Jim Ellis Motors
Marietta, GA

Laura of Atlanta, GA, writes:
On January 23, 2000 I purchased/leased a brand new 2000 Audi A6 2.7 fully loaded Black/Tan leather vehicle. On January 31st, 2000 the automatic gear shift lever stuck in drive and I took it back to Jim Ellis Motors to be fixed. On February 1, 2000 they called to let me know that it had broken parts inside and would have to be special ordered from Florida and Canada.

On February 3, 2000 I was called to pick up the vehicle. I went to the dealership on the same day and upon inspection of the vehicle I noticed a deep scratch on the driver side door that was not there when I dropped the car off. I pointed this out to the service guy and he indicated that the door would have to be painted.

I asked to speak with the sales manager which sold me the car to let him know what was going on and that I did not want a damaged car with 100 miles on it. I had bought the car in what I thought was perfect condition. I asked him to speak with his boss and get me another vehicle with the same options, colors, etc. I was asked to leave the car once more to have them paint it.

Christopher (sales manager) called me that day to let me know that the manager would not take the car back since it would be considered used. I was asked whether I wanted them to fix it or not. Joe the service manager called same day to apologize and to let me know that the scratch was their fault and that they would send it out to be repaired.

I continued to tell them I did not want a damaged car when I paid $40,000 for a non-damaged brand new one 1 week ago. Joe told me that they were sending the car to be painted Monday, February 7, 2000. Joe called me on February 8th to let me know that the car was not ready yet. On February 9th I called Joe to check status of my car. Joe called me back to let me know that the shop had painted the car door the wrong color!!!!!

My car is a straight brilliant black and they painted it a brown/black color that they also have. Needless to say I asked to speak with Jim Ellis personally. I again called his number directly and he called me back same day. I told him the story and that I do not want a damaged car that will now have been painted 3 times! I want another brand new car. I do not want and did not pay $40,000 for a damaged car.

His response was that they could not take the car back since the paperwork already went through and I now own it. If they took it back it would be a used car to them. I did not damage the car to begin with and I do not feel that I should have to take this vehicle back in less than perfect condition. He told me that they would try to do the following: 1. Re-paint the door again and see what I thought- Unacceptable to me 2. Possibly give some monetary compensation- No $$$ specified 3. Remove a door from another new car and exchange it for my damaged door. Appears unethical to me. He said that they would get back to me.

I have not heard from anyone since this afternoon when I spoke with Mr. Jim Ellis. All I want is a brand new vehicle like the one that I had purchased/leased with NO damage to it. Please advise me and help if possible.

I have just received my vehicle payment statement due February 22, 2000 for the amount of $590.00. I had my car for 1 week and they have had it the other 1 1/2 weeks. I have spent way too much time on making phone calls and driving their loaner car (VW Passat, cranberry color). I am very unhappy with their level of customer service and do not feel that they are doing the right thing.

Laura is asking for too much. A scratch in the door does not equal a new car. The dealer is trying to resolve the problem.

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