Something good do happen these days...
Something good do happen these days...
The other day, I brought my GSR to the dealership to buy a new key and have it reprogrammed because I lost mine being too drunk at a wedding (and being a groomsmen no less). Aside for the key being damn expensive and the reprogramming fee being even more expensive, it added a new level of inconvenience because it added extra stress to my tough work schedule (working overtime all the time to pay rent).
When I picked up my ride, drove home, as I parked my car in front of the apt to move the garbage bins to the side of the building, that's when I noticed 5 long scratches on the lower right side of the front bumper. I sat there, stunned, reacted like wtf just happened. I immediately took pictures, videos, and started to inspect my own curb to see if I hit anything... Nothing, the curb in my area are way too low reproduce the same kind of damage.
That's when I was faced with a dilemma(s), do I call back the dealer, call my insurance agent, or call the cops? I decided to drive back immediately, back to the dealership, even though I know the service folks left already. When I got there, I was greeted by the GM at his office. At first, he was being an @ss, and try to pin me to trying to rip the dealership off. As we talked more, I explained that I dropped the car off in the morning, the service guys inspect it, didn't notice any external damage, and I was off to work. I only noticed it when I got home after work. So there was 30 minutes of time, where the car was off the lot. I knew it was going to be he said I said type of deal, and there was a slim chance he would help me out, and in this economy, everyone is trying to get something for free, it's hard as it is to stay in business. I noticed their sales floor was not packed even on the weekends. But the GM noted the possibility that no one really inspected the car after it was reprogrammed, and they failed to note to me there was any previous damage to begin with (or no damage at all). But regardless, the dealership reserves the right to refuse my claim because in legal terms, when I drove off the lot, I resume legal responsibility for any damages.
The conversation progressed, the GM finally relented, and said he will take care of it the next day. I went back to the dealership for the fifth time, and was able to finally drove my ride home in one piece. They didn't repaint the whole bumper, but called in some detail expert to buff, clean, and repaint the scratches, so it would be close to new as possible.
My lesson, don't take the ride home unless you inspect in a "well lit" area! And I am just surprised and shocked that I was offered the repair at no cost. So freaking glad I can sleep at night.
When I picked up my ride, drove home, as I parked my car in front of the apt to move the garbage bins to the side of the building, that's when I noticed 5 long scratches on the lower right side of the front bumper. I sat there, stunned, reacted like wtf just happened. I immediately took pictures, videos, and started to inspect my own curb to see if I hit anything... Nothing, the curb in my area are way too low reproduce the same kind of damage.
That's when I was faced with a dilemma(s), do I call back the dealer, call my insurance agent, or call the cops? I decided to drive back immediately, back to the dealership, even though I know the service folks left already. When I got there, I was greeted by the GM at his office. At first, he was being an @ss, and try to pin me to trying to rip the dealership off. As we talked more, I explained that I dropped the car off in the morning, the service guys inspect it, didn't notice any external damage, and I was off to work. I only noticed it when I got home after work. So there was 30 minutes of time, where the car was off the lot. I knew it was going to be he said I said type of deal, and there was a slim chance he would help me out, and in this economy, everyone is trying to get something for free, it's hard as it is to stay in business. I noticed their sales floor was not packed even on the weekends. But the GM noted the possibility that no one really inspected the car after it was reprogrammed, and they failed to note to me there was any previous damage to begin with (or no damage at all). But regardless, the dealership reserves the right to refuse my claim because in legal terms, when I drove off the lot, I resume legal responsibility for any damages.
The conversation progressed, the GM finally relented, and said he will take care of it the next day. I went back to the dealership for the fifth time, and was able to finally drove my ride home in one piece. They didn't repaint the whole bumper, but called in some detail expert to buff, clean, and repaint the scratches, so it would be close to new as possible.
My lesson, don't take the ride home unless you inspect in a "well lit" area! And I am just surprised and shocked that I was offered the repair at no cost. So freaking glad I can sleep at night.
glad it pretty much worked out.
I always hate to be that scrutinizing jerk who inspects everything before/after... but you HAVE to look out for yourself for the reasons you mentioned because no one else will.
that being said, every time I see a new scrape/scratch/dent in my car, I have to talk myself down by saying to myself a few times "it's a 'rally car'... these kind of things are ok"
I always hate to be that scrutinizing jerk who inspects everything before/after... but you HAVE to look out for yourself for the reasons you mentioned because no one else will.
that being said, every time I see a new scrape/scratch/dent in my car, I have to talk myself down by saying to myself a few times "it's a 'rally car'... these kind of things are ok"
glad it worked out
i had a similar situation happen when i was getting some tires dismounted from my summer wheels and they scratched the wheels, now i always check any work that gets done before i leave and pay
-anthony
i had a similar situation happen when i was getting some tires dismounted from my summer wheels and they scratched the wheels, now i always check any work that gets done before i leave and pay
-anthony
You guys should have seen my face. I went from relief that the wedding was over, got my new key, getting ready for a month of brown bag lunches for my drunkenness to save up money, to heart attack mode. That feeling was intense I tell you.
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 64
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From: Canada
Glad to hear everythings all good, some service techs, not all but a few.. They know who they are don't have any pride or quality in there workmanship towards customer vehicles. had my car back from service with white grease on the interior trim, headliner had brown streaks and scratched my door and side skirts getting In and out. And some dealerships offer a free wash after they've serviced ur vehicle. Thanks, but no thanks.
