RIP 2012 ZL1 #1635

[swizz]

This dealer better do what is right and give you a brand new zl1 matched exactly to your original cars specs PERIOD! No cutting corners. The whole world is watching on this.

[TheHorse13]

From Jalopnik:

"Dear Dealership,

Don't be dumb. Give them a brand new ZL1 with all the options they request. Make your insurance pay for the loss. If you have any other damages sue your own ex-employee.

Sincerely,
Common Sense"

People rely almost solely on the Internet, buyer and seller, for automotive purchasing and sales.

I'm pretty sure this dealership will be out of business before long. It's impossible to do a search for 1st Chevy without being bombarded with this negative incident. It's over for this dealer, and soon, incident creep will latch on to GM itself. I'm curious to see what their move will be in this mess.

Also, I'm betting that a crafty Dodge or Ford dealer will take this incident and put Mr. Hooper in a GT500 or a fully optioned SRT8. Turning 1st Chevy's poison into a public relations win for their brand is smart business. It's sad that 1st Chevy couldn't see the consequence of humping the customer. You can bet other businesses will take notice and capitalize on the positive press 1st Chevy left on the table.

[oldfriend]

Originally Posted by jhoop302

I have been laying low upon advice of my attorney, but I wanted to give everyone an update.

The dealer's general manager called this morning and asked that I come over to discuss a settlement with him. He told me the dealership WOULD make good on replacing my ZL1.

In the meantime, let's not continue to try the dealership in the court of public opinion. Hopefully we can all post good comments about the dealership and remove the negative ones.

Originally Posted by oldfriend

What else do you really expected them to say
But if the ,,,,,hit the fan , i bet my horse that the story will be very similar to the one we have on hand

Just keep in mind , that Lawyers and car dealers , went to the same school
Some went on and finish it , and others dropped off
They learn on the first semester to tell you what you want the hear !

And now what is the OP doing ?
The OP should be in here just like the rest of us
Come out and say you are with us , please !

[Padre]

Originally Posted by oldfriend

And now what is the OP doing ?
The OP should be in here just like the rest of us
Come out and say you are with us , please !

Anything he says can and will be used against him in a court of law.

So far he's doing great: state the facts calmly, without the rhetoric. I am very impressed with how he's handled it.

Let us, the Internet, do the rest. Lesson to dealer: don't piss off the Internet.

By the way, IMO, keep people's personal information out of it. The bad reviews and comments are enough. Truth and the right thing will win out. Going beyond your 1st Ammendment rights (e.g. fake appointments, etc.) is not necessary. 'Nuff said.

Padre

[PieNsky]

Originally Posted by BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet

Don't know if I ever publicly thanked you for the 100th Anniversary pin you sent AT NO COST to me

[RubyCamaro]

Originally Posted by BeckyD@RodgersChevrolet

Hopefully...
....I can help...







Becky

Way to go Becky! I hope you can be the voice of reason & help that dealership learn your great customer service ethic & get a positive result for the OP.

[Hall of Fame]

If the owner doesn't want the deal, it goes to Arbitration. Be careful he could end up with less if the adjuster changes the offer. Folks if you have a special car get some classic insurance and have it insured for agreed valuation. It is then a different ballgame.

[CobraBall]

Ok, so a point I'm not clear on here, have you been paid out for the car by your insurance or not? If you have, take the money and let the insurance company deal with it. That's what they're there for.

Be careful he could end up with less if the adjuster changes the offer. Folks if you have a special car get some classic insurance and have it insured for agreed valuation. It is then a different ballgame.

The car is worth what it's worth under regular insurance. I have a hard time believing a used ZL1 has appreciated, nor is it a new car. I suspect that is a point of dispute here.

[Mcarltonjr]

Jon is doing a very good job keeping calm. As for us I think it's amazing this thread blew up and the story blew up that quick. Social networking and media is going to force the hands of the dealership eventually. As for the dealer making good on a promise? Sorry but I would never trust one on that. The attorney needs to eventually push forward on the dealership. Also the dealership can't replace the sentimental value that car probably had even with a used or new one.

[snizzle]

I think they owe him more than equivalent value but that's debatable.

[Padre]

Originally Posted by Mcarltonjr

Also the dealership can't replace the sentimental value that car probably had even with a used or new one.

No, but a civil court can place a value on that sentiment. That's what the dealer needs to figure out quick. He can treat the car like toaster and value it as a commodity, or he can recognize that there is a lot more to "value" than what KBB or NADA or an insurance company says. Dealers who understand that are successful.

Padre

[Lucas718]

Totally forgot I was a member here until I saw the story on Jalopnik. Really hope the dealer comes to his senses and provides a suitable replacement.

[ConceptVBS]

Did you read the fine print when you handed over your car.

Most likely, they have a clause with not liable for property, theft and vehicle damage while under their care.

If so, you are basically screwed.

[polizzio]

Saw the story on Yahoo. Came here and read the last 32 pages of this nightmare. One thing I can say for sure is the dealer owner and their management sure has handled this terribly. Just the negative PR can kill their business.

Its a real shame how First State Chevrolet - Georgetown, DE has handled this event from beginning to end. Social media will CRUSH them. And they're not smart enough to figure this out evidently.
Best wishes John Hooper.