Daimler finance fiasco

[Nate D]

I picked up my car May 14 from Lynnfield MA. Love the car, absolutely no regrets, EXCEPT financing through Smart/Daimler. I contacted the dealer for the first time May 30 this was repeated 8 (eight) times.

Both Daimler and the dealer had no idea what was going on- yes I was have been dealing with the finance manager. (BTW he mentioned there were 5 others in the same boat).

I received a call from Daimler yesterday advising I was late for a June payment, this was followed by an explanation they showed me purchasing the car 7/15/08 but were fixing it to the correct date- 4/27. When I told the person I wasn't in the country on that date and did not sign the paperwork or take possession until 5/14 she said simply "oh well this is what the system says".

I am getting a written notice from Daimler this is not derogitory credit however that is not the point, hope others do not run into the same problems, ruins an otherwise perfect honeymoon

btw I contacted Smart direct twice, was advised to contact the dealer both times- two days after I contacted them, not really a good grasp of customer service from my point of view

[mike-in-sa]

Sounds like a great time to re-finance someplace else...like a credit union where they know you.

[Smart Enuf]

Daimler Financing told my smart center to mail my papers to the wrong Daimler location. Rather than wait for the papers to work their way back to the financing department, the smart center asked me to come back and re-sign all the paperwork again. Yeah right! Not wanting to spend another couple hours signing papers again, I said they'll have to make it worth my time. After much haggling, I finally got them to throw in a retractable cargo cover, which I couldn't get them to do during the original car purchase. So yes, Daimler Financing can be a bit sloppy, but I at least got something out of their mistake.

Now if only they can figure out how to automate the payments rather than sending out these stupid monthly paper bills -- how old school is that?

[Flashman]

You'll get a better rate if you refinance with a credit union, and you can keep the extras, and get Daimler financing off your back. ;-)

[WhiteNBlack08]

I did a lot of shopping around when I bought my smart, best deal was the Credit union where I currently bank. Daimler wasn't even in the ball park. 20 minutes to do the paperwork at the CU, 10 minutes at the dealer. Best car buying experience of my life.

[mdfortwoguy]

I haven't even considered looking at DC... I highly doubt they will be able to compete with my credit union, and I don't want anything to do with anything with Chrysler in the name.

[WhiteNBlack08]

Originally Posted by mdfortwoguy

I haven't even considered looking at DC... I highly doubt they will be able to compete with my credit union, and I don't want anything to do with anything with Chrysler in the name.

Maybe off-topic, but what's wrong with Chrysler? Been a Mopar guy my whole life. Actually my smart is the first non-Mopar I've ever owned. Worst think that ever happened to Chrysler was when Daimler bought them and bled them dry. Remember, the first batch of smarts to come into this country had DC VIN tags..... So I guess I am still maintaining the faith somewhat right?

[mdfortwoguy]

Originally Posted by WhiteNBlack08

Maybe off-topic, but what's wrong with Chrysler? Been a Mopar guy my whole life. Actually my smart is the first non-Mopar I've ever owned. Worst think that ever happened to Chrysler was when Daimler bought them and bled them dry. Remember, the first batch of smarts to come into this country had DC VIN tags..... So I guess I am still maintaining the faith somewhat right?

Eh, perhaps that was a bit inappropriate of me. I've been a GM and Mercedes guy my whole life... just never have been a huge fan of the design/drive of most Chrysler products. I'm glad they went private though - I thought the DCX merger was bad from day one.

You have to admit, Chrysler got some good out of it (The LX platform, the Sprinter, and perhaps the Crossfire), though.

Hope no offense was taken!

[foxmajik]

Is Daimler Chrysler the same as Mercedes Financial? My car is financed through Mercedes Financial and their customer service has always been incredible, and they have online billpay.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by mdfortwoguy

I haven't even considered looking at DC... I highly doubt they will be able to compete with my credit union, and I don't want anything to do with anything with Chrysler in the name.

Daimler Chrysler is no more...its just Daimler AG now.