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I am being spuriously charged for damage after returning a leased Mercedes-Benz ML320CDI.
Hi, my wife and I had our 30-month-old Mercedes-Benz ML320CDI collected the other week following a lease we took out. The car had only covered around 16,000 miles against an allowance of 25,000. The car was mint on its return, so we were absolutely horrified to receive a bill some three weeks later for approximately £1400 with a list of minor faults accompanied by photographs that show no detail of any use. We have had several lease cars before and we always treat our cars with respect.
Clearly I will respond to Mercedes-Benz first but was wondering what my options would be if their small print is 'waterproof'. Could I make a partial offer as final settlement or should I pay the full amount and then seek redress through the Small Claims Court?
Clearly I will respond to Mercedes-Benz first but was wondering what my options would be if their small print is 'waterproof'. Could I make a partial offer as final settlement or should I pay the full amount and then seek redress through the Small Claims Court?
Asked on 11 September 2010 by Nick W858
Answered by
Lucy
This is becoming quite common on returned Mercedes-Benz Finance lease vehicles. What you have to do is carefully check the terms of the lease regarding damage on return, assess what is "reasonable" and what is not, then write to Mercedes-Benz Finance stating that you dispute the value of the damage and if they want to sue you for it, to take the matter to the Small Claims track of the County Court. Remember that if you lose there will then be a court judgement against you which may affect your ability to get finance or take out another lease in future. HJ.
I would only add that if you did lose, then as long as as the judgment is met - ie you pay - then your credit rating will be enhanced. It is only if you fail to satisfy any judgment that your credit file may suffer. Lucy Bonham Carter.
I would only add that if you did lose, then as long as as the judgment is met - ie you pay - then your credit rating will be enhanced. It is only if you fail to satisfy any judgment that your credit file may suffer. Lucy Bonham Carter.
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