My husband and I bought a 1999 ford windstar. (I wanted a minivan he didn't) we bought a used one so we wouldn't have to worry about payments. This POS has been in the shop more times than its been out. The main problem was the check engine light was on. Now, my heat won't work and makes a horrible sound. I took it in and they said the "door" is jammed and won't turn over to heat. Ok, the van is in the shop today, they called me this afternoon and told me that I am going to have to pay $90.00 for them to replace the door. We have a warranty so I didn't think we had to pay anything. The woman @ the dealership told my husband that its not covered by the warranty because... The heat is considered a luxury item. WTF??? We live 30miles south of chicago, IL. How the hell is heat a luxury item?? It snowed here this morning and right now our temp is 41. Are we being scammed by the dealership?
I appreciate your answers.
2006-10-12 08:36:30 · 9 answers · asked by jakesmom 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Given the information, I would say no, you are not being scammed. It of course, depends on what service contract you purchased. Traditionally, dealers (I assume the shop you reference is a dealer) will warranty something if they legitimately can. In addition, it is not uncommon for heating-a/c issues to be excluded from most service contracts. Also $90 is less than a normal deductible for a service contract, so even if it was a covered item, you'd still need to pay that amount.
Unfortunately for you, the Windstar of this vintage had many,many issues.
2006-10-12 09:06:29 · answer #1 · answered by cb 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This question certainly has triggered a spirited debate. Warranties other than the factory original often do not cover accessories such as, but not limited to, sound systems, electric windows, air conditioning or heaters. The dealer lady probably misspoke when she called the heater a "luxury" instead of an "accessory. " Regardless, your anger with the heater issue is actually buried within the greater issue of your extreme unhappiness with this minivan. Therefore, for the short term I would get the heater fixed - being cold will not improve your mood. Longer term - get a new car. A car payment is actually a small price to pay for maintaining your sanity and your marriage.
2006-10-12 17:29:24 · answer #2 · answered by db79300 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well being a mechanic I would say ,yes, you are being screwed. I have been working on cars for 30 years and have never worked on a car that did not come with a heater.
Thy have basically sold you a lemon and thy are ( the dealer) is finding out that this care is becoming a head ace.
Even living now in Las Vegas, a very hot place, and even if you buy a car here new, it comes with a heater.
Thy are trying to weasel out of covering it under the warranty so just do this. Tell them fix it or you will sue. It sounds like this dealership is really a rip off place and are trying to make you pay for there mistake for taking it in on trade.
2006-10-12 16:28:51 · answer #3 · answered by goldwing127959 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just about all warranty items on used cars are for the motor and transmission. the door for the heat is not part of that warranty. the lady @ the dealer ship was wrong in telling you that it was a luxury item. It's really not. It's part of how an engine works. However the part they have to replace is not part of the engine. So I am sorry, We have a 1998 ford windstar so I know your pain. The benefit I have is I know how to repair my car.
2006-10-12 15:43:00 · answer #4 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do belive so, you might want to see what is covered by the warranty. I hate when dealships do this crap. atleast i got stuck with a nice lady. But any way. I deffinetly do not think that the heater is a luxury, tell them to not use their heaters is the middle of winter and see what they say. It amazing how inconsiderate people are these days, the simple fact is its about money money money, they dont want to spend the money because thats money they wont have any more, but they probably made 3000 dollars just by selling that mini van
2006-10-12 15:41:18 · answer #5 · answered by Don A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel bad. I had to pay $800 for repairs on my car that I thought was covered by warranty (it wasn't). Warranties are usually a waste of money. Live and learn.
2006-10-12 16:30:16 · answer #6 · answered by Christabelle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like they are trying to get out of paying for it. Don't all cars come with heat? How is that a luxury item?
2006-10-12 15:42:07 · answer #7 · answered by luciano_thegr8 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES YOU ARE... AND THE NEXT TIME YOU GO IN THERE... HAVE THEM SHOW YOU THE RECEIPTS FOR THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE AND SHOW YOU THE PARTS AND WHERE THEY ARE ON THE VEHICLE NOW... THROW THE BETTER BUSINESS BEAREAU AROUND VERBALLY AND I AM SURE IT WILL BE FIXED SOON.
2006-10-12 15:41:09 · answer #8 · answered by mpkardinal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are being scammed.. by that little blue oval on the front grill that reads ford... dont buy ford
2006-10-12 16:25:53 · answer #9 · answered by krawz_5012 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋