Please Help (Part two)...

[ftlee]

Everyone - Thanks for your responses thus far. Here is the letter that I have written to the Dealership (not mailed yet). I am meeting with the Service Manager and District Rep on Thursday. What do you guys/gals think? Any suggestions?

August 14, 2001

Apple Ford
8800 Stanford Blvd
Columbia, MD 21045

Attention: Dwayne Cotton

To Whom It May Concern:

SUBJECT: 2001 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4X4

On June 26, 2001 I purchased a new 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4, VIN# 1FMZU73E01ZA83935. I have purchased 8 new Ford vehicles in the past 8 years, 7 of which were purchased from Apple Ford. I have never been unpleased with any Ford purchase with the exception of the Explorer which I am very unhappy with. There are numerous problems that I identified while detailing the Explorer. Most of the problems are dealing with the condition of the paint. The issues are:

1. Tailgate: A six-inch “run” in the paint. Bottom molding also came loose.

2. Roof: Cracks on both sides and running the length of truck.

3. Rust Spots (Metal Shavings), maybe “Rail Dust”, on the passenger side of the vehicle.

4. While waxing the black portion of the truck in between the drivers and passengers windows, the paint came off.

5. Hole in the back leather seat.

6. Hole in the driver’s side rear interior door panel.

7. Steering wheel seems to be sitting off to one side and is not centered.

Most of these problems probably could have been identified before purchasing the vehicle. Due to my long standing relationship with Ford, particularly with Apple Ford, I did not perform the due diligence of a first time purchaser. I have grown to expect a certain level of service and quality from Ford and its representatives.

On August 13, 2001, I took the Explorer to Elite Autohaus, a local Body Shop that is known for its quality paint work to see if they could help me and what it would cost. I have attached an estimate, totaling $1159.43 to fix items #1 and #4. They would not write me an estimate for items #2 and #3 because they said “with that much of the truck needing to be repainted, nobody would ever believe that it was not involved in a major accident at some point.” The owners concern and mine is that, if repainted, it would extremely hurt the re-sale value of the Explorer.

In being a longtime Ford customer and wanting to do business with Ford in the future, I propose the following:

• Ford to buy-back the Explorer
• New purchase of a 2001 SuperCrew at invoice.

 

[Sschultz]

ftlee,

When I had all the problems with my expodition, I brought it to the attention of the ford dealer I bought it from, and they fixed it. Have you brought it to the ford dealer yet?
The letter looks good, the end struck me as kinda funny. You want ford to buy back the explorer, so inturn, you can buy a totally different vihical. Is that what your asking?

 

[mattadams]

I agree with SSchultz, in order to go to the regional rep, you should have some proof that you have tried to have these situations resolved by the dealer you purchased it form. in order for ford to buy back the vehicle they will obviously first give it an extremely valiant effort to make those situations corrected, buying back a vehicle is not good for them or their reputation. If you have spoken with Apple ford regarding this situation, be sure to include in the note who you spoke with at apple ford, and why they told you these items were not repairable.

 

[ftlee]

Sschultz,

I know the ending looks funny. However, I do not want it replaced with a 2002 Explorer. I was looking forward to the mods that I could have made with the 2001 that will never be available on a 2002. Since there are no new 2001 Explorers, my next choice is a SuperCrew.

Frank

 

[Sschultz]

That makes sence. I would make that clear in your letter.

 

[Ray Lobato]

There is no way they are going to buy back your truck, even if you did buy other cars from them.
I don't remember you saying that you took it back to the dealer and tried to have them fix it for you. If they do have to paint much of your truck, and they do a good job, not one is going to notice it anyway. I know in ths state of California that there is a notice saying the buyer beware, once you sign the papers, the car is yours. I know you expected to recieve your truck in top condition, but it is your job to look it over and make sure nothing is wrong. You didn't do that, and now you want them to take it back without them even trying to fix it. That ain't gonna happen. If indeed you did try to get them to fix it and they won't, then you have a legitament gripe and should be talking to the regional Rep, but make sure you have all the facts and who you talked to and what they said.