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144 messages, Last post on Mar 10, 2006 at 9:02 AM
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Replying to: cargal2 (Sep 24, 2004 10:12 pm) no, you have no liability at all. the SM was simply trying to not pay for it. if they call you back (i doubt they will), just pull a theresa kerry line on them. (shove it, scumbag, idiot, etc...) |
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Replying to: cargal2 (Sep 24, 2004 10:12 pm) As for it being an off-road vehicle, that doesn't mean it'll go through anything. You have to know how to drive a vehicle off road properly or you will seriously damage it. |
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It sounds to me like you messed up. Before trying to switch from the automatic mode to the manual mode, you should have asked the salesman exactly how to do it. You also should have done it on a flat part of the road, not on a section that had a curve with a curb. On the other hand, maybe Mercedes should not make a car that is so tricky to drive. I think you should help pay for the damage.
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I'm in with Bobst. While driving an unfamiliar vehicle for the first time, one should concentrate on the drive, not playing with gizmos. When deciding to change shift modes, while driving, one takes the risk, like trying to beat a redlight. Also, the brake pedal should have worked, regardless of shift mode.
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Replying to: bobst (Sep 25, 2004 2:02 pm) |
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BP, I think had the most interesting answer. It's really a question of legal liability on test drives, which is the greater meaning of the situation. Look, the truck had a different tiptronic than others I've used, even when I've driven Mercedes. It was also a 2001. I told the salesman, as I was about to go around the curve that I was having a problem. He chose to ignore me, until I had to look down to fiddle with it, and accidentally ran into the curb. It was in 1st gear, and if I wasn't able to get out of that mode, I could have stripped the gears. If I hadn't asked the salesman for help, I believe it would have been a different story. And, his interest should have been whether I was okay, rather than whether the tire was "broke." But, we are on the test drive board. People routinely take out cars for test drives, merely turning over copies of their licenses. Rarely is someone informed of the consequences if something happens on a test-drive. Sometimes the cars are used, and may not be up to par. If the car is new, it may not be prepped. I think people should know what the process is here about test-drives, and the boo-boos that can go along with them. Thanks
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Replying to: cargal2 (Sep 26, 2004 5:29 am) So keep it simple, you break it, you fix it. If you don't want that responsibility, perhaps you could let the Salesperson drive. Or do a cyber drive on the internet. Maybe car dealers should have us sign a legal document spelling this out along with the copy of the drivers license and insurance card to eliminate any confusion.
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Replying to: andyman73 (Sep 25, 2004 4:45 pm)
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Replying to: jwilliams2 (Sep 26, 2004 8:37 am) |
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It's their car. If you drive a friend's car and damgage the wheel by hitting the curb, it's that person's insurance or financial responsibility; they let you drive their car. You are an invited visitor. The dealer is on their insurance or their dime if they don't want to turn it into their own insurance. They invited you to take a drive, even if they only asked after you're present in the dealership's property or control area. It's their problem to take care of. The fact they tried to strongarm you into paying for it in a method that would have been irrevocable is even worse as an example of their dealership operating methods. I wouldn't buy a car there...
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