I live in northern virginia. 3 years ago i purchased a 2000 oldsmobile Silhouette van from a local Eastern Auto dealership. The vehicle was purchased in the winter months. When i drove it off the lot the right headlight blew out. I phoned the dealer & the saleswoman told me to take it to their mechanic for repair the next week. I did. He replaced it several times & each time it blew. He said it was due to the wet weather. I wondered but trusted them. My mistake. From that time on we had 1 electrical problem after another. I have spent almost $500 to have the same problems repaired repeatedly.
Last july i took it to the local dealer & paid 122$ for the repair. It lasted exactly as the others - less than 1 month. Then the lights began blowing out & failing. Then the blinkers began their games - sometimes the right ones work (front & back)... Sometimes they don't. The backup lights come on when i put my foot on the brake. The messages on the on board computer message center tell me the door is ajar while i'm rolling down I95 at 65mph or that the lift gate is ajar at 65mph. Scary. It also tells me the abs is malfunctioning & will be turned off. The repairing dealership said "everything was ok & it's just a wire that burns thru - in half - "for some reason"". The mechanic said everything on the car works ok. It's just the onboard computer messing up.
I have contacted oldsmobile via their website & was told each time it's my responsibility since the van is older. The dealership said it was my problem since i drove it off their lot. I contacted the previous owners who said the problem i am experiencing is exactly why they got rid of the van.
I'm locked into this contract for 66 months. If i have to keep paying $122/ month for 66 months plus the regular monthly payment of $447.05 i'll be paying $8052 for repairs alone.
This paragraph was taken from BEFORE THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION— FTC File No. P96 4402 — Vehicle Buybacks — Comment by: Philip R. Nowicki, Ph. D. Http://www.ftc. Gov/bcp/lemon/nowicki.htm
"Selling dealers should disclose the vehicle's defect history and show prospective buyers work orders for repairs performed on those defects after the vehicle was reacquired. Manufacturers and dealers can warrant repair of those defects to help facilitate the resale of the vehicle. However, given the above concerns, it does not seem feasible to sanction procedures or disclosures that a defect has been successfully repaired, regardless if the determining source is the manufacturer, the dealer, an independent entity or a government agency."
he also mentions "chronic defects" & "chronic intermittent or season-related problems". I am attaching a couple of emails between oldsmobile & me for validation of the problem.
I truly like the van. I have been replacing things that are "worn out" according to the olds dealership in fredericksburg, va. The blower in the back has died. I will replace it when i have the over $200 to buy the parts. I have also noticed a severe leak in the vehicle during the hurricane season here. I had over 1/2 inch of standing water under the carpeting throughout the back area. The carpet was soaking wet in places. I have removed the 2 back captains chairs for the time being while we go through the wet season here. A couple of hand held hair dryers got it dried out to prevent mildew. What a awful smell that could have been.
I am over 55, disabled & a federal gov't employee on the quantico marine corp base in virginia. This is my only vehicle so i have to keep it in good shape. It is also my only means of transporting my handicapped 29 year old daughter to her doctor & running her errands on my days to care for her while the assisted living area is doing other stuff.
New tires, oil changes & engine maintenance are performed on a strict schedule. I bought it with over 60K miles on it & now it's rolled over to 100K. The only complaint is the light thing. I feel someone is taking or has taken advantage of me. Do i have a snowball's chance in - you know where?
Jackie
fredericksburg, Virginia
U.S.A.
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