February 28, 2006

Hi Tony

I brought in my car for service and it was damaged (scratched on side panel) at the dealership.

The dealership is refusing to take responsibility. I have witness that my car was in perfect condition before arrival as the tech did a walk around before taking in my car.

What should I do?

Thanks,

Alice C.

Answer:

Hi Alice,

You should contact the General Manager or the owner of the car dealership and confront them with the problem. Tell them you will not settle for anything less then them fixing the damage to your satisfaction. After all, you're only asking them to do what's right.

If they refuse, threaten to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and with your state's Attorney General's office.

Also contact the factory rep for your make of car. There should be contact information in your owner's manual. Tell them that you are very dissatisfied with the car dealer, and that you will never buy that make of car again if they don't help you to resolve the issue.

Unfortunately, you have to get tough with them in order to get them to do the right thing. Keep on them until you get them to repair the car.

All my very best . . .

Tony Iorio