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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask dealership for a new car?

42 replies

monkeyfacegrace · 08/06/2010 19:24

Long story, but bought a brand new car Sept '09.

Since then, it has been back in the garage 5 times due to faults (4 trivial but annoying one major engine)

Today Ive had enough. Starter motor burnt out, leaving me and two dc's (3 &1) stranded up a country road for 90 mins until the recovery guy got to us.

So its back in the garage, Ive had to piss work off (again!) by leaving early to get my rental car.

During my tearful phonecall to my after sales service man (who, btw, is so helpful and nice to me), I mentioned I wanted to give up on this car and have another new one. He actually said he fully understood, and he would be the same. He told me to write a letter to the manager stating my concern.

So, Im asking AIBU to ask for a new one, or should I be content that it is fixed quickly every time?
Ive just totally lost my confidence in it, and am waiting for the next fault, and thats not how it's meant to be after paying 30k 9 months ago

And, could I appeal to your better natures, and ask for a draft letter as Im shite at that sort of thing (though very very assertive face to face)

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Fibilou · 09/06/2010 07:03

I am having a similar problem with our new car - the gears keep jamming and sometimes it goes into reverse not 1st . It has been in twice but they can never find anything wrong. It's still under warranty. I nearly was rearended yesterday when it wouldn't go into gear reversing out of my parents drive (a 40 zone and I had DD in the back).
This thread has been most helpful as I am phoning them today to inform them they are having it back until they fix it

zipzap · 09/06/2010 10:37

honest john is a nice website for car info - he does a good questions and answer column (now 3 pages long!) in the telegraph motoring supplement and it's the only car stuff I can read without keeling over with boredom.

He's got all sorts of info on stuff relating to cars, recalls, known problems, etc and advice on complaining.

Think you can also email in for advice.

Good luck with getting it sorted!

monkeyfacegrace · 09/06/2010 17:50

Well result guys!
I sent my email, and my sales man called me back. He said he would fight my corner, and Chrysler do have a procedure for this.
He thinks he can get result for me in less that 10 days, and he thinks it may be (If Im really lucky), a brand new 10 reg replacement!

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Indaba · 09/06/2010 18:05

Hi. My mate had similar situation. Got into big big fight with manufacturer. Went on for months (and I had to listen to loads of really dull moaning!). Eventually she went to her local Trading Standards office and got a lovely new shiny car in 10 days! She said TS were fab!

PigletJohn · 09/06/2010 18:24

If that actually happens, it will be a stupendous result.

Sounds like the car co's are having to look after the customers to a high standard.

You will post back in 10 days, won't you?

monkeyfacegrace · 09/06/2010 19:01

The letter I ended up sending was this;

Following on from our earlier telephone conversation, it is with regret that I am having to write this letter regarding the Dodge Journey, registration VO59 *, that I purchased from new on 7th September 2009.

Since I collected the car, there have been many faults with it. These are listed below;

The electric wing mirrors failed to work.
The alarm sensors were faulty, causing the alarms to be activated numerous times through the day and night
The childs rear view mirror snapped so was left hanging down from the roof, causing a visual obstruction
The immobiliser failed, causing the car not to start. This involved calling Chrysler to send somebody out to recover us! The fault has never been confirmed- a part that they 'thought' had failed was replaced.
The starter motor has failed, again causing the engine not to start. This has left me with my two very small children stranded in a country lane. It caused great upset as a mechanic initially could not get to us for 90 minutes. The car is still currently in your garage trying to find the exact problem. Again, they cannot come up with anything other than they 'think' it is the starter motor.
The car bunny hops constantly, which again, a fault cannot be found. One mechanic (from Chrysler direct) even suggested offensively that I had put the wrong fuel in. This fault has never been rectified as they have no idea what it could be.
The car has been into the garage numerous times, costing me money, through time that I have had to take unpaid from my employment, and of course emotionally. I no longer have any confidence in my car, and fear driving any distance from my home in case it fails to start. This is not how a purchase of any new car is supposed to be, especially one that was bought to be a family vehicle. It is simply not fit for purpose. A member of staff has told me that a few Dodge Journeys have been returned with some problems, but my car seems to have every single on on the list.

I would like to reject the car please, and have it replaced with a new one, which hopefully will put my trust back into the Dodge brand. The current vehicle that I am driving, just isn't of satisfactory quality, or fit for purpose under the Sale of Goods Act 1979.
There was a suggestion made by yourself, that I may be offered a replacement car of the same age, with a similar mileage. I would like to make it clear that this is not an option that would be satisfactory, as our contract was for a new car, I would never consider a 'used' one.

Currently, I an in an enterprise car, which I have been told is for an indefinite length of time. I must make it clear that I would appreciate a swift settlement, as I didn't pay a large sum of money to drive around in an inferior hire car!

I must, however, compliment you on your hard working, polite members of staff. I have never, at any time, been treated with anything less that perfected courtesy, and hope that they (especially Craig), will get recognised for their hard work.

I look forward to your speedy response.

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monkeyfacegrace · 09/06/2010 19:04

My contact said usually they do some number crunching and offer the car same age/milage etc, but Ive already answered that question He thinks they may then offer the new one.
Ahhh Im excited, stressed, and upset. I dont have the energy to fight, but I refused to be walked over.

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bacon · 09/06/2010 22:50

Having worked in a posh dealership a few years ago I would arrive at your dealership ask to see the aftersales manager and get him to phone the regional aftersales manager and insist on speaker phone. Or ask to have a meeting with the dealer Prinicipal.

Find out if these are common problems with this model - if it is you really dont want like for like. Get your money back and buy another make.

tinkletinklelittlestar · 09/06/2010 23:18

Are you sure you want another Dodge? Does it have to be new? Maybe time to look around for something else to drive around in?

The car is clearly not fit for purpose. If you get nowhere, contact Watchdog - that should shame the company into action.

The letter is too wordy and round the houses - be concise and factual, i.e. use dates not 'morning' and 'yesterday'. Think about it, what is the outcome you want from the situation?

I would avoid saying anything about legal action in the first letter though.

ScreaminEagle · 10/06/2010 00:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

monkeyfacegrace · 10/06/2010 08:00

Thanks for the imput guys.
Tink, yep it must be a dodge, and totally must be new. Its the only time ever Ive had/am likely to have a new car, and I want to enjoy it.
It was a present from my lovely DH, and Im very sentimental over things, and I want the car that he bought for me iyswim. Ive been givn an S-Max titanium to drive, and its vile, I want my chromed-up dodge back!

And screamingeagle, you put that line so much better than me! But too late, Ive already sent it.
TBH Ive calmed down a bit now, realised problems aside I love my car, and wouldnt be dissapointed to get it back fixed

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mistletoekisses · 10/06/2010 17:07

What great news! Am watching this thread, so let us know the ultimate outcome!

monkeyfacegrace · 18/06/2010 17:38

Well.....guess whats being delivered Tuesday afternoon

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mistletoekisses · 18/06/2010 19:25

Yay! A brand new well blinging dodge motor I would say!

monkeyfacegrace · 18/06/2010 20:33

Uh huh. Upgraded too, loads of extras, about 3ks worth. On a new 10 plate. Im so proud of myself!
but also a little sad-I loved my old one :-(

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mistletoekisses · 18/06/2010 20:41

I wouldn't be too sad. I would however be doing a little victory dance. Well done you!

monkeyfacegrace · 23/06/2010 19:29

GOT GOT GOT IT GOT GOT GOT GOT GOT IIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTT!
And breathe....

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