Should I expect compensation?

[kt_mom]

I posted before I finished reading.

No problem. There's just a lot of posters that think the dealership shouldn't just fix the car but pay off her mortgage too.

 

[Madison'smommy]

I am curious if you got a response from them yet!

 

[happily single]

Boy, you're a piece of work!

First THREATENING! Then LYING and using your employeer's letterhead for something that is NOT their business.

I hope you don't lose your job over this, too.

Sorry if I'm not going to lay down and let the dealer take advantage of me. (I kept that clean, but boy, the thoughts going through my mind

First I did not threaten until they balked at paying ANYTHING! I have worked with my boss for over 11 years, I eat dinner with him regularly. We have an extremely close relationship and yes, if necessary he will file suit on my behalf.

Also, the vehicle came with a 30 day dealer warranty and a 2 year extended warranty. BUT the point is, I didn't have possession of the vehicle for 24 hours and it was dead. I can't wait until you are in that position and are stuck miles from home, in the heat, with small kids

THe point is I purchased a vehicle, less than 100 miles later I am stuck, in 95 degree heat, 60 miles from home on a Sunday afternoon.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Sorry if I'm not going to lay down and let the dealer take advantage of me. (I kept that clean, but boy, the thoughts going through my mind

First I did not threaten until they balked at paying ANYTHING! I have worked with my boss for over 11 years, I eat dinner with him regularly. We have an extremely close relationship and yes, if necessary he will file suit on my behalf.

Also, the vehicle came with a 30 day dealer warranty and a 2 year extended warranty. BUT the point is, I didn't have possession of the vehicle for 24 hours and it was dead. I can't wait until you are in that position and are stuck miles from home, in the heat, with small kids

THe point is I purchased a vehicle, less than 100 miles later I am stuck, in 95 degree heat, 60 miles from home on a Sunday afternoon.

OP: I am thrilled that the dealership recognized that you left with a car that basically DIED on you within such a short period of time.
Personally, I think you have handled the situation the way you saw fit, and to heck with all the naysayers...imagine if they were in YOUR shoes, I know I would have been seriously FREAKED out, broken down like that...anyway, I am glad that they repaired the vehicle.
As far as AAA, they usually do not have such long delays and they generally will call and let you know (sometimes in winter they get so bogged down with dead batteries for instance) so, you can let them know that you were dis-satisfied and see if they will offer you anything, they will respond and you may luck out , who knows, either way, they should know about your situation as a PURCHASER of their contract with you.
Regarding the vehicle, IF your state law does not allow the contract to be Voided (3 days) , and you ONLY can be at the dealers "whim" at whether to fix it or not, then I say you're ahead of the game, appears in your case tho, they KNEW theyd be stuck with the warranty, so they fixed it....
As a purchaser of both New and Certified cars, it has always been my opinion that Id rather be safe than sorry and I have always bought (and negotiated) the Xtended warranty. While it does not cover everything, it covers a majority of things...I have never paid more than 900 to get 7/100K warranty (honda Care) and for me, that transferable, non deductible warranty is GOLDEN ...since I have had to use one in the past..Electronics are HUGE costs...
In addition, BBB in my past experience Has stepped up and companies have responded with an issue that warrants it, so I am not sure others experiences, but there will always be differing opinions....
I think that IF you feel strongly about your additional expenses, only YOU can decide the next step. Hope it works out to your satisfaction. Most importantly. wishing you HAPPY and SAFE motoring in the future .......

 

[happily single]

OP: I am thrilled that the dealership recognized that you left with a car that basically DIED on you within such a short period of time.
Personally, I think you have handled the situation the way you saw fit, and to heck with all the naysayers...imagine if they were in YOUR shoes, I know I would have been seriously FREAKED out, broken down like that...anyway, I am glad that they repaired the vehicle.
As far as AAA, they usually do not have such long delays and they generally will call and let you know (sometimes in winter they get so bogged down with dead batteries for instance) so, you can let them know that you were dis-satisfied and see if they will offer you anything, they will respond and you may luck out , who knows, either way, they should know about your situation as a PURCHASER of their contract with you.
Regarding the vehicle, IF your state law does not allow the contract to be Voided (3 days) , and you ONLY can be at the dealers "whim" at whether to fix it or not, then I say you're ahead of the game, appears in your case tho, they KNEW theyd be stuck with the warranty, so they fixed it....
As a purchaser of both New and Certified cars, it has always been my opinion that Id rather be safe than sorry and I have always bought (and negotiated) the Xtended warranty. While it does not cover everything, it covers a majority of things...I have never paid more than 900 to get 7/100K warranty (honda Care) and for me, that transferable, non deductible warranty is GOLDEN ...since I have had to use one in the past..Electronics are HUGE costs...
In addition, BBB in my past experience Has stepped up and companies have responded with an issue that warrants it, so I am not sure others experiences, but there will always be differing opinions....
I think that IF you feel strongly about your additional expenses, only YOU can decide the next step. Hope it works out to your satisfaction. Most importantly. wishing you HAPPY and SAFE motoring in the future .......

THank you for your voice of reason..

I can't stress enough that I was polite and dipolmatic to begin with. When he balked at paying anything I told him "I will be reimbursed one way or the other, so if I need to file suit, file a complaint or contact the news I will". I didn't raise my voice, I didn't cause a scene in front of customers, I stated my desire..

But boy, I would love to take advantage of some of these people here that feel that after spending over $14,000 on a vehicle and having it die within 24 hours (and less than 100 miles) I am being unreasonble by expecting "to be made whole" Prior to breaking down my bank account had XXX dollars in it; because of breaking down I lost that money

 

[LilyWDW]

THank you for your voice of reason..

I can't stress enough that I was polite and dipolmatic to begin with. When he balked at paying anything I told him "I will be reimbursed one way or the other, so if I need to file suit, file a complaint or contact the news I will". I didn't raise my voice, I didn't cause a scene in front of customers, I stated my desire..

But boy, I would love to take advantage of some of these people here that feel that after spending over $14,000 on a vehicle and having it die within 24 hours (and less than 100 miles) I am being unreasonble by expecting "to be made whole" Prior to breaking down my bank account had XXX dollars in it; because of breaking down I lost that money

They are fixing the car! That is what they are responsible for. They are not responsible for the tow (that is why you have AAA). They are not responsible for your lunch (that is YOUR choice). They might be responsible for the rental vehicle, but you may want to check with your insurance on that.

You did threaten them. By saying, before they finished with the work, that you may have to file suit or go to the news... that is a threat. That will get you nowhere. You have now lost all good will they may have had.

A fuel pump is not something that will give much warning before it goes. It was most likely just simple bad luck that it happened the next day. That is a part of life. Stuff happens. If they hold up to their end of the deal (what is in your warranty) then they have done their job. I highly doubt they sold you the car knowing of the problem. Like I said, it is a situation that does not give much warning until it actually goes.

 

[Tink-aholic]

You can explain it all you want. Some people, like the OP, just never get it.

 

[kt_mom]

They are fixing the car! That is what they are responsible for. They are not responsible for the tow (that is why you have AAA). They are not responsible for your lunch (that is YOUR choice). They might be responsible for the rental vehicle, but you may want to check with your insurance on that.

You did threaten them. By saying, before they finished with the work, that you may have to file suit or go to the news... that is a threat. That will get you nowhere. You have now lost all good will they may have had.

A fuel pump is not something that will give much warning before it goes. It was most likely just simple bad luck that it happened the next day. That is a part of life. Stuff happens. If they hold up to their end of the deal (what is in your warranty) then they have done their job. I highly doubt they sold you the car knowing of the problem. Like I said, it is a situation that does not give much warning until it actually goes.

I agree! Its unfortunate that the car had a problem so soon, but it is a risk we take. Things break. The dealership has agreed to fix the car, they have held up their end of the deal.

 

[Judique]

I just want to chime in on AAA. We had a car problem Sunday before last where our tire was damaged - road hazard ate up a $200 tire.

It took AAA 1 and 3/4 hours to respond. It was in the nineties weather wise.

My other alternative was to change the tire myself. I can't even lift one of those big tires. And, once AAA got there, he couldn't get my jack to work - brand new in the plastic - and had to use a block with his jack to get the tire of the ground. In other words, even if I could have lifted the tire, I still would have needed help. (I do know how to change a tire.)

I've had AAA for many years. I've come to expect at minimum an hour to 2 hour wait. They are not instant. On the other hand, I've also paid for a tow (12 miles) from a private towing company. That was $150 - cash. I had to go to an atm to get the cash before my vehicle was released to me at my service center as I didn't have the money on me.

So - I'll gladly wait for AAA.

I've also had a fuel pump and a water pump go out on me. The signs were there in advance. We just weren't sure. We jumped the vehicle several times before we had the pump put in. I would not expect the dealer to know about this in advance - the diagnostic tests were all over the place for us.

I really doubt the news media would be interested in a first time complaint just because someone broke down once in an unfamiliar vehicle. Credibility would only come for the purchaser after she had multiple problems with no resolution. I don't buy the story that 'the car was under a 2 yr extended warranty and they weren't going to fix it.' I do buy the idea that the OP was so upset she went there asking for the moon and they said we'll fix the car but we aren't buying you lunch, tow (covered by AAA) or a rental car you used for your outing. I am also wondering if the 30 day dealer warranty covered towing and the OP didn't use it or have her paperwork with her to figure out how to use it, or was unwilling to live by it's terms.

Was this a certified preowned vehicle? I have a new respect for this classification of cars sold by certain dealers. They can have problems but my family (not myself personally) has had excellent success in purchasing certified used cars. The dealerships have stood on those certifications and family has been happy. In fact, one family member bought one, used it for almost a year, and was able to get almost all the money back when selling it to carmax - an excellent deal.

Anyway there is no doubt that the OP was inconvenienced. And annoyed. It happens.

But bottom line - car should be fixed in a timely manner, otherwise as asked - no - there should be no additional compensation for your obvious inconvenience. That was a known risk you assumed.

 

[eyeshadow]

I think you were reasonable until you asked for them to pay for your lunch...Your reason died with your car then.

 

[Missy1961]

You can explain it all you want. Some people, like the OP, just never get it.

I think you're right.

OP, I hope you don't get in trouble (or worse) for using company letterhead. If I was the head of that firm & heard that someone did what you did, I would not be happy.

 

[aubriee]

OP, you are way off base in your expectations. I'm glad they are taking care of the repair for you, but to demand more and make threats is just wrong.

Dealers help customers out when they are not required to do so by law to gain the goodwill of the customers. In this case they are throwing away money. You have now shown you will not walk away a happy camper. There is no way by law they owe reim for those extra expenses. Those costs are small potatoes and are your responsibility. You bought a USED CAR with around 56k...parts will fail. That's just life...fuel pumps fail.

Folks that carry on like you have just make it hard for a business to ever offer assistance. Why should they? You will walk away unhappy no matter what. Dont be greedy.

I agree! The OP is being too greedy! The car dealership did all they should have when they fixed the car.

 

[nilseks]

You've gotten some good advice here (and some not so good) but to add my 2 cents...

I could have written this 4 years ago. We bought a used Dodge (same thing) with 48,000 miles and it broke down almost immediately. And then again. And again. And again. We went through several fuel pumps, several thermostats, several water pumps. Bottom line--if you can get rid of it, do so! I have learned the hard way about problems with Chrysler. We ended up thousands and thousands of dollars in the hole and finally gave up a few months ago--while we were still upside down on our loan--and bought a Kia. I can't tell you how happy I am not to have to worry about that old Dodge breaking down constantly.

And as far as the BBB--worthless. A year ago we had carpeting installed in our basement and the company did a lousy job. We tried very nicely to solve the problem with the company but they were jerks who took our money and ran. We documented everything, filed a complaint with the BBB. It was a waste of time. The carpeting company totally lied to the BBB and the BBB had no way to force them into recourse. But I supposed in this case it doesn't matter anyway, since the dealer fixed your car. You would have no claim with the BBB.

 

[dakcp2001]

I'd be furious if a car I bought yesterday broke down. You are in Massachusetts so you had 3 days to back out of the sale. That is what I would have done. ** My bad, just saw you bought it in RI not Mass. I woudl try to return the car regardless. I think you have a valid complaint to back out of the sale.

The rest of your demands and the way in which you threatened the car people is just absurd (with media etc, that is just ridiculous). I am not sure where this sense of entitlement comes from. You catch more flies with honey, the way you handled it and how you spoke to them just made them hate you immediately and consider you an enemy. That is not going to get you anywhere, and no one is going to go out of their way to do anything extra for someone who behaves that way. You would never make it in sales, you are lacking in people skills. Persuading someone to want to help you isn't that hard, you missed the boat on that one by how you treated the employees.

You are not more important than anyone else. Cars break down, it is frustrating when that happens and would make anyone angry. Your choice is to back out of the contract or let them fix the car. Anything else would just be superfluous at this point, and is an overrection.

 

[cats mom]

THank you for your voice of reason..

I can't stress enough that I was polite and dipolmatic to begin with. When he balked at paying anything I told him "I will be reimbursed one way or the other, so if I need to file suit, file a complaint or contact the news I will". I didn't raise my voice, I didn't cause a scene in front of customers, I stated my desire..

But boy, I would love to take advantage of some of these people here that feel that after spending over $14,000 on a vehicle and having it die within 24 hours (and less than 100 miles) I am being unreasonble by expecting "to be made whole" Prior to breaking down my bank account had XXX dollars in it; because of breaking down I lost that money

But it seems to me you're actually asking to "be made whole plus"

Since you faxed a demand on company letterhead and say your boss will take your case if necessary, have you asked him what he thinks the dealership should reasonably cover?

Obviously none of us have read the specific language in your warranty, but I would think you would be limited to whatever is provided for there.

You already got the repair.
There might have been some towing benefits, but you chose to use AAA instead. Why would you think you should be reimbursed for that?
No idea about rental car benefits, some policies allow for them, some don't.
I'm with most other posters on lunch at Starbucks... your choice, your dime, or many dimes as the case may be.

I have to admit I'm surprised at how many people are screaming lemon law when it was a fuel pump that died. Is it possible that the vehicle has underlying problems? Sure. But it's more probable that it was just sucky timing and the vehicle is no more a lemon than any other vehicle that has had a dead fuel pump. I hope it was just bad timing and that your new vehicle proves to be reliable transportation in the future

I agree that you've received some good advice and some not so good advice. But it seems only people who agree with you provide the voice of reason, so maybe you weren't really looking for honest opinions in the first place, just validation of your position. You won't get that from me, sorry.

I do sympathize. I know it can be incredibly frustrating to be starnded like that and to have to deal with all the associated costs, I'm sure even more so with a vehicle you just drove off the lot. Doesn't mean you should be reimbursed for everything though.

 

[luvthemouse71]

THank you for your voice of reason..

I can't stress enough that I was polite and dipolmatic to begin with. When he balked at paying anything I told him "I will be reimbursed one way or the other, so if I need to file suit, file a complaint or contact the news I will". I didn't raise my voice, I didn't cause a scene in front of customers, I stated my desire..

But boy, I would love to take advantage of some of these people here that feel that after spending over $14,000 on a vehicle and having it die within 24 hours (and less than 100 miles) I am being unreasonble by expecting "to be made whole" Prior to breaking down my bank account had XXX dollars in it; because of breaking down I lost that money

Eh, don't worry about the people screaming for your blood here. That's just the DIS way. Lots of "holier than thou" types with nothing better to do than to get nasty over nothing. Seems to be really bad on the Budget Board in particular.

That's one of the reasons why I don't post asking for opinions anymore, at least not about money. 1) it brings out all the whack jobs and 2) ultimately, don't think a group of strangers on the Internet can provide the best advice.


Hope things work out for you- you have to watch car dealerships. They can be shady. I won't buy American cars anymore either, after 2 bad experiences.

 

[Lumiere Lover]

Look into the contracts for your state. In Wisconsin, we have a 3 day right to rescind. You can cancel your contract within 72 hours. Hopefully you will have this option.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

At this point OP is well outside any cancellation clause. The time to do that was day one when she should have had the car towed to the dealer and demanded her money back.

Instead she agreed to let the dealer fix the car as long as she gets made "whole" by reminbursment for expenses not incurred. Bizarre!

 

[IDoDis]

I used to sell cars. We called a certain type of customer a "RED EYE." When a complainer would walk into the dealership, we'd figure out who the sales person was and then tell them a "Red Eye" was here to visit them. The name comes from someone who cries a lot and therefore has red eyes.

Now don't get me wrong... I'm not talking about a typical customer who has a problem and brings the car in to be fixed. I'm talking about someone who thinks the red carpet should be rolled out for them and everyone should bow down upon their entrance and give in to their every demand. The ones who were nice, were given extras for their troubles if they had a problem with a car they just purchased -- maybe free oil changes and tire rotations for a couple of years, free lunches in the cafe (the dealership had a small cafe/coffee shop) when their car was being worked on, etc...

But the ones who demanded ridiculous things were given high prices if they returned at a later time to purchase another car. The car manager would just say it wasn't worth it to have their business, so the quote would be high enough that they would leave.

 

[Lewisc]

Also, the vehicle came with a 30 day dealer warranty and a 2 year extended warranty. BUT the point is, I didn't have possession of the vehicle for 24 hours and it was dead. I can't wait until you are in that position and are stuck miles from home, in the heat, with small kids

THe point is I purchased a vehicle, less than 100 miles later I am stuck, in 95 degree heat, 60 miles from home on a Sunday afternoon.

The terms of your 30 day warranty, and extended warranty, should state if roadside assistance (towing) and a rental car is included. You probably needed to have called the company responsible for handling roadside assistance if you wanted your warranty to handle the tow.

I suspect asking for a free lunch didn't do much for your cause.