Local Sunderland main dealer not giving me my car back

[petersafc]

So I bought a car from Southport and on getting it home I found a couple of faults. Southport dealer agreed to have my issues repaired by the local Sunderland garage. Unfortunately the payment for the repairs wasnt recieved that was agreed between Sunderland garage and Southport garage. Though the Southport garage has garumteed by email payment has been made but it will be 2/3 days to receive it.
I’ve had no involvement in the email chain between the 2 garages in terms of agreed works etc just what I accepted as the faults that would be repaired. Now the garage won’t give me my car back leaving me and my family without a car until payment is received. What are my rights in this case . This is my first approved Mercedes’ car and hasn’t been the best experience.

[Wacky Racer]

You can't blame the Sunderland garage for holding on to your car until they have been paid for the work.

(Unless they are part of the same group)

[Davie]

Yup, need to clarify if it's the same dealer group.

You could always pay the bill, get your car then pursue the reimbursement costs with the supplying dealer? If you're thinking "Why should I do that?" then the repairing dealer is possibly thinking the same thing, more so if it's a different group / franchise.

[Earthdweller]

IMO they can’t retain YOUR property in lieu of payment of a debt from a third party

The contract for the repair of YOUR vehicle is between garage A and garage B, not you

The unpaid bill is the responsibility of garage A … not you and the retention of property by garage B not belonging to garage A against their debt is unlawful

They should release your vehicle immediately and pursue their debtor as appropriate

Just in my humble opinion

[Jamescrs]

I think the argument has to be with the dealer who sold you the car as they should have paid the dealer promptly.

You could try arguing that the selling dealer should supply you with a hire car until yours is returned but I suspect by the time all this plays out your car will be returned anyway.

[Chamon_Lee]

they shouldn't be holding your car but I would be on to the dealer that agreed to pay for the work and give them a firm word.

[vikingaero]

If this is the main dealer of the brand in Southport, I'd be contacting the brand UK to lodge a complaint.

[andyA700]

I would be chasing a full refund from the dealer, plus any out of pocket compensation.

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/b...

[petersafc]

Hi it’s seems to be pi****** contest between syntner(repairer) and inchcape(supplier).

When I first went into the Sunderland garage they said they would make arrangements between themselves and inchcape and I have seen none of the communications. I am heading down to the Sunderland garage now and will be asking to speak to dealer principle to escalate the issue. I’ve also involved Mercedes UK. Let’s see what happens

[coldel]

It all comes down to contracts. You do not owe money, your property cannot be withheld due to a payment dispute between the two parties. If the car belonged to the dealer then fair game...but it doesn't.

Doing the right thing going down there. As with any conflict keep your cool, spell out your understanding of the situation and what you demand. Bear in mind the dispute is not between you and the repairer as described. Dont leave until you get the car.

[Earthdweller]

Did you get your car back ?