notblowingsmoke

So about a month ago I go out to my local dealer and decide to buy me a new truck. Not that anything was wrong with the 03 2500, just got itchy for that extra power and a 3500. Any how, I pick out the one that I want and it was fully loaded to the gills minus the crapy factory mirrors thst it had on it and a minor scratch on the bed. So to make the deal they replace the mirrors with tow mirrors and fix the scratch. It took three days! I go to pick it up and the lot portter they send to bring it up backs the truck into a light pole right in front of me and brings me the truck as if nothing happend. Needless to say the little punk got fired So here I am without my truck for a week and very ****** off. Finally I get the thing back from the bodyshop and take her home. So after a few washes I start to notice this film on the truck and just got worse every time that it got washed. I finally realize that it was clearcoat overspray from the bodyshop! I go to the dealer and they say no problem "we can fix it, yes we can".... So there it is in the shop one more time and I am kinda happy because it was going to look nice again. After all it only has 3000 miles on it, it should look new. So tonight I get the call that it is ready for me to pick up. I was so happy that I rushed to get off work and raced to the dealership befor they closed so I could have my truck back. And guess what? Those SOBs ruined that truck !
There were scratches all over it... Not just the paint but the windows, mirrors, and all the lamps!!!!!! In the morning I am going to meet the GM, service mng., and the bodyshop mng. to discuss what the hell they are going to do about this cluster !

Any advice for a very hot and I mean HOT temperd customer and just what they should do for me?

Mr Bee

The best advise I can give you is to stay calm and do not fly off of the handle. They will dismiss you as a lunitic. Chocking anyone is another no no.
Be professional, and let them know you have already written most of a letter to Dodge and how would they like you to write the last paragraph...
Also they should be aware in a subtle way that you are internet friendly and that you will post the results of their solutions to the issues on several local boards. Now it is up to them to make it a positive post and letter or not. their choice.
My bet is they cannot afford to have unhappy campers driving their vehicles.

Jus Cruisin

If you are that dissatisfied, have them unwind the deal. Then get a different truck and move on.

Geico266

The only way you are going to get their attention is to get a lawyer.

User Name:

get your money back, get a different truck. from the sounds of it, this dealership is kinda shady.

Shovelhead

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JAXFL1

I would have to say NEW TRUCK you will never be happen with this current one.

Totallyrad

IMO, do not mention lawyers, the internet or writing Dodge in this meeting. They all know these are options available to you. Don't be that guy, yet. Do put a tape recorder in your pocket and say as little as possible. Let them do the talking. Greet each with a handshake and a smile. When they tell you who they are make sure they also tell you what position they hold at the dealership. Calmly and briefly explain the problem again and just ask them what needs to happen next. Rest assured, they have talked among themselves and they will have something to say. When they finish, if you are satisfied with their offer, ask them to write it down so you know what to expect. Don't forget to ask about how much oil changes cost. They may throw in a couple or give you a coupon book for more. If you don't like the offer, tell them so. "I don't think I can live with this, it's a brand new truck. Your employee wrecked it right in front of me. You fixed it. There was a problem with the body shop's repair. You fixed it. Now, there is another problem, which is associated with either the body shop or the detail guys. All of these problems have involved your employees and I think you should make this right as well." If they have not responded in a reasonable manner thank them for their time and leave quietly. Then, contact whomever you like about what to do next.

yfz450guy

if you tape without their consent then that would illegal. if it came down to a court you will not be able to use the tape in court. the number one thing to remember is to stay calm and remain so and to be as professional as possible.
after the meeting thank them for their time and bid them good day.
that will set them on their rears cuase they won't see it comming.
jmo.
no i am not a lawyer but i did stay at a holiday inn express last night.

Shovelhead

I might take a recorder and calmly set it on the desk then ask them if they had any problerm with you taping the conversation.

Totallyrad

Taping without everyone's consent is not always illegal. The use of the tape in court, as evidence, may be an issue but the contents of the tape as a memory aid would not be. If you are in doubt, consult someone before you go.

FishingFather

In any important meeting like this I always bring a notepad and pen, write down who you talk to, what position they hold, and what they say that is important. Then I ask them to repeat important things and read back what I have written. At the end of the meeting if everything is being taken care of to your satisfaction repeat what you wrote and ask them if they want a copy.

Good Luck.

btw, this isn't a central FL dealership is it? I have some interesting problems with one here.

mic646

Tape recorder is not a bad idea. Been there, done that. Here is the trick, record then write down the conversation that you had. If down the road they say I never said that you can refer to the written documentation. If they still argue you can mention that you did record it for reference. Usually that will change their thinking about it. So far open air recordings that I have done have been helpful. Kind of like a hidden camera capturing someone breaking into your truck. There is a difference between open air recordings and telephone conversations being recorded without consent. Also, like mentioned you tell them upfront that you want to tape record your conversation with them. This may change their thinking about the situation.

Also, don’t make threats like “I will be getting a layer” unless you really intend to do it. Best thing I have found is to stop the conversation and suggest that “I am not happy with what you are offering to do at this time. I probably may need to get advice from a legal service before we continue this conversation”. Plus you have many recourses at your disposal to use, BBB, State Attorney General, free legal advisors and so on, before you talk to a lawyer. You would be surprised how a letter by one of these can be pretty persuasive.

If they are in the wrong, it is not you taking on a big dealership, it is the big dealership taking advantage of a customer.

No I am not a lawyer. I just have had numerous occasions to have to be involved with one on civil matters.

westcoaster

Like others have said, park the hot temper at home. The "Irate customer" crap has run it's course and is more damaging to you than it ever will be to the dealer.

mkivbren

God I hate dealers.