Should I expect compensation?

[happily single]

I purchased a 2007 Chrysler yesterday. Drove it about 20 miles or less yesterday. This morning loaded the kids in and headed out for a "day trip" to Boston. While in Boston without warning (no lights, sounds, etc) the car died! Just stalled out and would not start....The dealer was not open today

This is the inconvenience I suffered:

It was hot out. AAA took almost 2 hours (A complaint will be made to them as they promised me a 30 minute "priority" tow). The kids and I were stuck on the side of the road in Boston this entire time.

I had to take a taxi with three kids to a rental car agency (Taxi ride-$32)

I had to buy Starbucks for lunch as there was nothing nearby ($23.00)

I had to rent a car (DON'T EVEN ASK!!!!) I choose a small, ecomony car, but without a coupon code and in Boston, it was super expensive

I fully expect the car dealer to reimburse me for the taxi, tow (which was covered by AAA but counts against my yearly allowance) lunch, rental and to obviously fix or replace the vehicle.

Am I being unreasonable?

 

[Mkebound]

Reasonable? Sure.

Realistic? No.

Good luck!

 

[divabydisney]

Maybe for the tow. However, this happened to me once. Want to know how I made my point across? I had the car towed to block the entrance of the dealership. I left a very firm, ok maybe a notch above furious vm for all management personnel, this happened on a Sunday with my 2 kids as well. We didn't have a taxi (my parents were able to get us). So I didn't have those misc expenses. You would have had to have lunch either way so don't see them reimbursing you for that, but absolutely the tow at the least, maybe a few more for your time but that's the realistic amount. Ideally, you'd get it all back, but you won't. Expect nothing so that whatever you get will make you happy.

 

[kirstenb1]

I don't think you're unreasonable. The only thing I'd add is a rental car while they're fixing your vehicle.

 

[LilyWDW]

I purchased a 2007 Chrysler yesterday. Drove it about 20 miles or less yesterday. This morning loaded the kids in and headed out for a "day trip" to Boston. While in Boston without warning (no lights, sounds, etc) the car died! Just stalled out and would not start....The dealer was not open today

This is the inconvenience I suffered:

It was hot out. AAA took almost 2 hours (A complaint will be made to them as they promised me a 30 minute "priority" tow). The kids and I were stuck on the side of the road in Boston this entire time.

I had to take a taxi with three kids to a rental car agency (Taxi ride-$32)

I had to buy Starbucks for lunch as there was nothing nearby ($23.00)

I had to rent a car (DON'T EVEN ASK!!!!) I choose a small, ecomony car, but without a coupon code and in Boston, it was super expensive

I fully expect the car dealer to reimburse me for the taxi, tow (which was covered by AAA but counts against my yearly allowance) lunch, rental and to obviously fix or replace the vehicle.

Am I being unreasonable?

I wouldn't expect the lunch. It may have been the only place nearby, but that was not an emergency. Taxi... maybe, depending on if there was any other rental places closer. If there was, they might argue you could have gone there OR that AAA covers it.

Tow, rental, and fix I can possibly see.

 

[ajh88]

Is there a warranty or anything on the vehicle? I hope so...if not, I'm not sure that you'll get anything at all. Even if there isn't, hopefully the dealership will be willing to work with you on it. I can see the rental car and likely the taxi too. If AAA covered the tow, I'm not sure if I would expect that back. Good luck and - what a frustrating day that had to be!

As a tangent...my sister's truck died awhile back (it is newer but they've had it a couple of years). Took it to the dealership to be fixed as it was under warranty. It died literally 2 blocks from the dealership after she picked it up from the repair. They wanted her to get it back to them...she told them they could come pick it up, since they could see it from the edge of their parking lot.

 

[livvylivvie]

So Let me get this straight.... you have owned the car for about like a day????!!! TELL THEM YOU DON't WANT IT!!! If if died after Two days, I would seriously wonder what else is wrong with it!!
Similar thing happened to my sister. But she was driving it home from the dealership!! and They didn't want to take it back!!!! THAT IS BAD BUSiNESS!!! BAD!!!!

I Sure hope you get a different car. Arn't there "Lemon" Laws or somthing?

Hugs!!

 

[disneymomoftwins]

Lemon Laws only apply to new cars. Did you buy the car "as is"? If so the dealership isnt liable for anything that happens after you buy the car.

 

[deakam]

Here in Wisconsin we have 3 business days to cancel any contract. I really hope you have this option.

 

[xanphylus]

I would expect them to pay for the tow and rental and fix it- you just bough the thing! Last time we bought a car, the battery died in it on our way home from a mini vacation to see family about 1-2 hours away from home. We had no idea if it was the battery or alternator- either way, it had to be towed. I had it towed straight to the dealer and told the tow truck guy he would get paid there. I called the dealer and told them to expect him and that they could fix the car they sold me.... They didn't want to, but after I mention the BBB, they quickly fixed it as it hadn't even been a week since we bought it. Good luck OP and remember- be firm but nice and it will get you more than being a meanie-pants.

 

[Styx Fan]

A couple of details missing here is the mileage on the vehicle and was there any warranty given. If it is high mileage and warranty, you are probably out of luck. Vehicles break down and the higher the miles the more likely for this to happen. It may be something that even the dealer would not see coming.

Even on brand new vehs, it is rare for a dealer to cover incidental expenses like food. If AAA covered the tow, they will not double reim your costs. Again depending on the miles and warranty they may or may not cover a rental. I really doubt it on a veh several years old.

Dealers are really into dealer loyalty, or at the very least brand loyalty. If you have been a long time customer of this dlr, especially if you have previously purchased new, they will be more prone to look for ways to help you out. Honestly, I think the best you can really hope for is a repair at cost. Not saying that is right, but what I would expect after working for a manufacturer in customer assistance

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

If it was bought "as is" then i am afraid you will be stuck with the bills.

 

[Green Tea]

20 miles is probably farther than I would have expected with a Chrysler.

 

[disneymomoftwins]

When you go into or talk to someone at the dealership, dont take the "you owe me route". Go in with "please help me" and you will get more help. Also remember you are going into the service department for help and you may need to ask to see your salesperson to get things rolling.

 

[devilmafia11]

i think you should not

 

[coolbeans]

Here in Wisconsin we have 3 business days to cancel any contract. I really hope you have this option.

that's what i was thinking too, right of recission on a loan is 3 days.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

I think you should demand it, in a nice way. At first. You have a reasonable expectation that the car would not experience any problems within the first 20 miles. If they refuse to pay, small claims court.


This doesn't really apply to you, but I remember several years back seeing a car abandoned in a parking lot, I'm going to assume that the owner didn't have the car for long. He came back and spray painted "Bought this car from such and such dealership" and then spray painted a lemon on it. I thought that was pretty clever. It would make me think twice about buying a car from that dealership.

 

[NYCDiane]

*************************

Look up the Lemon Law for your state NOW and get to the dealer TODAY and cancel that contract!!!!! Do NOT let them push you off or stall or anything else. Make sure you get it all IN WRITING.

Most states have Lemon Laws for used vehicles and most states have a 3-day period in which you can cancel the contract. GET MOVING NOW. DO NOT HESITATE or you will never get your money back.*****************************

 

[tarheel618]

I am so sorry, if you can cancel (3 day Law) I absolutely would, I know there are some here that have had great luck with Chrysler I have not. What you experienced is what I did for almost 4 years (it was emotionally draining for me) finally I took a lost and traded the car for a car payment, I've never been happier.

If you can get your money back, I'd grab the bag of money and run like H e (double hockey sticks)

 

[fireflymedic]

did the car have a warenty or was it sold "as is"??

that is what is going to make all the diverence.

It is a 4 yr. old car they do break down, now if it was something the dealer had riged to make it run knowing it was going to break down in a few miles and you can prove it, you probobly can get all that stuff you want but it will take going to small claims court