![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article26059904.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/1_Mercedes-owner-horrified-to-discover-new-battery-will-cost-more-than-car-is-worth.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA motorist was "horrified" to discover the cost of a replacement value for his eco-friendly Mercedes would set him back \u00a315,000 – more than the current value of the car. <\/p>\n
Ranjit Singh got a nasty shock when the battery on the eight-year-old car failed recently and he was quoted the huge sum of money for a replacement. <\/p>\n
Ranjit, 63, who lives in the Knighton area of Leicester, bought the vehicle at a Mercedes Benz dealership for \u00a327,000. <\/p>\n
A big Mercedes fan, he was convinced he was doing the right thing by choosing a more environmentally-friendly car.<\/p>\n
At the time of purchase, the car had done 49,000 miles and worked a treat until this year, he told LeicestershireLive.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He says he got the car checked by Mercedes Benz and was told that the battery had come to the end of its life after just eight years of motoring.<\/p>\n
The car owner claims he was quoted \u00a315,000 for a battery replacement \u2013 excluding labour costs which Ranjit learned would be in the region of \u00a3200 an hour.<\/p>\n
He explained: "I have always been a Mercedes customer and loved the cars they produce and we bought the car for its reliability.<\/p>\n
"I'm horrified by what has happened. I feel I now have just two options \u2013 scrap the eight-year-old car or spend more than it is worth.<\/p>\n
"We checked on Auto Trader and it says the car value now stands at just \u00a312,850."<\/p>\n
Ranjit claimed that he went to see a hybrid specialist who advised him there was nothing else he could do and that there was no cheaper repair available.<\/p>\n
His daughter, Ramnik Kaur, 36, works in the motoring industry herself.<\/p>\n
She said: "Dad is very disappointed, stressed and doesn't know what to do with the car. As a a retired person, he doesn't have that kind of money.<\/p>\n
She said the issue was tantamount to "mis-selling" on Mercedes's part.<\/p>\n
However, Mercedes Benz insist that information is readily available online and customers are informed of the battery certificate upon purchasing.<\/p>\n
A Mercedes spokesperson said: "We have based the general information below on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class mild hybrid with a 125V high voltage battery, rather than a plug-in hybrid.<\/p>\n
"In 2014, the 125V high voltage battery was covered by the standard three year manufacturer's warranty (unlimited mileage).<\/p>\n
"Without the background information, we are unable to comment on why the high voltage battery required replacement in this particular case.<\/p>\n
"Outside influences can contribute to reduced battery life, for example, operating conditions of the car, accidents, repairs and general maintenance.<\/p>\n
"When purchasing a new or used hybrid car from a Mercedes-Benz Retailer, customers are informed of the battery certificate, which is alongside the warranty information on the Owners' Area of the Mercedes-Benz Cars UK website and the smart.com website."<\/p>\n