US Govt will pick up warrenty and repairs!

[Roly Nelson]

How thrilled I am to hear that our fearless government leaders will now honor the warrantys of new GM and Chrysler vehicles. I can just see the hand writing on the wall right now. What a comforting feeling.

First of all, when you have a mechanical problem you go down to the local DMV-US Gov warranty division, wait you turn in line so you can fill out the proper form, detailing all of the problems of concern with your new vehicle. Then you are given a number and told to wait for it to be called, as you join the assembled disgrundled new-car owners ahead of you. Finally, you are told to stand in the number 8 line and after a while you are told by the Govt employee that you have filled out the wrong form and to take this correct one, fill it out and go out and wait your turn again.

After dong all of the paperwork again, it is now lunch time and the Gov't workers are now taking lunch breaks and getting back in line takes twice as long as before. Finally, you are given your chance to air your concerns about your new car problems and there seems to be some problem as to weather or not the Govt is really responsible for the fact that your transmission has taken a crap. Perhaps you shifted improperly or maybe someone added water or oil into the filler pipe instead of trany fluid, and it is your responsiblity to prove that this isn't the case. Of course, there is always the suspition that you towed your trailer in overdrive, which of course leaves the Gov't off of the hook.

I can't wait to buy that new car, knowing that I will be 100% protected, now since GM nor Chrysler is no longer on the hook for repairs. How comforting it is to know that my United States Government will do their very best to solve all of my new car problems, just like they have solved my drug perscription and medical care issues..........Whee.
Roly just another disgrundled US taxpayer........wanting justice, after paying taxes all of my life so I would be cared for in my waining years..

[Bristol Delica]

Roly

Although I sympathise with your concerns I must say that my experience of trying to get a UK dealership to honour warranties sounds pretty much like that already. They always seem to be able to find some reason why the fault is your responsibility, that design flaws are "characteristics" or that it's not a fault at all but due to fair wear and tear!

IanJ

[S. Heisley]

For perspective, about 60 years ago, auto companies only gave a 90 day warranty. So, things have gotten a little better.

[Miriam C.]

Oh well my taxes are so high I can't buy a new car anyway. Would have been cheaper to give me the money. I would have the new car and Detroit would still be in business as usual.

[hiker chick]

Though the government-guarantee on the warranty was intended to reassure potential buyers, my first reaction was that it would have the opposite effect on customers' psyche.

I hope Ford survives so Honda and Toyota will have some competition.

David Halberstam's "The Reckoning" was an eye-opener on the American auto industry's decline through the 1970s. Halberstam is gone now but I would have looked forward to his take on the current situation.