Quote:
Originally Posted by petegz28
Don't what?
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Sorry for not being helpful. I meant if they are jerking you around don't deal with them, go over them.
Here is an excerpt from an article I sent my young nephew a while back...
If all else fails ...
If you aren't treated professionally or fairly -- or the shop seems unable to fix your car's problem -- there are two steps to take.
The first is to speak directly with the owner/manager of the dealership. He should want happy customers who believe they have been treated fairly -- and who will come back to him for their next vehicle. A word from the owner/manager to the service adviser can work miracles.
Call him as often as necessary and concisely and politely explain the nature of the problem. Point out that you spent a large amount of money at his business and that you expect to be treated fairly.
If this approach does not work, the next step is to move up the food chain to the automaker the dealership represents. Ford, GM, Honda and other companies don't like it when dealers aren't satisfying their customers and can bring enormous pressure to bear to make it right.
Call the regional customer-relations officer (or corporate headquarters); explain your problem, as above, with supporting documentation; and ask for help. You will find the contact information in your owner's manual.
Don't make accusations or threats; this won't help your cause. Instead, simply state that Dealer "X" has been unable to resolve the problem and that you are disappointed by the manner in which you've been treated.
Explain that you enjoy your vehicle but that the service experience has been unsatisfactory and that you are having regrets about having bought that make of vehicle. State that you want your vehicle fixed or the problem taken care of -- don't make unreasonable demands.
Most automakers will respond positively to inquiries of this kind, and the problem should be addressed in short order.
If this doesn't work, you may have to pursue other avenues, including getting in touch with the appropriate state bureau of consumer/regulatory affairs or hiring a lawyer to compose a suitably serious letter threatening to take the matter to court.
But your car troubles usually can be dealt with by simple, effective communication.
Eric Peters is an automotive columnist who has covered the auto industry since 1992. His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, among other publications. E-mail him at Epeters952@aol.com.
http://www.armytimes.com/offduty/aut...DEALERSERVICE/