4/6 months Mustang at the dealership workshop facing issues

[Rocket Man]

I understand you wanting as fast a resolution as possible, but don't understand wanting it as amicably as possible. Have they gone out of their way to make it as painless as possible for you.
As you can see, it gets a little complicated to understand all the requirements of eligibility. Contact the GM of the dealership and tell them your desire to file a lemon law buyback. At the first sign of resistance hire the best lemon law lawyer you can find. They will be paid in the settlement, not by you. The clock is ticking, get started ASAP.

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[HWill]

Thanks for the suggestion. I also believe option 2 is better right now. From what I understand you're suggesting I file the complaint directly rather than going through a lemon law firm.

I honestly want to get this resolved as amicably as possible

I would say again going to another dealer is not the best advice. Even if you want to keep the car.

Calling Ford Service is also a waste of time and a run around to get this sorted.

Usually when dealership run into problems they cannot trouble shoot they notify the manufacturer and get one of their specialists to look into the problem.

I would highly recommend a Lemon Lawyer just because you are OWED money. You have been paying on a car for 4 - 6 months that you can't drive safely. This is the main reason to suggest looking into a lemon law lawyer.

I fully understand what others are telling you but from experience and just how things are your dealership will not get you what you want or deserve doing the buy back for you.

A Lemon Law Lawyer has a good relationship with the reps at all the different manufacturers and most will go above and beyond what a dealership will do to make you happy.

Your lawyer will give you options to keep the car if repairable or you can return it and get a new vehicle.

I will add getting a Lemon Law Lawyer only makes the dealership look bad if they are dragging their feet or doing poor repairs.

 

[steveo1960]

I once had a car, a new VW GTI and the car wore tires on the inner tread and wandered. It lived at the dealer. Factory rep came and claimed the alignment was perfect. Even gave me a copy of the Hunter printout. Car was sent to multiple alignment shops, both Chrysler and independent and depending upon the shop, it got a little better or a little worse. I was about to give up until someone told me about an old school mechanic who specialized in alignments and was the go to for the muscle car people. I gave it a shot and he fixed it. I believe it was eccentric camber bolts. Ever since then, any car I buy I let go of the steering wheel and check for pulling, wander etc.
My advice is to approach the dealer and politely but firmly explain that you are interested in the Ford buyback program because obviously there is something defective with my car and see what happens. If they blow you off, open a complaint with Ford and track it.
There is no way I would keep that car because who knows what is wrong with it. Could be a crooked frame issue or a dozen other things, including the tires.

Best wishes and good luck...

 

[undertaker]

So I asked for the dealership manager details from the car salesman. I'll go in tomorrow and see him in person. Apparently, he was transfered in 6 weeks ago from another dealership. Will update after I meet him (or not) tomorrow

 

[Skye]

From what I understand you're suggesting I file the complaint directly rather than going through a lemon law firm.

It seems you have two broad pathways to resolve the issue: 1) the state's process and 2) Ford's, either of which could be assisted with the help of a lawyer.

My interpretation from the Texas DMV website is the law defines a process involving arbitration. The customer (or their representative) submits an application to the state, opens a case and presents the details.

"The complaint is reviewed by Lemon Law Section administrative staff and the assigned TxDMV staff case advisor for completeness of the complaint and eligibility for statutory relief, and an attempt to resolve the complaint through mediation between the parties will be made."

Maybe a lawyer can submit the claim on your behalf. It reads like you can submit it yourself. And if you submit it yourself, you can later retain a lawyer. Having a lawyer present to assist with the case might be helpful. They could offer insight of your rights under TX DMV arbitration/mediation. You've got one discussion at the dealer today (Saturday). I'd stop by a local DMV office today, discuss the process and gather any information. You'll have a conversation with the dealer prior, which could facilitate talks at the DMV.

So there's that. And then there is what I perceive as Ford's internal process, which could make the state's and their involvement unnecessary. Customer returns, defines the problem and the history, indicates they want a buyback. There's a fundamental problem with the car. Case is opened with Ford, who agrees and purchases the car. No need to deal with the state.

Could still be useful to pay a lawyer to review any documents before signing and discuss compensation. I'd gather whatever information you can from these first discussions before involving lawyers. If Ford is clear enough and wants closure, paying a lawyer for an hour or two of consult to review things might be all that is required, if that.

Everyone is going to be different with respect to comps. At one end, people want to put the experience behind them. Getting their $$$ back and closing all out is enough. At the other end, in addition to getting their original monies back, an owner wants to be comp'd for their wasted time and efforts. No wrong answers here.

The state mentions they could spend up to 60 days on the matter, working with you and Ford. I can't speak to Ford's, but I imagine their process involves someone reviewing and double-checking a case file, before committing to the re-purchase.

Whatever happens today, I'd simply be in information gathering mode, without committing to anything. Return home, decompress and spend the weekend thinking things out. You'll probably have more questions after today that'll need to be answered.

Thanks for the update.

 

[undertaker]

Update following my meeting with the GM dealership:

I went in person to the dealership and spoke with the GM. I explained the entire situation, and he immediately suggested that if it's taken this long, perhaps the dealership could replace the car with an identical one from their lot or as close to my specifications as possible. He asked about what I initially ordered, such as color, upgrades, which were pretty straightforward—I opted for the 401 package and an automatic transmission (no judgment here, please; I know how to drive a stick shift, just prefer automatic now, lol).

The GM advised me to return on Monday evening after he had discussed the matter with the service manager, who was off today, to finalize the details. He gave me his card and asked me to select a replacement from their online inventory and send him an email with my choice.

I did inquire about the process and any potential costs on my end if I agreed to the replacement. According to him, I would only need to cover the title registration fee, should it be an identical replacement. If not, he just said, I will try my best to match it for you. Additionally, if I had purchased any additional warranty, which I did, the extended warranty, windshield, tire, and dent warranty, I might have to pay for the months I've already used and could then transfer the remaining warranty or receive a refund.

Once the paperwork is completed, I'll have a clearer understanding of the costs involved. The GM was quite helpful, and I tried to approach the situation calmly, expressing my frustration without anger.

Now, I have a few questions:

1. What further questions should I be asking now that they've agreed to provide a replacement car?
2. Should I still consult with a lemon lawyer to seek compensation for the time lost and inconvenience, in addition to receiving the replacement car?
3. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did the costs look, and did the dealership try to manipulate the replacement because of the mileage or any other details?
4. I've already had all my windows tinted by XPEL. How would this factor into the replacement process? That is the only thing I had done to the car.

I still have a strong desire for the Mustang; I just haven't had the chance to properly enjoy it yet. The only downside I foresee with the newer one would be dealing with the start/stop feature!

 

[Rocket Man]

Until a long term solution becomes available, start stop is just a button press to turn off (every time you start). I would want something for the 4+months without the car, + reimbursement for the tint and transfer of the warranties. Not sure about the title and registration, they should transfer. This should not have to cost you anything. Maybe they can get you a car with more options to make up for your inconveniences. Active exhaust and magneride are nice. Ask for all of these, they can only say yes or no.

 

[HWill]

Update following my meeting with the GM dealership:

I went in person to the dealership and spoke with the GM. I explained the entire situation, and he immediately suggested that if it's taken this long, perhaps the dealership could replace the car with an identical one from their lot or as close to my specifications as possible. He asked about what I initially ordered, such as color, upgrades, which were pretty straightforward—I opted for the 401 package and an automatic transmission (no judgment here, please; I know how to drive a stick shift, just prefer automatic now, lol).

The GM advised me to return on Monday evening after he had discussed the matter with the service manager, who was off today, to finalize the details. He gave me his card and asked me to select a replacement from their online inventory and send him an email with my choice.

I did inquire about the process and any potential costs on my end if I agreed to the replacement. According to him, I would only need to cover the title registration fee, should it be an identical replacement. If not, he just said, I will try my best to match it for you. Additionally, if I had purchased any additional warranty, which I did, the extended warranty, windshield, tire, and dent warranty, I might have to pay for the months I've already used and could then transfer the remaining warranty or receive a refund.

Once the paperwork is completed, I'll have a clearer understanding of the costs involved. The GM was quite helpful, and I tried to approach the situation calmly, expressing my frustration without anger.

Now, I have a few questions:

1. What further questions should I be asking now that they've agreed to provide a replacement car?
2. Should I still consult with a lemon lawyer to seek compensation for the time lost and inconvenience, in addition to receiving the replacement car?
3. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did the costs look, and did the dealership try to manipulate the replacement because of the mileage or any other details?
4. I've already had all my windows tinted by XPEL. How would this factor into the replacement process? That is the only thing I had done to the car.

I still have a strong desire for the Mustang; I just haven't had the chance to properly enjoy it yet. The only downside I foresee with the newer one would be dealing with the start/stop feature!

You would definitely have been better going the route of a Lemon Law Lawyer than taking this up with the GM.

I didn't want to call the others bad advice but in the real world the dealership is not always going to have your best interest.

You state your car has been at the dealership for 4-6 months and they want to give you an identical car and you have to pay fees! Does this sound fair to you? If you think this is fair then go for it, it might be the quickest route but not the best especially financially. Only you can decide what's best for you.

As far as the Start/Stop I wouldn't want it but if I was going thru this it would not stop me from getting another mustang.

 

[Skye]

I didn't read anything about Ford buy back or Lemon Law.

It's my understanding when Ford buys a car back, a case file with Ford is opened and a review is involved. Ford is the approval authority to buy the car back.

In the state of TX, the state (if involved) attempts to mediate an issue between the parties when the Lemon Law has been invoked.

I'm left with the impression the dealer is going to re-list the car as used or put it up for auction. That's not a good thing or a bad thing. It's just a thing. He's trying to limit his losses.

Tint. You should be paid 100% for the tint. Tint is a requirement in TX. Whomever is considering the car isn't going to know if the tint was installed five minutes or five months ago. They will sell or auction the car with the benefit of the tint installed.

I can understand the warranties and pro-rating those out. It's what normally happens when the item is defective and the warranty is used. But in this case, you didn't use it. You didn't have use of the car. Consider the dealer paying for the warranty a comp.

Registration. I did some general Googling and re-read the TX DMV site. If someone goes the formal Lemon Law route, the Owner/Operator does pay use fees.

https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/consumer-protection/lemon-law

"The manufacturer must buy back the vehicle for the purchase price (including taxes, title and license fee) minus an amount charged for vehicle use. The amount deducted is decided according to a formula, (see spreadsheet links below) that takes into account the number of miles on the vehicle at the time of the hearing and other factors. This does not include any interest paid on the vehicle."

You can download the spreadsheet and run the numbers.

Use fees, partial registration for time titled. Meh. This might be a wash. Dealer comps for tint and warranty. You pay for registration/use fees. Maybe that.

Going back to the dealer and my initial comment, part of the Lemon Law process is the car is then titled as a "Lemon" and that it has been bought back. In the dealer's initial position, he escapes the car's title being marred.

Monday you'll have initial numbers. In the meantime, I'd quantify whatever you're out, for any other comps. If you have Uber receipts, took time off from work, didn't attend a doctors appointment. Whatever this might have cost you, I'd do a line item tally. However this is going to go, people are going to want numbers. Coming in with good details will help you.

Might still be a good idea to stop by the DMV and chat them up. Get a feel for things. You might need them. You might not. They might be useful. Or not.

Lawyers. IMO, it depends. If the dealer's final offer is a transfer to a new ride and a large $$$ amount, retaining consul could make sense. If the final amount is something you can tolerate, maybe not. Run your numbers through the state's spreadsheet and see what you'd pay.

I wouldn't expect a windfall. I'd expect breakeven at best. The lawyer might get you something for lost time, which you then turn around and use to pay their fees. If the lawyer is retained, someone offering a flat rate for the service could be best. Paying by the hour could rack up quickly.

Whatever happens Monday, take it, take a break, walk away and process. Maybe have a friend or family member review with you. Run it through the DMV or walk it over to a lawyer for use as part of a free consultation.

Mentioning consul, depending on who you work for, see if they provide a service or legal assistance. Often, Fortune 500, Fortune 100 companies offer those types of services as part of employee compensation. Or, they can provide a referral.

Good Luck on Monday.

 

[Rocket Man]

If Lemon Law is invoked, the lawyer is usually paid as part of the settlement, not by the car owner.

 

[undertaker]

My understanding is the same. I did speak to a lemon lawyer based in Texas in Houston. I am based in Dallas, not going to make a difference obviously but just for context.

They did say that they'll want 38% or 4500$ tops on whatever the compensation would be agreed with Ford. Even if they fix the car miraculously, they could still file for compensation. Either way, ford will always be the one paying, according to them not even the dealership. But it'll come out of my settlement obviously. So even if they offer me a replacement car through the lemon law, first they'll be paid their 4500$ and remaining will be used against the new replaced car

Alternatively, I could be compensated with a replacement car PLUS additional compensation, that's where I believe the lemon lawyer would be helpful.

Another option, maybe, thinking out loud, I could select one from the lot with higher specs than mine, like NPP with mangeride and active exhaust and brembo. I think these alone are 3-5k upgrades on my original car.

Just laying out my options, obviously everything will depend on what they want to offer and how they'll charge me up/down for the trade. I will be speaking with the same lemon lawyer Monday but also try to visit the DMV to get more info of the process.

 

[DCS]

Update following my meeting with the GM dealership:

I went in person to the dealership and spoke with the GM. I explained the entire situation, and he immediately suggested that if it's taken this long, perhaps the dealership could replace the car with an identical one from their lot or as close to my specifications as possible. He asked about what I initially ordered, such as color, upgrades, which were pretty straightforward—I opted for the 401 package and an automatic transmission (no judgment here, please; I know how to drive a stick shift, just prefer automatic now, lol).

The GM advised me to return on Monday evening after he had discussed the matter with the service manager, who was off today, to finalize the details. He gave me his card and asked me to select a replacement from their online inventory and send him an email with my choice.

I did inquire about the process and any potential costs on my end if I agreed to the replacement. According to him, I would only need to cover the title registration fee, should it be an identical replacement. If not, he just said, I will try my best to match it for you. Additionally, if I had purchased any additional warranty, which I did, the extended warranty, windshield, tire, and dent warranty, I might have to pay for the months I've already used and could then transfer the remaining warranty or receive a refund.

Once the paperwork is completed, I'll have a clearer understanding of the costs involved. The GM was quite helpful, and I tried to approach the situation calmly, expressing my frustration without anger.

Now, I have a few questions:

1. What further questions should I be asking now that they've agreed to provide a replacement car?
2. Should I still consult with a lemon lawyer to seek compensation for the time lost and inconvenience, in addition to receiving the replacement car?
3. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did the costs look, and did the dealership try to manipulate the replacement because of the mileage or any other details?
4. I've already had all my windows tinted by XPEL. How would this factor into the replacement process? That is the only thing I had done to the car.

I still have a strong desire for the Mustang; I just haven't had the chance to properly enjoy it yet. The only downside I foresee with the newer one would be dealing with the start/stop feature!

So far, it sounds like the GM is trying to be fair to you.

 

[DukeCLR]

I think if they offer you a deal where you break even you would do better then going through lawyers. Whatever deal they offer you I'd go home and think about it before signing, good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Rocket Man]

Please research this further.


Texas Lemon Lawyer | How Much Does it Cost to Hire a ...
tx-lemon-law.com
https://www.tx-lemon-law.com › texas-lemon-lawyer-ho...



As the client, you do not pay the law firm a dime. Instead, the firm collects its fees out of the amount that you are awarded at the end of your case. If you ...

 

[roadpilot]

Please research this further.


Texas Lemon Lawyer | How Much Does it Cost to Hire a ...
tx-lemon-law.com
https://www.tx-lemon-law.com › texas-lemon-lawyer-ho...



As the client, you do not pay the law firm a dime. Instead, the firm collects its fees out of the amount that you are awarded at the end of your case. If you ...

If you are awarded $10 and the attorney keeps $4 of that award, you ARE paying it.

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