This is the story of a red 1986 Camaro.
It came with an innocuous little form that declared it an “Unsafe Vehicle", according to the New Hampshire Department of Safety. The little form, I think it was pink, had a single word of explanation - “taillight".
This car drove like all four wheels were pointing in different directions.
So, the Camaro went to two reputable shops, both of whom declared that the car would never be roadworthy, due to extensive frame damage.
Not only was the car not roadworthy, but it was in my garage, in the way.
And, I was mad. You see, it is dishonest to sell a useless vehicle, especially if it has a current inspection sticker. It is also illegal.
So, I called the small dealer that had kindly supplied this object. As you can imagine, the conversation went like this:
Me: Please take your Camaro back and give me my money.
Sales guy: No, we’re not like KMart.
Me: You should be like KMart, this car is not useful.
Sales guy: No, you can’t have your money back. (Laughs, in a friendly way).
Me: I’m going to write a letter.
Sales guy: Go ahead, we’ll write letters, too.
Me: Okay, Bye!
I wrote ONE letter. It explained that the car had a current inspection sticker (blank, of course), extensive frame damage, and a silly little form that had the word “taillight” as the only defect. My letter was short and even identified the law that had been violated in the incident. Then, with a big smile, I mailed it to the dealer, the New Hampshire Attorney General, the New Hampshire Department of Safety, and the local Better Business Bureau.
As soon as the letter was delivered to the dealer, they kindly called me up and offered a full refund, if I drove the car to their shop. Since it was an unsafe vehicle, I told them they would have to come get it. They sent a very nice representative, with a full refund, and a flat bed truck.
That day was a great victory for used car consumers everywhere - but especially, for me.
:)