Dealership stole CD's

by fireyone » Tue Jun 08, 2010 04:31 pm

Hello all, its been a while.
Quite few months ago I purchased a G6 from a reputable dealership. After having a few problems I stopped in to schedule a check-up. Believe it or not the car caught fire in the lot while I was there due to an electrical problem.
at this point I informed them that I wanted a different car because of the problems. Well they gave me a rental until I made my mind up for sure but in the mean time they were to work on fixing the car.
Here is the problem.I could not get any of my cd's that were in the six disc changer out due to the electrical problems. They told me they would hook the battery back up and get them out. I stopped in a few times and was told no one got them out yet. Finally I demanded they do it while I was there because i was tired of asking. Low and behold NO CD'S were in it.
They said maybe someone got them out and they were somewhere in the building. Week and a half later they car is sold and no cd's. I told them I knew 100% the CD's were in there (which they were).
so now I get to go in on Thurs. for paint touch ups and they told me we would deal with it then. Now is it their place to replace the cd's or value since I could not get them out and it was still my car when they were taken? I asked my insurance comp. and they was not sure. I believe they should be responsible and wondering what I can do.

Total Comments: 20

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 06:13 pm Post Subject:

Now is it their place to replace the cd's or value since I could not get them out and it was still my car when they were taken?

Not, really, because you cannot PROVE they were in there...BUT having said that, after all the trouble you've had they 'should' want to..Six used c.d's we're talking what 50-60 bucks max.? I'd try to pressure them into it...but doubt it would hold up in a court...also most shops have signs everywhere (or on the repair authorization you sign) that says they are not responsible for ANYTHING left in the vehicle (I know you couldn't get them out..but still)..another thing, most dealerships and larger shops have their shop monitored...Ask them if they have cameras in their shop, if so INSIST they review the tapes/dvd's for then entire time your vehicle was in the shop, to see if they can see a tech remove them...

I asked my insurance comp. and they was not sure. I believe they should be responsible and wondering what I can do.

I seriously doubt you could get this to hold up in court..but, (again), after all the trouble you've had with the car, I'd think they would gladly give you 50-60bucks to show good faith, and to retain you as a customer...or I'd tell them, 'do you REALLY want me to file a small claims suit over this, AND contact every consumer advocate association I can find, and tell them EVERYTHING that has gone on with this car, INCLUDING you stealing my freakin' c.d.'s really for 60 bucks!? Cause if you don't pay me for them that's EXACTLY what I'm going to do, and as soon as I file the papers, my next call will be to the local newspaper, and t.v. station!" See what they have to say...could be they will just automatically pay you due to all the trouble..

Good to see you by the way, hope all is well.

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 06:39 pm Post Subject:

I always did love your way of thinking! I didn't think about the cameras. I did however think that I could call the cops. After all it was a theft. I really do not want to do that and really do not need the crap. I am just really angry after all I have been through with that car and the dealership. Also is small claims like filing papers at a magistrate? I know it is only a few bucks but the car catching fire was not the first problem I had. I also had starting problems and was laughed off after going in on three different occasions. I was told "to quit worrying and drive it." Well the starting issues was REALLY there.

the vehicles are suppose to have a hundred and some point inspection before being sold and after all the problems my husband found the starting problem was a stripped battery that was not getting complete connection at all times. I would have thought they would have checked that out but they assured me they checked everything and could not find a problem. They also tried to say it was how all G6's started...I am wondering what good the warranty really was if they did not have good mechanics to begin with! Frustrating.

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 09:21 pm Post Subject:

You may want to read the "Limit of Liability" statement on the repair estimate/contract you signed. If like most, it will probably state something to the effect that, "We are not liable for any property left in the vehicle while in our facility for repairs."

It's debatable whether those disclaimers hold water in court, but if you were to take this to Judge Judy, although she might rip you a new one for leaving the CDs in the player, she might also shred you by asking you how you can be certain they were in there in the first place, and had not been removed before you delivered the vehicle to the dealer for repairs.

Your best course of action it to appeal to the better senses of the dealership management. Good will carries far more traction with customers than a full page ad in the local newspaper claiming that they wronged you to the tune of $60-$80 or so.

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 09:39 pm Post Subject:

Judge Judy would need reminded that I could not get out the cd's due to the electrical problems and them unhooking the battery. The dealership would hopefully not lie under oath and verify the fact that #1. On every occasion I have removed cd's when leaving my vehicle in their care (thats why I asked for them before I left and took my garmin out of the car) and #2. Although she would have to take my word for it I was listening to CD 4 (Nickelback) on my way in. #3. I would not have insisted on many occasions, including, before I left and before the car was sold that I would like my cd's and actually offered to have my husband rehook the battery for the 15 seconds it would have took to get them out but was told "not too worry they were not going anywhere.

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 10:21 pm Post Subject:

I've had this issue with electrical problems on vehicles before, (cd's will NOT eject)...so this is really nothing new, and they should be well aware of it....AND you mentioned it to them multiple times. So I'd start with the guy who is supposed to be looking all over the dealership for them ( :roll: good luck buddy)...and told you not to worry about it.. :roll:

I knew you were just pissed about all the trouble on your 'new' car, don't blame you I would be too, and they would in some way make this c.d. business 'right' with me...

I really don't think you'll have a problem...do let us know!

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 02:19 am Post Subject:

Thanks. I am pretty pissed and disgusted. The guy who sold me the car is the one who told me all those things.Hopefully he will stand by me and help get this resolved. It just irritates me they know how sick I am and the doctors appointments I needed to get to. I needed a reliable vehicle and then to have this happen to is a bit much.
My hubby will be with me on thursday so at least I will have him in my corner. I will keep you informed.

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 04:13 am Post Subject:

Fireyone . . .

Knowing now that you are a lady, you'd win for sure on Judge Judy. She hates men. Probably not her husband, but she's bigger than he is and can probably "take" him!

Hope the dealer comes through in the right way for you.

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 10:34 am Post Subject:

Max,
I believe she had a few husbands. I hope for once they come through too. I consider myself a pretty honest person who always tries to do the right thing...lets hope they are too.

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 11:25 am Post Subject:

I believe she had a few husbands.



Two -- but married three times (twice to her current one).

Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 11:39 am Post Subject:

In all the dealerships and service centers I worked, belongings inside a vehicle are the owner's responsibility.

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