Sometimes these stories do have happy endings, the smashed ‘Vette is being replaced.
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Some Acura Owners Stuck With Useless OnStar Units
By 12.28.06
Reader Charlie writes in with a complaint about Acura and OnStar. Charlie has a 2003 Acura TL that came equipped with OnStar. Usually he renews for 2 years at a time, but this time something was wrong. OnStar wouldn’t let him renew because his Acura had an analog OnStar system, and due to a FCC ruling, the wireless carriers that provide service to OnStar will no longer be required to maintain analog networks.
Dealership Wrecks Customer’s Corvette, Won’t Compensate Him
By 12.28.06
Poor Mr.Williams. He brought his 2005 Corvette into San Rafael Chevrolet to have a bad antenna and a jammed trunk fixed, and instead he got a wrecked ‘vette. It seems that “Gene B.”, an employee of San Rafael Chevy, took the car of the lot (against the owner’s specific instructions) and smashed into a big box truck. The ticket issued for the accident says that Gene was driving too fast for conditions, and as if that wasn’t damning enough, Mr. Williams found a bottle of codeine/acetaminophen under the seat. Now Mr. Williams wants the dealership to replace his car or compensate him for the loss of resale value. They’ve said no.
GM’s Nazi Past
By 12.21.06
GM sold cars to Hitler, enjoyed it, then tried to cover it up, contends the investigative report, “Hitler’s Carmaker” by Edwin Black. Much of the piece describes the relations between James D. Mooney, head of GM’s overseas operations, and Adolph Hitler.
Jiffy Lube Begs For Forgiveness
By 12.20.06
Jiffy Lube is now running an ad asking customers to give them a second chance.
Small Cars Break Easily, Except For Nissan Versa
By 12.19.06
Subcompacts save gas but they may not save your ass in a crash. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reviewed eight small cars and only the Nissan Versa received a high score in front, rear, and side impacts.
Find A Great Mechanic
By 12.11.06
The popular NPR Car-Talk radio show hosts a database of great mechanics. Enter your zip, make specialty (if you want), and miles from your town, and the site displays a list of recommended auto shops. Therein, reviewers rate shops based on honesty, competency and price.
Auto Shop Doesn’t Do Any Work It’s Paid To, Hidden Cameras Reveal
By 12.4.06
Two years ago, the AG sued franchiser Francare Inc. As a result of a settlement, the company agreed to stop deceptive trade practices. Apparently, the suit didn’t make enough of an impression. Perhaps this next one will.
Man Who Abandonded Thrifty Rental Car Still Reponsible For Elk Attacks
By 12.4.06
A man who Thrifty charged $30 a day after he was forced to abandon his rental car in the forest following a washout has gotten a reprieve.
AVIS Gives Free iTunes With Rentals
By 12.1.06 — Updated: 9.8.16
Get free iTunes downloads every time you rent directly from AVIS. 1-4 days = 5 tracks, 5+ days = 10 tracks. More Than Points tells us how it’s done:
Safest Cars For 2007
By 11.22.06
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a non-prof car safety testing group funded by auto insurers, released their 2007 top safety picks yesterday.
10 Most/Least Reliable Cars
By 11.17.06
According to the always controversial ConsumerReports, these are the 10 most and least reliable cars by class.
What’s A Good Dealership Rating Site?
By 11.9.06
Reader Etinterrapax wants to know if there’s any trustworthy car dealer ranking sites.
Car And Driver Is A Bitch
By 11.7.06
Car and Driver magazine sent Jim a real jerkoff collections notice, made all the more worse because his payment wasn’t even yet past due.
Built-In Gypping: Auto Mechanics Paid On Commission
By 11.6.06
Auto mechanics are always finding extra things wrong with your car is because they work on commission.
