Re: another hotchkis Question

From: Bob Mankin (bob@cadpros.com)
Date: Tue May 09 2000 - 19:31:01 EDT


Sam Parthemer wrote:
>
> Answer #1: The only thing affected are the parts removed
> (springs, shocks, etc.) So, really, NO, it won't affect
> your warranty-- I've had my '00 RT to the dealership for a
> few items under warranty, and no problems having the
> Hotchkis suspension.

Sam,

Be careful. It depends on how big a prick your dealer wants to be. Today
I learned the local service manager CANCELED my ENTIRE warranty(both
standard and extended that I paid extra for) over a dispute I'm having
with them on warranty issues from last week. At first they were going to
replace some bearings in the rear end, but once the service head got
involved, he stated he would not service my vehicle and that was that.
He is pointing to the suspension modifications as his reason.

The cancelation was a complete surprise to me and it was only after I
called the national customer complaint line today that I even learned
about it. I was livid when I heard. The dealer said nothing about
canceling and I haven't been able to get any straight answers yet. All
my calls to the general manager are being referred back down to the
service manager that I have the beef with. There is NO RECOURSE beyond
the district representative on these issues and the guy here is already
on the service managers side(Good ole boys club). The warranty maunal
will suggest differently, but call the national number yourself and ask
questions. Lots of them. It and the whole 5 Star program they brag so
much about is a complete sham, IMO and IME. As a consumer with a
borderline warranty issue, you are at their mercy, sorry to say.

I see a really ugly, drawn out situation ahead for me and legally I
don't think their moves will stand, but it'll be some painful exchanges
and lots of arbitration before I ever get any relief on this one.

Buyer beware. And if anyone on this list is considering buying ANYTHING
from Stevens Creek Dodge in San Jose, CA, just say NO! You're setting
yourself up for a nightmare if you ever attempt to modify the truck
during the warranty period. Not my first, but my third bad experience
with this service department over 2 different vehicles. Never again!

Bob



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