Dog Community

I feel like a fool...

Posted : 4/24/2007 8:36:49 AM

DH and I bought a new car back in November. We got an amazing deal on it and were extremely happy. When we purchased the vehicle we also purchased the extended warranty since we plan on keeping this vehicle for a long long time and we got a discount on the warranty (FIL retired GM).

Anyway, it took a while for me to file everything away and I noticed today that not only did they charge me for the warranty separately (if you pay for it separately withdrawn on your checking account over a year, you pay 0% interest) but they also figured the cost of it into the purchase contract. I know how this happened...they put it in the contract to begin with and then I had them change it. Well, when DH signed the finals I guess he didn't realize what I had them do, so we were charged twice. Angry

Do you know if I have a legal right to demand this money back now, it's been almost 6 months and it's signigicant enough to fight for it? I figure their choices are:

1. Refund my money that was included in the contract including any applicable interest fee, taxes and the cost of the warranty.
2. Refund the money they withdrew for the warranty since then and stop all continuing payments.

I just feel like such a fool since I normally check everything out perfectly. I have a call into the dealership sales manager, but he doesn't get in until 9:30.

Ashley

Posted : 4/24/2007 9:07:44 AM

I work as a receptionist for a car dealership, so I think I might be able to help you out with this one. Don't speak to the General Sales Manager...he's not the top gun. Ask to speak with the General Manager. Even if he does get in at 9:30 he will most likely be in a sales meeting. I would call around 11. He would be out of the meeting and will probably not be too busy. If, when you call, you are told that he is unavaliable, leave a message with your name, number, and a message only saying that you are unhappy with the service you recieved. Then ask to speak with the Finance Director. If he is unavaliable, leave a message for him as well.

Give the GM an hour to call you back. If he hasn't, call again and politely express that it is very important that you speak to him *right now* If you are on hold for a long time, don't worry. The receptionist will not do that just to get you to hang up (usually).

When you do speak with him, tell him what happened, that you are sure it was a mistate on their part, but would like them to fix it. If he gets billegerant, tell him that you will report him to the BBB.

I hope it doesn't get to that point, and I hope this helps! Let me know how it turns out!

mrstjohnson

Posted : 4/24/2007 9:56:59 AM

OK - I am not a fool they didn't charge me twice! I just went to the dealership and spoke with the General Manager (like you said). They walked through through the contract with me and it makes sense. They added in the warranty and then took it back out (they showed me where it was subtracted). They say they do this because they need to show a COD or something like that to the warranty company so they get credit for the sale. I called my friend who works as an F&I person in Detroit and she confirmed that it is legitimate. OK - I feel better now.

Thanks for letting me vent

MissMandy

Posted : 4/24/2007 10:00:19 AM

Oh, what a pain! Don't feel like a fool - it's not your fault! I would most definitely be asking for my money back. They wrongfully charged you, so you are entitled to your money back. I am unsure as to the legalities, but that's how I see it anyway! Good luck with it!!

I agree with TheSchmee - take it right to the top!!

MissMandy

Posted : 4/24/2007 10:07:59 AM

We must've been typing at the same time! [

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Glad to hear that you got it straightened out!

Ashley

Posted : 4/24/2007 11:57:55 AM

Glad to hear it worked out. Most GMs are very willing to make sure that you are happy with the sale. They want your repeat business and for you to recommend them to your friends. Sounds like a good dealership there...

mrstjohnson

Posted : 4/24/2007 1:34:25 PM

Yeah, they were really nice. The GM's first response was, well if we did then we definitely owe you a chicke immediately! The F & I guy came in and showed me what was what and they were so nice. They were really great when we bought the car too so I wasn't too worried. It also doesn't help when you waddle in 9 months pregnant looking all pathetic too [

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Ashley

Posted : 4/24/2007 4:38:22 PM

Congrats on your new car and your coming baby.

And I just want to let anyone who is reading, it's actually easier to get a great deal if you are pregnant or go with a pregnant woman. You go in knowing what car you want. The gentleman acts like he really likes the car, and the woman acts like she could care less. Negotioate down as far as the salesperson says he/she can. Then the gentleman looks at the woman. The woman shakes her head. It will become clear to the salesperson that the man will not write the check unless the woman is happy with the price. Usually they will be able to negotiate lower.

I actually can't wait until I'm pregnant...I think it would be fun to play "good cop, bad cop." [

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