PER the BBB complaint file, Manuel's Mercedes took advantage of a young mother of 4. The dealership, which specializes in late model Mercedes Benz, advertised that the $15k vehicle she purchased on about November 5 was in great condition.in fact the advertisement on Craigslist (Atlanta) dated about 11/03 for the vehicle read: Great Condition and Road Ready for upcoming holiday travel anywhere
Based on no response and refusal to address this complaint, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has lowered this company's rating to an "F". (for BBB complaint history see: http://www.bbb.org/atlanta/business-reviews/auto-dealers-used-cars/manuels-mercedes-in-marietta-ga-10386)
Mercedes Benz has also been notified.
This is her story:
"On Nov 4 I purchased a 2005 Ford Expedition (Eddie Bauer, 4X2,5.4) from Manuel's Mercedes Benz (hereinafter MMB). I made this purchase in good faith and put down $1999. During the test drive of the vehicle I heard a slight ticking noise. When I asked about the sound, Rob Warren (MMB Salesman) told me that it was normal and that it was the way All Ford Expeditions sound." In addition, Rob told me that the carfax was pulled and that the vehicle had been serviced and checked out completely by MMB. The only issues with the vehicle I clearly recall being disclosed to me upon purchase were: 1) The door did not have a keyless entry for which I agreed to purchase at Ford at my own expense; and 2) the owner's manual was missing, which Rob said he would get for me but to date has not.
Since informing the owner and sales representative at MMB about the problems with my vehicle, I feel that they have been dishonest, willfully misleading, and unethical in their service, sales, and advertisement of the vehicle I purchased. For instance, the advertisement on 11/03 on Craigslist (Atlanta) for the vehicle read: Great Condition and Road Ready for upcoming holiday travel anywhere (please see exhibit A). Moreover, the response to the BBB by Mr. Al Lopez is disingenuous and provides further evidence of his companys lack of integrity. As documented below, I have spoken with Mr. Lopez and his representative (s) on numerous occasions about this issue. Furthermore, during private and *taped conversations, Mr. Lopez not only acknowledged the problems with my vehicle, he agreed to swap it out with one that was comparable to the advertised vehicle I purchased (i.E. Ford Expedition 4X2, Eddie Bauer w/80,193k miles)."
Documented History
"Nov 6 I went to Team Ford of Marietta to have my vehicle programmed for keyless entry. Upon my driving up to the service bay, a technician by the name of Kendall approached me. Kendall asked me when I bought the vehicle. When I told him I had just purchased the vehicle he told me that I should take the vehicle back to the dealership because the "knocking" sound he heard was not a normal sound. Furthermore, he told me that it sounded like bad/faulty cam phasers and lifters. I was taken into the service office where Greg (another Team Ford service tech) printed out a diagram to show me where the cam phasers and lifters were located on the vehicle.
Nov 8 I spoke with Rob (salesman) to find out when MMB would be able to check the vehicle. At this time we set up an appointment for 11/13. Things to be done: diagnostic test, detail the vehicle, and the air duct was to be fix.
Nov 13 I arrived at MMB to have the services done that were promised. While I waited Rob took the 05 Expedition to their mechanic to run the diagnostic test and fix the air duct. I was told by Rob he could not get the printout of the diagnostic results. It would be on 11/16, also the vehicle didnt get detail.
(I sent a certified letter to MMB on 12/05)
(Team Ford recommended that I take the vehicle back because a diagnostic from Team Ford would cost $350. Moreover, the cost of repairing/replacing the cam phasers and lifters was almost $3000.00)
Summarily, I stand by my statement that upon my complaints about the vehicle I purchased from Manuels Mercedes Benz, the behavior of the owner and representatives has been, in my opinion, unethical and dishonest.
I am a single mother with four children so having a reliable vehicle is crucial in our lives. I have made numerous attempts to be fair and give Manuel's Mercedes Benz a chance to rectify the issues outlined above. The vehicle condition continues to deteriorate and I am extremely concerned for my family. This is the only transportation we have to rely on. However, the company has not provided a comparable swap, nor even made any attempt to repair my vehicle. Mr. Lopez even refused to provide a loaner car though he is aware that my vehicle is not safe to drive or ROAD READY, which is a definite conflict from his advertisement of the vehicle. Here again is evidence of Manuels Mercedes Benzs deceptive selling and advertising practices. Manuels Mercedes has prior complaints regarding the issues. Within the past twenty-four months all of the complaints are believed to have come from women"
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