To Whom it May Concern,
On (Dec 06 brought my '99 Dodge Dakota to Feeny Chrysler Jeep Doge, located in Elgin, Illinois, because the check engine light was on.
I expected an efficient and professional treatment of my vehicle; what I received was a series of incomplete diagnostics, deceptive sales tactics, and sub-standard workmanship, which led to costly and unnecessary parts and repairs, and the inconvenience of being without my vehicle for nearly a month.
Initially, I was informed by Feeny that my vehicle needed a two to four hour computer check to find out why the check engine light was on. I have since discovered from more reputable mechanics that there is no such thing as a two to four hour computer check. They also inform me that if an engine has a problem, the usual course of action is to inform the customer of the problem, and to advise them that discovering the nature of the problem (i.E. Taking the engine apart) may come with a hefty charge. While no one likes to hear that, it is honest, and allows the customer the option to make an informed decision as to whether or not to even proceed with the repair.
Instead, Feeny threw part after part at my vehicle. I've since learned that there is a service tree that dictates the order in which problems are diagnosed; but Feeny didn't use it. They told me I needed a new computer costing hundreds of dollars. Then I was informed that the alternator wasn't functioning. Honest mechanics would have checked the alternator before installing a new computer system on a thirteen-year-old vehicle.
Here is a list of the parts installed on my car before Feeny informed me that the original problem still existed: 99 misc. 8cp9 $507.60, Powertrain Control $670.00,56041213AF $111.50,8CP9 $72.80, RL104763AA $280, Rear Wheel Sensor $136.50,56028187AE $58.05, Environmental Fee $15.00,53010303AB $56.00, half-hour of diagnostics which found nothing $40.00.
All of the preceeding were installed after I had already paid an initial $584.23 for an oil pump and a tune up, just to get the vehicle on the road. I also paid $1954.83 to replace the transmission (the latter is a repair I knew was necessary when I bought the vehicle).
After Feeny had taken me for thousands of dollars, they were basically in possession of the closest thing I had to a down payment on another, more functional car. I decided to pursue that avenue, having few options at this point, and, to my discredit, I accepted Feeny's offer to take my Dakota as a down payment on a Jeep Cherokee. Imagine my surprise when they offered me $1000 trade-in value on a car I had just paid them over $2000 to repair!
Feeny informed me that the Jeep was fine, that it only needed some work on the brakes. I accept in hindsight that I made a bad decision by continuing to do business with them, but I was still working under the impression that a large dealership such as Feeny couldn't possibly be as unscrupulous as I now know them to be. Three days after I purchased the Jeep, it broke down on the highway, due to a faulty cooling system and fan (the repair of which cost $702.83). Numerous other problems have surfaced on the Jeep: one of the power windows doesn't work, the back hatch and hood do not latch properly, and the hydraulics that support them in the open position are similarly non functional. I bought a four-speed Jeep for better handling and safety in winter, but it slides in the snow (on one occasion this nearly resulted in an accident). Now I'm told that another $800 will fix the seals. I don't even know what that means, and it still doesn't address the other problems..
I have made numerous inquiries at Feeny, and after just as many promises they would make things right, I haven't heard a thing since, not even a well-deserved apology. I still have no reliable transportation. Perhaps I am guilty of being too trusting of the professionals at Feeny, but they are sadly and disappointingly guilty of far more than incompetence. Having exhausted all other options, I am left with no other recourse than to appeal to you to help protect my rights as a consumer, as well as the rights of future consumers unfortunate to be taken in by the unscrupulous business practiced at Feeny.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
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