in me buying the Beemer.
PS - The other MB dealer I visited gave me the same story about the 125 editions. Spent a good 30 minutes evaluating my car for px then did not contact. I chased him up on Saturday and said he would call me that afternoon ???
Edited by bad company on Monday 28th November 13:47
If the Merc is the car you really want out of the three, why not just contact another dealer? If you want to order a brand new car, it's not like you have to visit the showroom to view it beforehand?
Ring round a few, let them know what you want and that you're serious and are willing to pay a deposit over the phone that day for the right deal, someone will agree!
It's what I had to do a couple of months back, ended up travelling from Glasgow to Eastbourne for the right deal, it was perhaps the fifth dealer I contacted but worth a few minutes of my time on the phone.
Ring round a few, let them know what you want and that you're serious and are willing to pay a deposit over the phone that day for the right deal, someone will agree!
It's what I had to do a couple of months back, ended up travelling from Glasgow to Eastbourne for the right deal, it was perhaps the fifth dealer I contacted but worth a few minutes of my time on the phone.
yellowbentines said:
If the Merc is the car you really want out of the three, why not just contact another dealer? If you want to order a brand new car, it's not like you have to visit the showroom to view it beforehand?
Ring round a few, let them know what you want and that you're serious and are willing to pay a deposit over the phone that day for the right deal, someone will agree!
It's what I had to do a couple of months back, ended up travelling from Glasgow to Eastbourne for the right deal, it was perhaps the fifth dealer I contacted but worth a few minutes of my time on the phone.
Yes that sounds like a good plan although it seems a matter of finding the right spec with the 125's. That is time consuming as the cars do not seem to be advertised anywhere. As I said it does seem a bit odd though. Ring round a few, let them know what you want and that you're serious and are willing to pay a deposit over the phone that day for the right deal, someone will agree!
It's what I had to do a couple of months back, ended up travelling from Glasgow to Eastbourne for the right deal, it was perhaps the fifth dealer I contacted but worth a few minutes of my time on the phone.
Why can't I just spec the car as I want, negotiate the price, pay the deposit and take delivery when it is built?
bad company said:
Yes that sounds like a good plan although it seems a matter of finding the right spec with the 125's. That is time consuming as the cars do not seem to be advertised anywhere. As I said it does seem a bit odd though.
Why can't I just spec the car as I want, negotiate the price, pay the deposit and take delivery when it is built?
I pick up my new C Class Coupe on Monday, luckily found a 125 which met my spec. The dealer was pretty open in saying that they are really struggling to meet their sales targets at the moment and are desperate to register cars, which suited me perfectly as I wanted the car ASAP. I'm sure if you make your point hard enough then they will let you spec a new order, if the salesman won't listen then i'd ask to talk to his boss. Why can't I just spec the car as I want, negotiate the price, pay the deposit and take delivery when it is built?
UPDATE
Dealer 1. Has made a decent offer for a 125 car but I would have to register it late December which is not appealing.
Dealer 2. Had a good look around and drove my current car (2008 BMW 330 M Sport Convertible) and said that he would call back with a deal on a 125 car. He has not called or returned my 2 calls.
Dealer 3. Said I could have a factory order but has not responded since I sent the spec by email on Monday.
Dealer 4. Same as dealer 3.
I really don't understand this. In the past I have bought several new BMW's and Jaguars from the main agents in Cambridge and Ipswich. The procedure is simple - select model - do spec on the configurator - take to dealer - negotiate price - order car.
Looks like I will be buying the BMW. Can't do with chasing MB dealers any more.
Dealer 1. Has made a decent offer for a 125 car but I would have to register it late December which is not appealing.
Dealer 2. Had a good look around and drove my current car (2008 BMW 330 M Sport Convertible) and said that he would call back with a deal on a 125 car. He has not called or returned my 2 calls.
Dealer 3. Said I could have a factory order but has not responded since I sent the spec by email on Monday.
Dealer 4. Same as dealer 3.
I really don't understand this. In the past I have bought several new BMW's and Jaguars from the main agents in Cambridge and Ipswich. The procedure is simple - select model - do spec on the configurator - take to dealer - negotiate price - order car.
Looks like I will be buying the BMW. Can't do with chasing MB dealers any more.
Very long story cut short but I tried to buy a new SLK at my local dealer and they didn't manage to find one for me to test drive; after many calls I travelled to the next nearest dealer (100 miles away) having arranged to drive one on a Saturday morning. Duly pitched up and asked for the salesman that I was dealing with to be told that it was his day off (I had spoken to him the day before, saying that I'd see him in the morning and he never mentioned it!). I got to test drive the car eventually (with a lad from the workshop accompanying me for 'insurance purposes') When I got back to the showroom and eventually found a salesman to talk to said I would order there and then to be told that he couldn't do that as the chap dealt with finance wasn't in on a Saturday. I was told I'd be called the next day.................I'm still waiting, that was six years ago! I went around the corner and bought a Boxster the following week!
I have had dealings with them since and found them still to be a bit odd - seemingly desperate to sell cars but actually reluctant to do so!
I have had dealings with them since and found them still to be a bit odd - seemingly desperate to sell cars but actually reluctant to do so!
matc said:
If you don't mind dealing with someone a bit further afield I run a merc dealer and on the south coast so would be happy to help, drop me a PM.
I've got a black 350 in stock at the moment, also happy to sort out the 125 edition for you too if you fancy it, or a factory order.
Thank you.I've got a black 350 in stock at the moment, also happy to sort out the 125 edition for you too if you fancy it, or a factory order.
You have mail.
bad company said:
I have been looking to buy a new SLK 350, BMW Z4 350 or a Boxster. Tried all 3 and each have their pros & cons.
The MB dealer is telling me that I cannot order a new SLK as their are still 125 editions coming thru with some free goodies (command etc.) He found me one close to the spec I want arriving from MB mid December. Now as I am on holiday from mid December to January it makes sense to buy\register the car in 2012 which will help its future value.
The dealer wants to sell\register the car this year because of his targets. I have said that his targets are his problem not mine.
I cannot understand why it is so difficult to order a new car.
It all seems a bit odd and will probably result in me buying the Beemer.
PS - The other MB dealer I visited gave me the same story about the 125 editions. Spent a good 30 minutes evaluating my car for px then did not contact. I chased him up on Saturday and said he would call me that afternoon ???
talk to phil sanders at mb world brooklands . tell him i sent you , he is a top bloke .The MB dealer is telling me that I cannot order a new SLK as their are still 125 editions coming thru with some free goodies (command etc.)
He found me one close to the spec I want arriving from MB mid December. Now as I am on holiday from mid December to January it makes sense to buy\register the car in 2012 which will help its future value.The dealer wants to sell\register the car this year because of his targets. I have said that his targets are his problem not mine.
I cannot understand why it is so difficult to order a new car.
It all seems a bit odd and will probably result in me buying the Beemer.
PS - The other MB dealer I visited gave me the same story about the 125 editions. Spent a good 30 minutes evaluating my car for px then did not contact. I chased him up on Saturday and said he would call me that afternoon ???
Edited by bad company on Monday 28th November 13:47
My wife is related to a service manager in at a MB main dealer the south east. He said they are not selling cars full stop. They are struggling on the service side too. They are only seeing cars that are being brought in on the back of breakdown trucks.
They need to learn about customer service
They need to learn about customer service
Edited by jas xjr on Sunday 11th December 16:55
When buying a new car dealers are not the only option, talk to nevil @ decca motors international they can help supply uk vehicles with full warranty and usually get them them cheaper and quicker than main dealers, decca supplied a friend with new cl nearly 8 weeks before dealer with his choice of spec. good luck shopping
I took my mother shopping, she had chequebook in her bag and wanted a 6 month old car, probably convertible. She had no idea the actual model she wanted. Made an appointment with Merc dealer a week beforehand. When we got there, he mainly wanted to make her buy one of their pre-registered E-class cabriolets. No effort to show her actual cars though, or the other models available. All they want to do is sit at their bl**dy desk and look at a list of text descriptions of cars 'available'. Presumably there is no profit on brand new cars hence why they weren't that fussed at putting in the effort. Same experience was repeated at BMW and Audi with small differences. Evans Halshaw carsupermarket was the best experience. Actual cars you're allowed to sit in.
My family runs an independent garage. Kind of a less-than-fancy looking place without even a sign on the outside giving the name of the place. Yet we frequently supply brand new cars to customers. Recently it was a Citroen C5. The guy said 'I want a new Citroen C5, don't care about the colour.' I thought this was mad until I experienced what the dealers can actually be like, and I realised that he is doing this to avoid having to deal with the dealers himself.
So consider seeing if an independent garage will supply you the car?
My family runs an independent garage. Kind of a less-than-fancy looking place without even a sign on the outside giving the name of the place. Yet we frequently supply brand new cars to customers. Recently it was a Citroen C5. The guy said 'I want a new Citroen C5, don't care about the colour.' I thought this was mad until I experienced what the dealers can actually be like, and I realised that he is doing this to avoid having to deal with the dealers himself.
So consider seeing if an independent garage will supply you the car?
jas xjr said:
My wife is related to a service manager in at a MB main dealer the south east. He said they are not selling cars full stop. They are struggling on the service side too. They are only seeing cars that are being brought in on the back of breakdown trucks.
They need to learn about customer service
I duuno about South East but MB uk new sales are so far up 10%They need to learn about customer service
Edited by jas xjr on Sunday 11th December 16:55
Our nearest dealer has admitted they have made mistakes in the past and have listened to a lot of representations that have been made through the local MB owners group. They treated us to a great dealer night the other month as the start of the process in healing old wounds.
The key question is whether that change is followed through to all customers and not just group members - the people who have 'bought' into the brand and not just got a set of wheels.
A workmate had a dreadful experience the other week at the Audi dealer a few yards down the road from Mercedes. Went in as a serious potential buyer - also looking at a couple of different cars from other manufacturers.
The salesman rang up a week or so later and woke his wife (been on nights). She said they didn't like the A3 - which they didn't. He layed into her about wasting his time etc etc. We know there are folks out there who do take the mick - but the attitude and rudeness was unbelievable. Said he doesn't need to bother as his cars sell themselves (he hadn't bothered to 'sell' on the day of the visit). Obviously the hordes of A4 company drivers paying his wages - for now.
On another note - my Mercedes specialist has sent me an Xmas card !
Hope they don't want one back - although they have had a bottle of whisky from me in the past due to exceptional assistance (eg sorting out big problems that have occurred the day before a holiday)
The key question is whether that change is followed through to all customers and not just group members - the people who have 'bought' into the brand and not just got a set of wheels.
A workmate had a dreadful experience the other week at the Audi dealer a few yards down the road from Mercedes. Went in as a serious potential buyer - also looking at a couple of different cars from other manufacturers.
The salesman rang up a week or so later and woke his wife (been on nights). She said they didn't like the A3 - which they didn't. He layed into her about wasting his time etc etc. We know there are folks out there who do take the mick - but the attitude and rudeness was unbelievable. Said he doesn't need to bother as his cars sell themselves (he hadn't bothered to 'sell' on the day of the visit). Obviously the hordes of A4 company drivers paying his wages - for now.
On another note - my Mercedes specialist has sent me an Xmas card !
Hope they don't want one back - although they have had a bottle of whisky from me in the past due to exceptional assistance (eg sorting out big problems that have occurred the day before a holiday)
r129sl said:
I find MB Newcastle to be superb, especially the workshop. The sales department is always pleasant and keen to please but unfortunately, through no fault of their own, they just don't have the cars that appeal to me (i.e. petrol, funny colours, comfort spec, little wheels).
Not my experience - pretty crap and not cheap is how I would sum them up?I went there to buy a car 2 years ago - standard C250 sport Auto....black, silver, grey...not fussy. Agreed a price only to be told I 'had' to take delivery in November...no good as my current car goes back in January but I can live with end of Dec as a compromise...no its Nov or nothing. OK, how much will it cost at the end of Jan then (approx. 2 months time)... ''cant tell you as there is a MB UK national price increase in Jan and we don't know what it is!''...so I walked out the door and they missed out on a £30K ish order...MADDNESS!!!
Now I've got the car its been there for servicing - first time they damaged my alloy wheel...which they tried to deny. No apology just an offer to re-furb if I brought the car back. Accidents happen and I'm not an unreasonalbe person so I agreed...wheel was OK.
Just been for its 2nd service (which included a brake fluid change...after 2 years and 24K miles..?) and got the car back...supposed to be delivered back to the office between 3 & 5pm (their statement not my request)...it arrived at 5.50pm...no phone call, no warning? I got in to drive home to be greeted half way home by a message stating 'check coolant'...it wasnt over heating so I checked when I got home - it was low...after a service!!! It also came up with a message stating ''check oil at next fuel stop''...I stopped when this happened in the pissing down rain and checked the oil level...it was fine...pressed 'OK' on steering wheel button and thought 'mmm - strange, but thats sorted that'. NO...it 'bings' up on every journey - called in at the MB newcastle and the explanation was ''oh..thats probably due to the new software we installed but the guy who does it is away on a course all day''...several calls and waits for return calls result being I've had to book the car in...earliest suitable date being....JANUARY.
FFS! I accept things go wrong (like the fuel injectors that stranded me after 6000 miles) but its the way the dealers deal with things and the way they make you feel....and IMHO MB newcastle fail on several levels.
All IMHO.
Edited by peteA on Friday 16th December 14:42
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