Opinion Wanted: Do you think this is right?

I may or may not print this off and take it to the dealership, I don't know yet. I may just come up with a percentage and use that. Here's the deal:





My husband and I just purchased a 2000 Pontiac Montana with 54,000 miles on it for $8,995 from a huge lot in our home town. NINE Days later, the transmission started shifting hard.





Anyway, they say it's the shift selenoid and now they want us to pay $200 to fix it (it was $400 which was 50% of their estimate) - they price came down thanks to us checking with other lots (which made them look bad).





My question is this: Do you think it's fair that we should have to pay this much this soon? If you own(ed) a car lot, how would you handle this? As a customer, what are feelings on it?





I know it's not illegal - unethical definitely and I know they don't "have" to pay anything on it. But, I personally feel, they should stand behind what they sell - especially in the first 10 days!

Opinion Wanted: Do you think this is right?
This is a tough one. Years ago I used to be a new car dealer but that and dollar might get you a cup of coffee.





I guess what I'm saying is that some dealers(businesses) are in business for the long run, need repeat business, and try to generate good will and not burn bridges.





There's a good chance the dealer was not aware of the transmission problem and that's why it was traded in by the previous owner. Next, working on transmissions can get very expensive. It was smart to check around on the work elsewhere.





If the problem is the solenoid and they will warranty the repair both labor and parts, get it done. While there you might ask that they service the transmission and change the filter. This would benefit both the dealer and you since it could rule out future problems. Also what is the recomended service schedule for the transmission in you car?





Usually when buying used cars there is a sticker on the window and also part of the contract to sell; saying that you are buying this vehicle as is, without any warranty.





If this was the case, you may have been shown a short term warranty plan to cover certain parts for up to a year etc.





In most cases I would recomend an extended warranty on used or even new from a reliable company at least to cover most of your note duration.





What I did with a used car trade in was either to retail it or wholesale it. If it was a retail piece we tried to go through it and make sure it was something we could stand behind. Some dealers do this and some don't and you can still miss something costly even if you go through it.





Today may used cars are bought at auctions and from leased fleets. As a new or used car buyer, the internet is a great source of info. If you have the serial number you can trace the used car's history.





Good luck and I hope it works out for your benefit.
Reply:since this was a used vehicle, used car lots do not have to offer any kind of warranty. usually they are sold "as is" and the buyer is informed of this and has to sign a paper indicating they were told. you might rather than take it back to the dealer for repair, take it to an independant shop. they may give you a lower price.





is it right not to stand behind a USED car that is likely out of warranty? yes. does it make for good customer relations? no.





it is however a sign of the times when peopole buy something used, and then complain when it breaks due to a minor problem and expect someone to do something about it without cost to the buyer. ask yourself this question, if you had bought this van from a private party, and the same thing happened, would you go back to the person you bought it from and expect them to fix it?
Reply:Caveat Emptor.





Use a different place for the repairs unless the deal they offer is better money wise.
Reply:some of my family owns a car lot,and they do try to work with people on things like this,we figure it like this a happy customer will send you more buyers ,an un happy customer will tell people not to buy from you,every car lot has problems with used vehicles,the best thing any lot can do it to work with you on this one,I'm sure they didn't know this would happen,but its just bad for business,if you don't try to help the customer,if it were us ,we,d probably stand behind the vehicle for at least 30 days,because we know how hard money is to get these days,,i wish you luck on it,i think they,ll help you with it,good luck.
Reply:You bought a used car, and a Pontiac at that. A used car is going to have some problems, that's why the previous owner got rid of it in the first place. It sounds to me like they are doing the right thing by splitting the cost, but you could still check with local mechanics for an estimate as well. Next time, buy a Honda or Toyota. More up front cost, but at least it won't be in the shop. I bought a 97 CR-V with 107,000 miles on it three years ago for $7,000 and the only thing I've had to replace is a drivers side inner tie rod that cost me $100 to fix. That happened with148,000 miles on it. I could trade it in today with 151,000 miles on it and get $3000 grand for it.
Reply:If you bought the car "as-is" they have no legal obligation. It's very possible the dealer didn't know about the problem.


They gave you a big discount on the repair. I'd say they met you halfway.


You should never buy a car without some kind of warranty.
Reply:I'd be a little more then "steamed." A couple of view on this:





1. Legally, if they did not give you a warranty it is "Buyer Beware" and the second it's off the lot they have no responsibility what so ever.





2. If I owned the lot I'd probably at least split the cost with you. (But I am a person of integrity) If the lot has it's own service department I'd probably fix it for you at a minimal cost. Probably just parts.
Reply:I think the car lot delt very fairly with you splitting the cost with you! Very upstanding thing to do! They didnt make the transmission break-down, and anything man-made will break!


I say "Count your lucky stars they gave you such a fair deal!"
Reply:Why would u buy a car with that much mileage on it for that much money? u couldve bout one with 500 miles for even less money. i think u got ripped off. Transmission replacing will cost u another $3,000 so u better b careful
Reply:Personally, I think its bull. i think everyone should be held accountbale for what they sell, but as the saying goes "Buyer beware"...i do not think it's right, but there is really not much to do about it. You might look into the local Lemon Law, but other then that I do not know.





I have a ford, and I was having issues with my temp in my car. My heat blew cold all the time. I took it in at the end of my warranty, and they said they fixed it and it was my thermostat. It was fixed, but 2 weeks later it did the same thing. This time my coolant was completly empty. I suddenly had a leak...2 weeks after my taking it in....in the SAME system that they just worked on. But since I was out of my warranty I had to pay for it. Bunch of bologna if you ask me. But the dealership always seems to win. Sorry.