Most of you already know that I bought a used 2000 GMC Sonoma last May. The truck had 19,782 miles on it when I bought it and was still under the factory 36 Month/36,000 Bumper to Bumper Warranty and also included a GM Certified Bumper to Bumper Warranty that was 39 Months/39,000 miles.I purchased it from a local Chevrolet dealer.The truck has the factory Sport Suspension option ZQ8 ,which includes a quicker steering gear box,bigger front sway bar,rear sway bar,Delco-Bilstien shocks,2" lowered ride height springs and 16"X8" aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle tires. Since my GM Certified Warranty was running out last Saturday,I had a few small warranty concerns. The drivers door hinge pins and bushings were getting worn (the truck is an extended cab with the optional 3rd door),the drivers seat track would not stay latched in position and 3 of the 4 aluminum wheels had clear coat that was flaking.Two of the wheels were bent prior to me buying the truck and were replaced with new wheels.The other 2 wheels had some small areas of flaking clear coat.Since may they have gotten worse and one of the new wheels started flaking. The local GMC dealer did not to even work on a GMC that was still under warranty and the service manager told me to take it to the dealer that certified the truck.So I took it there last Thursday.The service writer stated that they ordered the parts and to come in last Monday to get them installed.The Chevy dealer service manager said that GM does not cover flaking clearcoat on the wheels after 6,000 miles.I never heard of that and it is not written in my warranty manual that came with the truck so I called GM Customer Assistance. She called the dealer and then called my wife at home and stated that the "tires are too close to the ground and they will get rock chipped will not cover this". What does that mean? The truck just turned 25,000 miles.I called her back and I am still waiting for a reply. Can they prove that a spot on a wheel that has no damage to the aluminum at all but has a big spot where the clearcoat has delaminated was caused by a rock chip? Seems that a rock chip would have marked the wheel too.
[ 22. October 2003, 02:28 PM: Message edited by: 2002Z4CSS ]
Posted by KenC (Member # 189) on :
if those are the factory optional tires (tire size) then they cant claim "the tires are too close to the ground" and void the warranty on those wheels. its their certified option...it does not void the standard warranty in no way. it is hard to say what caused the clear coat chip. somehow..you need a rep to see the wheels..get a close up digi pic of them and send to customer service or ask who to forward them too. let me know. i have a contact at gm.
Posted by DanPazich (Member # 1352) on :
The wheels/tires are too close to the ground??? Hah! Well i better hope they are or else you'd be pulling wheelies or flying! I might see where they wont warranty it if it's a rock chip (in which case the actual metal part should be dinged as well). If it's flaking, they should cover it, just like the chrome on the SS wheels sometimes flakes off. But it's your opinion agains theirs Posted by mhayman (Member # 146) on :
Greg,
Sorry to hear this is happening to you. I hate hearing dealer horror stories and it seems like so many dealers these days don't honor warranty items.
To me, it's pretty simple - the wheels are included in the bumper to bumper warranty and unless the warranty that came with the car specifically states that wheels aren't included (like brake pads, clutch disks, etc) then they are legally obligated to replace your wheels. Perhaps a discussion with someone above the service manager would help. The "tires to close to the ground" comment is hilarious. Like Ken said, if it's OE then they have to live up to the warranty. Isn't that why GM spends millions testing one simple part - to make sure it can withstand rock chips, weather, wear and tear and the like? I never understand why dealers do this. It's not like it comes out of their pocket.
Posted by JFsport01 (Member # 1374) on :
Check to see if there are any TSBs for any model. A few years back I had a Vette and there was a bulletin on clear coat checking, which the dealer covered the cost of the refinishing. It took a lot of back and forth between myself, GM and the dealer, before they finally agreed to pay. Even if it is for another model, I would use it as leverage in your case. Also, my car had more than 6k miles on it.
Posted by Xsta Z 28 (Member # 740) on :
I have never been succussfull getting dealer to warrant flaking wheels.
They only warrant the paint for like 3 months or 6,000 miles, then it is only warranted for rust through - well alum. don't rust. I can't tell you how many sets of center caps I have gone through on my 98 Lumina LTZ - same designed cap as the third gen 16" wheel. And three of my wheels look like cancer is eating them away.
It is an "appearance" failure - so they say NO.
[ 22. October 2003, 04:34 PM: Message edited by: Xsta Z 28 ]
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by JFsport01: Check to see if there are any TSBs for any model.
Do you know of a site that list the TSB's? I just think I am getting the big run around. When I used to work in a Olds dealer,I personally replaced hundreds of wheels with clear coat flaking.To make matters worse,the woman from GM Customer Assistance never returned my call yesterday.I will call her again today.The point being that one of the brand new wheels that has been on the truck for less than 6,000 miles is flaking.It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out when the machined surface of the wheel is so smooth that it looks shiny...that the clear or paint between the spokes won't stick.I would not wet sand a car with 2000 grit sandpaper and repaint over the top of it and expect it to stick.I just think these wheels should have been powder coated or the clear applied in an electrostatic process.
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
quote: It's not like it comes out of their pocket.
No but their warranty numbers are watched very closly... if they get too high (cost per vechicle) they can get into trouble.... some dealers are a little too tight with warranty and could stand to losen up for customer satification. Also as redilicious as it sounds (and some have experienced) some dealers do not like doing warranty.... I have some "pull" and have been given the run around before myself....
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
Greg... I will look into it and get back to you. I think wheels may not be covered... reason is similar to paint issues.... also back there you have the lovely salt that eats anything up.... I will check today and post what I find out tonight.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by MM:
quote: It's not like it comes out of their pocket.
No but their warranty numbers are watched very closly... if they get too high (cost per vechicle) they can get into trouble.... some dealers are a little too tight with warranty and could stand to losen up for customer satification. Also as redilicious as it sounds (and some have experienced) some dealers do not like doing warranty.... I have some "pull" and have been given the run around before myself....
THat may be true but this truck has one of the smallest "warranty rap sheets"(warranty history) known to man.I don't think the original owner ever took it in for warranty work.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by MM: Greg... I will look into it and get back to you. I think wheels may not be covered... reason is similar to paint issues.... also back there you have the lovely salt that eats anything up.... I will check today and post what I find out tonight.
Thanks! 3:00pm and still no return call from GM Customer Assistance! Posted by 380SS (Member # 2078) on :
It's the same song and dance. They preach "Buy our warranty, buy our warranty", then they don't honor it. That's why I'll never buy a warranty. I got burned before on a MOPAR warranty, and vowed never to do it again. They seem to spend most of their money teaching customer service folks and service managers to spin their way out of honor claims made by customers. "Tires to low", that sums it all up right there.
By the way I've never owned a MOPAR since that incident with the warranty; it's been over 10 years.
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
quote:Originally posted by MM:
quote: It's not like it comes out of their pocket.
No but their warranty numbers are watched very closly... if they get too high (cost per vechicle) they can get into trouble.... some dealers are a little too tight with warranty and could stand to losen up for customer satification. Also as redilicious as it sounds (and some have experienced) some dealers do not like doing warranty.... I have some "pull" and have been given the run around before myself....
THat may be true but this truck has one of the smallest "warranty rap sheets"(warranty history) known to man.I don't think the original owner ever took it in for warranty work.
By CPV I mean at each dealer not per actual vehicle....
Sounds like the S10 I had... great little truck I hardly had any problems with mine. I hated to sell it but I needed room for the SS.
[ 23. October 2003, 10:39 PM: Message edited by: MM ]
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
quote:Originally posted by MM: Greg... I will look into it and get back to you. I think wheels may not be covered... reason is similar to paint issues.... also back there you have the lovely salt that eats anything up.... I will check today and post what I find out tonight.
Thanks! 3:00pm and still no return call from GM Customer Assistance!
You have mail....
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by MM:
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
quote:Originally posted by MM: Greg... I will look into it and get back to you. I think wheels may not be covered... reason is similar to paint issues.... also back there you have the lovely salt that eats anything up.... I will check today and post what I find out tonight.
Thanks! 3:00pm and still no return call from GM Customer Assistance!
You have mail....
Thanks,but I did not check my home e-mail yesterday.
Posted by JFsport01 (Member # 1374) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
quote:Originally posted by JFsport01: Check to see if there are any TSBs for any model.
Do you know of a site that list the TSB's? I just think I am getting the big run around. When I used to work in a Olds dealer,I personally replaced hundreds of wheels with clear coat flaking.To make matters worse,the woman from GM Customer Assistance never returned my call yesterday.I will call her again today.The point being that one of the brand new wheels that has been on the truck for less than 6,000 miles is flaking.It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out when the machined surface of the wheel is so smooth that it looks shiny...that the clear or paint between the spokes won't stick.I would not wet sand a car with 2000 grit sandpaper and repaint over the top of it and expect it to stick.I just think these wheels should have been powder coated or the clear applied in an electrostatic process.
I found this Corvette TSB number, I hope it helps:
99-08-51-007 OCT 99 Refinishing Aluminum Wheels
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by JFsport01:
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
quote:Originally posted by JFsport01: Check to see if there are any TSBs for any model.
Do you know of a site that list the TSB's? I just think I am getting the big run around. When I used to work in a Olds dealer,I personally replaced hundreds of wheels with clear coat flaking.To make matters worse,the woman from GM Customer Assistance never returned my call yesterday.I will call her again today.The point being that one of the brand new wheels that has been on the truck for less than 6,000 miles is flaking.It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out when the machined surface of the wheel is so smooth that it looks shiny...that the clear or paint between the spokes won't stick.I would not wet sand a car with 2000 grit sandpaper and repaint over the top of it and expect it to stick.I just think these wheels should have been powder coated or the clear applied in an electrostatic process.
I found this Corvette TSB number, I hope it helps:
99-08-51-007 OCT 99 Refinishing Aluminum Wheels
Thanks! I think at least the dealer should have offered to refinish the wheels if they did not want to replace them. Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
Greg what Chevy and GMC dealers are you dealing with.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by 35TH ED/ed: Greg what Chevy and GMC dealers are you dealing with.
Mark Chevrolet (the selling dealer) and Red Holman the GMC dealer that I took it to originally.
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
quote:Originally posted by 35TH ED/ed: Greg what Chevy and GMC dealers are you dealing with.
Mark Chevrolet (the selling dealer) and Red Holman the GMC dealer that I took it to originally.
I can see why Gary at Holman wanted you to go back to the selling dealer since they Certified the vehicle.Since they certified it they should be responsible for the repairs/even if They have to send it to a GMC dealer.Holman was sold about a year ago and have made minor changes. I have been dealing with them for years they treat me alot better than some dealers around here (gordon).
Mark I bought my first car from them (74 Vega) and have heard a lot of good things about them. The wife has taken several company cars to them without problems and I had some warranty work done by them with a 99% success rate. (Didnt like the repair of the Sun visor for the t-tops).
Hope every thing works out and they repair/Replace the rims. Did Mark take care of the other problems.....seat/ect.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by 35TH ED/ed:
quote:Originally posted by 2002Z4CSS:
quote:Originally posted by 35TH ED/ed: Greg what Chevy and GMC dealers are you dealing with.
Mark Chevrolet (the selling dealer) and Red Holman the GMC dealer that I took it to originally.
I can see why Gary at Holman wanted you to go back to the selling dealer since they Certified the vehicle.Since they certified it they should be responsible for the repairs/even if They have to send it to a GMC dealer.Holman was sold about a year ago and have made minor changes. I have been dealing with them for years they treat me alot better than some dealers around here (gordon).
Mark I bought my first car from them (74 Vega) and have heard a lot of good things about them. The wife has taken several company cars to them without problems and I had some warranty work done by them with a 99% success rate. (Didnt like the repair of the Sun visor for the t-tops).
Hope every thing works out and they repair/Replace the rims. Did Mark take care of the other problems.....seat/ect.
Mark chevrolet did take care of the worn door hinge pins and bushings and the seat track.The service manager never even advised me to my face about the wheels.Maybe I should make a suprise trip there after work tonight.
Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
Tell them that you want to know when the GM rep Will be at the dealer.And you would like to talk with him/her.This will get the attention of the dealer alot of times. Do not leave the truck for him to show the rep this will get them thinking . Tell them you want to talk to the rep personally.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
quote:Originally posted by 35TH ED/ed: Tell them that you want to know when the GM rep Will be at the dealer.And you would like to talk with him/her.This will get the attention of the dealer alot of times. Do not leave the truck for him to show the rep this will get them thinking . Tell them you want to talk to the rep personally.
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