GM's return policy may not be worth the hassle

Jim Higgins · 2009-09-27T16:30:53+00:00

The Devil is indeed in the details.GM's return policy may not be worth the hassle STRUMPFAssociated PressYou fell in love with that $22,000 Chevy Malibu because of its color, style and price. After driving it home, you realize it's not what you wanted. Maybe it's the way it handles on the highway, the location of the cup holders or the shape of the seats.Don't worry. Bring it back for a refund, no questions asked, says GM's Chairman and new TV pitchman Edward Whitacre Jr.But is it really as easy as returning an ill-fitting shirt to Macy's?As with any deal, it's a good idea to read the fine print. As your love affair with the new car turns to hate, you'll need to drive very carefully and make sure to limit how many miles you put on the car. And don't expect your wallet to be made whole even if you follow the fine print to the letter.Q : So, I can bring back my car or truck to the dealer anytime?A : Not so fast. No returns are allowed within the first 30 days of purchase. It's anytime between day 31 and day 60 of ownership.That seems like a narrow window, but the policy makes sense for GM. Buyer's remorse can set in within days for new customers, who grouse over things like knobs and cup holders appearing to be in the wrong place. Owners can grow more accepting of problems over time, says Jack Gilles, director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America.Q : Do I have to cite a defect?A : No. You can hate the color for all GM cares. But the policy says a returned vehicle can't have more than $200 in damage -- and GM, through an inspection, gets to decide what constitutes that much damage.Q : Wow, $200? Doesn't even a small scratch or dimple caused by kicked-up gravel cost that much to fix?A : It's true the cost of vehicle repairs -- even small, cosmetic ones -- can easily exceed $200. (Repairs covered by warranty are excluded.) But GM insists it had to set a limit to protect itself from customers returning badly damaged vehicles and expecting a full...

M

Mike Hunter 16 years ago

Are you referring to the Tundra? LOL

Vote

J

jr92 16 years ago

And, of course, if you purchase a similar Toyota Camry, and realize that you don't like it, and the automoble fits the above mentioned 7 criteria that GM demands, you can return your Camry, no questions asked, right???????

You really can, right??????

Vote

8

80 Knight 16 years ago

And, of course, if you purchase a similar Toyota Camry, and realize that you don't like it, and the automoble fits the above mentioned 7 criteria that GM demands, you can return your Camry, no questions asked, right??????? You really can, right?????? ================================================

*Not a chance. If you read what I posted below, you would see that even a $5 shirt from Wal-Mart has similar restrictions on returns.

Vote

H

hls 16 years ago

And, of course, if you purchase a similar Toyota Camry, and realize that you don't like it, and the automoble fits the above mentioned 7 criteria that GM demands, you can return your Camry, no questions asked, right???????

******* Im sure you can get rid of it, but it will cost you some money. If it is a certifiable "lemon", you can get out from under it.

If you just made a poor buying choice, you will have to pay for your mistake.

The GM deal will cost somebody money too. There is no free lunch.

Vote

H

hls 16 years ago

Let me ask this...$22,000 is a pretty cheap price. GM has been losing a fortune, and continues to bleed.

How do they continue to sell cheap products like this, even though they are losing money, without being called for "dumping".

I think we all know that it IS, in effect, dumping, but where does the legal aspect cave in?

Vote

GM's return policy may not be worth the hassle

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?