Scared and going broke...fast

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Some of you may remember, I'm the guy with the '95, 2 WD, 3500 w/a crack in the spring tower. This one is NOT covered by recall (IFS). Dodge had the truck for 2 weeks or so to make a decision, the answer was pleasing, "we will replace the frame... bumper to bumper... for free, you may have to cover hoses". Wow thats great! They asked that I take the truck home till the frame arrived from back east. O. K. I can handle that.


The patient is taken in on the 22nd as requested. The service manager says his guess is about a week for the "transplant". WOW! I feel this is a VERY optimistic guess.

A week has past and the new frame is still sitting where it was a week ago. I call to ask how it's going... the reply is "slowly". By the look of it my guess is that they have not yet started... and will not allow me to "check it out".

I am starting to feel like I am being held hostage... and car rental bills are breaking me... any ideas from the Bro's? #ad


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9535hundred

[This message has been edited by Statland (edited 01-29-2001). ]

 

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get a lawyer involved, call the better business bureau? Can your insurance offer any 'muscle'?

Brian

 

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Buy a $1000 clunker to get you to work and the store and sell it when your truck is done. I took my new 5th wh in for some warranty body work the first week of Nov. for a 1 1/2 week job and it's still not done. You may spend more on the rental before it's over than for a used car! Craig

Better yet, tell that dealer you want to test drive a used car and... . you know the rest!

[This message has been edited by C Schomer (edited 01-29-2001). ]

 

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I agree with Brian, call the BBB. I have a very good friend that sits on the board of the BBB and he has given me a lot of information regarding the BBB and how things work.

Basically he says tell the company first that you are going to contact the BBB because things are not being handled as told. Sometimes this works sometimes not. If nothing changes call the BBB and tell them you have a complaint and they will send you some paperwork to fill out. Do this ASAP and return it. Upon review, they will contact the dealer and try to determine excatly what the situation is.

To make a long story short, the dealer after finding out you were serious about contacting the BBB will try to make you very happy. It doesn't seem like much to us, but ANY negative records on file at the BBB for a company is something they try to avoid like a Phurd.

 

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Statland,

Since they seem to be half-way decent by offering to replace the frame for free, I think I'd take a softer approach - first. I'd talk to them honestly about the situation - the rental car is killing you, etc... Could you get the truck back until they are definitely going to start the project? Maybe they just got behind - it can happen. Of course, if your truck is already half ripped apart, this idea is down the tubes.

Would they be willing to give you a loaner for free or at a really low rate? It wouldn't hurt to ask these questions (and maybe you already have). You never know what they might be able to come up with to help you out if you stay calm with them. If they blow you off or act like jerks, then you can still blast them with the big guns. #ad


Good luck and keep us posted.

Dave

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

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Statland,as the truck owner you have every right to "check it out". Id check with the service manager again in a nice way. If that doesnt work Id go to the owner of the dealership and ask him what kind of business they are running. Glad to hear that you are getting a new frame. I hope it doesnt turn into more of an agonizing affair than what it already is. BTW,keep a close eye on what the final bill is for"hoses".

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2001 HO 6spd,Quad cab,LWB,4x4,Flame Red,all options except for leather,Westin Brushguard/Push bar,Painless wiring,Radio Shack CB,my own design CB mount,Smittybuilt nerf bars,NW Custom rocker covers,Custom built stainless rocker light bars,DeeZee bedrails,Isspro pyro and boost gauges(more to come)

 

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When my dealer wanted to keep my truck, I MADE them get me a rental.
I was PO'ed, and did not have a problem expressing my feelings.
If worse comes to worse, they have "demos", make them give you one.
It worked for me.
Also, some dealers rent cars. Have them work out an attractive price for you.

[This message has been edited by The patriot (edited 01-30-2001). ]

 

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You have my sympathy.
I think It would have been cheaper for them to have just purchased it from you or taken it on trade on a new one

Yes buy a beater.

Remember this.
Frame replacement is the one replacement item that requires every component of the truck to be removed and reinstalled. MAJOR job, . They will use your truck as fill in work for every mechanic and lot punk on there pay roll. You might want to trade it in ( in another town )when it is finished as there will not be a Virgin nut, bolt or washer on the vehicle let alone that they are all tight and not stripped by impact wrenches. #ad


My free, no cost, no obligation opinion

 

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Statland,

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your truck.

FWIW, of all the recommendations, I feel Fireman Dave and JNutter offer the best. That thing may nickel and dime ya to death after you get it back.

Regards... ... Hal