I am so bleepin' angry!!!

[01TriBlack]

I just got my car back from the Chev dealer after having it brought in for some warranty work before the warranty expires. I bought the car from a Ford dealership about 45 days ago - this past weekend being the first I've driven it. At any rate, the drivers door is broken!! It needs to be replaced. At the upper hinge, if you look for it, you can see a large crack that widens upon opening - not that I've noticed but it doesn't seat properly because of it. One of the manufacturer's stickers on the inside of the door is gouged - it almost appears as though someone had the door open, backed up and hit something. The bodyshop guy said this could have broken the door.

Do you think I'd have any luck going back to the dealer who sold me the car? I would NOT have bought it (at least not at the price I paid) had I known of the damage. I could just cry!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the same dealer who would not deal at all on the price of my new car - gave me $14K on my '96 for trade and turned around and sold it for $21.9. Damn it all!!! I feel like such a blasted fool right now.

 

[Ken]

It won't make you feel any better now, but you're not alone.

 

[Tom2000]

I understand your pain. I was lucky the first time I took my car in for Warr. service I happen to walk around the car before I left and found that someone had hit the mirror. The dealer did fix it, but was not happy about it. Now everytime I pick the car up I look the car over and have found paint damage twice now.

 

[sherry_ridgeway]

Hi all
Please dont feel that way, car dealers {99%} of them should wear a mask and brandish weapons after the sale , I've bought 3 new cars in my lifetime and the story is always the same "not covered in the warranty" no matter if its a lightbulb or a transmission, You might coincider calling the better buisness administration, and lodging a complaint against the dealer for improper conduct
I hope you get the situation rectified
sherry

 

[vette-dude]

I'm a little confused.:confused Did the door damage occur at the Chevy dealer when you took it in for the warranty work or was it there when you bought the car from the Ford Dealer?? If it occurred while it was in the Chevy dealers possesion then he is liable. If you bought it from the Ford dealer and it was that way when you got it you're probably screwed. However, if the Ford dealer told you during the sales speil that the car had never been wrecked and there was no damage to the vehicle you may be able to haul his butt to court if he won't make it right. You may even be able to get ahold of the original owner and ask him if the car was in this condition when he traded it in. If not then the damge occurred in the Ford dealers possesion and he should have fixed it before it was sold. Don't go off half cocked at this Dealer. Try to get them to fix it without any fireworks. Take a friend with you to witness any conversations with either of the dealers. Good luck.


Randy

PS: Remember, he who gets mad first loses the argument. Keep your cool!!

 

[01TriBlack]

Hi, Randy. After re-reading, my post was confusing. Sorry about that. The Chev dealer is the one who noticed the damage.... I didn't mean to infer it happened there. I called the dealership I bought the car from (the Ford dealer) last night - and the salesman, of course, said they didn't realize the damage existed. In all fairness to them, it is easy to miss. I didn't lose my cool at all - in fact, I sounded pretty pathetic. He said they aren't responsible for it but he would talk to the general manager about contributing to repairs. You know how far that will go - like nowhere. Well it was worth a try. I don't think they have any legal obligation to help with repairs - I just thought if I approached it in a non-accusing manner they'd feel sorry for me and help.

Should I wait until the fall before repairs? I know I won't be able to hand wax it for a time so I was thinking of waiting until a month or so before I put it in storage. Make sense?

 

[vette-dude]

Might as well enjoy it during the nice weather. I would contact the former owner and see if the car was damaged before he got rid of it. If not then you might have a little leverage to prove the damage occrred at the Ford Dealer and he should have fixed it before he sold it. Sounds like his rack boy may have backed into something and not reported it.

Randy

 

[sherry_ridgeway]

Hi, Randy. After re-reading, my post was confusing. Sorry about that. The Chev dealer is the one who noticed the damage.... I didn't mean to infer it happened there. I called the dealership I bought the car from (the Ford dealer) last night - and the salesman, of course, said they didn't realize the damage existed. In all fairness to them, it is easy to miss. I didn't lose my cool at all - in fact, I sounded pretty pathetic. He said they aren't responsible for it but he would talk to the general manager about contributing to repairs. You know how far that will go - like nowhere. Well it was worth a try. I don't think they have any legal obligation to help with repairs - I just thought if I approached it in a non-accusing manner they'd feel sorry for me and help.

Should I wait until the fall before repairs? I know I won't be able to hand wax it for a time so I was thinking of waiting until a month or so before I put it in storage. Make sense?

Hi mary,
for him to state that he didnt know of any damage to the door is plain silly "for the lack of a better term", All cars at dealerships are inspected upon arrival and washed and waxed and put on display, "espessally a corvette", I personally think that they were trying to take advantage of you because your a female, "it happens a lot belive me" I've had several go arounds with "midas" and a few other places that think that "girls dont know anything about cars" .It kinda freak's them out when they realize that everyone isnt a retard, "espessally women"..As far as the door be carefull driving it and watch for the bumps in the road and be carefull to not make matters worse until it can be repaired properly
GRRRrrrrr!!! now im P---ed off
sherryad

 

[01TriBlack]

Hi, Sherry. Yeah, they may have known about the damage - it would be tough to prove that they did, though. The fracture in the door looks very, very fresh. I know there was an accident with the car within 3 weeks of it's new purchase in '01.... but this looks awfully fresh to me (and to the techs at the Chev dealership).

Yeah, I hear ya about being taken advantage of because of being female. My memory immediately goes back to an $800 brake job (2 rotors, 4 pads) on my other 'vette.

 

[bluecoupe]

Call a lawyer. I'm pretty sure they are bound to disclose any know defects especially involving a safety issue like a door. People tend to tell the truth under oath. If they knew it was damaged before they sold it then someone will admit it in court. When your lawyer says he's going to subpoena the mechanics, car washers and sales staff. The dealer may change his tune and settle with you. It may cost him more to fight you than to fix your car.



$500 paid to your lawyer is cheaper than the repair. But then again you can also sue for legal fees and punitive damages. You may come out with a nice rebate on your purhase. Kick their a$$!



If you are short on cash then call your State attorney general’s office.

 

[Rogue]

I worked for a Ford dealership as a salesman for a while. If they made money off of you, they will be a bit more willing to help. Just stay on top of your salesman and if they say they'll "share" the cost, go for it. By all accounts they don't have to do anything. But, if you were a good customer and they made some $$ from the sale, they will be willing to help. I'm not saying they WILL help. But it's worth it for you to keep trying. As far as you know, that damage came from the original owner, or the wholesaler that sold the car to the Ford dealership, or your own Chevy dealer. So many have already driven your car it's impossible to tell at this point.

As a former salesman in a big dealership that sold both new and used cars, I can tell you that buying a used HIGH PERFORMANCE car from a dealership is risky. Riskier than buying from a private owner. That's because a used car is handled by dozens of people before it ends up at your dealership. And once it makes it to the dealership, unless that dealership runs a VERY tight ship, and most don't, just about everyone can take a "joy ride" on almost any car on the lot. I remember when we got an '03 F150 SVT Lightning in the used car lot. Everybody, I mean everybody took that bad boy out for a "spin". And I can assure you, it wasn't babied. By all means don't be afraid to buy an ordinary used truck, SUV, car from a used dealership. Most likely, those weren't really taken for joy rides. But when it comes to high performance cars, especially a 'Vette, a car everyone wants to drive, you can bet it's been abused a few times.

I know this isn't what you wanted to hear. Sorry about your misfortune. Just follow up with your Ford dealership and let them know if they help out, you will highly recommend them to everyone you meet.

 

[bluecoupe]

Ford/Lincoln/Mercury: Ford's Dispute Settlement Board provides an arbitration package for customers to complete and mail in their complaints. Normally, the Board limits itself to vehicles within the warranty period. The company complies with its Settlement Board's decision, although customers are allowed a rebuttal to the decision. Failing satisfaction through this arbitration, the customer can take the company to court. (Customer Assistance Center, Dispute Settlement Board, PO Box 5120, Southfield, MI 48086-5120, 800/392-3673, Lincoln: 800/521-4140, Mercury: 800/392-3673)

 

[01TriBlack]

Rogue, you made some very good points. Thank you for your input. BlueCoupe, I appreciate the information! Many thanks.

Mary

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

As a former salesman in a big dealership that sold both new and used cars, I can tell you that buying a used HIGH PERFORMANCE car from a dealership is risky.

Bill Mars of ¨Billy Mars´ ¨Used Cars¨ in Memphis was a friend of mine, he found my ´63 for me. Bill had a deal with his friends, when ever he got something HOT and hard to sell in we could drive it as long as we paid the interest on the Floor Plan and keep the For Sale stickers on it. I had several Lotuses, a XJS, a GT265, and always keep my girlfriend in an Alfa Spider this way and as pointed out we did not baby then.

One of the guys blew the motor in an Europa so badly that a piston and conrod came through the side of the car. Bill just got the fiberglass fixed, stuck a Renault short-block under the Coventry head and sold the car on. I think he got sued every few months. I do not think that he ever had to pay a dime. Let the Buyer beware!! Tough lesson to learn; hope it works out for you.

 

[brit_trader2003]

I am from the UK and so am not entirely conversant with US Law, I will assume that we operate in a similar, civilised way. However in the UK if a dealer sells a product that is defective in any way then he is liable, there is no argument, that is the way it is. The fact that a previous owner may have done this that or the other to it is irrelevant. The Dealer is responsible for the vehicle at the point of sale. Of course the dealer will try to bullsh!t his way out of it but that does not change the legal position.

In essence, if this occurs then you threaten with legal action and that usually makes companies settle out of court. If not then take them for it. You would be surprised at how sympathetic the courts are. You have a right to expect a reasonable return for your $$ and if somebody is not playing ball then the courts will jump right on them.

Do not just deflate and think that it is the way it is. That is what the Dealers try and make out the situation is. The legal system see the situation differently.

Personally I have taken companies to court several times and always won. See a lawyer.

 

[01TriBlack]

I tend to believe you're correct, brit trader, when it comes to the dealer being responsible for the car at the point of sale.... in theory, at least - I don't know if that's so in practice. Here, when you buy a used auto, you sign an "as is" agreement - yet there is still a 60-day very limited warranty. I would imagine they will hang their hats on the "as is" status of the sale. I fear it boils down to a good will gesture on their part...and they're not too happy with me anyway because of a registration problem with the car (they wanted $300 more and I refused to pay). I am leaning towards contacting an attorney friend of ours who I'd ask to shoot them a letter.

By the way, I love the UK!!! Yeah! Scotland is my kind o' place!! :cool

Mary

 

[brit_trader2003]

Although you are correct in that to a certain extent the car is sold 'as is'. However unless explicity told you would be entitled to expect no serious deficencies in the car. A door with a cracked hinge is pretty serious and unless you bought the car knowing this was the case then the Dealer has no right to say 'tough'. I still say it is worth taking legal action. Often it does not even need a lawyer.

 

[Black Bear]

I feel for you. Just because you are a woman, doesn't mean you need to be taken advantage of. I'll tell you one thing, I know for a fact that if you are assertive and aggressive to a certain extent, you will be given the respect that you deserve. Men don't like it when women yell at them.

Go back to where you purchased the car from; keep pestering them to repair your vehicle and I would have it repaired NOW! Remember, this car is your pride and joy. Don't let your ownership be clouded by a butch of crooks.

Also, if you don't get the service you so deserve, there must be some sort of tribunal or complaint center that looks after this kind of problem if the culprits do not address their faults.

Let us know how you make out.

 

[01TriBlack]

Thanks, Black Bear, for your reply. There is always the Attorney General avenue - that usually strikes fear in the souls of any merchant. Someone else was kind enough to leave the address for Ford complaints - but this may be limited to complaints related to Fords from a Ford dealer? I dunno. The salesman said he'd get back to me no later than Monday. We'll see. A door is a pretty big deal in my view - it certainly would have been a "deal breaker" at the price I paid. Having something other than factory paint bugs me bigtime, too.

Have a great weekend!

Mary

 

[mike weyman]

If you had proof that the damage was on the car when they got it,you may have a chance saying that they are supposed to inspect the car before they sell it.especially if the previous owner says he told them.
you said yourself it was concealed damage
not being familiar with fiberglass cars, they would not think of checking doors.
you would have to prove they knew of the damage.
without proof it was there, you had the car for 6 weeks, god only knows who damaged it.
unless the lawyer is free, or the previous owner says the dealer knew, i'd put the money towards repairs. mike