3 months ago I purchased my new '06 roadster. The dealer concealed a double destination charge of $925 in the total price. Naturally I was unhappy when I got home and figured it out. I wrote a letter to the GM of the dealership about a refund or explanation that was ignored. I filed a complaint with the BBB and state AG. Fast forward 3 months and I get a call from the dealership wanting to refund my $925 but they want a release signed. I have them mail it as they are 150 miles away.

The release says I release and forever discharge the dealership and all persons ect. From any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action or suit of any kind or nature whatsoever.

It also states “This is a voluntary release for any and all future claims. The claims include those foreseen and unforeseen, known and unknown.”

I am asking myself why would I sign this just to get back a concealed $925 overcharge on my invoice?

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Larry Hegle
2006 Ltd. Roadster
Aero Blue

 

I wouldn't sign that. I've been having trouble with the dealership I bought my car from as well. I've ended up hiring a lawyer to get it taken care of. If you still aren't able to get the dealership to be more reasonable, you may try contacting a lawyer. The one I hired is being very reasonable (as I only expect to get the value of new tires on the car - which is around $1,200). The lawyer is helping me on a contingency basis - if I win (and don't win attorney fees) then he will take 30% and if I don't win, I pay nothing except the court fee. At this point I don't even care if I lose a couple of hundred because at this point I just want to prove to the dealership that they aren't allowed to screw people over like they did me.

 

I think there is at least one attorney in our group, if not more, who may be able to offer the best advice on this. I don't think i would sign a release in turn for getting your own money back. I would, in fact, forward that letter to the BBB again and indicate that YOUR money is being held hostage.

I think a letter from your attorney to the dealer would yield the best results. Just remember to post the name of the dealership here as a courtesy to our members.

 

The destination charge is a flat rate that cannot be marked up. However, if the dealer paid to transport the vehicle from another dealership (called a lot trade), those fees can be passed on to the consumer. Look on the window sticker and it will state the name of the dealership the vehicle was originally delivered to. If the car was delivered to the dealer you purchased from then I would absolutely not sign those documents. Instead I would write a letter to Chrysler. Make sure you include the documents the dealership wants you to sign along with your letter. Even though they are independently owned, all Chrysler dealerships must answer to Chrysler if they want to continue selling their product. Best of Luck!

Scott

 

This Crossfire was not a “lot trade” the dealership simply has a scheme to double the destination charge without disclosing it as a dealer markup. It is done in such a way that it is represented as the “Destination Charge” on the sticker. I should not have been so distracted by the car that I failed to decipher the concealed charge before paying for Crossfire.
The release they sent I would only sign if the dealership was buying the car back and I were ending all connections to the car. This is not the case here, it is simply a refund of a $925 overcharge, belated as it is. What I decided to do first is send it back with a letter declining to sign and include a new signed release specific to the “$925 double destination overcharge”. Hopefully they will just send the refund check, if not I will send copy of everything to the BBB and Kansas State AG as an update to my complaints.

I HAD MADE UP MY MIND FROM THE START I WOULD NOT LET THIS SPOIL MY ENJOYMENT OF THE CROSSFIRE AND SO FAR IT HAS NOT.

Larry Hegle
2006 Ltd. Roadster
Aero Blue

 

I'm not sure if I understand it all, but if this does not change the warranty, service already agreed to or any leasing agreements, why not sign to get almost $1,000 back. I see that these guys were trying to pull the wool over you but you caught them.

Am I missing something?

 

The wording on the agreement he has to sign releases them from any liability for future problems he may have with them as well. So - if he signs it, even though he gets his money, if anything comes up at a later date, he can't do anything to protect himself because he had signed something freeing them from all responsibility.

 

OK, but liability from what? What can or do any of us have other than the warranty or lease agreement after we drive off the lot?

 

Where did you get the car in Kansas, what dealer? I live in Kansas and purchased my car from Green Automotive in Abilene 2 yrs ago and have had no problems and great service. The attorney general's office in Ks takes a dim view of scams being run on customers. Good luck!

 

Are all Chrysler dealers jerks? I've dealt with 2 and found 2 jerks and at 4 star dealers as well!

Dave Woolrage

 

I love my dealer... he thinks I am insane and makes sure that I get best possible service and repairs done to my car when needed...

 

Rather than naming the Kansas City dealer and exposing myself to legal harassment follow the link below. Check out the full page ads and when you see
"plus Destination" in the small print at the bottom you have found one of the dealerships owned by this corp. that uses this policy.
Translation: Plus destination means double whatever the Factory Destination is on a sticker. In my case it was lumped into the total price with no line item breakdown. You need to bring a calculator & check their math before buying because they are very underhanded about this Dealer markup.

http://newspaperads.kansascity.com/R....aspx?cat=3330

Larry Hegle
2006 Ltd. Roadster
Aero Blue

 

Not to get off the subject, but no, all Chrysler dealers are not jerks. I've nothing but Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth products since '85 and have had great service and sales, and I have also had very good response from Chrysler directly with other vehicles. So it depends on where your individual dealers and circumstances.

 

I agree with Dave, the Chrysler dealer we use we have gotten our last 3 cars from and our service has been excellent.

 

Guess it depends on the manager...

 

I am not an attorney, however, I would argue this dealership is in violation of the Federal Automobile Information Disclosure Act (a.k.a. Monroney Act).
15 U.S.C. §§ 1231-1233 (http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/caseco...tion_1232.html)

The Act states the manufacture’s sticker must reflect the destination charge that was paid by the dealer. This amount is to be included in the sale price of the vehicle. The reason for this requirement is so the consumer is well aware of the cost the dealer paid to have the vehicle delivered. It would seem to me, and again I am not an attorney, your dealer violated this law by charging you an amount that was greater then the true cost they paid, based on the information on your sticker.

If you wanted you could always file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, they are the ones who investigate such deceptive practices. To be honest, I would just contact Chrysler, as I am sure they will take care of this issue for you. Car manufactures rely heavily on brand loyalty and referrals. I believe Chrysler is not going to want to let this dealer continue using their deceptive practices, especially when it seems they are in violation of Federal Law.
Best of Luck!

Below is info on how to file a Complaint with the FTC:

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint visit http://www.ftc.gov/or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP
(1-877-382-4357).