Sullivan Pontiac dealer relly *^&^@# us over - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

MNBoxster · 03-25-2007, 06:36 PM

Hi,

Go here: http://www.ag.state.il.us/consumers/auto.html - this speaks Directly to your issue. Good Luck!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

djomlas · 03-25-2007, 06:44 PM

Jim,
i see the issues the site talks about, but how does that help me?
contact her and see what she says?

MNBoxster · 03-25-2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djomlas

Jim,
i see the issues the site talks about, but how does that help me?
contact her and see what she says?

Hi,

Yes - obviously you are not alone. Contact the AG and file a complaint, they are duty-bound to investigate it and this will give you leverage with the Dealer.

A couple of points though - don't drive the car - the Dealer can charge you wear and tear - usually exorbitant for a car they need to take back. Also, write to the Dealer stating your issues and send it certified to the GM, not the Salesman (the AG will probably insist on this prior to acting on your complaint). Contact the BBB and send them a letter, turns up the heat slightly and helps end this dubious practice - help the next guy.

I'm not making any guarantees about any of this, but you need a starting point (assuming you wish to return the Car or change the agreement to a purchase) and these are the most logical ones...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

jeffsquire · 03-25-2007, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djomlas

Jim,
i see the issues the site talks about, but how does that help me?
contact her and see what she says?

_______________________

Before you do anything talk to them first. If that doesnt work then speak to the manager. If that doesnt work write a letter to the dealership and cc it to regional and national headquarters. Call the dealership, regional and national headquarters to confirm they've recieved your letter.

This is potentially bad business for them even though you presumably signed an arms-length contract (meaning you werent "coerced" and such). Give them a deadline and tell them you will seek "alternate remedies available by law" if they don't respond to you.

remember, THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE.

Ray · 03-25-2007, 08:16 PM

I had to take a dealership to small claims court ... they called 2 days before to settle... FYI Situation was similar in regards to "misleading".

der Geist · 03-25-2007, 10:21 PM

DJ:

Make sure you document EVERYTHING in writing, the sooner the better as memories fade pretty quickly. I can't tell you how important it is to document every conversation regarding this whether it is with the salesman or the GM-it does not matter. If a judge or arbitrator sees that you have been diligent about this it goes a long way. It also helps if you can send written copies of your conversations to the AG when you file your complaint there. I think that you can forget about the BBB though. They are just a letter writing agency that keeps track of complaints in order to sell memberships. I was in a legal battle with a shady landlord once and when I was able to quote day, place and time of the conversations the judge was very impressed. I ultimately won the case and I think that had at least something to do with it. It goes a long way to bolster up your side of the he said-she said argument. You will always see a good lawyer making notes when he is talking on the phone (typically to use them AGAINST someone). Also check and see if there is an early payment penalty clause. If there isn't your cheapest method of resolving this may be to get the car refinanced by a reputable lender, you will probably get a much better rate. Lawyers fees are gonna stack up quickly especially in the Chicagoland area. I had always heard that financing a car at the dealership was the worse place to do it unless there was a special program. But even then you have to be careful as in your case. I am no expert in financing autos but I am sure that there must be someone here who will substantiate that. Best of luck to you with it.

denverpete · 03-26-2007, 08:33 AM

Can't speak for other states, but in Colorado you have 3 days to return a new car purchase for any reason. They will charge you for the 3 days you have it - but you can return it. Perhaps there is some sort of law like this where you live?

MNBoxster · 03-26-2007, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffsquire

_______________________

Before you do anything talk to them first. If that doesnt work then speak to the manager. If that doesnt work write a letter to the dealership and cc it to regional and national headquarters. Call the dealership, regional and national headquarters to confirm they've recieved your letter.

This is potentially bad business for them even though you presumably signed an arms-length contract (meaning you werent "coerced" and such). Give them a deadline and tell them you will seek "alternate remedies available by law" if they don't respond to you.

remember, THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE.

Hi,

Great Advice! I assumed they had already tried to reverse the deal with no-joy and was seeking advice on how to proceed to the next step...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

PS @ DenverPete - there is a 3-day Return Consumer Protection Law in Illinois for purchases over $500, but Auto Sales are exempt - go figure - never underestimate the power of a Strong Lobby!

djomlas · 03-26-2007, 09:32 AM

so i just got off the phone with the deale.
here is what he said:
go to yor bank and refinance it and you will get a better rate.
im like i dont want to do that, i came here to buy and finance a car, so y would i want to refinance a car after owning it for a week?

he finally agreed that when we get the 1s stub for payments to come in and they will refinance it and make the payments be as follows:
72 months for 210 dollars, this is including taxes, interest, and everything, so that adds up to 15120 or so on a 13 thousand dollar car.

MNBoxster · 03-26-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djomlas

so i just got off the phone with the deale.
here is what he said:
go to yor bank and refinance it and you will get a better rate.
im like i dont want to do that, i came here to buy and finance a car, so y would i want to refinance a car after owning it for a week?

he finally agreed that when we get the 1s stub for payments to come in and they will refinance it and make the payments be as follows:
72 months for 210 dollars, this is including taxes, interest, and everything, so that adds up to 15120 or so on a 13 thousand dollar car.

Hi,

Hey - Good News! And, it's a Purchase as you wanted and not an extended Lease?

Do yourself a favor and send a letter to the Dealer recapping the points in your phone conversation - something to the effect: " To recap our Phone Conversation today, I understand that..." This will document the call and prevent any future misunderstandings/misrepresentations. Great news!

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

djomlas · 03-26-2007, 11:12 AM

Jim,
yes, after the last payment we get the title and keep the car.

so, so far its working out, just have to wait a week and h alf or so to get that 1st payment stub, pay 1st rate, and then bring in the recipt and they will fix the paperwork.

jeffsquire · 03-26-2007, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Great Advice! I assumed they had already tried to reverse the deal with no-joy and was seeking advice on how to proceed to the next step...

_________________________
I see absolutely nothing in is initial message or any message thereafter to indicate he tried to reverse the deal. Did I miss something>???

As it turns out it looks like he's making headway.

MNBoxster · 03-26-2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffsquire

_________________________
I see absolutely nothing in is initial message or any message thereafter to indicate he tried to reverse the deal. Did I miss something>???

As it turns out it looks like he's making headway.

Hi,

You're correct, but to me the logical thing would have been to approach the Dealer first, state your case, and then if no correction is taken to seek assistance elsewhere, but that's just me I guess...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

B&TRepair · 03-27-2007, 07:09 AM

I'd start at the dealer level, if they take a FU position then you need to decide how bad you want a fair outcome. Tell the dealer owner your mom will be driving the car around with a "Sullivan Pontiac are lying *******" sign in the window, tends to get their attention real fast. I played that tune on a smug Searay dealer once and he was tripping over his own **** (censored, I forgot free speech has been stabbed to death by Bushco) to fix the situation, good luck.