k187

So I put my order in around the middle of May for a new W205 C-Class and was told I would receive the car in June/July. That guy left the company and the woman that took over called me to tell me the delivery date was 12th August. She also told me June/July was never even a possibility as all orders take 12 weeks, and so August was always going to be the delivery date.

I called them today and they just told me it's not going to arrive tomorrow after all since the production has been moved to South Africa, and it will now arrive 18th September.

I'm really annoyed because I went direct to MB and paid more on the lease than I was quoted elsewhere (for August Delivery) so that I would get the car earlier (June/July). Now i'm going to end up paying more on the lease AND getting the car very late.

I'm now looking to see if I can find a car to similar spec that's actually available now, OR a cheap place to do a business lease where they may already have one on order for a similar or earlier delivery date.

The mercedes dealership is saying they will try to find me one, but refuse to refund my £2000 deposit - do they have a case? I'm fully prepared to go down the legal route if necessary with them.

Glyn M Ruck

Presume you are in the UK so UK law would prevail.

If it's any consolation delivery has been pushed back in SA over early announcements. An Exclusive is a rare beast here at present as well. The dealerships are full of Avantgarde & AMG models.

I read somewhere that the Exclusive with traditional grill & hood star would not be offered in the UK. Is that correct?

Merlin1

Correct, in the uk 3 versions all have the grill with star, versions are SE, Sport, AMG. Ordered my C200 Sport early April told delivery end of June then in June told early August now expected next week, plus no 360 camera as original order.

k187

I was told pretty much the same. It was supposed to be delivered tomorrow, I called them to check since I hadn't even finished the finance paperwork. She then told me sorry it's September 18th.

I'm insanely angry because their lease price is significantly higher than other third party companies and they initially lied blatantly. She's now trying to find me a similar spec in stock - but with Heads up display and Drivers assistance pack being non fleet options I doubt that'll happen.

I could actually cancel the order based on the 360 degree camera, since I ordered it with it, and they changed the spec. But then what :/

My main problem is my personal circumstances, I kinda need a car ASAP

Maybe the best bet is to negotiate a discount, especially with the threat of cancelling - and then use that money to hire a car for the mean time.

Merlin1

K187 sound like our cars are on same ship mine due at dealer on 18th, from various forums I knew the 360 camera was a no go, I also guessed when ordering that original date was a bit fanciful as I expected the rh versions to be made in SA, believe the reason for original August date being put back was extra quality control checks.

k187

So when are they saying yours is due? She had told me my delivery date was 18th August, then changed to 12th, but now it's 18th september. I don't know what to believe anymore lol

I'm going to insist on a loan car, or cancel, and set my lawyers on them. Lets see what happens...

k187

So after some complaining and demands...

Results:

- Discount to bring the lease level closer to what I can get elsewhere. (They're going to see what they can do)
- A loan car (Agreed to provide one for the month or so till delivery)
- A pre-reg or other car they have available right now. (none available at all anywhere).

I think i'm satisfied. They've done as much as they can given the circumstances. It's an unfortunate situation but apart from that initial employee I'd have to say it's been pretty good service in the end.

Glyn M Ruck

The SA plant started gearing up for W205 in around September last year & refusing US W204 orders. I understand some of the delay is being caused by certain component suppliers. The plant also suffered it's first strike in over 20 years but that was put to bed swiftly. The plant did go critical though.

Merlin1

http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/lab...t-london-plant

http://www.iol.co.za/business/compan...ical-1.1719610

Glyn M Ruck

There you go.