New Member/Owner Seeking Advice - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

JohnJr · 08-01-2011, 12:50 AM

Long time lurker, first time poster. I'd like to share my story and ask for some advice. I'm retiring from the Air Force after 20 years and my wife let me use the occasion to purchase my dream car back on June 21st. '11 2SS/RS in RJT w/beige interior. Love the Camaro and wouldn't have bought any other color which is the only reason I bought an '11. I did not special order it and it sat on the lot for several months. I spoke to the salesman before I purchased it and pointed out several cosmetic flaws. Most had to do with the paint but a few were inside. There was one scratch in particular that was only 1/4" in length but went all the way down to the primer. The rest were minor but were scratches nonetheless. On the interior there was a scratch on the radio face plate and one of the leather seats was scratched. I pointed it all out to him and he assured me they would do whatever it took to make me happy. I was satisfied with that concept and purchased the car. Then my dream slowly became a bad one. The day after I picked it up it started misfiring and came up with the Stabilitrak error. Took it to the dealer the next day and the following day picked it up. They said they replaced an ignition coil and it's GTG. A few days later I got the same symptom and error message. Took it back and they troubleshot a couple of days before identifying and replacing a faulty wiring harness and replacing the scratched face plate. Then they gave it to their body shop to fix the deep scratch. I picked it up and in the process of replacing the face plate, they scratched the hell out of the trim around the shifter. Then I looked at the deep scratch and all they had done was glob on some touch-up paint! The also did nothing else with any of the other scratches. I then spoke to the Service Manager who said they'd order a new one and have their detail guys go over the car when the new seat cover and trim ring arrive. I pointed out every scratch that needed to be buffed or painted. One of which was on the front fascia. He said they'd have to re-paint it and I said "Go for it." A few weeks later I bring it in and go pick it up after they had it for 10 days. I'm thinking, my car better look amazing. They replaced the shifter trim, the seat cover, and repainted the fascia. Everything looked great except for the deep scratch and most of the minor scratches. I pointed them out to him again and he had his detail guy buff them while I waited. I looked them over but they couldn't be buffed out. I aked the Sevice Manager about the scratches and he told me it'd cost too much time and money to repaint them. He referred me to the General Manager to work something out. This is where I need your help. Should I ask for a new car, or try to work something else out? The car spent 17 days total at their dealership and they weren't able to fix it. If I ask for a replacement, I'll be getting another '11 RJT that has probably been sitting for a while and may be in worse condition. I don't really want a refund either. I don't feel like I'm asking too much to restore this one to like new condition considering I paid a like new price. I would appreciate your opinions.

NASCR3 · 08-01-2011, 01:20 AM

Depending on the depth of the scratches some of them could possibly be lightly wet sanded out. Buffing isn't always the best or only option. You really need to speak with the new car sales manager and explain the situation (hopefully they are already in the loop) and obviously be civil about it. Screaming and yelling likely won't get you anywhere. If the salesman told you that he'd do whatever it takes to make you happy and the sales manager doesn't know this then you all need to have a sit down with the owner of the store to make the situation right. If you want to have some idea before you go back to the dealership I would seek out a couple of QUALITY and highly rated body shops in your area to get their opinion(s)/estimates to get the scratches you are looking to have the dealer correct repaired. Take that info in with you if you, most sales managers will want to handle this kind of stuff in-house for obvious reasons. If all else fails there is GM customer service. I have seen some of those guys checking out the boards from time to time, and the last thing they want to see is you un-happy, so just take it one step at a time and keep your head up. Good luck.

John

Oh by the way that is a really sharp piece. Great color combo with the beige interior. Matching Rally Stripes to the door panel inserts would look drop dead sexy, IMO

Sir Nuke · 08-01-2011, 03:09 AM

JohnJr......fr in9 the future.....make the deal.....but don't ever give them any moeny till AFTER they fix EVERYTHING on the car.....once the dealer has your money, they have you by the balls. Where you are now.....go and talk to the OWNER of the dealership....go all the way to the top, if that dolesn't work, contack the regional GM Rep.

oh and btw.....Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to Camaro5. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in it...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's and wive's here don't care....and take it easy.

oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!

walter085 · 08-01-2011, 06:37 PM

If it were mine I would not be satisfied until it was fixed to my expectations.

Overflow · 08-01-2011, 06:38 PM

Welcome to Camaro5!

Iroczlover · 08-01-2011, 06:41 PM

Lakewood THAT WOULD BE IN WHAT STATE???

JohnJr · 08-02-2011, 12:32 AM

Thanks for the advice. I definitely plan on pressing the issue. Left a voice message with the General Manager who manages a few dealerships in nearby cities. He sicked his head Service Manager on me and I'll be meeting w/him on Wednesday to show the damage and discuss a way ahead.

PS-That's Lakewood, WA. You know, like in the TV show "Cops". LOL!
I'll update my profile now.

Iroczlover · 08-02-2011, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnJr

Thanks for the advice. I definitely plan on pressing the issue. Left a voice message with the General Manager who manages a few dealerships in nearby cities. He sicked his head Service Manager on me and I'll be meeting w/him on Wednesday to show the damage and discuss a way ahead.

PS-That's Lakewood, WA. You know, like in the TV show "Cops". LOL!
I'll update my profile now.

OK with that information what dealership, I deal with most dealerships in the local area & Know most of the owners.
& with that said i can give you the names of the people you need to deal with.

firestone_ss · 08-02-2011, 11:00 AM

sounds like they dony want to deal with the rjt paint,its a bit more than most other colors and tough to get right,if all else fails try another dealer or gm customer service,i had gilchrist in tacoma paint my inferno orange and it turned out better than new

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 08-04-2011, 10:26 AM

JohnJr, if you need any assistance from our end of things let me know and I'll do what I can to help you with this process.

Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

JohnJr · 08-04-2011, 12:16 PM

Thanks everyone for the advice and offer to help. I spoke to the head Service Manager yesterday and he apparently "has a guy" that will fix the scratches. In the mean time I get to take it back on Monday for other issues. When they repainted the front fascia, the did a horrible job installing it. My lower grill is about to fall off and a piece on the side is sticking out. Also, my brake reservoir is leaking (they already took fluid out) and I need to get my PDIM re-programmed because of static on my iPhone. Not a good experience but I am in love with this car.

Iroczlover · 08-04-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnJr

Thanks everyone for the advice and offer to help. I spoke to the head Service Manager yesterday and he apparently "has a guy" that will fix the scratches. In the mean time I get to take it back on Monday for other issues. When they repainted the front fascia, the did a horrible job installing it. My lower grill is about to fall off and a piece on the side is sticking out. Also, my brake reservoir is leaking (they already took fluid out) and I need to get my PDIM re-programmed because of static on my iPhone. Not a good experience but I am in love with this car.

keep us in touch & let me know if we can be any more help.

08-01-2011, 12:50 AM	#1
JohnJr Retired USAF Drives: 2011 2SS A6 RJT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Spanaway, WA Posts: 46 View My Garage	New Member/Owner Seeking Advice Long time lurker, first time poster. I'd like to share my story and ask for some advice. I'm retiring from the Air Force after 20 years and my wife let me use the occasion to purchase my dream car back on June 21st. '11 2SS/RS in RJT w/beige interior. Love the Camaro and wouldn't have bought any other color which is the only reason I bought an '11. I did not special order it and it sat on the lot for several months. I spoke to the salesman before I purchased it and pointed out several cosmetic flaws. Most had to do with the paint but a few were inside. There was one scratch in particular that was only 1/4" in length but went all the way down to the primer. The rest were minor but were scratches nonetheless. On the interior there was a scratch on the radio face plate and one of the leather seats was scratched. I pointed it all out to him and he assured me they would do whatever it took to make me happy. I was satisfied with that concept and purchased the car. Then my dream slowly became a bad one. The day after I picked it up it started misfiring and came up with the Stabilitrak error. Took it to the dealer the next day and the following day picked it up. They said they replaced an ignition coil and it's GTG. A few days later I got the same symptom and error message. Took it back and they troubleshot a couple of days before identifying and replacing a faulty wiring harness and replacing the scratched face plate. Then they gave it to their body shop to fix the deep scratch. I picked it up and in the process of replacing the face plate, they scratched the hell out of the trim around the shifter. Then I looked at the deep scratch and all they had done was glob on some touch-up paint! The also did nothing else with any of the other scratches. I then spoke to the Service Manager who said they'd order a new one and have their detail guys go over the car when the new seat cover and trim ring arrive. I pointed out every scratch that needed to be buffed or painted. One of which was on the front fascia. He said they'd have to re-paint it and I said "Go for it." A few weeks later I bring it in and go pick it up after they had it for 10 days. I'm thinking, my car better look amazing. They replaced the shifter trim, the seat cover, and repainted the fascia. Everything looked great except for the deep scratch and most of the minor scratches. I pointed them out to him again and he had his detail guy buff them while I waited. I looked them over but they couldn't be buffed out. I aked the Sevice Manager about the scratches and he told me it'd cost too much time and money to repaint them. He referred me to the General Manager to work something out. This is where I need your help. Should I ask for a new car, or try to work something else out? The car spent 17 days total at their dealership and they weren't able to fix it. If I ask for a replacement, I'll be getting another '11 RJT that has probably been sitting for a while and may be in worse condition. I don't really want a refund either. I don't feel like I'm asking too much to restore this one to like new condition considering I paid a like new price. I would appreciate your opinions. Attached Images Last edited by JohnJr; 08-01-2011 at 01:53 AM.

08-01-2011, 01:20 AM	#2
NASCR3 Drives: Synergy Green 2SS/RS/HURST Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 442 View My Garage	Depending on the depth of the scratches some of them could possibly be lightly wet sanded out. Buffing isn't always the best or only option. You really need to speak with the new car sales manager and explain the situation (hopefully they are already in the loop) and obviously be civil about it. Screaming and yelling likely won't get you anywhere. If the salesman told you that he'd do whatever it takes to make you happy and the sales manager doesn't know this then you all need to have a sit down with the owner of the store to make the situation right. If you want to have some idea before you go back to the dealership I would seek out a couple of QUALITY and highly rated body shops in your area to get their opinion(s)/estimates to get the scratches you are looking to have the dealer correct repaired. Take that info in with you if you, most sales managers will want to handle this kind of stuff in-house for obvious reasons. If all else fails there is GM customer service. I have seen some of those guys checking out the boards from time to time, and the last thing they want to see is you un-happy, so just take it one step at a time and keep your head up. Good luck. John Oh by the way that is a really sharp piece. Great color combo with the beige interior. Matching Rally Stripes to the door panel inserts would look drop dead sexy, IMO __________________ 2011 2SS/RS - Factory Hurst - Synergy Green - Cyber Gray Rally Stripes - Jet Black Interior - Born on 10/4/2010 2G1FT1EW7B9128807 Ordered: 8/6/2010 1100: 8/6/2010 2000: 8/23/2010 2051: 8/10/2010 2500: 8/24/2010 3000: 8/25/2010 3100: 9/8/2010 3300: 9/8/2010 3400: 9/11/2010 3800: 10/4/2010 4000: 10/4/2010 4200: 10/4/2010 5000: 10/13/2010 6000: 10/14/2010

08-01-2011, 03:09 AM	#3
Sir Nuke Master of All Things Drives: '26 Corvette Stingray Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Southeast of Houston, Texas Posts: 22,676 View My Garage	JohnJr......fr in9 the future.....make the deal.....but don't ever give them any moeny till AFTER they fix EVERYTHING on the car.....once the dealer has your money, they have you by the balls. Where you are now.....go and talk to the OWNER of the dealership....go all the way to the top, if that dolesn't work, contack the regional GM Rep. oh and btw.....Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to Camaro5. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in it...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's and wive's here don't care....and take it easy. oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here. Welcome!! __________________

08-01-2011, 06:37 PM	#4
walter085 Drives: 2010 camaro Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: usa Posts: 114 View My Garage	If it were mine I would not be satisfied until it was fixed to my expectations. Attached Images

08-01-2011, 06:41 PM	#6
Iroczlover The Krazzy bytch Drives: Which car I have 9 vehicles? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Yelm, wa, Hell if I think about it to much Posts: 7,918	Lakewood THAT WOULD BE IN WHAT STATE??? __________________ Heart breaks everyday when you cant take care of your family because you are unemployed, cant give your family what you want or what they need I am not a man I have boobies. Cars are like women, If you treat her rough shes going to complain & you will hear about it. If you treat her right she will purrrrrrrrrrrrr Current cars owned , 72 Skylark vert,86 fiero GT Sold , 87 Iroc-z (sold), 90 Vette Vert SOLD , 95 Z28, 99 Silverado K1500 Totaled, 2010 CGM Camaro 2ss/rs (had to sell & I hate it ) ,2012 Cruze LT repoed. Current current list lol 2006 Silverado 2500hd.

08-01-2011, 06:38 PM	#5
Overflow Space Shuttle Aficionado Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 30,897 View My Garage	Welcome to Camaro5!

08-02-2011, 12:32 AM	#7
JohnJr Retired USAF Drives: 2011 2SS A6 RJT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Spanaway, WA Posts: 46 View My Garage	Thanks for the advice. I definitely plan on pressing the issue. Left a voice message with the General Manager who manages a few dealerships in nearby cities. He sicked his head Service Manager on me and I'll be meeting w/him on Wednesday to show the damage and discuss a way ahead. PS-That's Lakewood, WA. You know, like in the TV show "Cops". LOL! I'll update my profile now.

08-02-2011, 11:00 AM	#9
firestone_ss Drives: 2010 camaro ss Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 779	sounds like they dony want to deal with the rjt paint,its a bit more than most other colors and tough to get right,if all else fails try another dealer or gm customer service,i had gilchrist in tacoma paint my inferno orange and it turned out better than new

08-04-2011, 10:26 AM	#10
Chevrolet Customer Svc Drives: GM Vehicles Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 9,327	JohnJr, if you need any assistance from our end of things let me know and I'll do what I can to help you with this process. Jeff Morris, Chevrolet Customer Service

08-04-2011, 12:16 PM	#11
JohnJr Retired USAF Drives: 2011 2SS A6 RJT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Spanaway, WA Posts: 46 View My Garage	Thanks Thanks everyone for the advice and offer to help. I spoke to the head Service Manager yesterday and he apparently "has a guy" that will fix the scratches. In the mean time I get to take it back on Monday for other issues. When they repainted the front fascia, the did a horrible job installing it. My lower grill is about to fall off and a piece on the side is sticking out. Also, my brake reservoir is leaking (they already took fluid out) and I need to get my PDIM re-programmed because of static on my iPhone. Not a good experience but I am in love with this car.

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