going to arbitration-- any tips

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I've finally got a date for arbitration with the arbitration board for a buy back of problem child-- if anyone has any tips, you're sugestions would be greatly appreciated-- #ad
feb 13th is the day #ad
#ad
I will post the results

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Problem Child-- 99 4X2 Quad cab, auto (2nd transmission 34,000 Mi-still sucks)brake Pull- 3 set front calipers and multiple others tsb's

 

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1) Collect your thoughts; take down notes of key points you want to make in bullet-point format so that you don't get flustered and forget something.
2) Any written records that support your point of view need to be at your fingertips. Bring anything you can think of - dealer repair slips showing number of visits, rent car records, conversation notes, heck, even timesheets if you have had to miss work and have documentation of that.
3) If you ever blew your cool or the dealer has a minor point here or there; admit it. You're on trial in front of new faces; must show them you are reasonable and fair, you're just asking for the same in return.
4) Stay cool and professional. If the dealer or his rep can get you to "blow up" in front of the arbitrators, then he appears to be "Mr Reasonable" and you appear the one that "nothing can satisfy".
5) Remember, he has practice at this, you don't. Heck, he has probably even eaten lunch with the Arbitrators before. Don't fall for dirty tricks; see #4.
6) Get a copy of and study the arbitration process before you go. Have a copy with you during the discussions; if they aren't following it, show them the paragraph they are not meeting.
7) Bring a friend (or wife) who can sit with you and more or less just watch and listen. They will catch thing you don't, like whether or not a particular point got across. Two heads are better than one. But one person should remain the primary talker; the other should observe, takes notes, and advise.

Good Luck, I hope some others have some good tips!

[This message has been edited by HC (edited 01-09-2001). ]

 

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Dabubba, Honestly, I agree with Phil. I had to go through Arbitration with a 98 Dakota. Basically I walked out more pi$$ed off then when I went in. The outcome was that my dealer would fix the problem.

When I took my truck into the dealer to be worked on of course the dealer didn't fix that problem. The dealers excuse was that they couldn't find the problem. Typical. So after that, I called Chrysler and was really nice, but told them how frustrated I was. They in return gave me a $2000 check to put towards a new vehicle, of course it was only good at the dealer that couldn't fix my truck though (talk about being frustrated... eerrrrggghhhh). So don't expect to get much out of arbitration... though I wish you the best of luck! Let us know what happens.

Kev

 

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I have talked to a few guys that have gone through this,
i agree bring a spouse or a friend
above all else keep your cool, remember you are the one on trial,
show respect to the dealer you may not want to, but its important.
i especially agree with sticking to the facts
Bill Kondolay

 

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I agree with HC. Haven't had to do this myself, but I have been in numerous situations (personally and in business) where you are fighting your emotions in an attempt to stay calm. you are much better off having a clearly defined list of FACTS, not opinions, and a request. An example, you can't say "The brakes are always sticking," you say "The front right brake caliper has stuck three times causing two near miss accidents and fourteen days without the use of my vehicle. " This shows facts, cause and effect relationships, and how it has affected your life. In addition, it takes the subjectivity out of the statement. It may even be beneficial to say something complimenting the dealer's service department (regardless of whether or not they deserve it) like "I was working with Bob in service on this and he was trying really hard to help me out but we just couldn't seem to get it right. " What this shows is professionalism, and tends to place blame on the vehicle design rather than the dealership. This will make the dealer representative feel less attacked, and more willing to give a concession.

These are more psychology tips than anything, but I hope it helps your situation.

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2001. 5 2500 4WD Auto QC 3. 54 Loaded except Leather

[This message has been edited by DaveN (edited 01-09-2001). ]

 

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I prefer larger calibers for their knock down potential. #ad
#ad


Manditory Disclaimer: This is (of course) aimed at being humorous. This is not a recomendation to solve problems with violence. If after reading this post, you are inclined to follow the advise contained therein-DON'T. Print this out, take it to your local law enforcement agency and tell them you are a homicidal maniac.

 

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They will figure a way to F**K you. They did me. I,ve still got super glue stuck to my hands and ankles!!!!! GOOD LUCK. The only reason I got another Dodge was because of the 4 wheel dics and this time no AUTO.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

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One more thing this new truck is everything the old one wasn't.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

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You guys are absolutely right. . It might feel good to give the other guy a piece of your mind... but honey attracts better than vinegar.

Its been said that a man who knows how to handle people will be more wealthy than a man who knows everything. .

Wish I could master that statement. .

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

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HC:

Good points and solid advice. I have to deal with contractors and Unions, and your advice is right on target. If there is any hope for success, following this advice will get it. #ad


Wiredawg

 

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dabubba
I went through arbitration with my 99 and had no trouble.
Just be calm and have all your facts remember the arbritrator is NOT an employee of Chrysler.

Don

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Member Great Lakes TDR

NRA Member.

Republican

 

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Also you also want to check you state law in regaurds to this. My state has a "lemon law" and this worked in my favor when DC bought back my Dodge avenger. Wasn't easy but 8 wks. later new vehicle. BE CALM and follow the advice of the above. IT CAN BE DONE. Have copies of rules of arbitration, what your state allows for lemon vehicles, copies of all receipts, etc... If you need any additional please email me. We are here 4 u!!

 

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Most people in here sound like they didn't get a fair shake with their arbitration. Well, I did great! I ended up paying $2,500 ( my loan amount stayed the same plus the 2,500). That was for a year and a half of use for my 98 1/2. Turned it in and got a 2000. Plus, I got the six speed. My old truck had 30,000 miles on in also. My recomendation is to show that whatever the problem was with your truck caused you to not be able to use the vehicle for the reason it was purchased. Also, it depends on your state lemon law. Become very familiar with it. The arbitrator does not have to use the law, but he/she can use it for a guideline. Also, in Nevada, there is a formula for figuring out mileage usage. the divideing factor in Nevada is 100,000 (I found out they use this number because that is what the "average" vehicle will travel in its useful life), well, the one selling point Dodge uses for the cummins is its longevity. I got them to use 200,000 instead. It made a big difference. If you have more questions e-mail me or call me at
Surfn4fun@aol.com
(702) 612-4911 C
(702) 515-1025 H

I came out way ahead and was very apprehensive going in!

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2000 Dodge Cummins Diesel
6 sp manual, every option except automatic and sports package!! SPA guages on order and soon to be installed! Next, Marco!!!! SnugTop Shell and Professional FireFighter License Plates. (To match my Flame Red Truck of course!!)

 

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thanks guy- what you're telling me is what I have heard- I'm planning on bringing the boss with me. #ad
#ad
- I'm not really ****** off at the dc dealers as phil is- hell i took mine there and the dealer squeezed me in and took care of the problem. Not having the truck for a month is the one that stung #ad
but either way my craftsman tools are gonna be a wrenching and hvac,co & friends are gonna get some of my money- #ad
I have my work orders and even a copy of what I did to adjust my last transmission problem--(thanks bill, great instructions)and the IRS audit two years ago taught me diplomicy and the sweet principle. but to other who have some tricks or good luck or bad please chime in
thanks Curt AKA dabubba

 

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Hey Curt, when I went through the lemon law process of my uncles 98 Dakota it went very well without any hitches, I paid a lemon law lawyer $50 (if you end up needing his number let me know) and he set out and got my uncle a check for his truck minus the mileage. So if the excellent advice does not work with arbitration let me know and then you can go to a lemon law lawyer; as it states in your manual (lemon law booklet) you have the right to continue on if you are not satisfied with the arbitration outcome, the arbitration is considered a goof faith attempt on your part to allow Chrysler to resolve the issue before a lawyer is involved. Good luck bud were here for you if you need us.

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TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB, Pac Brake, Power Edge, Edge EZ, Grover Air Horns

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz.com

Add on's to come: any other Ram Runner required modifications...

 

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I agree with Extreme1. I went through it with Ford and since the dealer is part of the Arbitration board, you can imagine how that went #ad
. I'd suggest bringing your spouse, kid, dog, and just incase, a 9mil. Just kiddin', now don't go postal on them #ad
!!! I'd really feel bad about it, well if it was Ford I wouldn't feel too bad #ad
! Good luck and let us know how they treated ya.

 

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My advice won't help you, but WILL help potential buyers: Only buy from dealers in states which have strongly-written lemon laws!

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http://coffeewithJesus. homestead.com/web1.html 89 1-ton, Amsoil System 3000 5-30,K&N air filter, cleaned-up exhaust, Dynomax straight-thru, rebuilt pump, thermostatically controlled twin 14" Permacool electric fans, intercooler), modified 518 OD transmission, Gear vendors OD controler, R-134 refrigernt, louvered front fenders, 93 aftermarket smoothie grille, new Dupont Chromacolor black, black-and-red rubber rubstrip, black headlights, powdercoated bumpers; 78 35'Avion, 93 Lance 900 slide in with generator and power jacks. To see my truck, Click on: <A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1169022&a=10097213

Jesus" TARGET=_blank>http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1169022&a=10097213

Jesus</A> saves!

 

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Originally posted by jsimpson:
My advice won't help you, but WILL help potential buyers: Only buy from dealers in states which have strongly-written lemon laws!

What happens if you buy in a state with strong lemon laws, but either live or move to another state which dosn't?

 

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A co-worker of mine simply got a Lemon Lawyer free off the internet. His fee is set by NY State and was paid ($500 ?)by Chevrolet.
They bought back his Blazer because the dealer could not fix the "creak" in the dashboard. Quick settlement when attorney's are involved.

Good Luck, Ron

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98 3500 QC 4X4 Int Blue, 6BTA5. 9, Auto 3. 54 LSD, PIAA Pro90's, RS9000's, Tonneau, Running Boards, 5K Air Bags, Hadley Air Horns, EGT/Boost/transmission Temp Gauges, Cobra / K40, Valley class V, Bugflector II, Bedliner, Tow Hooks, Cup Smoothie, Meg's turn-down tip, SS Fender Flares... .....

99 Lance 1110 Slide-On Truck Camper

 

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I bought my truck in Idaho, but live in Nevada. The arbitrator was using NV lemon law. It didn't matter where the truck was purchased. The state sales tax was also collected and sent to Nevada at the time of purchase. Not only that, the dealer in Nevada doing the service was not going to order me a new truck since they didn't make the money off the old one. It caused a big problem and took me an extra two weeks to get the truck. The truck was sitting on the lot and the dealership wouldn't let me have it until I paid them their hold back money. I think they finally got tired of me and finally gave it to me without the hold back money. Long story short, I don't think it matters where the truck is purchased only where it will be licenced.

David

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2000 Dodge Cummins Diesel
6 sp manual, every option except automatic and sports package!! SPA guages on order and soon to be installed! Next, Marco!!!! SnugTop Shell and Professional FireFighter License Plates. (To match my Flame Red Truck of course!!)