Dealer complaint, just venting....

[ducatista]

Bought a new C240 from R&H Mercedes in Owings Mills, MD. Shortly after purchase, I noted a small paint chip that ran about a 1/4 inch from the top of the trunk lid to the body. Clearly a small chip from the magnetic dealer plate holder. Called the dealer from whom I bought the car. He essentially said that I had my chance to walk around the car at purchase, and since I didn't notice it then, he'd be happy to SELL me some touch-up paint!

There are 3 MB dealerships in the Baltimore area. In 3 yrs, when I step up to the $60,000 AMG that I really want I won't be buying it from R&H. I just wonder if these guys understand that taking care of people will result in putting more profit in their pockets down the line, but not taking care of people will only ensure a continuous string of short-term new buyers who will put that profit in someone else's pocket.

In my example here, for practically nothing to the dealer, he could have made me happy and practically guarranteed a repeat customer. Instead, whatever little bit he made on the C240 deal will be the last.

Oh well. At least its good to have choices.

[jsmith]

probably used to be a ford salesman. that touch up, done properly, would have cost them $50 tops.

[Kuan]

You should have bought an S-Class. That way they would have given you the paint for free, but you would have to do the touchup yourself!

Kuan

Interesting. I bought a new 1994 Mazda MX-6 (at night) in 1995. I went back to the dealer 1 week later after noticing stone chips all over the roof and trunk. They repainted the entire car (I checked). Heritage dealership. I would request to speak to the owner of the dealership.