Steps to take when dealership refuses to give me proper service

[Jakepag]

My family bought a used Ford 2008 Escape in Honda Surrey Canada. Now upon using the car, we hear noise coming from the engine. We brought it to the dealer we bough it from (Honda Surrey) to get it checked. They didnt actually inspect the car but only run it for a few minutes and drive. The dealer and mechanic answered with "its no big deal, it sounded just like that". We brought the car to the same dealership but always ends up being refused to get a proper service. During these times, the car was still under warranty.

Now, after a few weeks, i brought the car to Ford to get it checked and there are extensive damage on the air conditioning. The reparation and cost will cost about $1000+ . Now we brought the problem to Honda Surrey which are now refusing to give us service because the car warranty already ended weeks before.

I felt like i got screwed over because they are the ones initially refusing to fix it while it was still under warranty. I talked to the manager and offered me a 50%-50% cost share OR trading in the car for $9,000 ( we bought it for $15,000 ). What do i do??? i dont have money right now for the repair and this is the only car i use for work...

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I don't know exactly what happened and frequently the other side to a story has something important to contribute. Let's assume that the events happened exactly as you say and that you are correct.

From what you're telling me, I'm wondering whether the car may still be fixed under warranty. The Honda dealer should have a record of the date you brought in the car for the problem. The warranty should state the terms with regard to dates. First check those requirements and whether reporting a problem to the dealer and bringing the car in for repair might qualify even though the repair happens after the date the warranty expires. For example, what if the Honda dealer didn't have a part, had to order it from Honda, the car had to sit there for a few days and during which time the warranty expired?

Let's assume that the car is now out of warranty as a result of the dealer's negligence. If you have a record of bringing the car in, it would be easier to make and prove a claim that the dealer inspected the car and was negligent in handling the matter. You may want to present this option to the dealer - either he fixes the car or you'll go elsewhere and charge the dealer for fixing the car. In addition, you might share your experience with the relevant parties who would be concerned that a licensed dealer can't even detect a common problem which had to be fixed by a non-dealer. I'm not sure Honda would enjoy hearing such a complaint.

I can understand the dealer not wanting to be out of pocket but it would appear that this was their mistake - based upon what you're telling me and I am assuming. Perhaps you want to tell the dealer that you're sympathetic but someone has to be out of pocket and this, unfortunately, is entirely their doing. All they had to do is put the car up and perform a repair. As a result, you've already incurred the cost of a second opinion which you may also charge the dealer for and are out of pocket. Your settlement might be that you'll eat the cost of going elsewhere to discover the Honda dealer's mistake and that he has to eat the cost of performing the repair for their mistake.

Best of luck with this and your car. I love Vancouver and the area, which is one of the most beautiful cities in North America.