Hello all, I was just looking for advice. I have a Mercedes e300 lease that is expiring in a few days. I have door damage that I have a quote from a reputable (non Mercedes) quote for repair at 1000. I was just going to turn in my lease and have them bill me but realized once I turn it in I have no idea if they will artificially jack up the repair bill since the dealership doesn’t do the final inspection (at least on my previous non Mercedes models).
You should have followed the notices you received and have the car inspected by the authorized MB company. They would have provided an estimate and you could have known ahead of time what to do. If you have to return it in a few days it is too late.
Probably just return it, sometimes the charges are actually cheaper than having it fixed.
I guess my question really is whether the third party inspection company will increase the price of repair significantly (ie double,triple) compared to standard body shop. The one I went to is near my house and is the authorized inspector for StateFarm and several car manufacturers but not Mercedes.
I realize I’ll have to pay for the damage and I’m okay with a little difference but didn’t know if they would all of a sudden charge 5 instead of 1k.
Also, do you know if would insurance pay out after the fact if the estimate comes out higher (wasn’t going to involve insurance for 1k repair since deductible is high)
I have a Lexus with some damage and had AutoVin come to inspect it. Earliest appointment was 3 weeks when I scheduled in July. Guy came and was pretty fair with his inspection. Each rim was $100 for having curb rash and he charged me $175 for a spot above the driver side fender which has a significant amount of paint damage and a big dent. What I thought would have cost close to $2000 will only be $750.
Yes. Call Benz 800 tell them I want inspection on my car. You will get quote in 24 hrs. I got my inspection done on aug 12. They bill me 256 for same scratche( body might charge 700 to $1000 or more). At auction they have dent removal guys.
Thanks for the advice. Looks like they don’t have any availability for preinspection at this point since my lease is up. But it’s good to hear you don’t get hammered by the inspectors for damage (guess they have to be somewhat fair or else you would never lease from them again)
Yes, get an inspection. If it comes out cheaper then turn it in and get hit. If the inspection shows repair costs more, then fix it and just turn in the receipt for the repair when you turn in the car
You may be able to get an extension/grace period for the lease turn in if you call Mercedes and let them know that you may need a few extra days. I have done this with Bmw and Maserati and got extra 5-10 days grace period from the turn in date. Not sure if Mercedes does this, but it may give you enough time to schedule a pre-inspection. I scheduled my inspection last week and the wait time was about two weeks
Why on earth would he request an extension just to call AutoVin when autovin is going to do the inspection when he turns it in anyway? It won’t change a thing. They won’t screw you, just turn it in.
