Legal action against Subaru - Page 3

BurnsWRC · 11-01-2005, 09:40 AM

Ive just contacted subaru canada, and this time i raised the tone a little bit. Not screaming, but ive expressed my anger. The problem with all this is that I still cant get in touch with that Thorburn character (the guy whos in charge of customer service...or lack there of). I keep getting either a guy called Dwane or a girl called Christina. I tell them both to actually tell Thorburn that im getting sick and tired of waiting, and ive actually left him a voice mail. And still no response. At this point im personally insulted that I havent heard anything from anyone.

The advice I need at this point is this: Canada has a arbitration system for people in my situation, essentially its a more passive resort to solving car, warrenty, corporate issues. They deal directly with the company, not the dealership. I cant ask for much compensation, but its a way of telling them to move while not using a court of law.

Should I resort to this? or go full steam ahead with a lawyer at this point? Of course based on the reaction im getting. I know the major difference would be the price since the government thing is free.

***wdb*** · 11-01-2005, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burnswrc

The advice I need at this point is this: Canada has a arbitration system for people in my situation, essentially its a more passive resort to solving car, warrenty, corporate issues. They deal directly with the company, not the dealership. I cant ask for much compensation, but its a way of telling them to move while not using a court of law.

Should I resort to this? or go full steam ahead with a lawyer at this point? Of course based on the reaction im getting. I know the major difference would be the price since the government thing is free.

Uhm, you're asking a bunch of car guys a legal question. It's probably okay to ask a bunch like this about how to proceed when your dealer doesn't give you satisfaction, and that answer has been given. But now you want advice on choosing between two legal options. At this point all I can think of to say is, contact a lawyer and good luck.

BurnsWRC · 11-01-2005, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdb

Uhm, you're asking a bunch of car guys a legal question. It's probably okay to ask a bunch like this about how to proceed when your dealer doesn't give you satisfaction, and that answer has been given. But now you want advice on choosing between two legal options. At this point all I can think of to say is, contact a lawyer and good luck.

Thank you as always for taking the time to check out my problem. I know that when I eventually make a choice it will be based on the responses I get (responses meaning dealership and subaru..not in this forum

). But at this point I was just asking a "what would you do" to a bunch of car guys like me. Im very interested in what you think but on a more personal level, not legal or accurate for that matter.

sebtarta · 11-01-2005, 12:38 PM

Well if you really want to go ahead and take some action for your car, and knowing that you have two alternatives

- Government
- Lawyer

I would check who can take action faster. As you mentioned, the govt. is free, but do you know how long does it take for them to start working on your case?
lawyers there ask for a fee, but once paid, they start immidietly with the case. I do not know how the Canada govt. works and how fast, but i will sit down and see which option would be the best.

Just my opinion on this.
Good luck, tell us what you have come out with.

BurnsWRC · 11-01-2005, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebtarta

Well if you really want to go ahead and take some action for your car, and knowing that you have two alternatives

- Government
- Lawyer

I would check who can take action faster. As you mentioned, the govt. is free, but do you know how long does it take for them to start working on your case?
lawyers there ask for a fee, but once paid, they start immidietly with the case. I do not know how the Canada govt. works and how fast, but i will sit down and see which option would be the best.

Just my opinion on this.
Good luck, tell us what you have come out with.

u make a good point on the govt option . I spoke to another lawyer today just to get different opinions (although Im starting to get confused with all the different opinions with lawyers). What the latest one told me was that most probably the govt wont get me the full price of my car....or at least what i paid for it. Which i find pathetic. Although a lawyer will probably cost me more, they will at least get me the full value of my car...and some. And who knows I could find a way to get subaru to pay for everything...even though my case is against them. whats annoying is that everyday i sit there and hope to get some news....and have this whole thing end. And everyday i get nothing. Which is why i would push for court if nothing happens...and fast.

Either way the lawyer told me that I should go down there and see what the hell is going on with my car...which is probably what im going to do tomorrow. I just completely hate having to feel like something so simple as a phone call, which would make my life so easy....would be so hard to get.

No matter what happens.....Im probably going to sell my car just because of mediocre service....incredible how this kind of treatment can make u hate a brand...even if the car is amazing in everyway.

Chris05STi · 11-02-2005, 03:34 AM

I would go down there, and tell them your piece of mind, and demand a deadline on when everything will be done, and your returned to you in perfect working order. Tell them if they don't get their butt in gear, that you are going to report that dealership as a horrible representation of Subaru to Subaru themselves, and tell them that now you are going to take it up with them with a lawyer/gov, and then see what they say, if they give you the run around again, tell them good luck and take your legal actions, hopefully this will scare them and really make them do something for you. Good luck!

2fas4u · 11-02-2005, 03:38 AM

Sorry for not knowing but is there a Subaru of Canada? I know with our VW we were getting screwed by the local dealer and I called VW of America and they actually stepped in and worked with us and the dealer and all was settled. I would try to involve them. If this was the US you would easily qualify for the lemon law rules...

Chris05STi · 11-02-2005, 05:25 AM

True, the lemon law would apply.......any updates?!

BurnsWRC · 11-02-2005, 07:24 AM

We do have a subaru canada. And unfortunatly thats exactly where i am right now. the problem isnt with my dealership anymore. What im angry with the dealership for is incompetance and lack of communication. But what really angers me is that i have the exact same problem with subaru canada. At this point subaru canada should at least communicate with me what they have found out and planning on doing. At least make me feel like they, unlike the dealership know what they are doing.

With regards to the lemon law, im going to the dealership today and am going to see exactly what they have done in the past month, and they have no progress, ill tell them that i expect a new car. (even though i want my scooby back

)

BurnsWRC · 11-03-2005, 02:59 PM

Update guys....as usual comments more than welcome.

No Lemon law in canada, which i found to be total BS. but in my case i dont really care because i want my STi back. Of course without any problems.

My car is now in toronto, i got a call from some hot shot at subaru canada...FINALLY. I think its because i went to the dealership and expressed how mad i was, the GM ended up calling subaru and giving him a piece of his mind....its funny how they move when one of their ppl calls but when the customer calls the only thing that will move them is a lawyer.

He started giving me crap about my car possibly being modified....hehe after 4 months in the garage...hes dreaming if im going to play along with that crap. I made sure to contact my mechanic who told me that the car is oem. so lets wait and see....but obviously subaru's service is extremely dissappointing.

Slowride · 11-03-2005, 04:14 PM

I don't know anything about Candian law (and precious little about US law), but in the US, if you sue and win, the losing party usually/always has to pay your legal fees and court costs. If you have a strong case, your lawyer ought to take it on spec--meaning he only collects if he wins. If he demands payment from you, he probably doesn't expect to win. In that case, you'd probably be better off with the arbitration approach to cut your losses and move on.

C43 · 11-03-2005, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STi_Thunder

Two words. Lemon Law.

Does Canada have a lemon law? Did you finance the car through Subaru. Call the dealership and tell them to keep the car and your lawyer will contact them.

dahveed · 11-03-2005, 07:03 PM

What do you mean by "your mechanic"? Did you have an independent mechanic install power modifications to yoru vehicle??

The lawyers you talked to could have quickly explained to you whether or not Canada has a lemon law...

It sounds like the laws in Canada are more similar to the laws in Europe, where you have fewer rights, even though certain things are handled in a socialist manner...

BurnsWRC · 11-04-2005, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dahveed

What do you mean by "your mechanic"? Did you have an independent mechanic install power modifications to yoru vehicle??

The lawyers you talked to could have quickly explained to you whether or not Canada has a lemon law...

It sounds like the laws in Canada are more similar to the laws in Europe, where you have fewer rights, even though certain things are handled in a socialist manner...

Well my mechanic meaning the guy at the subaru dealership who is taking care of my car. At this point i wouldnt let anyone but a subaru technician touch my car....not that i dont think there are more qualified people out of the subaru circle, but the warrenty is still valid and at least i can blame them directly if the car isnt being fixed.

To be completely honest with you guys the only clear modification ive seen on the car is a Blitz BOV. I know what you guys might be thinking, maybe the car has been modified without anything apparent. But at this point i dont think the BOV is the reason my transmission is clanking and I think its a little late to be using the "ure car is modified" excuse, dont u think? I mean they have had the car for 4 months, if they cant tell a part is factory or modified, its not really my fault is it?

sebtarta · 11-04-2005, 08:37 AM

Hey did you buy the car used?? cannot recall. If so say you bought the car and it came with that BOV.

So what is up next?? more info...

11-01-2005, 09:40 AM	#31
BurnsWRC S204 Racer Car: 04 Infiniti G35 Coup Fav Mod: still antifreeze Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 4,935 Join Date: Oct 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	Ive just contacted subaru canada, and this time i raised the tone a little bit. Not screaming, but ive expressed my anger. The problem with all this is that I still cant get in touch with that Thorburn character (the guy whos in charge of customer service...or lack there of). I keep getting either a guy called Dwane or a girl called Christina. I tell them both to actually tell Thorburn that im getting sick and tired of waiting, and ive actually left him a voice mail. And still no response. At this point im personally insulted that I havent heard anything from anyone. The advice I need at this point is this: Canada has a arbitration system for people in my situation, essentially its a more passive resort to solving car, warrenty, corporate issues. They deal directly with the company, not the dealership. I cant ask for much compensation, but its a way of telling them to move while not using a court of law. Should I resort to this? or go full steam ahead with a lawyer at this point? Of course based on the reaction im getting. I know the major difference would be the price since the government thing is free. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

11-04-2005, 08:37 AM	#45
sebtarta Spec C Club Car: Waiting for the STI Fav Mod: Driving My Car Location: I Don't Know Posts: 1,661 Join Date: Sep 2005 Trader Rating: (7)	Hey did you buy the car used?? cannot recall. If so say you bought the car and it came with that BOV. So what is up next?? more info... This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

11-01-2005, 12:38 PM	#34
sebtarta Spec C Club Car: Waiting for the STI Fav Mod: Driving My Car Location: I Don't Know Posts: 1,661 Join Date: Sep 2005 Trader Rating: (7)	Well if you really want to go ahead and take some action for your car, and knowing that you have two alternatives - Government - Lawyer I would check who can take action faster. As you mentioned, the govt. is free, but do you know how long does it take for them to start working on your case? lawyers there ask for a fee, but once paid, they start immidietly with the case. I do not know how the Canada govt. works and how fast, but i will sit down and see which option would be the best. Just my opinion on this. Good luck, tell us what you have come out with.

11-02-2005, 03:34 AM	#36
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,701 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	I would go down there, and tell them your piece of mind, and demand a deadline on when everything will be done, and your returned to you in perfect working order. Tell them if they don't get their butt in gear, that you are going to report that dealership as a horrible representation of Subaru to Subaru themselves, and tell them that now you are going to take it up with them with a lawyer/gov, and then see what they say, if they give you the run around again, tell them good luck and take your legal actions, hopefully this will scare them and really make them do something for you. Good luck!

11-02-2005, 03:38 AM	#37
2fas4u Silver Member Car: 05 STI Location: Manchester, Maryland Posts: 1,871 Join Date: Aug 2005 Trader Rating: (3)	Sorry for not knowing but is there a Subaru of Canada? I know with our VW we were getting screwed by the local dealer and I called VW of America and they actually stepped in and worked with us and the dealer and all was settled. I would try to involve them. If this was the US you would easily qualify for the lemon law rules...

11-02-2005, 05:25 AM	#38
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,701 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	True, the lemon law would apply.......any updates?!

11-02-2005, 07:24 AM	#39
BurnsWRC S204 Racer Car: 04 Infiniti G35 Coup Fav Mod: still antifreeze Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 4,935 Join Date: Oct 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	We do have a subaru canada. And unfortunatly thats exactly where i am right now. the problem isnt with my dealership anymore. What im angry with the dealership for is incompetance and lack of communication. But what really angers me is that i have the exact same problem with subaru canada. At this point subaru canada should at least communicate with me what they have found out and planning on doing. At least make me feel like they, unlike the dealership know what they are doing. With regards to the lemon law, im going to the dealership today and am going to see exactly what they have done in the past month, and they have no progress, ill tell them that i expect a new car. (even though i want my scooby back )

11-03-2005, 02:59 PM	#40
BurnsWRC S204 Racer Car: 04 Infiniti G35 Coup Fav Mod: still antifreeze Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 4,935 Join Date: Oct 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	Update guys....as usual comments more than welcome. No Lemon law in canada, which i found to be total BS. but in my case i dont really care because i want my STi back. Of course without any problems. My car is now in toronto, i got a call from some hot shot at subaru canada...FINALLY. I think its because i went to the dealership and expressed how mad i was, the GM ended up calling subaru and giving him a piece of his mind....its funny how they move when one of their ppl calls but when the customer calls the only thing that will move them is a lawyer. He started giving me crap about my car possibly being modified....hehe after 4 months in the garage...hes dreaming if im going to play along with that crap. I made sure to contact my mechanic who told me that the car is oem. so lets wait and see....but obviously subaru's service is extremely dissappointing.

11-03-2005, 04:14 PM	#41
Slowride Spec C Club Location: East Tennessee Posts: 1,025 Join Date: Oct 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	I don't know anything about Candian law (and precious little about US law), but in the US, if you sue and win, the losing party usually/always has to pay your legal fees and court costs. If you have a strong case, your lawyer ought to take it on spec--meaning he only collects if he wins. If he demands payment from you, he probably doesn't expect to win. In that case, you'd probably be better off with the arbitration approach to cut your losses and move on.

11-03-2005, 07:03 PM	#43
dahveed Junior STI Driver Car: '04 STi Silver/Silver Posts: 82 Join Date: Aug 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	What do you mean by "your mechanic"? Did you have an independent mechanic install power modifications to yoru vehicle?? The lawyers you talked to could have quickly explained to you whether or not Canada has a lemon law... It sounds like the laws in Canada are more similar to the laws in Europe, where you have fewer rights, even though certain things are handled in a socialist manner...