Late last year by husband and I looked for used `84-`87 Jaguars. We learned the only real problem with the car was that a poor primer was used so that the paint could peel and spider. We weren`t concerned because we were told by Jaguar dealers and private owners that Jaguar pays up to $4,000 for a new paint job for cars less than 6 years old. We bought a 1984 XJ6 with the paint problem. Now the bad news: When we went to get the car approved for a free paint job we were turned down because we aren`t the original owners. When we got paint estimates we were told by two places that Jaguar`s refusal to pay must have something to do with its acquisition by Ford. We had the car repainted. Jaguar paid $1,200, we paid $3,300. Our expectations of Jaguar have been shattered. J.R., Chicago
Ford had nothing to do with your problem. We called Michael Cook, head of public relations for Jaguar, who said a national program to get Jaguars repainted free was news to him.
”We have had some paint problems off and on and did repaint some cars in 1986-`87 before we switched over to enamel, but we always handle paint complaints on a case-by-case basis. No program to pay for repainting all those cars ever existed. What the buyer should have done is call the company rather than rely on hearsay from others.”
In other words, you got what you paid for. You figured you`d buy a used car and get a free $4,000 paint job to boot. If Jaguar was popping for a free paint job, why didn`t the dealer selling the car have the work done before he sold it? At least you got $1,200 out of Jaguar, which should help make up for your shattered expectations.
I recently bought a Cadillac and paid the dealer an $86 fee for new plates and title. I later found my bank would have done it for about $30 less. G.C., Naperville
Under a recent lawsuit filed by Illinois Atty. Gen. Neil Hartigan and the resulting consent decree signed by 73 dealers, those dealers who charged more than $51 for license and title prior to Jan. 1 of this year or more than $53 after Jan. 1, are subject to a $1,000 fine and reimbursement to the consumer of double the overcharge.
However, rather than cash givebacks, the agreement calls for dealers to provide consumers with coupons that can be used toward the purchase of parts, service, new or used cars. If you were overcharged, the dealer has to notify you. If you have any questions call the attorney general`s office at 312-814-3420.
Regarding Neil Hartigan`s suit against dealers charging phony fees, I was one of those who paid a $99.85 DOC fee because the dealer said it was required. Now that dealers have signed a consent decree, will Hartigan take dealers to court to recover that money or does the consumer have to take the dealer to court himself? J.F., Arlington Heights
Mike Kreloff, head of the attorney general`s consumer division, said in getting dealers to sign a consent decree to stop the practice his office sought prospective relief, meaning it got dealers to agree not to charge those fees anymore, above a new $40 cap or ceiling. But at the same time, his office agreed not to seek restitution of those funds for consumers.
Kreloff said while phony fees were disclosed to buyers late in the purchase process, they were disclosed, which was the reason his office didn`t seek a refund. If you want to pursue legal remedies on your own, Kreloff said you`ll have to contact your own lawyer.
The state has cracked down on phony charges by auto dealers on new cars, but there`s another problem-gouging on repairs. I needed rear air struts for my Cadillac DeVille. Two dealers quoted me $660. I went to an independent garage and had the work done for $312.44. There may be a legitimate reason for such a remarkable difference but I can`t see it. H.M., Chicago
By shopping you found you could get $660 worth of work done for $312. A phone call saved you about $350. What`s the problem?
For the most part, dealerships are paying higher, unionized labor rates and the store itself is located in a high-rent district. Those are two overhead items the independent doesn`t have to contend with, which allows him to charge less.
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Send your questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.
