Which Will it Be? (Update)
We went back to the dealer today (see this post). We spent a long time negotiating and debating in circles, but I managed to get the point across that there were three ways to resolve this situation:
1. Repair the vehicle we purchased at no additional cost. I also stressed the point that we needed to have a comfort level with the repair job. We didn't want to drive off and have the car die again in two days.
2. Offer a fair trade. The dealer offered to give us a similar vehicle with fewer miles. I explained that they must ALSO do the same level of service to the vehicle that I'd already paid for on the first. I put good money into the first car to make sure its routine maintenance taken care of. Any fair trade needed to have the same level of care put into it, so that I didn't have to pay for it twice.
3. Return our entire purchase price and offer to do something about the money I'd already spent on the car. I didn't stress this option too much, because I figured it would be the biggest bureaucratic mess for them. Besides, I really wanted a car!
Almost immediately, they offered to fix the ignition switch free of charge ($500 cost, they said). The sticking point, however, was that the manager made it clear they would be washing their hands of this vehicle if they fixed the switch and we drove it off the lot. That just wasn't cool with me. I didn't have any confidence that fixing the switch would be the end of the electrical problems, not after tthey discovered the damage from the suspected break-in. I wanted some reassurance that they would continue to warranty any damage related to the break in.
We took a break while the manager took care of some paperwork. I told Kelly that I was going to pressure them to warranty this repair in some way or we weren't going to accept this offer.
When we sat back down with the manager he did something that took me totally by surprise. He offered to refund our purchase and cover the outside repair costs. It really was a shock, because I know it's probably the most difficult thing for them to do from a paperwork and bean-counter standpoint.
Unfortunately we didn't get a check on the spot. We have to go pick it up tomorrow. After it clears the bank, watch for an honorary mention on the N**E List.
1. Repair the vehicle we purchased at no additional cost. I also stressed the point that we needed to have a comfort level with the repair job. We didn't want to drive off and have the car die again in two days.
2. Offer a fair trade. The dealer offered to give us a similar vehicle with fewer miles. I explained that they must ALSO do the same level of service to the vehicle that I'd already paid for on the first. I put good money into the first car to make sure its routine maintenance taken care of. Any fair trade needed to have the same level of care put into it, so that I didn't have to pay for it twice.
3. Return our entire purchase price and offer to do something about the money I'd already spent on the car. I didn't stress this option too much, because I figured it would be the biggest bureaucratic mess for them. Besides, I really wanted a car!
Almost immediately, they offered to fix the ignition switch free of charge ($500 cost, they said). The sticking point, however, was that the manager made it clear they would be washing their hands of this vehicle if they fixed the switch and we drove it off the lot. That just wasn't cool with me. I didn't have any confidence that fixing the switch would be the end of the electrical problems, not after tthey discovered the damage from the suspected break-in. I wanted some reassurance that they would continue to warranty any damage related to the break in.
We took a break while the manager took care of some paperwork. I told Kelly that I was going to pressure them to warranty this repair in some way or we weren't going to accept this offer.
When we sat back down with the manager he did something that took me totally by surprise. He offered to refund our purchase and cover the outside repair costs. It really was a shock, because I know it's probably the most difficult thing for them to do from a paperwork and bean-counter standpoint.
Unfortunately we didn't get a check on the spot. We have to go pick it up tomorrow. After it clears the bank, watch for an honorary mention on the N**E List.
5 Amendments:
Aaron I'm glad to hear that they finally decided to make it right.
Although I wouldn't N**ce list them... since you had to put their backs up to the wall to make them that way.
Yeah, but most used car dealerships are pure scum. I'm surprised you got anything back, and I'm glad that you did, without too much hassle.
That's cool, Aaron. Sorry it caused so much hassle though.
Buying a crib and stroller will be significantly less stressful than buying your car. :-)
I cannot stand going in to car dealers.
Confessions of a car Salesman
That's probably why I haven't bought a truck in 16 years.
Glad to hear they treated you decent.
disregard my comment on the post below...
But if you need any help in the purchase of your next car, feel free to contact me.
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