'08 Saturn Astra Lemon.. what do I do?

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

Originally Posted by CoolNate32

After having my car for five days I just got a call that nothing is wrong with it. This is starting to get ridiculous. But, I also got a call from GM Business Relations about the BBB claim I filed. I was unable to answer. I'll have to call them tomorrow I hope it's good news. Anyone have any other ideas of what I could do?

Did you file the BBB autoline complaint?

Did you return the call to GM Business Relations?

[CoolNate32]

This is starting to become the biggest mess ever. GM said they would contact me once they make a decision but it didn't sound like it will be a positive one. Now, not only does the vehicle not start at times but the Stability Control light randomly comes on and stays on for minutes, and one other question I have is the brake lights always fog up, this doesn't seem like it should be happening on a brand new car, but would this be covered under the warranty? Thanks so much guys. Oh yeah and my low fuel light/ warning message don't pop up anymore.

[PAULSTS1]

It appears that your car has electrical gremlins and if an Auto Electrics specialist doesn't figure it out, you'll be called the Astra, an Asstra, soon! I had a Cadillac like that many years ago, spent so much time in service, until I found an Engineer that went into the Auto Electric business. He re-wired the problem area, and I never had electrical problems again! I recommend you look for a specialist only if you don't qualify for the "Lemon Law."

BTW, about how you were treated by that Salesman, consider within weeks he'll be out of a job, so you know what that means to him. Do not spend another penny at that "lame duck dealership."

[CoolNate32]

Guys I need some advice and I know it's not an easy decision. Here are my two options.
A. Keep my pos Saturn that is 2 months old and never ever starts, hope that GM will do something for me under the lemon law which I've heard is almost impossible and can take years at times.
B. Trade it in getting $12,500 on a '08 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V with 5K Miles on it, so I would have to come out of pocket of $1,500.

What option would you do? Thanks so much i know this is a GM forum, but after how disappointed I am in this car I don't think I can stay with GM with out at least a break.

[civilzues]

Take the $1500 hit. I know this is a Gm site but if yourhaving problems, then run.

[rozz]

Take the Nissan man. $1500.00 is nothing.

[Opusnbill7]

Yeah I gotta say for $1500, that's a lot less than the headaches (and probably the loss in value) you'll take out of the lemon law proceedings. Definitely take the money.

Feel sorry for the person who gets the car next, though...

[CoolNate32]

I'm going to try to see if I can get them down to $500. Then I think it's a hell of a deal. I do feel bad trading in a car that there is something wrong with though.

[PAULSTS1]

I say work with GM, if they have to take the car back you'll get 100%! Because you purchased a Saturn indicates that you are not from "money" so losing $1500 in three months is not be acceptable. This holds true that you could still get a lemon Nissan!

In closing, a car is a machine and in most cases can be repaired. You do not have to take it to the same dealer where it was purchased, ask (due diligence) around for some GM Dealers with good reputations, take it there.

Best Wishes

[Opusnbill7]

Originally Posted by PAULSTS1

I say work with GM, if they have to take the car back you'll get 100%! Because you purchased a Saturn indicates that you are not from "money" so losing $1500 in three months is not be acceptable. This holds true that you could still get a lemon Nissan!

In closing, a car is a machine and in most cases can be repaired. You do not have to take it to the same dealer where it was purchased, ask (due diligence) around for some GM Dealers with good reputations, take it there.

Best Wishes

Maybe in CA, but not necessarily true everywhere else. Most likely, he would get 100% of his purchase price, but then there would be deductions for mileage and possibly "excess wear" (if there are dents/stains/etc). That's why taking the $1500 hit, considering how long it can take for a "lemon law" case to work itself out, may be the best option for him in the long run... However, ultimately it's up to him, and I would certainly talk to a "lemon law" lawyer in my state to at least find out what I was up against before I made any decision in his shoes...

[linton23]

I had a Tahoe hybrid Gm bought back without the lemon law. The customer got a great deal Gm has a calculation base on miles for average wear. My customer had the Tahoe for a little over 2 months. the deduction was a little over $2500 and then 15 cents per mile over that till they found a replacement vehicle. See what GM will do first.

[cdp326]

How do you know the Nissan hasn't had any problems? Do you know its history?

[68haywagon]

Where is the next closest dealer? Since your Saturn store is closing, can you try a different GM dealership. I'm sure these guys who are about to lose their jobs don't really care about fixing your car.

I would ask GM if you could use a different GM dealership.

Mike

[SullyND]

Originally Posted by cdp326

How do you know the Nissan hasn't had any problems? Do you know its history?

I'd be worried that on a used vehicle with only 5k you could be walking into someone elses lemon without the ability to treat it as a lemon should it turn into one. I'd deal with GM and I hope they treat you fairly. Document everything.

[CoolNate32]

Thanks so much for the help. That's what I'm worried about with the Nissan. Today I was driving to work and the check engine light came on.. one more thing . The car obviously has many things wrong with it! The thing is the nissan dealer is only giving me $12,500 trade they're just selling the SER for $14k. So, I'm actually taking a $3,000.00 loss. I know it sounds like I'm complaining a lot, but I'm a college student and I know it's just a Saturn, but it's a significant amount of money to me. For anyone that has dealt with gm on a lemon how long of a process was it for you?