Jackson Cheverolet (Middletown, CT) Chevrolet Doesn't back their vehicles!!! Even after total engine replacement, left me with the same warranty!!! Middletown, Connecticut
August 27 2008 I purchased a NEW 2008 Chevrolet Malibu from Jackson Chevrolet on South Main Street, in Middletown Connecticut. The asking price was a little over $22,000 my monthly payment was $412. So as a college student I bought a big commitment.
Around June 2010 my fiance and I were out to dinner and on the way home my coolant light came on so I pulled over and realized my engine was over heating. I hadn't driven the car all day so I didn't understand how this could happen.
Well my father drove out to the Berlin Turnpike and had me meet him at the gas station so he could check my coolant levels. He added some coolant because it seemed low, and it disappeared as if it evaporated. He filled it again followed by evaporation, he checked under the car for a leak and nothing, by the third time the pink coolant stayed but than turned brown. I called Jackson Chevrolet right away and they took my car the following morning.
So Jackson told me and my father that my engine had become porous and the coolant leaked into my oil and my oil got into my coolant. The mechanic said he had never seen that before. So they said they would have my car a few days because they had to order a new engine, and gave me a loaner car. A week and a half later I got my Malibu back and I was excited that the work was done so fast considering that the new engine had to be shipped in.
So I go into the "Services" department to pick up my vehicle and they explain to me everything that needed to be done, and had me sign paper work. I asked him if I needed paper work for the new warranty on my engine, the gentleman (can't remember his name I will post it later) stated that my prior warranty from the first engine rolled over to the new one. I asked why would that be a new engine should come with a new warranty, he told me it didn't work like that.
So I called corporate because I was amazed that I could buy such a pricey vehicle with a full warranty and end up in a situation like this. I mean this type of thing I was trying to avoid by buying a brand new vehicle.
Well Chevrolet corporate even told me that the NEW engine would not get a new warranty thats how it works. I told them as far as I know this could happen again and I don't have the money to replace a $4,000 engine. She did explain to me that the work I had done had a 12,000 warranty, but that was from the date of repair-which basically doesn't do me any good!!!
I might not get a new warranty but I tell EVERYONE I know not to purchase from Jackson Chevrolet or Chevrolet period!
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Flynrider
Phoenix,Arizona,
USA
Basic misunderstanding.
#6Consumer Comment
Thu, September 08, 2011
"My question is how can these big companies sell something so expensive and NOT back there product. "
They did. You have a brand new engine in your two year old car. How does that equate to them not backing their product? It sounds like the exact opposite to me.
When you buy a car with a (for example) 3 yr./ 50K mile warranty, the manufacturer agrees to cover defects for that time period/mileage. You had an engine failure and they replaced the engine in accordance with the warranty. Your original warranty is still in effect and you will continue to be covered for the time period/mileage specified. Your assertion that the warranty should now be extended BECAUSE they stood behind their product, is unreasonable and not customary in the industry (or any industry that I can think of).
If I buy a TV with a 1 year warranty and the power supply fails at 6 months, the manufacturer replaces the power supply and I still have 6 months left on the warranty. The warranty does not start over because of the repair.
You appear to think that since the car cost $22K things should work differently, but if you read your warranty, you'll find that they do not.
"I only posted this to let people know how crappy Chevrolet is, I should have got a foreign car!"
That's funny. Do you think Honda, Nissan or Toyota would have done things differently? If so, you would be mistaken.
Basically, your post is just whining because things are not what you assume they should be. Neither GM nor the dealer has ripped you off. In fact, your post shows that they treated you very well under the circumstances. I think it may have the opposite effect that you hoped it would.
Ken
Greeley,Colorado,
USA
In the end, you WERE treated fairly.
#6Consumer Comment
Thu, September 08, 2011
I can think of a lot less desirable outcomes. IMHO, your bad feelings towards the dealer and GM are unjustified.
You got faster than average service AND a NEW engine...what happened to yours is a VERY rare occurence.
BTW, while $22,000 IS a lot of money, it's really a low to medium priced car...a good value.
The GM car we bought for retirement was $47,000. Sorry you still feel you were Ripped Off........you were NOT!
Mep723
Middletown,Connecticut,
United States of America
I see what ya'll are saying so far but....
#6Author of original report
Thu, September 08, 2011
My question is how can these big companies sell something so expensive and NOT back there product. My mother purchased a used car and when the transmission went they replaced it and it came with a new warranty! I mean yea when a laptop has and issue and they replace the part the company themselves wont put a new warranty on it, but fine we're talking about a $600-1000 item. I'm talking about a $22,000 car. I EXPECT a company to back their vehicles. I don't know what ya'll have dealt with in the past but it seems you've put up with some things I just think consumers should be protected by. I only posted this to let people know how crappy Chevrolet is, I should have got a foreign car!
voiceofreason
North Carolina,United States of America
Not seeing the ripoff
#6Consumer Comment
Thu, September 08, 2011
2 years into a 3 year warranty, they replaced the engine without giving you any grief. You were also fortunate that they found the problem quickly and took care of it fast. Why would you expect another 3 year warranty going forward from June 2010? Had the 1st engine blown last month, you'd have new engine coverage thru 8/2012. So far so good apparently, it didn't blow again. With GM having gone bankrupt a few months after your purchase, you're lucky you had any warranty coverage honored at all. We have people posting nightmares here of companies not honoring valid warranties due to all kinds of shady loopholes, including car makers. You did have yours honored. At least give the dealer a break. They didn't make the engine, just replaced it. Considering the horrors so many others post about dealers, yours seems to have been a prince.
Ken
Greeley,Colorado,
USA
Almost ALL companies continue the original warranty period
#6Consumer Comment
Wed, September 07, 2011
when repairs/replacement is done. They don't owe you additional warranty.
One reason is, just before the "new" warranty was to expire, dishonest folks would "arrange" to have another failure, for another free replacement and a whole new warranty...ad infinitum. You were treated fairly, and I would have no problem going to this dealer after what you've reported.
BTW, you're being a college student has nothing to do with this report unless you're looking for some special consideration on your repair.