Leased vehicle - dealership can't repair

K

Kesscookie

New Member
Jurisdiction
Michigan
I have a leased Ford Flex that is due to be turned in on June 19. The car has been in service for 44 out of the last 75 days. It has been towed to the dealership three times and they still can't figure out how to fix it- it doesn't start. There is some body damage that I need to have fixed before I turn it in to avoid the excessive fees they quoted me at the pre turn in inspection. The turn in specialist said I would be charged $2,200; the body shop (at the dealer) quoted me $1,400. The problem is I can't get the car out of service to get it fixed. I contacted Ford Credit who I leased the car through, and all they have "offered" is an option to extend the lease for a month to have extra time to get it fixed. In the meantime, they have given me a tiny little loaner car that I can't fit all of my kids car seats in. I was hoping they would give me a break on the turn in fees considering I haven't been able to drive the car for so many days and also because I have better quotes to complete the work, but they absolutely refuse. Wondering if perhaps they are in breech of contract as I haven't been able to drive the car for so many days and they haven't provided me with a suitable substitute. I just want to turn the car in and move on, but I don't think it's fair to be charged excessive fees for damage that can be fixed for a much more reasonable price. I'm not looking to get out of paying for damage I caused, but don't think I'm being treated fairly. Hoping someone can offer some guidance.
 
What you're seeking is better sought via negotiation than litigation.

Frankly, I'd have the car towed to the body shop to have the repair work done.
It might be easier to pay the $1,400 to the dealer that is doing the repairs, and forget about getting the car fixed.
Let the dealer repair the mechanical and body problems, and see if the dealer will loan you a larger car while you arrange a new lease or a new purchase.
 
Ditto.
I would also tow the car to the body shop and tow back to the dealer when done. However, you'd likely have to give up your loaner.
Weekly rentals are often reasonably priced.
 
I tried that, but the body shop doesn't want to take the car if it doesn't run as they wont have any way yo get it around the shop.
 
Kesscookie said:
I tried that, but the body shop doesn't want to take the car if it doesn't run as they wont have any way yo get it around the shop.
Click to expand...


You're negotiating, not demanding.

You've got $1,400 in cash.

The car doesn't need to be repaired for the dealer to take it off lease.
The dealer just needs to bill you for the lender, or collect what the lender claims you owe.

Think about it.

Don't try to get everything, just get something.
The car isn't going to be fixed.
It'll be patched, sold as is, and someone will pocket the cash saved.
Its an old car, it doesn't run, and you're dumping it off lease.
Heck, in my neck of the world, Texas, a car like that would end up somewhere south of our southern border.
At this point, why do you care if it runs?
You've gotta let the dealer know you'll get a new car from him as fast as you can unload this "hunka junk", plus you got an extra $1,400 in cash laying around.
 
army judge said:
You're negotiating, not demanding.

You've got $1,400 in cash.

The car doesn't need to be repaired for the dealer to take it off lease.
The dealer just needs to bill you for the lender, or collect what the lender claims you owe.

Think about it.

Don't try to get everything, just get something.
The car isn't going to be fixed.
It'll be patched, sold as is, and someone will pocket the cash saved.
Its an old car, it doesn't run, and you're dumping it off lease.
Heck, in my neck of the world, Texas, a car like that would end up somewhere south of our southern border.
At this point, why do you care if it runs?
You've gotta let the dealer know you'll get a new car from him as fast as you can unload this "hunka junk", plus you got an extra $1,400 in cash laying around.
Click to expand...

Not sure I follow what you're saying. I don't csfenif the car runs, but the body shop won't take it until it will start. I have to get it fixed before I tur. It in
 
Kesscookie said:
Not sure I follow what you're saying. I don't csfenif the car runs, but the body shop won't take it until it will start. I have to get it fixed before I tur. It in
Click to expand...


The dealer can fix everything, or pretend he'll fix it, as long as cash touches his palm.

Bottom line, it won't be fixed the way you'd want it fixed if you ere keeping it.

A car dealer can get body work done for far less than insurance company rates, because it doesn't have to be to insurance specs.
 

Share this page

Get a free case review from a lawyer
Back
Top