An Owner's Worst Nightmare

 

   Buying cars may be a hassle for some, or a momentous occasion for others. Regardless of what dealership you buy from, once the transaction is completed, the majority of the interaction takes place with the service department. People choose service departments from their dealership for an added sense of security. Dealing with the service department provides owners with peace of mind. They (supposedly) are more reliable, prestigious, and loyal. It also looks good if a car has been serviced in the same place for its entirety. However, have you ever wondered what happens when you give your vehicle to the dealership for a repair?

   One would expect for the dealership to show their vehicle respect and care when you take it in for service. Unfortunately, this is not the case in some locations. Just last month, John Hooper dropped his Camaro ZL1 off at First State Chevrolet in Georgetown, DE to get some paint on the vehicle fixed. Hooper dropped the vehicle off on a Sunday, when the dealership’s service department was supposedly closed. Later that day, a service employee decided to take the $56,000 vehicle on a joyride. The employee ended up totaling the car by losing control and running into a telephone pole. To make this story even more frustrating, Hooper’s vehicle was under warranty, with approximately 10,000 miles on the clock. 

    In a just and moral world, the owner of the totaled vehicle would’ve received a fair offer from the dealership for his vehicle in used condition. Another option the dealership had would be to replace the owner’s vehicle with the same exact options, year, and mileage. Unbelievably, First State Chevrolet has decided to go a different route.

    The dealership offered Hooper a replacement Camaro ZL1 that had more miles and options that they didn’t want. The replacement vehicle also had two previous owners and was supposedly in an accident. More disturbingly, the dealership offered Hooper $5,000 with the replacement vehicle. I suppose the money was some kind of peace offering to forget the whole ordeal. Hooper has decided to take legal action against First State Chevrolet and has rejected all of their absurd offers. 

   This story is both sad and incredibly irritating. An employee took the vehicle out, totaled it and the dealership refuses to fix the problem. As an aside, the dealership waited 16 hours before telling Hooper of the accident. I agree with Hooper’s decision to sue the dealership. Hooper should receive a vehicle with the exact same specifications as the one the employee totaled. There also has to be consequences for the dealership. They should lose their seller’s license, their owner should be fired, or some other drastic measure. As a General Motors Co. (GM) vehicle, I’m surprised that GM has not intervened with the situation.


    In a world run by money and dishonesty, I can say that I am not surprised by what’s going on. Customer service now ranks second behind sales. Dealers will talk your ear off with how their customer service is number one in the world and other falsified banter. But when it comes down to it, dealerships are in the business to make money, not friends. It’s hard to find a good car. One that pushes all the right buttons, make’s you feel like a better driver, and has the amenities that you desire. However, finding an honest and loyal dealership is much harder. Does this story relate to the majority of dealerships? Of course not. But, it does show how dealerships view buyers and owners. We’re big bags of money, aimlessly looking for our dream vehicle, enticed by the sounds, smells, and noises that cars make. At the end of the day, we’re just another number on a long list signatures.