Expert: Laren Laws - 9/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: I noticed rust on my 9 month old white 08 Grand Prix and took it to the dealer.  they told me it was probalbly from a rock or some debris that hit me on the freeway and was an insurance claim.  This is my sixth new car (previous cars were Nissans, never experienced this before).  I've had scratches, chipped and cracked windshilds on these other cars but never has the it been bad enough to get down to the metal and cause rust.   I am thinking back to the days when GM was known for bad paint and body issues - do I have any recourse?

ANSWER: Michelle, Did you talk to the service manager at the GM dealership. Its my understanding that GM should warranty any rust on a 08 vehicle. Michelle, Please keep me informed on this matter,Thanks Laren

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QUESTION: Yes, well it was the body shop manager, but he simply stated the car was damaged by debris and I needed to file a claim and walked away.   The other person that was helping me was asking how much my insurance deductible was, with whom I had insurance, etc. and I told him I wouldn't be filing a claim and I feel it's a GM problem.   Yes, I understand paint does get chipped by road debris but as i stated, I've never seen any of my cars damaged to bad they rusted!   Any suggestions on who this could be escalated to?

ANSWER: Michelle, See the service director. Are you dealing with the same GM dealership that you bought your car from? Can you send me a pic of the rust spot. Thanks Laren

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QUESTION: No, I leased the car in December 2007 from Rowan Pontiac GMC in Southgate.  They merged with ZUBOR BUICK PONTIAC GMC, INC. in Taylor, MI which is where I went on 09/08/08.  I have pictures and would be glad to share them with you - not sure how to attach them here though.  So you think I should contact the Service Manager at the dealer?

Answer
Yes, Michelle definitely contact the service director or the general manager of the dealership, It is my understanding warranty should cover rust on a 1 year old vehicle, I will try and do some checking with the people I know at the GM dealership here. I am located in AZ so not to many rust claims out here. Let me know what the general manager says. Thanks Laren