Back in 2005 my engine light went on in my Jeep. I took it to Tommy Manuel dealership in Arlington. I had to take it back to Tommy Manuel 13 times for the same problem within 3 month. I think they got tired of me coming back day after day and started keeping my car for weeks at a time! Anyway the started giving me rental cars while the kept my Jeep. I thought "wow that is great customer service". Two years later I found out that they had a disagreement with the rental car agency and didn't pay my rental car bill of $1100. When I asked them about it, Safear at Tommy Manuel promised he would take care of the bill and for me not to worry since they were responsible. I had urged him to pay it quickly since Advantage rental car was threatening to send be to collection even though it wasn't my bill and I had only found out about it. Tommy Manuel told me not to worry and it would never show up on my credit. They lied, a year later I found out they never paid the bill, it has destroyed my credit, the bill is $1600 and Tommy Manuel won't return my calls. Even after the polite visit I made to the general manager. I also was told by Advantage rental car that Tommy Manuel did this to over 200 of their customers for over $20,000. And to top it off, they never did fix my car back in 2005. The regional manager had to take it to Meador in Ft Worth. Meador fixed it in less than a day!!! So does anyone have any ideas of what I should do. This has harmed my family and I don't have an extra $1600 to pay this collection.
Sounds like you need to take legal action. I'd look for a good attorney. Hope it all works out.
D.
If you don't feel comfortable handling this on own your own in small claims court, I would get an attorney. Have you written them a letter stating what you want? That is a start and keep a copy of it. If most of your dealings have been verbally, do you have a log or dates/times you called? That would be beneficial if it goes to court. I would dispute the charges for the rental car and do that in writing also. Then, do an appeal on your credit report also. Yes, it is a lot of writing and stating what you want. However, it will be good for you to write them, if you haven't done this already. If you have, then next step is small claims court or hire an atty. I'm sorry you are going thru this. Contacting the BBB is great idea also. I hope it gets resolved soon for you.
I would write them up with the Better Business Bureau for starters. Then, I would call Channel 5, 8, 11, or 4....whomever and report this. Tell them about ALL of this. They will get you some air time and I bet this gets taken care of RIGHT away! Since the amount is less than $5000, you can also take the dealership to small claims court. When you win, they have to pay you and all court costs. Girl, I would be so ticked off! You have rights and you have some power in this situation. Use it! Good luck! B.
Take them to small claims court and make sure you have all of your supporting evidence before you file. If you can get a statement from the rental car agency that would be great.
Wow...what a horrible experience! My experience with Tommy Manuel has not been great either. Have you told the Better Business Bureau on them? You may have to threaten them to take them to small claims court. I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through!
Get a lawyer. I dont' have experience with this particular dealership, but we bought a car from Buzz Post Hyundai and bought gap insurance on it. My husband was t-boned and the car was totaled about 1 1/2 years ago. Turns out, Buzz Post went out of business and the gap company they were selling to people was not paying the cars off. They would say that "extra insurances/warranties" were bought that they don't pay for and would deduct those and 20% fee from the amount owed to the bank and give the customer the rest. We still owe $1900 on a car we don't own and it will go into collections in January. Needless to say, we need a lawyer too!
Another recommendation- take it to the owner of the dealership. If they don't take care of it- get a lawyer. Many of the dealerships in Dallas/Fort Worth belong to a dealers association (they don't advertise this- my dad has worked for a reputible dealership for 32+ years and has been invited to speak to this association a few times). They talk about problems in the field, disreptubile dealerships and what they are doing, etc...). If this dealership sits on this association, they should take care of the problem- if not, get a lawyer.
you can take them to small claims court and sue them... i think it is only like $50 to file and i think you can get punitive damages for destroying your credit.... i would go to a free consultation attorney and just see what they say.....maybe you will end up with judge judy...lol
Man, I can't believe that other people have not told on that agency! Call the watchdog of Star Telegram and call the local news on t.V. - they also have watchdogs (altho they probably call it somebody else). Also, on your credit report, I checked mine and several things were wrong, so I disputed it - and it will show that I disputed it on the credit report.
God Bless!
M. alice
I used to work in the service department for several different car dealers and I know for a fact that as soon as you get a lawyer, your concerns will be settled immediately and usually out of court. Judges always side with the consumer and car dealers know this. Good Luck. I would also file a report with the BBB. I have heard that Tommy Manuel does business this way.
