Today, Ricardo and I went to lunch, and when I dropped him back off at work, my lights on my dashboard panel started acting weird. It said there was a door open and there wasn't. And my super power buttons to open sliding minivan doors were not working. Mostly, I was alarmed when I went to manually open the back and it wouldn't budge. So, I drove my ride out to the dealership. We have a warranty that's almost up in 4,000 miles. Most of that mileage we're about to burn on a Griswold Road Trip to the Grand Canyon. And I didn't want to get there and not be able to open doors.
"Kids, you'll just have to look out the windows. Nope, we're not getting out because, uh....well, we can't. Look at that large gorge, cool huh?...What? Sure, I guess we could crawl out the windows. Help push mommy's hips through. PUSH!"
So, I stroll into the dealership service center, give them the spiel, and end it with,
"So, that's what happened, and my husband told me to bring it in to you and tell you all of that. My job here is done."
He says "okay". Taps stuff into his high flalutent computer. Says he can get to it in about twenty minutes, and I need to sign something. Tap-tap-tap. Enter. And,
"You'll need to sign here."
"What am I signing."
"Well, this says that the initial diagnostic is $69.95. If we have to do work, you have a deductible of $100, so we won't charge me more than $100."
"Wait, what? The car is under warranty..."
"Yes. There's a $100 deductible on your warranty..." Pause with embarassed look and waiting for me to buy it.
Have you ever heard of a deductible on your car warranty? All I could think of is that this guy is nice enough. He has nice eyes, and he's probably about to be jobless and he has the power to fix my car. I think that's worth $100. I'll just chalk it up to my contribution to the Auto Industry Bailout.
I've been eyeballing Hondas and Volkswagens ever since. And I'm considering charging a deductible on picking up the kids from school next week.
That's how I roll.
Hi there,
You should call Chrysler directly and ask them about that. They may waive the fee. (Trust me I work with Automotive call centers). And I've never heard of a deductable on a warrantied vehicle. They should be able to better explain it to you.
Myself and my entire family have work in the Detroit Auto Industry or related fields. Things are really bad here in Michigan/Detroit right now. I'm not saying the automakers don't need to make improvements.. they do. But there are many jobs outside of this region that are impacted by the Big 3. I don't think we'll realize the scope of that unless one of them goes under. Ugh. I hate to think of it!
Anyhow, Happy Thursday and I hope your car gets fixed okay!