Question: Follow-up to Question: I just purchase a new Volvo S60R and it broke down three blocks from the car dealership. What are my rights?

December 06, 2005

Hi Tony

My husband just called and the same thing happened to him again when he went to pick up the Volvo. The car broke down again!

I know that you suggested that the car dealer can have up to 3 chances, but is this too excessive if the same problem is consistent?

Looking forward to your advice,
Melissa

Answer:

Hi Melissa,

Contact Volvo through the contact information in your owner's manual right away and tell them what's going on. Tell them that you bought a new car and that this is totally unacceptable.

Tell them that the car dealer can't seem to correct the problem. Tell them you want help now or you're going to get a lawyer and file a "lemon" complaint.

That should get them jumping. Give them a chance to do something and see what happens. Unfortunately, these things do happen and it's going to take some time to resolve the issues.

Whether they fix the car finally or you have to go the "lemon" route it's going to take some time, and you're going to have to be patient yet persistent.

Keep raising heck with them every day if you have to. They'll want to correct the problem more than you want them to just to get you out of their hair! Hang in there!

Let me know how things work out.

All my very best...

Tony Iorio

Final Comments From Melissa:

Thanks again for your quick response. We have contacted Volvo headquarters and they said that they will have a Regional Manager look into our complaint since we have asked to exchanged the car.

I have also mentioned to them California's Lemon Law, and if we get into any accident due to their error that they will surely have a product liability lawsuit.

Now we will just have to wait for a few days. I'll keep you posted with a resolution. Thanks again for all your support!

Regards,
Melissa