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38 votes
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California EV maker Aptera unveils solar car with 64 km of daily, charge-free range
18 votes -
Volkswagen plans major cutbacks in Germany: 'We cannot continue as before'
23 votes -
New deadline by which only zero-emission new vans may be sold in Norway will no longer be 2025, but 2027
9 votes -
US probes Tesla's Full Self-Driving software after fatal crash
23 votes -
The bill finally comes due for Elon Musk
41 votes -
Toyota is the latest company to scale back its DEI policies
28 votes -
Roads in Africa are among world’s deadliest despite few cars
9 votes -
Uber almost got me killed!
55 votes -
Massachusetts bill could fully legalize kei cars and override RMV ban
58 votes -
A dealership damaged my car. Any advice?
There's a lot of information I could share about this. But I do want to remain semi-private, so I'll try to stick to the highlights and answer questions as needed. Instead of stating hard numbers,...
There's a lot of information I could share about this. But I do want to remain semi-private, so I'll try to stick to the highlights and answer questions as needed. Instead of stating hard numbers, I'll compare against the value of my car according to Kelly Blue Book.
I'm reaching out here because I'm not a "car person" and I haven't gone through anything like this before. I figured if there's any other angles or strategies I'm missing then you all will probably fill in my blind spots. I want this to be over ASAP, but I also don't want to pay for the damage they've caused since it's thousands of dollars.
What happened:
- In May my car started having acceleration issues. I brought it in for repair at a dealership I've gone to for 2 years who has an in-house service department. The dealership's name includes the name of my car's manufacturer, so they're a specialized licensed dealer.
- At first they thought my catalytic converter was the issue, so they ran a bunch of tests. After extensive troubleshooting, they ended up taking it off and confirmed there was no damage or clogs. I received written updates, so this is well-documented.
- There is a known defect with engines in cars like mine. Therefore they put in a request for a free engine replacement, which was approved. They also reexamined my car after the approval was granted and recommended replacing another part at the same time. I approved and paid for that myself.
- When they gave me back my car, it was making a lot of weird sounds. I commented on it during pickup, and they told me not to drive too fast. Turns out it wasn't able to go on the highway at all and the check engine light quickly came on. I notified them and they asked me to return it. I put 100 miles on it during that period. For reference, driving on a highway has never been an issue for me.
- Upon examination, they informed me my catalytic converter was fully clogged and that it needed to be replaced. The sent me a quote for half the value of my car, a major expense.
- At first they tried arguing that it passed their test drive. But after I pointed out that I only drove 100 miles, they said it must have been clogged the whole time and they missed it repeatedly. They also said the new engine could in theory cause the issue, but stopped short of recommending it be replaced yet again. They also told me I could take my car somewhere else to get the repair done for cheaper. I have this conversation recorded.
- So I haven't had a working car for 100+ days now. It's still at the dealership and they've been trying to pressure me into taking it away, even though it's not save to drive and driving it could cause more damage.
- I've asked for a loaner vehicle repeatedly, and I'm always told none are available and that I'm on the wait list.
Here's what I've done so far.
- I have a support case with the manufacturer's national customer support system. I don't have my case managers direct line, but I call the regular line every day asking for updates. I also ask for it to be escalated and expedited. Sometimes the person tries to go above and beyond to give me the latest updates, but ultimately I don't think this is helping much. A request for a "good will" repair has been submitted and is awaiting review. Both my case manager and the dealership have told me it can take months to be reviewed. The person reviewing it is a regional manager. I've asked for their contact information but so far they've refused to disclose that.
- I've spoken to a lawyer briefly. They seemed to think it wouldn't be worth hiring them for this. They advised filing a claim against the dealership's insurer. As a backup, file a claim with my insurer and have them go after the dealership's insurer to cover the cost. I'm nervous about going this route because if they're not able to recoup then that claim would stay on my record which does have financial implications.
- I've asked the dealership directly for their insurance to file a claim. They refused to give it to me, saying only they file claims against their insurance. I don't know how else to try extracting this information. Cold calling as a prospective customer? Is it hanging on one of their walls maybe?
- I've spoken with the dealership's manager who oversees used cars. They made me an insultingly low offer yesterday, about 10% of its value. For reference, my car is less than 10 years old. Part of the reason it's so low is because they're budgeting in the repair. The manager doesn't seem to care that they damaged my car. But it does seem like they want the car off the lot, so maybe if I hold the line on this front the offer will increase. Unless they tow it, which I do slightly fear.
- I made some phone calls to governmental entities in my state. I've narrowed in on one entity that I'm told should have records of the dealership's insurance and also allow me to file a complaint. I got a voicemail today, but fingers crossed I can connect with them tomorrow.
- I sent an email to an executive last week. If I don't hear back I plan on doing this weekly with different executives. I'll add the names of each executive I've contacted to the bottom so the person has that additional context.
- I've reached out a local TV station who investigates things in the community. If I don't hear back I plan on contacting another one next week. I live in big city so I'm not confident this avenue will be fruitful.
- I've looked briefly into small claims court, but even a positive outcome requires me to collect. So that doesn't seem particularly helpful.
- I've looked briefly into leaving a BBB review, but I'm not sure that will accomplish much.
30 votes -
Headlamp tech that doesn’t blind oncoming drivers—where is it?
33 votes -
Filipinos are embracing electric three-wheelers faster than officials can regulate them
24 votes -
Human drivers keep rear-ending Waymos
37 votes -
EV discussion thread
Just though it might be nice to have a space for general EV discussion here on Tildes. The only other space I know of to talk on the subject is r/electricvehicles, which has gotten big enough to...
Just though it might be nice to have a space for general EV discussion here on Tildes. The only other space I know of to talk on the subject is r/electricvehicles, which has gotten big enough to get polarized and echo-chambery… prepare to get bombarded if you say anything positive about EV models from Japanese manufacturers or suggest that a used Chevy Bolt isn’t a great fit for everybody, for example.
Anyway, what is everybody driving and how do you like it? Has it given you any trouble? Any upcoming models you’re excited about or interested in? If you don’t drive one now, is there a model you’re eying?
Right now I’m driving a 2023 Nissan Ariya Platinum+, which I chose because it’s what I could get a reasonable lease deal on without too much trouble. It’s been great for the most part but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t total overkill for my needs… something more like a modernized electric Golf would better fit me, but those don’t exist in the US, so here I am.
The upcoming model I’m most interested in is by far the Rivian R3. It’s sized about the same as a Golf, the retro styling is cool, and its got several high-utility features that make it almost seem like a reincarnation of the Toyota Matrix (fold flat seats including front passenger, back hatch window that can open to accommodate long objects, etc) without the Matrix’s weaknesses. The Pacific Northwest inspired interior of the higher end R3X model looks gorgeous too and is a welcome departure from the sterile grayscale interiors that EVs have become known for.
38 votes -
Driver discovers the true cost of finding a "perfect" Chicago parking spot
27 votes -
London saw a surprising benefit to fining high-polluting cars: More active kids
28 votes -
Tesla Cybertruck owners shocked that tires are barely lasting 6,000 miles
50 votes -
Norway sees electric cars outnumber petrol models – sovereign wealth fund cushion has made it possible for government to offer green incentives to motorists
11 votes -
United States postal service debuts long-awaited new mail truck
88 votes -
That time the Army Jeep was a nuclear launch vehicle
8 votes -
Ford seeks patent for tech that listens to driver conversations to serve ads
58 votes -
NHTSA proposes new vehicle safety standard to better protect pedestrians
36 votes -
Swedish battery company Northvolt has announced it would be laying off a large part of its workforce and selling or consolidating several sites as the electric vehicle market slows down
11 votes -
When electric vehicle startups shut down, will their cars still work?
24 votes -
My experience buying a used low-range EV a year later
A little over a year ago I posed some questions on Tildes about used electrics. Shortly after that topic, I went put and purchased a 2016 VW E-Golf. I think that my experiences might be useful for...
A little over a year ago I posed some questions on Tildes about used electrics.
Shortly after that topic, I went put and purchased a 2016 VW E-Golf. I think that my experiences might be useful for anyone that is considering an electric but struggles with range anxiety or just wonders how practical a car with low range would actually be. When looking at used car prices, I was shocked at how cheap a low range electric car was compared to longer range EVs. I picked mine up for $10,500 out the door.
For context, I live on the outside of a small city in the Midwest. It gets cold here. I am also in a two car household, the other being a hybrid. There are two adults and children in the house.
The Golf has a roughly 20 kWh battery. Over the year that I have driven it, I have averaged 4.5 miles per kWh. That sounds like a range of 90 miles, but that doesn't tell the whole story. On cold days when resistive heating has to be run, the mileage drops by around 30%. On a nice mild day, I can get it up to 6 mi/kWh on a trip if I am off of the highway.
I did not need to install any additional charging abilities in my garage. I have the charger plugged into a random 110V outlet in my garage. I was prepared to shell out a bit of money for an electrician if the 110 circuit didn't cut it, but over a year of use I have not actually run into a scenario where I needed to use more than the trickle charge.
I work a hybrid setup. Twice a week I need to drive into the office around 20 miles away. The office does have some electric charging stations on a 220 circuit but I have not felt the need to charge there on any occasion.
The shorter range does mean that some coordination is required between the two adults in the household. If one of us needs to travel out of town for work or something involving the kids, the other has to limit their travel. In practice for our house, this annoyance ends up being more a concern for which vehicle needs car seats than a concern for mileage. Exactly one occasion this year we have had to adjust plans to deal with having a limited range vehicle.
Overall, I really have been thoroughly happy with the low range EV choice as the primary vehicle in a two vehicle household with a backup for longer range trips.
70 votes -
Volvo Cars has abandoned its plan to become a fully electric car manufacturer by 2030 due to weakening consumer demand for pure electric vehicles
42 votes -
Bipartisan group of 350 US city mayors commit to electrifying fleets and broadening EV charging infrastructure
18 votes -
Did your car witness a crime? Bay Area police may be coming for your Tesla — and they might tow it.
28 votes -
California hits new milestone with EV chargers: 40% increase in one year
16 votes -
Over the last ten years Finland reduced road deaths by a sizable 29% – the average decline in the European Union was 16%
18 votes -
Car maintenance suggestions/guide for a 2016 Lexus IS 350F Sport
Hello, I am thinking of perhaps purchasing the vehicle mentioned in my title, is there recommended maintenance suggestions that should be done other than what can be found in Lexus's car care...
Hello,
I am thinking of perhaps purchasing the vehicle mentioned in my title, is there recommended maintenance suggestions that should be done other than what can be found in Lexus's car care recommendations or something that would be found in the drivers manual? Anything unusual to watch out for? Any particular brand of motor oil that would be best? etc.
Thanks
5 votes -
Hydrogen powered Toyota Mirai turned into bomb by Ukrainian forces explodes with the force of 400 pounds of TNT
29 votes -
Californian police can’t stop sideshows. Solution: Make the streets more annoying.
28 votes -
No-car Games: Los Angeles Olympic venues will only be accessible by public transportation
34 votes -
Japan orders ‘drastic reforms’ for Toyota after fresh certification violations
17 votes -
The meaning of construction costs per rider
5 votes -
Mercedes EV fire causes power outage, hospitalizations, 140 cars damaged
26 votes -
You don’t need a pickup truck, you need a cowboy costume
55 votes -
Escape from the box: new technology and old tactics have made buying a car a death march of deception
51 votes -
A celebrated bike path might revert to being a breakdown lane for cars
20 votes -
He secretly changed this freeway sign, helped millions of drivers
17 votes -
I tried ditching my vehicle and doing the no-car thing. It was awful.
Those urban activists who hate cars must be nuts. Today, rather than drive my not terribly fuel efficient vehicle from my relative's house back to mine, normally an easy 2 hour 20 minute drive on...
Those urban activists who hate cars must be nuts.
Today, rather than drive my not terribly fuel efficient vehicle from my relative's house back to mine, normally an easy 2 hour 20 minute drive on divided highway, I decided to try using alternative transport.
I started out with a 45 minute walk to the highway bus station. Of course that meant carrying a fairly heavy back pack and being an old fart after awhile that got to be a pain. I spotted a Bird electric bike on my route so I rented it for the final leg of my walk saving considerable time but it cost me $8.99.
I got to the station half an hour early which meant I had the pleasure of standing beside a guy who was either drunk or just unstable. He had "All My Ex's Live in Texas" playing at full volume on his phone and was singing his lungs out. Fortunately most everyone else seemed somewhat normal.
The bus ride wasn't bad, a fairly new FLixBus with decent seats, and fortunately I didnt have to sit beside Mr. Texas. Everyone just put on their headphones or earbuds and zoned out on their phones.
But then arriving at my city, I could either Uber, which would have cost me $35, which was as much as the two hour bus ride or take public transit. After a 10 block walk to the right stop, I found the 'express' bus to my area and then had to find somewhere to buy a ticket.
Once onboard the ride was less than comfortable. The bus was not only incredibly loud and hot but the driver thought he was in Formula 1. He was pretty excitable, going hard then jamming on the brakes whenever he had the chance. 20 minutes on that bus was plenty, I can live without that pain.
Then it was another 15 minute walk to my house.
Was it fast? Definitely not. The trip took four and a half hours, almost DOUBLE the time I normally drive it in my vehicle.
Was it comfortable? Not really, no. It ranged from the hard seat of the suspension less Bird bike, to the very uncomfortable transit bus to a respite in the FlixBus and a somewhat enjoyable walk. But compared to my own car, my own music, and my own personal space, it was definitely not even close to a definition of comfortable.
Was it cheap? With the bus fare and the Bird e-bike it was about 2/3 of what my vehicle would've cost me in fuel but without the licensing, registration and maintenance, so maybe half the cost.
Was it convenient? Absolutely not. What a pain trying to figure out locations, fares, tickets and worst of all, needing a bathroom before I got on the transit bus but no place to go because every shop is locked up because of the vagrants. In a vehicle I just drive to the nearest coffee shop and buy a java to use the washroom.
Would I do it again to save money? Not a chance in hell. What an absolute pain in the ass. Slow, inconvenient, with some odd characters in my space, and not even that cheap. Never again.
Those people who hate cars must be masochists or just love hearing country songs sung badly. Ill take my vehicle every time from now on, thank you.
57 votes -
Japan's mini kei truck sales surge in US despite safety concerns
59 votes -
29% of global, 46% of US, EV owners likely to switch back to ICE cars per McKinsey consumer survey
36 votes -
Volkswagen to invest up to $5 billion in EV maker Rivian as part of tech joint venture
20 votes -
Why not ban left turns on busy streets?
25 votes -
The anatomy of catching a car thief
11 votes -
Last summer Swedish carmaker Volvo announced it would limit UK sales to more popular SUV models – change of heart sees V60 and V90 set to return
9 votes -
Montreal becomes largest North American city to eliminate mandatory minimum parking spots
48 votes