I bought a new RS, but it broke before I left the lot

[partsmutt]

I'm the owner of a new 2014 Red Hot Sonic RS. Well, I claim to be an owner, the car broke before I ever got it off the dealers lot. After I did the paperwork, signed the loan, etc etc. So I'm liable for the car, just never had possession of it.

Only 47 miles on it. Came from another dealer about 20 miles north of my dealer. Yet no one noticed the squealing engine until I took delivery of the car and turned it over. I got to drive it from the front of the dealership to the service bay. The A/C compressor is shot. Of course they don't have one in stock. Closest part to Dallas is Nashville.

This sucks.

I'm sure someone is wondering why I didn't catch it during a test drive. They didn't have the car I wanted on the lot and I test drove other Sonics. This one had everything I wanted and was traded for with another dealer. My dealer went and got it. When I went to take delivery, they were still detailing it for me, so I went inside and did all the paperwork.

I wanted them to pull a compressor off of one of the other Sonics sitting on the lot, but they refused. Said GM wouldn't allow it. I think it's because they got my loan and would rather inconvenience me for a week or however long this is going to take, and try to sell the others. They already got my loan money.

They did give me a loaner car, but then said I should return it with the same amount of gas as I got it. Thing is, I drove a long way to that dealership and passed two other chevy dealers because they are highly recommended. They want me to pay for gas back and forth to their distant dealership for a problem they should've fixed before selling me the car. So right off the bat I'm in an argument with them. They conceded, but I still have a bad taste over the whole thing. Not a great experience for this first time Chevy buyer.

I'd like to hear what the Customer Care people think about this if they are still hanging out on the forum.


So when I eventually get the car, I hope to be a happy participant on the forums.

 

[Hdmanny]

Unless you drove the car off their lot, it still belongs to them. At least that is the law in this state. You do not officially receive delivery until then and you can back out of the deal. You may wish to look into that, squeeze them to drop the price or you will walk. The paperwork may have been signed but I bet if you call your bank that financed you they have not yet cut the dealer a check.

 

[Eric Smit]

well that's an unfortunate way to start. try sending Chevrolet Customer Care a PM. they're very helpful.

 

[Preloader]

You could tell people the RS stands for Really Sucks.


I'm sorry to hear about your luck. I hope you get taken care of and can begin to love your Chevy.

 

[partsmutt]

You could tell people the RS stands for Really Sucks.

I've been in a grumpy rotten mood all day. But that made me laugh.

Thanks. I needed that.

 

[krakenredbeard]

Your not the only one with dealership whoas. I won't be going back to my dealership for anything after my experience either. Which is unfortunate cause I really liked my sales rep. But the service department is the worst I've seen which is bad considering they are supposedly the best in the area.


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[Natesriv]

often tiimes they'll call you and ask about your dealer service... and if you state your unhappy in any way they get "upset"...

I told my dealership I was unhappy with the repair when they couldn't fix the rear rattle after 3 trips to them..."that's normal"...bs

Don't hesitate to stand up for yourself, keep your cool, keep all records, document, and if necessary speak to the service manager, if not that the "owner"... face to face. The key is to not blow your top, cuss, or give them some out.

The compressor should be fine once fixed, it's just a part, but yeah, you're right nice they didn't notice it!!!

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I'm the owner of a new 2014 Red Hot Sonic RS. Well, I claim to be an owner, the car broke before I ever got it off the dealers lot. After I did the paperwork, signed the loan, etc etc. So I'm liable for the car, just never had possession of it.

Only 47 miles on it. Came from another dealer about 20 miles north of my dealer. Yet no one noticed the squealing engine until I took delivery of the car and turned it over. I got to drive it from the front of the dealership to the service bay. The A/C compressor is shot. Of course they don't have one in stock. Closest part to Dallas is Nashville.

This sucks.

I'm sure someone is wondering why I didn't catch it during a test drive. They didn't have the car I wanted on the lot and I test drove other Sonics. This one had everything I wanted and was traded for with another dealer. My dealer went and got it. When I went to take delivery, they were still detailing it for me, so I went inside and did all the paperwork.

I wanted them to pull a compressor off of one of the other Sonics sitting on the lot, but they refused. Said GM wouldn't allow it. I think it's because they got my loan and would rather inconvenience me for a week or however long this is going to take, and try to sell the others. They already got my loan money.

They did give me a loaner car, but then said I should return it with the same amount of gas as I got it. Thing is, I drove a long way to that dealership and passed two other chevy dealers because they are highly recommended. They want me to pay for gas back and forth to their distant dealership for a problem they should've fixed before selling me the car. So right off the bat I'm in an argument with them. They conceded, but I still have a bad taste over the whole thing. Not a great experience for this first time Chevy buyer.

I'd like to hear what the Customer Care people think about this if they are still hanging out on the forum.


So when I eventually get the car, I hope to be a happy participant on the forums.

This is certainly not an ideal first time buying experience, partsmutt. We've received your private message and will be responding shortly. We look forward to further discussing your concerns.

well that's an unfortunate way to start. try sending Chevrolet Customer Care a PM. they're very helpful.

Thanks for your help, Eric! We greatly appreciate it.

Your not the only one with dealership whoas. I won't be going back to my dealership for anything after my experience either. Which is unfortunate cause I really liked my sales rep. But the service department is the worst I've seen which is bad considering they are supposedly the best in the area.


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We're sorry to learn of your poor sales experience, krakenredbeard. Send us your VIN and contact information if you'd like to file a formal dealership complaint. We can also connect you with another dealership in the area for future service needs.

Amber N.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Eric Smit]

no problem Amber.

 

[partsmutt]

It looks like I'm getting the "We're really sorry, but stuff happens" treatment all the way around.

A few years back I bought a very expensive guitar amplifier. After getting it home and playing with it more I found that several of the pots were scratching and just generally messed up. I called the company and spoke with a tech who gave me the **** happens story and suggested I take it to an authorized repair shop. I didn't like his poor attitude so I sent an email to the company telling them so. The next day I get a phone call from the owner of the company falling all over himself telling me how sorry he was and that they would fix it / replace it, whatever makes me happy. He wanted a happy customer. Then after a few days I get a box in the mail with a hat and a shirt and a note telling me to contact him directly next time I want an amp and he'll personally get it to me at dealer cost. Excellent service. I've been a loyal customer ever since.

No such luck with Chevy. I'm more than a little bummed about this.


So I'll hit the Ford and Subaru dealers today. The WRX looks okay. The Fiesta and Focus are good looking cars, but I don't know anything about them. If anyone here has some information about them that you wouldn't mind sharing, PM me.


Thanks to you guys that replied. I appreciate the interest.

 

[Eric Smit]

I do wish you'd stay with the Sonic, but I understand you feel jaded with your poor service.

 

[partsmutt]

I'm not trying to be greedy. I just would like to know that they will take care of me in the future. If the manager had actually taken an interest and spoken to me personally, that would have been nice. Or something like, offering to throw in a cargo net while it's being repaired. Not that I really care about the cargo net, but that would have shown me that he was willing to take something out of his pocket (even a minor thing like a cargo net) to make me happy. Right now they aren't willing to walk across the showroom floor.

 

[krakenredbeard]

Chevy customer rep you used already taken care of me and I greatly appreciate your help in the matter the dealership paid to have my part replaced as a direct result of your guys involvement I believe!


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[EndlessSea]

Just a question. but you drove past two other chevy dealers, only to buy a car that the third didn't have on their lot, and had to get from another chevy dealer 20 miles away? just seems strange

why not just drive to that dealer yourself? probably could have gotten a better deal buying a car off the lot from the actual dealer.

EDIT: and sorry for your luck. sucks to buy something brand new and have a problem immediately. I hope it all resolves out well

 

[hammrdwn510]

My experience was similar to the OP, except for the whole breaking stuff part. I bought mine from the same salesman/dealership I've bought my last three chevy's from. Pretty much sight unseen on my sonic, they got it from another dealership a few miles away. I'd rather get it from the guy I know than to go have to do a whole new horse and pony show somewhere else. Pretty happy so far, hopefully you'll have your issues resolved OP.
Didn't get to see it 'till all the paperwork was signed.

 

[partsmutt]

Just a question. but you drove past two other chevy dealers, only to buy a car that the third didn't have on their lot, and had to get from another chevy dealer 20 miles away? just seems strange

Not so strange. No one here close to me had the car. There are 2 dealers relatively close to me that didn't have the car. The dealer I bought from was 20 to 30 miles out and highly recommended. They didn't have it either but like all dealers, they can barter with other dealers to bring in the car you want. The dealer he traded with to get the car was even further out from where I live. I chose to just stick with the recommended dealer and let him go get the car for me. They were willing to go to Oklahoma City from Dallas to pick up a car, but then we found one closer.

 

[mtbrdad]

So I'll hit the Ford and Subaru dealers today. The WRX looks okay. The Fiesta and Focus are good looking cars, but I don't know anything about them. If anyone here has some information about them that you wouldn't mind sharing, PM me.

Thanks to you guys that replied. I appreciate the interest.

So what happened were you able to back out of the Sonic deal?

 

[Preloader]

I understand what dealer disappointment feels like. I wanted to support my hometown's economy, and bought my Sonic from them. I had to order my Sonic and after waiting two months for it to be built and arrive, I was queue'd up with excitement. When I went in to handle the sale paperwork (I came with my own loan money, and I don't think they appreciated that) they sucked the joy out of the whole experience.

They had promised me a price when I ordered it, but then threw a couple grand on top when it arrived, saying, "you won't find another Summit White Turbo LTZ with a sunroof for this price." No duh? Of course not, that's why I ordered it for the promised price.

Now I go to the next city over anytime I need OEM GM parts. That dealer is wonderful. It's night and day. And you better believe I warn anyone willing to listen, DO NOT buy a car at Bay City Chevrolet in Oakland, CA.

Funny how a little customer service can multiply once it's converted to word of mouth.

I too, would love for you to stay with a Sonic, but if you feel the need to go elsewhere, my second choice would still be American. Our cars have really gotten a lot better, IMO.

 

[partsmutt]

Dealer called and said it's fixed. I took off a little early and went to get it. At dealer now. They replaced the compressor but that wasn't the problem. Still squealing. Yet according to them it's fixed because it blows cold air. It did that before.

Clueless service dept

 

[partsmutt]

Don't go to Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco TX