my letter to chrysler-comments?

[rentalrick]

Saturday, February 21, 2004

Chrylser Canada
Chrysler US
Chrysler TampaBay District Manager
Suncoast Chrysler 399.9423 Fax

Dear Sirs:

I am a Canadian that drove to Florida. The 10th of February I took the van to Suncoast Chrysler, Seminole to have the transmission serviced. It had "clunked" two days previous going into Drive. While in the service bay something failed, the coolant and transmission fluids mixed and were boiling out of the dipstick for the transmission.

It was diagnosed on the spot as the transmission cooler having failed. The estimate for a new radiator, flushes, etc. to get the van to a point it could be determined if the transmission itself had been damaged was $875. I thought this was a good thing to try since the failure just occured and the van hadnt been driven. Late on the 12th I was notified the transmission would have to be replaced. The van would not accelerate, the mechanic was lucky to get back to the lot from the test drive.

I was having trouble believing any of this. The van had given no indication of any trouble. I contacted both Chrysler Canada and US who would do nothing.
I wanted to know if Suncoast should have known that the transmission was junk as soon the fluids mixed, again no help, it was between me and the dealer.

Between the 12th and the 19th many numbers were kicked around, no two ever the same. Late on the 19th it was obvious Suncoast was trying to run a numbers game on me; inflating one price, lowering another, additions, deletiions, coupons, tomfoolery. At this point I'd had enough and contacted Chuck, the Service "Director". The original estimate at $875 was too high for whatever reason but since I had agreed and signed the work order he tried to manipulate the numbers so that the invoice remained that amount. The charges I would not agree to was for second flushes - $230.

Chuck told me that after the van failed the test drive, all the fluids were flushed again. Chucky would also have me believe he was offended when i took the Lord's name in vain saying "goddam" during our conversation; as he's trying to cheat me.

There is transmission fluid in the new radiator, Suncoast says its no problem and of course Chrysler cannot tell me if I should be concerned about it. The independent transmission shop I have moved the van to is going to try to get it out, at my expense. The only replacement transmission that makes any sense purchasing is a Chrysler remanufactured and its on national backorder, between 2 and 4 week delivery.

As bad as Suncoast is, the real culprit here is CHRYSLER. Every Chrysler person involved in this has tried to turn it around to where I should have bought an extended warranty. Wrong answer. I seriously considered scrapping the van at 35,581 miles and flying home but for a number of reasons I must drive. The repair bill is outrageous and it can't be done any cheaper. I will be persuing a Small Claims action to recover when I get home. This letter is going to be posted everywhere that i can find to post. I'm getting a price on vinyl lettering and LEMONS for the van so i can advertise Chryslers "great products and service".