Has anyone ever gotten a free vehicle from a manufacturer?

"WhiskeyGolf" (whiskeygolf) 01/27/2014 at 12:30 • Filed to: None

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Now that !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! has been resolved, people I've talked to have said that I should have been more aggressive with VW, and basically threaten to go to the press if they didn't provide me with a brand new car, at reduced or free cost. I'm not particularly ruthless like that, and I was mostly trying to get back into a vehicle, but now that I am, I'm wondering "what could have been".

What sort of track record do people have in getting new cars from manufacturers, as a direct result of manufacturer problems? My fire was completely due to the engine, which itself has had issues in the past, but the likelihood of successfully threatening a multi billion dollar company doesn't seem very high.

Victorious Secret > WhiskeyGolf 01/27/2014 at 12:32

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Going after a manufacturer like that is asking to be buried in court, it rarely works.

The only time people walk away is when the dealership is being stingy and the corporate overlords get involved to make the situation go away.

Bad Idea Hat > Victorious Secret 01/27/2014 at 12:33

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There basically has to be malice on the dealership's (or their employee's) part, followed up by a complete lack of common sense PR.

Basically what VS said though, yes.

WhiskeyGolf > Victorious Secret 01/27/2014 at 12:41

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That sounds about right. I wonder if it's still true if it's only a press thing rather than going to court?

jariten1781 > WhiskeyGolf 01/27/2014 at 13:18

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People on the internet are always incredibly grandiose.

I see it all the time on car forums: Small trim piece missing from factory. Forum advice: Sue! Lemon Law! They owe you a new car!

All that really matters is that it is resolved adequately. What do they really owe for a flaw that destroys a 3 year old car? I'd be happy with the depreciated value plus a bit to compensate for the loss of use. Whatever they throw on top of that is what would tip the scales as to whether I'd purchase another car from them.

I have gotten free products before though. Back in 2004 or so I got a factory refurbished Samsung DLP. It ended up having all sorts of problems with the color wheel (including it shattering violently at one point). They dutifully sent repair men multiple times and finally offered me either an updated model new TV or a check for what I paid. That's good service and I've since bought a couple other Samsungs which have been flawless. Had they only offered me the check (or even a check for the depreciated value) I wouldn't have felt angry or that they owed me more, but I probably wouldn't have bought another Samsung product for a very long time.

WhiskeyGolf > jariten1781 01/27/2014 at 13:52

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Now that's a rational answer, thank you. When the dust settled, I was back in a car with fewer kms and more features, while paying the difference, so I'm happy with the resolution. Since it was a fire, though, it would have been nice if VW provided a little extra, given the rarity of the event.

Xentron Holy Reaper of Worlds > WhiskeyGolf 01/27/2014 at 14:19

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