On January, 29, 2006, I purchased the "PLATINUM" extended warranty package from Mercedes Benz of South Bay for $5,000. Since I am a Retired Senior who is disabled, I felt I need the additional protection and coverage for vehicle repair. When I purchased the extended warranty, I was assured that my car would be covered for repairs other than those listed in the exclusion.
In October 2007, my car began making a noise that sounded like a "washing machine". It was coming from the steering and consistently occurred when I turned the wheel. My car was evaluated by the Mercedes dealer and THEY made the assessment that the steering gear box/rack & pinion was "worn out" and should be replaced. No problem, after all, I purchased a $5,000 warranty and these parts were not cited in the exclusions clause of the contract. I was assured by a Mercedes employee that my car would be covered for any and all repairs, other than exclusions.
However, after Mercedes conferred with the warranty company, they refused to repair the part (based on their assessment that the part is "still functioning as intended"). Mercedes failed to accept responsibility for the statements made by their employee and in my opinion fails to back a product that they sell and endorse. Since the contract was misrepresented by the Mercedes employee, I have a car still desperately in need of repairs and a $5,000 warranty that has no value or purpose.
The Mercedes dealer added a lubricant to the power steering fluid in an attempt to "eliminate" the noise (which is still there), yet, failed to remedy the real problem - to replace the needed part. Operating my vehicle with this faulty part poses a safety hazard to myself and my grandchildren. Because the "WORN OUT" part is in the steering it is very possible that I could be involved in a accident resulting in death or injury to myself or other, should the part completely fail (by the way, the contract also states they aren't responsible should either of those things occur as a result of a covered part failing).
When I purchased the Mercedes, I thought I was finally getting my dream car. Yet, this whole situation has made me regret the entire purchase and as a disabled Retired Senior with a limited income, I can't afford to go out and purchase another vehicle nor can I afford to pay and additional $3,000.00 for vehicle repairs that are covered under the extended warranty.
This entire experience has made me a non-trusting individual. I have also formed an organization S.C.A.M. (Seniors, Consumer Advocate Movement) which is dedicated to informing and assisting other senior in protecting their nest egg of savings and to ensure that what we purchase is indeed what we get.
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