Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (September 2003, week 1)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Fri, 5 Sep 2003 17:18:58 -0700
Reply-To:     Strawn <scstrawn@EEE.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Strawn <scstrawn@EEE.ORG>
Subject:      "Dealer Disaster" final update
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

The Saga of Vanna White has (finally) reached a conclusion...

(original post 4/30/03 + updates - '89 Westy with head replacement done by a dealer, followed by a blown coolant hose and misdiagnosis by dealer service dept. as needing new engine, repair by indy mechanic (no engine replacement needed) and subsequent battle for partial return of expenses from dealer and the service manager who called me "Sweetheart").

Filed complaint with BBB - less than useless. I filed the complaint, dealer answered with "not our fault", I replied that this was insufficient response, BBB said they would list it as such but could do nothing else. Per BBB website today: "Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the Bureau." "Our complaint history for this company shows that any customer complaints brought to the company's attention have been properly addressed."

Filed complaint with California Bureau of Automotive Repair - very helpful. I was fortunate to get a field investigator who knew Vanagons, though he couldn't mediate the financial claim when the dealer declined to provide any compensation. BAR investigator found against the dealer: -recommendation of new engine was false and misleading -did not document authorizations for revised estimates (authorizations I never made) -did not document that heads used were rebuilt instead of new -service writer told BAR investigator that they should have recommended coolant hose replacement -same service writer told investigator that he had recommended they pay my tow bills and indy mechanic's repair bill

Attorney (returning some favors I had done for her and her pets, and working at no charge) wrote a demand letter asking for compensation for substandard (original) repair, subsequent repair from coolant hose rupture, tow charges, upholstery cleaning (shop cat urine), lost wages and attorney fees( total $3074). Cited BAR report and "material admissions" made by employeed to BAR investigator.

Dealer countered with offer covering indy repair, tow charges and upholstery cleaning ($709). Attorney countered adding $330 lost earnings for a total of $1039 (what attorney felt would be awarded in small claims court), and dealer agreed. Got the check today so as long as the check clears, it's a done deal. I opted for the "bird in the hand" as opposed to taking this to the oh-so-undependable land of Small Claims Court for "2 in the bush".

Best of all, Vanna White is running well (fingers crossed, knocking on wood as I type); my paranoia is beginning to recede (though never to fully disappear, I'm sure), and I am once again enjoying my travels (with help from my shiny new AAA-Plus card, so far unused, more finger-crossing and wood-knocking).

Many thanks to all who helped me on this. The knowledge I gained from you List Folk was invaluable in presenting a credible argument for my case, and I appreciate it immensely. As an added bonus, I've made some great friends - can't have too many of those! Thanks very much, from me and Vanna White! Sally Strawn


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.