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Coupes & Convertibles Chrysler Sebring Chrysler Sebring Convertible Top and Sunroof Problems
95 messages, Last post on Nov 19, 2009 at 6:19 PM
You are in the Chrysler Sebring Forum. Your Host is claires
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Replying to: jackieh2 (Sep 21, 2007 4:07 am) The big-picture issue is that you appear to have to resort to your lemon law claim. If the people in the system of dealers and manufacturers were credible in the way they handle these situations, there would be absolutely no need for lemon laws. The fact that so many (all?) states have lemon laws is a testament to the fact that the automobile industry is notoriously deficient in the way they choose to handle these situations. For me, Chrysler sold the dealer the car and the dealer sold you the car. Both should be bending over backwards to provide you a new car or to return all of your money on the simple basis that neither has provided you a reasonable expectation. The proof of the pudding is that if the same sort of thing happened to the CEOs of your dealership or Chrysler, neither one of them would put up with this sort of situation. And for good reasons, the same reasons that you shouldn't have to. If I were in your situation, I would have a very serious conversation with the CEO of the dealership. If that person doesn't give you immediate and total satisfaction, I would explain the power of the Internet, the power of explaining to potential customers how the dealership is treating you, and the power of local media coverage of your situation. The dealer's relationship with Chrysler is irrelevant to you because you bought the car from the dealer, not the manufacturer. Despite that, you gave the manufacturer every reasonable opportunity to take care of you and you haven't been taken care of. So, it is now the dealer's opportunity to make you a happy customer and keep you that for life -- or lose you and everyone you tell this story to for life. As an example, I bought a computer recently. I also bought a 5-year protection plan. All of the written materials that were given to me as an incentive to purchase the protection plan were blatantly misleading. The company providing the protection plan lived up to their lowest possible requirements relating to the letter of the agreement, but there was no good-faith attempt to live up to the spirit of the agreement. When I explained this to the general manager of the computer store (a mega-store that is part of a 20-store chain), he verified everything and was appalled. Without me having to ask, he offered to immediately return 100% of my funds. Because his reaction to my situation instilled confidence in every way, I used those funds to purchase a new computer at his store, though this time with no protection plan. So long as that general manager remains with the company, he has my computer business for life. It would be SO easy for people at Chrysler and your dealer to act similarly, yet they apparently won't. It would be the moral thing to do and it would be the smart business decision to make. The fact that they don't speaks volumes about their integrity and their process for making business decisions.
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Replying to: mikebuckley (Sep 21, 2007 5:27 am)  and Chrysler in general. I also went to the dealership and asked their service department for all records of their unsuccessful attempts to fix the darned car. I hinted that I had the Johnnie Cochran of Lemon Law Litigation waiting in the wings--I have talked with a firm I found when I Googled VA Lemon Law. However, I doubt I'll need them as I got a message just this afternoon from the dealership's owner saying he had recommended that Chrysler begin the buy-back process. I'm looking at the VW Eos--the retractable hard top (with sun roof yet) operated so smoothly and quietly. It is beautifully put together--everything fits like a glove. But dressed out like the Sebring, it's another cool $8K. It won't even hold one set of Callaways in the trunk with the top down. It gets fabulous reviews--owners love it. I'm not going to get excited about anything until I have the check in my hot little hand. I'll let y'all know what happens. Thanks again. Jackie
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Replying to: jackieh2 (Sep 24, 2007 5:06 pm) As much as I am hopeful that you get swift, satisfactory action, I am still not convinced that you are getting what you deserve. Just a couple of thoughts to follow up about that ... If I understand correctly, the recommendation for Chrysler to begin the buy-back process came only after you emailed the CEO and asked for your service record. If that's true, they are responding to the squeaky wheel (pun intended) rather than proactively acting responsively. If you haven't already learned all of the details of the buy-back process, be sure to do that. The questions: How long does it take? What are the factors that are considered? Who is the decision maker? What is the decision maker's contact information? Each time they get in touch with you, get a firm commitment as to when you will hear from them the next time. My Chrysler dealer has the car's service record available online. (Not all dealers do.) Even so, you are absolutely right to get printed service records from the dealer. Better yet, each time you take the car in for service, including warranty service, you should always get a SIGNED copy of the record indicating what was done, the mileage at the time it was done, the date the shop accepted and returned your car, and what the next step is, if any. Hope this helps!
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Replying to: mikebuckley (Sep 26, 2007 9:21 am) One of the dealership's directors called me yesterday and said Chrysler will be calling me "soon" to discuss a replacement vehicle "so you won't have to deal with the state." I told him I would consider such an offer but the new car would have to just now come off the assembly line--nothing first generation, as it were, and I would verify the date of manufacture. I could demand and would likely get a full refund but quite frankly, I haven't found anything I like better at the price. Other than irritation, I haven't been inconvenienced--I've always had a rental car. The dealer has put over a $1K into Enterprise and I've got to drive a variety of vehicles. When Chrysler calls, I'll see what "extras" they are willing to give me for my "inconvenience and aggravation." My Sebring Touring is fully loaded so they can't give me any options. I intend to suggest they give me an extended warranty at their cost (I never buy 'em on anything) "to protect me against the likelyhood of future problems with the top's mechanism." I'll keep y'all posted. Jackie
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Replying to: jackieh2 (Sep 26, 2007 1:30 pm) I think the statistical odds are very much in your favor that a second car will not have the malfunctions that were present in the first one. So, I think it's great that you're open minded to considering a replacement car rather than a refund. However, considering all of the circumstances that you experienced, you might consider entering into a special contract in the event that you do indeed accept a replacement. The contract could in essence guarantee you immediate relief if the same stuff happens again with the replacement car. By the way, I would be very, very surprised if your dealer actually incurs the costs of providing you the rental car. Under the circumstances, I would be shocked to learn that the dealer isn't reimbursed by Chrysler. Chrysler should be paying for the rental car, because doing so is right on so many levels. Let us know when you get the keys to the new car!
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Replying to: mikebuckley (Sep 26, 2007 9:03 pm) My Sebring is behaving OK right now so I have the time and energy to negotiate the T's and C's of the replacement. I'm not convinced Chrysler will be receptive to negotiation.... I'll be interested in getting "the call" and knowing the level of the caller. VA Lemon Law says Chrysler has 45 days to comply once the decision to refund or replace is made. I have yet to hear from the state investigator. Many of my friends say I'm nuts to even consider another Sebring "...go for the VeeDub Eos" they say. Jackie
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Replying to: jackieh2 (Sep 27, 2007 3:58 am) I agree that Chrysler will probably not want to negotiate a special contract. But it won't hurt to try. No, I'm not an attorney. Now you know how little my advice is worth. 
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| I talked to you awhile back when my top was broken and the dealership wouldn't do anything for me. After complaining to the dealership they gave me a rental and fixed everything that was wrong with the top and the trunk. I have not had a problem since (Thank God.) I don't know what the future holds for me and my car, but I guess I will see. Good luck with everything. | |
| My 08 touring conv only has 6000 miles, and the top has messed up. When lowering the top, the top dropped back, but now the trunk will not come back down. This happened Friday at 8pm. Dealership isn't open until Monday. Good thing I have a garage that it will fit into. Any one know of a way to manually get the trunk down. When I hit the button on the dash to complete dropping the top I can hear the motor running, but nothing happens. Any advice? | |
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Replying to: mseningen (Jan 11, 2006 7:30 pm)  : kim.gilmoreatt.net. Love the air blowing in my receding hair! Kim 
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