Clutch locked up/ recall

[Dalite]

quote:Originally posted by kgdptblue

Dalite, the rental should be free because of the recall... it should be like any warranty work.. at least that's the way it is at my dealership.

They don't have any concern for return business; they got everything from me that they wanted.

I drove down there today, to take them some info on my trade in; on the items that I left on it when I traded it. I also saved them overnight postage on the power of attorney to apply for the title on my trade-in; because they had screwed up the one I signed when I traded. They overnighted me a new one to sign and included a return overnight envelope for it's return; so I scheduled the oil change to save them the postage..... I was going to have it done when I left it with them for the clutch recall.

I should have "sold" them the signature in exchange for a loaner car when I get the recall done, and a new front bumper to replace the one they ruined with the front tag frame.... If they had offered me my 02 model back, I may have taken them up on the deal. However, with the depreciation on the 02 model, I couldn't take the chance of driving it and getting in a wreck; them having to pay the deficit balance after the insurance company totaled it at current market value. The deficit between current market value ($7K for an 02 TE with 19K miles) and what was owed on it would have been about $10K. That is the main reason I drove across state lines to get the 03 GT; they provided GAP insurance. I felt that I could no longer afford to chance driving the 02 model after seeing how much value it had lost, and the fact that Georgia didn't have anything like GAP insurance to fill the void between replacement cost and payoff.

I made a service appointment for May 13th for them to do the clutch recall. They seemed to be a little apprehensive about the time frame. I let them know it was the only time I could arrange for transportation back from the dealership after dropping it off. I told them not to worry, I could send it down on a rollback if it locked up before then, and they could argue about the bill with the wrecker driver, and Chrysler.

After all that, I ordered a dozen spring clips for the A Pillar molding (the ones they are using are good for about 2 removals before they butterfly). I was making sure that the parts dept would have the replacement door handles to put on the same time that the did the recall.

I brought up that 3 of my A/C vent knobs were the correct slate gray, and one was Taupe. The parts guy went to work, and said he would get one ordered. When I got to the cashier's window, I found that he had charged me for the knob on the invoice for the spring clips. FWIW, the knob is $7.20. I could have painted the other 3 the wrong color a lot cheaper.

I will save that receipt until I have a chance to see the Chrysler field rep about the damage to the front bumper from the front tag frame; where it was put on with self tapping flanged wood screws. I am going to try to get an exhaustive morgue of info on Watts Links and what they do to discuss with the Chrysler guy how his bosses are re-definning their use as sway bars.

Currently, I would love to walk away from the whole ordeal, and get a Subaru. We haven't had any problems with either of the Forresters we have had; Still have an 02 Forrester; I could have bought a WRX.

Between the $13K depreciation for the 15 months I drove the 2002 Cruiser I traded in, and the unparalleled cheapening of product that Chrysler did to the 03 models to justify the price increase, I am beginning to not enjoy sitting in it any more.

I am also concerned I will find the next thing Chrysler decided the 03 model could do without as my last conscience thought before paying the price of their fiscal policies with my life.

Oh well, tomorrow's a new day. Maybe I will f