Need help from car consumer experts!!!

[Earstou]

Help! Last night I lost the computer board for my dash on my 1998 Dodge Caravan. This is the FOURTH time this has happened since we bought it new. The first time we just paid for it without complaining because things happen. The second time the part was still under warranty, so no charge. The third time, they "only" charged for labor after much complaining on my part.
Now we would replace this vehicle IF we could afford to, but we can't after having big medical bills this year and still recovering from DH being laid off for a year 2 years ago. I'm disabled and have NO income.
Even if they fix it for free, I don't want this car anymore. Twice we have been in another state and had to drive home with no instuments on the dash (honestly Officer, I had NO idea how fast I was going ). Plus, they always have to order the part, which takes time, then the time it takes to fix it, leaves a lot of down time for this vehicle about every two years.
SO, what do we do now???? I'll be calling to talk to the dealership, but I already know I want more that they want to offer. Any ideas?

 

[my3kids]

Try looking for a TSB issued on that part. If Chrysler has issued a technical service bulletin you may be able to get them to pay for the repair this time, plus costs from previous repairs. Edmunds.com may have a section of TSB's. Just try a Yahoo search and see what comes up.

I sympathize with you. I had a Caravan for a while. It was a piece of *&&^&* that was in the shop far more than it was in my garage. It made me a real believer in foreign made cars. I'll never buy a domestic car again.

 

[jeancbpugh]

I don't like my 1998 Pontiac Transport Montana either because things don't last on it, but it does handle well. Broken for the last year: rear window wiper, remote keyfob entry, power door, thermometer (warns me of freezing when it is 90 degrees out, etc.), radio display/clock, overhead lights intermittantly nonfunctional.

Plus, the dealership is dishonest. One example: brought van to dealership to fix several things, including driver's side speaker not working. They looked at it and said speaker needed to be replaced and not loose wire. The speaker was more $ than it was worth, so I said no thanks. As I drove away, the driver's side speaker was working. It had been a loose wire.

Another example: van was making funny noises last year. Brought it to dealership and they tell me I need to replace transmission, water pump, etc for $5000. I decide to take it elsewhere because too much $ for a 7 year old car. It drove perfectly as I left the dealership and still is one year later...without repairing anything. Makes ya wonder, doesn't it?

I will muddle on through with it for several more years though, because I think cars are bad investments. Buy 'em with cash and drive them until the repairs are too expensive compared with buying a new car (which is saying a lot).

Foreign-produced cars aren't necessarily the answer either. I drove a 1985 Toyota Camry for 11 years. That car was a piece of junk, too. Things breaking all the time. Didn't drive well. Bad dissemination of recall information and dubious ethics in the dealership service department.

Cars are a nuisance. But they are better than horse and wagon. At least my minivan doesn't get colick.

 

[luvthatdisney]

I would check your states lemon law - I think if you have to hve the same repair made more than a few times - it would qualify. I know each state if different and there may be a time frame the events would have to take place, but it would be worth looking into!

 

[jeancbpugh]

Help! Last night I lost the computer board for my dash on my 1998 Dodge Caravan. This is the FOURTH time this has happened since we bought it new.

If I were you, I'd call Car Talk (radio show about car maintenance on public radio.) Their website is http://www.cartalk.com/

 

[Earstou]

If I were you, I'd call Car Talk (radio show about car maintenance on public radio.) Their website is http://www.cartalk.com/

I forgot about Click and Clack!!!! Thanks for reminding me. My son is a huge fan and would get a big kick out of me calling! Even if they don't help me, at least I'll be laughing!

 

[ducklite]

Due to the age of the car, the Lemon Law won't apply. In all honesty, you're talking about a seven year old car. While I sympathize, I don't think there's much that can be done.

What concerns me is that you state you are disabled and have no income. Have you filed for SSDI?

Anne

 

[Earstou]

UPDATE:
I started the car this morning and everything is back!?!? The other three times this happened, it never came back (without being fixed).So it's not a problem anymore. I just hope it stays that way!

What concerns me is that you state you are disabled and have no income. Have you filed for SSDI?
Anne

I was a SAHM when I became disabled, so no benefits for me. You have to be employed at the time you become disabled to receive benefits.