Can you tell me if I should go and complain to the owner about this?

Question

Here is my situation:

I am a single mom- buying a used car for the first time. I went to a major dealership in the area. And bought a 2002 car that was told that was safety checked. 3 month 3,000 powertrans warranty.

36 hours later- traveled about an hour and half away, and the car won't start. i call the dealership. They say it's right that i called them and I shouldn't deal with the service people in that area- but they will send out a tow truck.

Fast forward- they covered the new starter and installation- but charged me $300 tow fee to bring me back home. I feel that 36 hours later they should pay for ALL of it, especially since they said that I should be brought back- rather than deal with people in the area i was in.

To get my car- I paid the money. I am so upset. I especially hate how these men treated me tonight.

Should I complain to the owner in the morning, or "just take it" (forget about it). Do you think they will cover it?

Answer 1

Call the owner first thing.
I would.
Be nice but firm - they should cover the towing costs - and may even have sent you an invoice in error (that's how I'd approach the owner/manager).

Answer 2

Before you call check your state's lemon laws. A 2002 vehicle should qualify in most states as long as the mileage isn't too high. If the warranty you mention was an aftermarket one which didn't cover towing the dealership may still be obligated to warranty the car itself for a period of time separate from the aftermarket one. For example: In NY if a dealer sells a car with less than 100,000 miles for more than $1500.00 the they have to warranty the car for 30 days minimum. This is separate from any aftermarket warranty they may have sold the customer. If the aftermarket warranty pays part of the repair, great. But the dealer cannot charge the customer for the remainder of the bill.
Also, if you traveled an hour and a half you were less than 90 miles away. $300 for such a tow is absurd. Get the information you need, (start with the attorney general or the DMV) and fight for your rights. Good luck.
http://www.lemonlawamerica.com/
Check the site above for your state but you may want to call your state experts as well.

Answer 3

They should have told you that towing was not going to be on there part.But you should see if you can get your money back but don't be surprised if they don't give you the 300 for the towing because that might not be in your contract or part of the warranty,where your car was at the time it broke down it not there falt but only yours,i have never heard of a dealership paying for someones Towing,your insurance maybe.There is a lemon law,for cars that break down right after you buy them,but it has to be under factory warranty,and alot of multi problems had to have happend in a small period of time.

Answer 4

You should def make them pay the whole thing. There is a legal term, which THEY know of, called the warranty of merchantibility. If you bought a car and 36 hours later it broke down- they are responsible unless you bought the car "as is"- which you would know if you agreed to that- it can't be in fine print. If it is a 2002- it shouldn't break down. period. Better yet- if they refuse, tell them you will take out an ad in the paper, contact the better business bureau, and the local tv stations. This actually might work better than threatening legal action. You are 100% right on this- stand up for yourself.

Answer 5

You can always ask.

Don't have a fit, that won't do anything. Go there IN PERSON and politely explain what happened. You bought this car covered by warranty, and got socked with a $300 tow fee.

Tell him that you feel this is unjust since the tow was caused by a mechanical issue covered by warranty.

I think you'll have better luck if you ask for part of it back instead of 100%.

Good luck and stay calm.

Answer 6

By all means,complain to the owner,the Better Business Bureau,local papers--anybody that will listen. Demand your money back simply stating you were not told that the tow fee was on your tab. Also,anytime you buy a car--go get your trusted mechanic to check it out first before you decide. Dealerships love to do business with women and you proved why because you didn't check the vehicle first and you didn't refuse the tow fee because you were embarrassed and thought it was your fault. Now go back and get your $300 back no matter what it takes!!! Righteous indignation--YOU GO GIRL!!!

Answer 7

Yes, complain. Mention that they wanted it back. MORE IMPORTANTLY: find out if the title has been transferred. Some dealerships sit on title transactions. They may have wanted it back at their place because the title had not been transferred in the time required by your state and simply did not want that to be found out by another shop. If you've paid the money, have a warranty, they have not transferred the title... perhaps mentioning that the attorney general of your state may want to hear about this will be enough to get your $$ back.

Answer 8

Exactly what you just wrote. If the salon owner is a good business person, she will do everything in her power to make this wrong right. Your hair obviously did not turn out the way it should have and then she had the nerve to charge you more money to fix it? That is wrong. If the owner does not give you any satisfaction, find another salon and tell everyone to avoid the one you had problems with.

Answer 9

BE THE SQUEAKY WHEEL THAT GETS THE GREASE!
I would suggest that you first contact the CORPORATE headquarters of the dealership (or anyone that is higher on the corporate ladder.) Call first, and then write them a serious and to-the-point letter demanding a refund. Type your letter; make it a professional-type letter. Second contact the Better Business Bureau. Third, post a complaint online. There are sites that cater to people just like you and me that do not want to take it up the *#@! Even if they do not want to give you a refund, they just might to get you to back down and stop making them look bad!

Answer 10

If the malfunctioning of the car was still covered, you have the right to reimburse the towing fee because the car stopped just 36 hours after you bought the car. Nevertheless, verify the contract if it is compensable.