For Pete

Because he asked. I sometimes forget when I don't blog every day, what I've said and what I've forgotten.

I visited several used car lots, including one that had a van exactly like my old one. It was a piece of crap tho, as were some of the salesmen. One guy tried to give me a good deal; 3 years old, 100000 km, less than $10000. I pointed out the tar covering the corrosion on the inside of the doors, and the bubbling paint on both corners of the slider, and told him I wasn't interested in that kind of a deal. (I'm sure he thought this old broad's never bought a van before!)

I ended up at the garage I've already bought 3 used vehicles from. They also had a van like my old one that looked pretty good. He told me it would cost a lot a safety it and would need more work coming up shortly. Not something he wanted to put his name on to sell. I liked this dodge caravan, it has 163000 km, but was a rental, and 1 owner. I took it for a drive, checking brakes, stearing, acceleration, stability, ac, windows, heat, etc. (Love stow n go seats) It seemed good and was in my price range. My garage had done the service on it. It was raining quite a bit, so it was covered with water drops. When we got back, Steve, the owner, pointed out that there are a few paint bubbles right on the front edge of the hood. With the water covering everything, I would never have noticed!

Regardless, he tells me they (Dodge) know it's a defect, and they're fixing them. He said they won't do it for us, because we're a dealer, but as soon as it's in your name, register with them, they'll fix it, and then you'll also get any recall notices. I negotiated a deal with him to include summer tires and new plates (the old one had a hitch-sized hole in it!).

A few days later, I went to the Dodge dealer, registered the van, and was told when I asked about the hood, that there was a 160000 km limit on the repair. I spoke to the collision manager on Monday, to ask if they would make an exception. Steve had also called him. He took pictures and my info, and will try to submit it for repair. It may be a few weeks before I know what they decide. However, in the meantime, Steve assured me that if they don't fix it, he will cover it. It wasn't written in the contract but that's what he told me and that what he stands behind.

And that's why I take my vehicles there for service, and why I buy there. Good, reliable service is worth more than most guys "good deals"! I know I can trust them.

Love, elly