dealer wont give me a free loaner?!?!!!!
07-15-2006, 05:07 PM
#26
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AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
Originally Posted by versaceboy54
bro that sux i got 2 words for u Ray Catena, they are the absolute best for service and they literally go out of there way to please u..even though u got ur car from a 3rd party that shouldent matter it doesnt hurt to try them and there not that far from bk
07-15-2006, 08:28 PM
#27
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360 Spider
Originally Posted by blazinginder
Finally someone who knows what I'm talking about...RAY CATENA mercedes benz is the Number 1 Mercedes Dealer in the WORLD I kid you not. He sells over 400 Mercedes cars a month but most importantly provides the best service possible, over 50 2005-2006 MB C280 4-matic loaner cars and even more from an outside party in case of an emergency
06 CLS500 Catena wanted $72K, my friend picked it up for $66 at MB Princeton
04 CLK55 Catena wanted $65K, I picked it up for $56.5 at MB Princeton
05 SL600 Catena wanted $112K, I picked it up for $98.5 at MB Manhattan
BTW - I have a brand new SL600 that was out of service for 2 days, do you think "Ray" gave me a loaner? No but he gives a loaner to the kid who buys an 03 C230K CPO for $20K right? Doesn't make sense, I always go to Catena first so I know what not to pay for a Benz.
RAY CATENA SUCKS!
07-16-2006, 12:47 AM
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AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
Originally Posted by BiTurboBenz
I'm sorry Ray Catena is the WORST dealer in NJ. He is the type of dealer those who are born rich go to. Anyone who has purchased a car there has been ripped off big time. I always go there first, and they never cease to amaze me with their ridiculous pricing. Yes they have the most beautiful facility I have ever seen...who do you think pays for it, Ray? NEWS FLASH: you, the consumer pays for it! Most people who buy MBs from them are suckers. Here are some examples:
06 CLS500 Catena wanted $72K, my friend picked it up for $66 at MB Princeton
04 CLK55 Catena wanted $65K, I picked it up for $56.5 at MB Princeton
05 SL600 Catena wanted $112K, I picked it up for $98.5 at MB Manhattan
BTW - I have a brand new SL600 that was out of service for 2 days, do you think "Ray" gave me a loaner? No but he gives a loaner to the kid who buys an 03 C230K CPO for $20K right? Doesn't make sense, I always go to Catena first so I know what not to pay for a Benz.
RAY CATENA SUCKS!
06 CLS500 Catena wanted $72K, my friend picked it up for $66 at MB Princeton
04 CLK55 Catena wanted $65K, I picked it up for $56.5 at MB Princeton
05 SL600 Catena wanted $112K, I picked it up for $98.5 at MB Manhattan
BTW - I have a brand new SL600 that was out of service for 2 days, do you think "Ray" gave me a loaner? No but he gives a loaner to the kid who buys an 03 C230K CPO for $20K right? Doesn't make sense, I always go to Catena first so I know what not to pay for a Benz.
RAY CATENA SUCKS!
07-16-2006, 03:52 AM
#29
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2005 clk 500 cab, 2004 Bmw 530I, 2008 E350 4matic, 2010 C300 4matic
i dono me and my family have been doing business with ray catena for years not only have we had benzes from them but porsches and jags as well and never have had a single problem with them in reguards to service or getting a loaner car..and they are soo nice there and go out of there way to litterely cater to you even after you buy or lease the car thats why they are #1
Originally Posted by blazinginder
If his prices and service are so bad...how was he able to beat the quote i got from MB Princeton (who btw is the worst dealership in the area, sales & service)...and further more be the #1 Dealer for Mercedes in the world (Ray Catena said it himself)
07-16-2006, 11:38 AM
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2001 CLK 320
Don't live in NJ or Conn so I don't care about either dealership.
There are multiple points here:
One, it's a decline in expected level of customer service. As was said earlier, MB created the expectation. If the dealership won't meet the created customer service level and chooses to treat those of us who bought the car elsewhere as second class citizens, then we're going to go elsewhere where we will recieve the expected level of customer service.
Two, this is obviously being done with approval from MBUSA as people on oppisite coasts are recieving identical letters from dealerships in no way affiliated. That's not coincidence.
Three, it really indicates that Mercedes build quality is decreasing. This issue is only an issue if you have vehicles more prone to break down. Judging by the amount of time people here have their cars in the shops, there is a marked decrease in build quality over the last 10 years. Yes, they look stylish, but SL500's have problems with leaks in the trunk. LEAKS! This is a 100000 dollar car, not a Hyundai. There shouldn't BE any leaks in the trunk. Period.
Four, those of us who are now approaching or outside the warranty window have many more options as to where we get our vehicles fixed. In short, if their goal is to idle their mechanics, they've just taken step one in the process of reducing their workload significantly. Probably 33% of their service business comes from people who didn't buy their cars at the dealship. If 33% of those people leave, that's a 10% overall reduction in service business because of this. Given the average cost of maintenance and the profit made on it by the dealership, that is a SIGNIFICANT chunk of change for the dealership. Far more than the wear and tear on the addition wear and tear on the loaner.
In sum, they want you to pay absolutely top prices for less service. How about: No. I'll be visiting my service center and asking for a copy of my maintenence record "for insurance reasons". Then I'll be severing my relationship with them after pointing out the 8K+ I've personally spent on maintenance and repairs (above and beyond the warranty work (probably another 6K at least)) over 2 MBs in 4yrs. I'll then be going down the street (maintenance sheet in hand) to a local european specialist, where I will pay 40% of what I pay at MB. Won't get a loaner, but I won't expect one. Further, the cost differential will more than offset the rental car.
If you chose to keep using the dealership and paying their increasing prices while suffering through their decreasing customer service, that is your choice. I chose not to accept that. I'm not alone in that decision either. I *had* been looking at a CL500. Now though, the BMW 640 is getting a serious second look. They don't seem to have as many build quality issues.
Regards,
-Bouncer-
There are multiple points here:
One, it's a decline in expected level of customer service. As was said earlier, MB created the expectation. If the dealership won't meet the created customer service level and chooses to treat those of us who bought the car elsewhere as second class citizens, then we're going to go elsewhere where we will recieve the expected level of customer service.
Two, this is obviously being done with approval from MBUSA as people on oppisite coasts are recieving identical letters from dealerships in no way affiliated. That's not coincidence.
Three, it really indicates that Mercedes build quality is decreasing. This issue is only an issue if you have vehicles more prone to break down. Judging by the amount of time people here have their cars in the shops, there is a marked decrease in build quality over the last 10 years. Yes, they look stylish, but SL500's have problems with leaks in the trunk. LEAKS! This is a 100000 dollar car, not a Hyundai. There shouldn't BE any leaks in the trunk. Period.
Four, those of us who are now approaching or outside the warranty window have many more options as to where we get our vehicles fixed. In short, if their goal is to idle their mechanics, they've just taken step one in the process of reducing their workload significantly. Probably 33% of their service business comes from people who didn't buy their cars at the dealship. If 33% of those people leave, that's a 10% overall reduction in service business because of this. Given the average cost of maintenance and the profit made on it by the dealership, that is a SIGNIFICANT chunk of change for the dealership. Far more than the wear and tear on the addition wear and tear on the loaner.
In sum, they want you to pay absolutely top prices for less service. How about: No. I'll be visiting my service center and asking for a copy of my maintenence record "for insurance reasons". Then I'll be severing my relationship with them after pointing out the 8K+ I've personally spent on maintenance and repairs (above and beyond the warranty work (probably another 6K at least)) over 2 MBs in 4yrs. I'll then be going down the street (maintenance sheet in hand) to a local european specialist, where I will pay 40% of what I pay at MB. Won't get a loaner, but I won't expect one. Further, the cost differential will more than offset the rental car.
If you chose to keep using the dealership and paying their increasing prices while suffering through their decreasing customer service, that is your choice. I chose not to accept that. I'm not alone in that decision either. I *had* been looking at a CL500. Now though, the BMW 640 is getting a serious second look. They don't seem to have as many build quality issues.
Regards,
-Bouncer-
07-19-2006, 08:14 AM
#31
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C32 AMG, CL500, Jag StypeR, SLK200, Aygo, Audi TT
Originally Posted by Bouncer
Don't live in NJ or Conn so I don't care about either dealership.
There are multiple points here:
One, it's a decline in expected level of customer service. As was said earlier, MB created the expectation. If the dealership won't meet the created customer service level and chooses to treat those of us who bought the car elsewhere as second class citizens, then we're going to go elsewhere where we will recieve the expected level of customer service.
Two, this is obviously being done with approval from MBUSA as people on oppisite coasts are recieving identical letters from dealerships in no way affiliated. That's not coincidence.
Three, it really indicates that Mercedes build quality is decreasing. This issue is only an issue if you have vehicles more prone to break down. Judging by the amount of time people here have their cars in the shops, there is a marked decrease in build quality over the last 10 years. Yes, they look stylish, but SL500's have problems with leaks in the trunk. LEAKS! This is a 100000 dollar car, not a Hyundai. There shouldn't BE any leaks in the trunk. Period.
Four, those of us who are now approaching or outside the warranty window have many more options as to where we get our vehicles fixed. In short, if their goal is to idle their mechanics, they've just taken step one in the process of reducing their workload significantly. Probably 33% of their service business comes from people who didn't buy their cars at the dealship. If 33% of those people leave, that's a 10% overall reduction in service business because of this. Given the average cost of maintenance and the profit made on it by the dealership, that is a SIGNIFICANT chunk of change for the dealership. Far more than the wear and tear on the addition wear and tear on the loaner.
In sum, they want you to pay absolutely top prices for less service. How about: No. I'll be visiting my service center and asking for a copy of my maintenence record "for insurance reasons". Then I'll be severing my relationship with them after pointing out the 8K+ I've personally spent on maintenance and repairs (above and beyond the warranty work (probably another 6K at least)) over 2 MBs in 4yrs. I'll then be going down the street (maintenance sheet in hand) to a local european specialist, where I will pay 40% of what I pay at MB. Won't get a loaner, but I won't expect one. Further, the cost differential will more than offset the rental car.
If you chose to keep using the dealership and paying their increasing prices while suffering through their decreasing customer service, that is your choice. I chose not to accept that. I'm not alone in that decision either. I *had* been looking at a CL500. Now though, the BMW 640 is getting a serious second look. They don't seem to have as many build quality issues.
Regards,
-Bouncer-
There are multiple points here:
One, it's a decline in expected level of customer service. As was said earlier, MB created the expectation. If the dealership won't meet the created customer service level and chooses to treat those of us who bought the car elsewhere as second class citizens, then we're going to go elsewhere where we will recieve the expected level of customer service.
Two, this is obviously being done with approval from MBUSA as people on oppisite coasts are recieving identical letters from dealerships in no way affiliated. That's not coincidence.
Three, it really indicates that Mercedes build quality is decreasing. This issue is only an issue if you have vehicles more prone to break down. Judging by the amount of time people here have their cars in the shops, there is a marked decrease in build quality over the last 10 years. Yes, they look stylish, but SL500's have problems with leaks in the trunk. LEAKS! This is a 100000 dollar car, not a Hyundai. There shouldn't BE any leaks in the trunk. Period.
Four, those of us who are now approaching or outside the warranty window have many more options as to where we get our vehicles fixed. In short, if their goal is to idle their mechanics, they've just taken step one in the process of reducing their workload significantly. Probably 33% of their service business comes from people who didn't buy their cars at the dealship. If 33% of those people leave, that's a 10% overall reduction in service business because of this. Given the average cost of maintenance and the profit made on it by the dealership, that is a SIGNIFICANT chunk of change for the dealership. Far more than the wear and tear on the addition wear and tear on the loaner.
In sum, they want you to pay absolutely top prices for less service. How about: No. I'll be visiting my service center and asking for a copy of my maintenence record "for insurance reasons". Then I'll be severing my relationship with them after pointing out the 8K+ I've personally spent on maintenance and repairs (above and beyond the warranty work (probably another 6K at least)) over 2 MBs in 4yrs. I'll then be going down the street (maintenance sheet in hand) to a local european specialist, where I will pay 40% of what I pay at MB. Won't get a loaner, but I won't expect one. Further, the cost differential will more than offset the rental car.
If you chose to keep using the dealership and paying their increasing prices while suffering through their decreasing customer service, that is your choice. I chose not to accept that. I'm not alone in that decision either. I *had* been looking at a CL500. Now though, the BMW 640 is getting a serious second look. They don't seem to have as many build quality issues.
Regards,
-Bouncer-
You really have sumed this up great. Teh only thing I WOULD say though is that here in the UK MBUK DID do something about franchised dealerships not giving the correct customer experiance. THATS why afew dealerships here in Kent LOST the franchise licence - how do I know? Cause my mate WORKED for one of the bad dealerships that LOST it - he got a job at the new franchised dealership that got the licence. In europe at least, MB knows that Customer Service (and that includes giving a loaner car to ANYONE that takes a car to a MB garage) was one of their BIGGEST downfalls over the past 10 years and they ARE (at least in Europe) trying to turn that around. If a dealership doesnt meet my expectations I WILL complain, and I have done! and as soon as I mention MB HQ in Milton Keynes they snap into action and meet my expectations. SO, dont be fooled my US friends - dont accept poor service from ANY MB dealership - change where you go and complain - right to MB USA if you have to.
Thats all I can say anyway
07-19-2006, 08:40 PM
#32
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06 CLK 500 / 07 Honda Ridgeline
This is why I lease and never own. I always get a loaner and a new car every 2 years.
For $25 a day your dealer is stupid (imho). If you had never had this "perk" then I could understand, but since you were getting the loaner they should "work" with you to keep your loyalty. It's smart business.
Every dealer "sucks" at some point and time because of missed expectations.
Bouncers right, once out of warranty.....move to specialist and save the money.
For $25 a day your dealer is stupid (imho). If you had never had this "perk" then I could understand, but since you were getting the loaner they should "work" with you to keep your loyalty. It's smart business.
Every dealer "sucks" at some point and time because of missed expectations.
Bouncers right, once out of warranty.....move to specialist and save the money.
07-20-2006, 03:58 PM
#33
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S550
update: i just borrowed a car for the time being, they serviced the car and ended up charging me 60 dollars for a new emblem which broke off.... sheesh i knew they were going to get something out of me!
