Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - abbey17

I placed an order for a MB GLC 43 Premium Plus with standard 19" wheels In December, with a delivery date of mid March. I have been following the discussions on this site and other motoring sites and have grown increasingly uneasy about proceeding with my purchase.

Before I make contact with my dealer I wanted to know if I would be able to withdraw from the contract without financial penalty and if there is any chance of me getting some or all of my deposit back? What's the best way to approach the dealer regarding my concerns about the crabbing issue?

Grateful for any advice

A

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - RT

A mid-March delivery may well have been built by now and on it's way from factory to dealer.

Without specific reasons why the dealer has failed to meet his side of the contract, it's you that's backing out - the whole point of a deposit is to show committment to an agreed contract.

If your chosen specification is difficult to sell on, the dealer could claim any losses from you - but that is unlikely.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - gordonbennet

I expect much will depend on how generally normal your specification is, if its standard colours and materials then it should be a car they can move on, but if it's something more unusual it might be not so easy.

Assuming the car is under build, or built, then i think you will probably lose some of your deposit.

Did the car you test drive tram-line, or are you going by road testers opinions only.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Steveieb
Hopefully you paid the deposit with a credit card in which the issuer may take up your case if you can give them a reason eg poor reviews etc.
Otherwise your finances may have taken a turn for the worse!
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - daveyjp
Put the dealer on notice that prior to signing for the car you will be driving it to ensure it does not show any signs of not being able to manouver in tight spaces.

Any signs it crabs and you won't be accepting the vehicle, the argue over the money.
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - abbey17

yes thankfully paid deposit on credit card - but I'm not sure that's any use as the total purchase is over £30k

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - SLO76

yes thankfully paid deposit on credit card - but I'm not sure that's any use as the total purchase is over £30k

If you pay the deposit on a credit card you're covered for the full value of the goods as long as the deposit was over £100... But you would need to prove it's a fault and not a "characteristic" of the vehicle. www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section75-prote...s

Edited by SLO76 on 17/02/2017 at 20:28

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - abbey17

Thanks for your response. I'm basing my concerns on the various comments and feedback of owners. During my test drive I wouldn't have had any occassion to complete any full or 3/4 lock manoeuvres, I am paying a premium price for a car for which I expect to recieve a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. This does not appear to be the case for a significant number of owners and including the test driver from Auto Express. I don't know whether its better to cut my loses now and see if I can get any of the deposit back or commit to a finance deal and have the anxiety of my car devloping this issue. The car is standard black with standard black interior so I don't think there is anything unusal.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - gordonbennet

Interesting note on HJ's reviews above.

''8-2-2017: Report that new Mercedes Benz GLC customers are being asked to sign a waiver (see www.mercedescrabbing.org) It includes such working as " I understand and agree that I have been fully informed by my Retailer that my car registration: [left blank] may experience a characteristic known as “tyre skipping”. Tyre skipping means that , at low speeds, and under certain steering conditions, the car may experience slight juddering. I acknowledge that this is a characteristic of the car and is not an issue which will comprise safety. I understand that, in certain weather conditions, such as colder temperatures, the characteristics may become more prominent. My Retailer has fully explained this characteristic to me."

Sounds like the get out, if you need one.

A note above that mentions MB garage suggests having winter tyres below +7', what a load of eyewash, are you supposed to swap tyres on a daily basis between October and April.

Presumably this is a problem in the transmission, a vibration like that being transmitted through the car isn't going to lead to a long trouble free life.

How you play this i don't know, but hope it works out for you.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - daveyjp
If this is an additional clause which wasn't present when the vehicle was ordered use it to cancel.
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - SLO76
Difficult one. Speak to the dealer and explain your concerns and that you intend on rejecting the vehicle if it displays this design flaw which they're wrongly describing as a characteristic. The thought of litigation combined with the desire to keep a customer happy should be enough to persuade them to allow you to switch your deposit to another car from the range.

Take any proof you can find to back your argument up, although I'm sure they'll already know all about it. It is possible (although I've no evidence) that they may descretely have rectified this known fault on the latest cars without openly admitting so they avoid having to carry out a recall. It's certainly not unheard of so if they insist on forcing the contract then I'd insist they sign a declaration written by your lawyer stating the vehicle doesn't have this flaw and if it does show up then they'll accept your rejection without argument. Not sure they'll go for this but they may if they're trying to reassure you and insist there's no fault to worry about.

Worth a try..
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - tourantass
If you decide to bite the bullet and lose your deposit, just deduct that from the amount were going to to pay for the merc and then go looking for a car for that amount...I reckon some of the people on here could give you some recomendations that may actually be better than your original choice.
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Manatee

Given that MB have not disputed that this juddering occurs, and that they presumaly did not tell you this when you ordered, I would suggest writing to them to that effect and stating that, given your reasonable response to learning of this problem, you expect your deposit to be returned.

Even if you didn't get it back (I assume it's hundreds, not thousands) then your first loss will be your least loss by the sound of it.

The video on this linked on the site is horrendous, no reasonable person would be happy with that.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9vpoYz0Msw

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - gordonbennet

Strewth MT, thats awful.

The sort of juddering one might expect if someone tried to drive a 4x4 with a diff lock engaged.

A characteristic they say, well yes of a 15 year old pick up on knobbly flat tyres thats been round the clock twice carrying RPG launchers in Iraq.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Manatee

Strewth MT, thats awful.

The sort of juddering one might expect if someone tried to drive a 4x4 with a diff lock engaged.

Exactly so GB. I suppose the fat tyres won't help, and it could be the geometry, but if it is transmission wind up then it is likely to end in a bigger problem. Not to mention the tyre wear.

Unbelievable, wasn't it? Why MB think they can brush it off is baffling, they must surely see it will cost them far more than fixing the problem even if it means buying the cars back.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - MGspannerman
I would be inclined to politely write and say that you wish to cancel the order due to the undesirable "characteristic" of the car. Something which, presumably, none of your previous cars or indeed other Mercs suffer from. You are not an automotive engineer, I guess, and there would be no reason for you to suspect this problem. If they do not agree then a small claims court action is easy, not very expensive and the judges seem to take a pragmatic and sensible view. There is ample, common sense evidence to support your increasing concern and every reason why you should not have been aware of the problem before placing your order. I would strongly suspect that even though these actions do not establish precedent that Mercedes would be horrified were you to win your action. If nothing else there is a vicarious pleasure in poking them in the eye. I once agreed with a bunch of corporate robbers that I would drop my claim of £500 against them in return for a cheque for £100 to a charity of my choice. You cannot imagine how good it feels. Good luck!
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Manatee

The court now likes litigants to tick a few boxes failing which they may be treated less sympathetically. That includes trying to resolve disputes by alternative means.

goo.gl/DYXD7J (Citizen's Advice)

The first port of call should be the dealer, who might think it better to allow you to cancel as they haven't actually sold the car yet and they can still avoid a full blown dispute.

Cancel anyway. If they won't give you the deposit back, start with the Motor Ombudsman. If the dealer follows the example of the one that refused to submit to the Ombudsman's decision (presumably after dialogue with MB) then I can't see the court having very much time for it (the dealer).

Edited by Manatee on 17/02/2017 at 21:55

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - SLO76
That's horrendous! Totally unacceptable failing in a new car and one that will kill used values of these so no matter what, even if you're losing a couple of grand it's worth walking away.

Good reminder for folk not to pay big deposits on goods before you receive. Pay the absolute minimum you can get away with. Most dealers will accept an order with a minimal initial deposit.

Edited by SLO76 on 17/02/2017 at 21:57

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Manatee

is there a "usual" figure for a deposit? Worst case I suppose is if there is a finance agreement and the dealer gets away with collecting the whole initial payment.

I bought my last car in 2007; the dealer suggested £500 deposit, I said I'd prefer £200 and they accepted withour demur.

I bought my current one this week. Agreed the deal last week, the dealer didn't want a deposit, and I paid the balance after P/X by debit card on collection.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - abbey17
Thanks to everyone for their responses to date. I emailed the dealer this morning advising that I wanted to cancel my order. They replied to say tat they have had a number of requests and are waiting for MB to provide a standing this week. I'm not what that means, or if it's good news or not.
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - skidpan

Your contract is with the dealer you ordered from, legally its nothing to do with Mercedes at all.

They are just pretending to be helpful.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - abbey17
i'll see if they come back with anything at the start of the week and if not just repeat to them that I wish to cancel.

Edited by abbey17 on 18/02/2017 at 15:05

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Manatee

I agree you may as well wait a day or two, but you should not be backward in saying MB's opinion is irrelevant to you; your contract was with them. You do not wish to cancel; you have cancelled and you expect your deposit back.

It would be tempting to add that your attitude to the matter of compensation for your inconvenience consequent on their guilty knowledge and deceit will be informed by the nature of their response, and see if they refer you to the reply in matter of Arkell v. Pressdram;)

That's assuming of course that they did not make it clear to you that you were ordering a car with this "feature" which, regardless of whether MB says it is a characteristic you regard as a defect that would have stopped you ordering the car had you known.

Edited by Manatee on 18/02/2017 at 18:19

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - cdbr

If this had happened to me it would cause me no end of anxiety and most likely occupy most of my thoughts and conversations throughout the day and night.

There is some really good advice on here but I think you are at the point where you need to get legal advice and as a last resort possibly get a solicitor involved.

This need not cost money.

Have you checked your house insurance policy to see if it includes legal helplines and or cover? Likewise other insurance policies often have legal helplines available as do membership cards and union/association memberships e.g. I have used the co-op one quite a few times.

If you are employed them many employers will have a confidential legal helpline that you can call with issues like this as part of either a benefits package or wellbeing programme.

If you are self employed then check your health protection policies as well.

What these helpline will often do is advise on the up to date legal situation viz a recent case law and also how best to get a lawyer involved at minimum cost.

Some even wright a letter for you.

Good luck.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - abbey17
Thanks to everyone
The dealer offered me alternative tyres but I stuck to my guns and said no thanks I wanted to cancel. The order has now been cancelled and my deposit refunded.
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Avant

Well done for sticking to your guns. Where the customer has a valid point, as you clearly did, a dealer may try it on but eventually back down. After all, said customer could be a member of the local Rotary or sports club, or have the ear of a company fleet manager - and word soon gets around.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - SLO76
That's great news, well done. A battle well fought.
Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - gordonbennet

Indeed a good result and many thanks for updating the thread.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Adrian Esland

Warning about Mercedes and its not surprising. They treat new car buyers very differently from approved used buyers. I bought my Mercedes GLC in late April 2017. It being late in the season I experienced no problems with crabbing until this Nov. I then registered my complaint with Mercedes in Weston super Mare, at the same time as a friend who had bought a new GLC. He was given new all season tyres when had crabbing (skipping), while I was initially told I would get them but suddenly they changed there mind and said my car was too old. So beware approved used buyers are second class citizens to Mercedes, dispite the car being nearly as expensive to buy.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Falkirk Bairn

Walk, buy something else in future.

I flew BAOC in 1971 - 11 hour flight, took 2 days & arrived at wrong airport. When working I flew 2/3 times per month for 30 years - avoided BA unless they were the only airline,

1989 Peugeot - leaking rear screen, fixed on brand new car BUT they would not replace the soiled/smelly rear seat - cleaned it but is was marked - never bought anothe Pug.

New car in 2012, went to 3 franchises, "best Price" for the car spec - brand new - bought from an outlet - 2 days later a call from another - I told them I had bought from a Glasgow dealer - "we could have beaten the price" - I said you got the same opportunity earlier in the week & you padded it - you cannot complain now. Car has been 100%.

Today I found out my electrcity supplier misled me on Monday to the tune of £130 / year. Spoke to them, complained bitterly - In 5 minutes I changed to SSE who were £125 less per year. My current supplier will never get business again even if they were the cheapest.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Adrian Esland

Yes too true, its short term savings for Mercedes but I HAD planned to purchase a new GLC hybrid when they eventually bring it to UK, but now doubt I will.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - CK91437

all depends on your terms and condiotions, but very unlikely they will let you go without a hefty penalty (even if they could).

Not called main st--lers for nothing,

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - alan1302

all depends on your terms and condiotions, but very unlikely they will let you go without a hefty penalty (even if they could).

Not called main st--lers for nothing,

So you think it should be easy to get out of without a good reason?

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - KB.

all depends on your terms and condiotions, but very unlikely they will let you go without a hefty penalty (even if they could).

Not called main st--lers for nothing,

And do, please, expand on your reply kind sir. Had you had the brains to read what has been written rather than interject and spout off with some senseless observation, based on absolutely nothing (as you always persist in doing|), you might have seen that the issue was satisfactorily resolved months ago. And you were wrong... there was no "hefty penalty".

I have yet to see a contribution from your goodself that is either helpful, interesting, amusing or accurate.

But if it keeps you amused then so be it. The problem comes when a reader seeking advice sees your replies and, inadvertantly, takes notice of them.

A litle knowledge is reckoned to be dangerous ... in your case, no knowledge is worse.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - Adrian Esland

Sorry this is my fault, I should have started a new thread as the cancel new car order is old theme. My issue is with approved used. No worry thanks.

Mercedes-Benz GLC - Can I cancel my new car order? - madf

Not only a troll but an uninteresting and ignorant one...