Inspect your vehicle following maintenance or repair.

[CyberNinja]

My CLK AMG was scheduled for steering and suspension repairs at AT Technicians in Greys, Essex.

After several weeks, it was prepared, so I settled the £3,000 invoice and proceeded to collect the vehicle.
Upon examination, I observed a damage in the near-side front wing and a smaller dent on the off-side front wing.


They were certainly not present prior, as I had recently acquired the vehicle and conducted an inspection.
I contemplated returning to lodge a complaint; however, having paid for and accepted the vehicle, I had legally forfeited my right.
It is a situation of my testimony vs that of the garage. Furthermore, I was unaware of the cost of the repair.

This week, I received an estimate from the body shop, which initially was £1,000 based on photographs, but may increase upon actual examination.
I acknowledge that repairs may result in harm; nonetheless, I desire transparency and accountability regarding any such occurrences.
I must get their suspension work inspected by MB, as I now question the quality of their repairs following the bodywork.

I cannot endorse this Mercedes specialist; so, my post serves to caution other MB and AMG owners.

AT responded to my complaint and essentially refuted any awareness of damage.Unexpected, unexpected.

They were aware of the damage but remained silent, expecting it would go unnoticed, or if I raised a complaint, they would deny any knowledge.
During the period the car was in their possession, they are liable for any damage incurred, and I had anticipated they would demonstrate sufficient responsibility by acknowledging it at that time.
I would have accepted this; but, it is unsurprising that they lack the intention to take responsibility. Consequently, I attribute this to an unpleasant experience, and my evaluation and concerns persist.

Update: Today, a damage repair business assessed the vehicle and determined that several dents were unequivocally caused by an impact to the wing from within. 😡

As a precaution, inspect your vehicle prior to settling the invoice (consider taking photographs beforehand). If you want the return of the vehicle but are dissatisfied with the completed work, you may pay 'under protest.'
This indicates that you are remitting the total sum while informing the garage of potential subsequent measures.

Clearly inscribe the phrase “paying under protest” on their copy of the repair order page and any receipts generated by the garage. If you do not indicate that you are paying under protest, obtaining compensation later may prove challenging, since the garage could contend that your payment signifies acceptance of the charges.

[jennycarlotta]

I regret to learn of this situation.

It is advisable to photograph the vehicle in the garage forecourt immediately before to its servicing or repairs.

[CyberNinja]

I ought to have adhered to my initial inclination to refrain from using them upon observing the condition of the parking area in the industrial estate.
Vehicles are congested in all areas, leaving no space for a historic car.

[Matt865]

It is too late, even prior to payment; it remains your assertion versus theirs regarding the pre-existing dents upon your submission. It is advisable to circumnavigate the vehicle and reach a consensus on the existing damage prior to relinquishing it to them. I frequently had customers engage in that behaviour. I already integrated this with individuals inspecting the vehicle prior to departing the premises. This effectively deterred individuals from doing it, of which there were several. I employed the same procedures when I transitioned to the caravan work. Five minutes of effort to prevent considerable distress for both parties. While not implying this applies to you, I frequently see customers who deliver automobiles with damage of which they are genuinely unaware, however they might have identified it at collection and subsequently expressed dissatisfaction.

[ChatMaven]

The majority of insignificant dents may be rectified by professionals for less than a few hundred dollars.

Always inspect the vehicle thoroughly from all angles when collecting from any garage, including a big dealer.

[Geek2232]

I absolutely concur, and I advocate for the same approach during collecting; yet, most individuals rely on the assumption that the workshop will adequately safeguard their belongings, and fortunately, the overwhelming majority of workshops do indeed exercise necessary care.

I have experienced a single incident of damage to a vehicle while it was in the dealer's custody. My wife's nearly new MINI Cooper S was delivered to the main dealer on a Thursday for warranty repairs but was retained over the weekend pending parts availability.


Upon collection the subsequent Tuesday, I observed the damage and promptly reported it to the workshop manager, who requested time to do an investigation, which I deemed reasonable. The next day, he returned to me, refuting any claims of misconduct regarding the car while their custody and, in a kind manner, insinuating that I was fabricating the situation. His demeanour shifted upon my revelation of the contents discovered in the glovebox: a map book that did not belong to me, accompanied by a pivotal parking payment ticket, date and time-stamped, featuring the vehicle's registration number for a location approximately 25 miles distant on the Sunday during which they had custody of the car. Extensive apologies were issued along with a goodwill gesture, and the damage was rectified at their expense, so resolving the issue.

[TechWhiz]

I would certainly obtain a price from a local mobile PDR company instead than a body shop. Additionally, the independent entity might have CCTV installed within the workshop.

[drummer]

Did you verify the car's mileage prior to entrusting it to them and upon retrieval?

If it was possessed for several weeks, it may have been utilised as a runaround or courtesy vehicle by individuals who exhibited negligence in their driving.