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Anyone have a successful buy back?

16K views 89 replies 28 participants last post by  Jsboening 
#1 · (Edited)
Welp, my car passed its 30th cumulative day in the shop today which means, at least in my state, that it is considered a lemon.

Has anyone else been successful in a buy back or even a swap for a 2015? (I understand that odds are probably low that people stick around after such an experience, but I'm looking for some insight)

Car has been in the shop 5 times in 8 months each for between 4-7 days. Paint defects on delivery (read: huge bubbles under the clear coat), no wheel alignment done at the factory and wheels out of balance, bubbles underneath the passenger seat, two recalls, and now two trips for the P20EE emissions code.

I'm in NY. Would appreciate suggestions on good lawyers? Also, as far as I understand it, if you win, manufacturer has to cover all your legal fees?

Thanks.
 
#3 ·
In all honesty, the Jeep has a ton of potential, it's just poorly implemented, at least in my case I guess. This is my 4th Jeep and the last 3 have treated me really well. My father's 08 CRD is still going strong as well.

I had an Audi TDI before this Jeep and that's what I would go back to, or, take my chances with a 15.
 
#4 ·
I have a '14 Summit Ecodiesel just turning 27k miles and it will be a year I've had it today. Only been in the shop for 2 oil changes and 2 times for recalls other repairs etc. All manufacturers have defects don't switch brands they all have issues. Let them fix it and enjoy it the vehicle. Jeep has a good vehicle with all bells and whistles cheaper than all the rest averaging 25mpg.

Let them fix it.


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#5 ·
I am not sure but I think the issues need to be safety related
Paint issues would not contribute to safety issues

My opinion is that it's the first year model for the Ecodiesel and there are and will be some growing pains. I think they have most of the bugs worked out now. It was the same on the Dodge trucks when the 6.7 came out
 
#6 ·
In NY, it does not state what kind of issues, either:

1. The car is in the shop for 30 cumulative days or more in the first 18 months.
2. The car goes into the shop 4 or more times for the same issue and it continues to be unresolved within 18 months.

That's it. New Car Lemon Law Fact Sheet | Eric T. Schneiderman
 
#7 ·
Each state will have their own lemon laws. A friend of mine went through this with a Dodge truck and it took him a few years for the process to happen.
He said it was not worth the efforts. Our GC has been in the shop for close to 30 days at one point and I had thought about this and he said it would be best to just get it fixed then sell it. I had asked three dealers to make offers on our 2014 Overland in like new condition with 8k on it and the offers were insulting at 35-37k on a vehicle that had an MSRP of 53k and was 8 months old
I understand they need to make money but these are not holding their value well.
One dealer told me they have none of these on the lot since they are having issues with them
 
#11 · (Edited)
I think this is exactly the case where you would lemon a vehicle. Where you cannot get out of the vehicle in a financially reasonable way due to the manufacturer's actions.
 
#8 ·
Welp, my car passed its 30th cumulative day in the shop today which means, at least in my state, that it is considered a lemon.

Has anyone else been successful in a buy back or even a swap for a 2015? (I understand that odds are probably low that people stick around after such an experience, but I'm looking for some insight)

Car has been in the shop 5 times in 8 months each for between 4-7 days. Paint defects on delivery (read: huge bubbles under the clear coat), no wheel alignment done at the factory and wheels out of balance, bubbles underneath the passenger seat, two recalls, and now two trips for the P20EE emissions code.

I'm in NY. Would appreciate suggestions on good lawyers? Also, as far as I understand it, if you win, manufacturer has to cover all your legal fees?

Thanks.

You may have missed;

"Exceptions when manufacturers may not be required to provide a refund or replacement:
  • The problem does not substantially impair the value of the car to the consumer"

Alignment, wheel balance, bubble in the seat .... probably fall short of the standard. Value typically refers to financial value. It doesn't mean, "I really, really, really, am bothered by it.

Just be sure that before you agree to pay an attorney he/she knows exactly what problems you are referring to.

Good Luck.


---
 
#9 · (Edited)
You may have missed;

"Exceptions when manufacturers may not be required to provide a refund or replacement:
  • The problem does not substantially impair the value of the car to the consumer"

Alignment, wheel balance, bubble in the seat .... probably fall short of the standard. Value typically refers to financial value. It doesn't mean, "I really, really, really, am bothered by it.

Just be sure that before you agree to pay an attorney he/she knows exactly what problems you are referring to.

Good Luck.


---
I did not miss that at all.

The vehicle had paint work within a month of manufacture. Anyone who buys it, will see the over spray on the door and will ask to lower the price.

Also, the reliability of the vehicle is in question. If the vehicle is known to be less reliable, then it will be worth less as well. Not only that, but every visit to the dealer is clearly documented and available online now.

Would you buy my vehicle knowing the issues it has had? Would you pay full blue book? Why even waste your time looking at my car when there are many without such issues. That many repairs within 8 months of owning the vehicle and questions regarding it's reliability significantly impact the value of the vehicle.

From examples I've been reading in NY, my situation is above and beyond what is necessary. People have gotten their car's lemoned for the navigation losing its position repeatedly. Even if the car isn't bought back, people have received direct compensation for lost use of the vehicle.

The problem for the attorney to address would be very simple.. 30+ days without my brand new vehicle. No sign of any of the emissions parts that were ordered last week.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Just to follow up, in the eyes of the law, the situation would be that if I went to sell the vehicle today, would I have to take a significant financial hit due to the issues? The answer is yes, because any buyer would be weary and consider it risky to purchase a vehicle with such a track record. That is, a vehicle that has spent ~13% of it's life in service.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I have read up on it and I understand I will pay depreciation and mileage, but they must also compensate for loss of use of the vehicle, so it should be a wash for the most part. I'm ok taking a $1-2k hit to get out of the car. Not the $18-20k hit the dealer offered if I traded it in (insulting to say the least).

Nothing wrong with paying for the use I got out of the vehicle.
 
#17 ·
I had a 98 GC with about 17K miles that ended up going back under WI's lemon law. I don't think the laws have changed all that much over the years but I realize that this was quite some time ago, so my experience is anecdotal.

Mine developed a severe drive train vibration that was scary to say the least. The dealer made several attempts to track it down and fix it with no success.

I read my state's lemon law and decided to pursue that action. WI law required going through arbitration with the manufacturer... but only if the manufacturer's arbitration program was certified with the state. At that time, Chysler's wasn't... so I didn't have to waste my time going through it.

I sent a certified letter to Chrysler along with copies of all of my dealer repair orders. Within the time specified by law I received a call from Chrysler. They said they reviewed my claim and then asked me if I wanted my money back or a new vehicle.

I told them that if they were willing to stand behind their vehicles like that then I'd have no problem getting another Jeep. Since we were already into the start of the next model year I ended up with a 99, just paying the difference in sticker price.

The whole process was smoother than I thought... start to finish in less than a month.

Two key factors here...

1) Once you start the lemon law process the dealer is completely out of the picture. It's now between you and Chrysler. Yet my dealer went to bat for me with Chrysler, which I really appreciated. They didn't have to do that.

2) Chrysler knew without a doubt from the beginning that I thoroughly understood how my state lemon law worked. There was no argument or BS from them during the entire process.

I did all of it on my own without consulting or hiring an attorney. Granted, I didn't have to deal with arbitration. If I had then I probably would've had to consider hiring one. I got lucky and didn't have that expense.
 
#19 ·
Have you talked to your dealer GM/owner about the issues? I am going through the process now and would recommend attempting to work with the dealer and the regional Chrysler rep. The rep is the one that can approve things like a buy back or swap. If you are nice to the dealer and have them on your side they can get the rep engaged and on your side as well.


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#20 ·
I'm going through the process now. I called 1-800- Lemon Law. They only get paid if they win the case and Chrysler has to pay attorney fees. The lawyers there said I have a good case and Chrysler will more than likely settle. My Jeep has been to the shop 5 times now for the same DEF error. They keep replacing parts but the check engine light comes back on the next day. If they buy back I will more than likely wait and order a 2016. I'm hoping there will be changes to the DEF system. I'm assuming if people keep reporting lemons they will call for a full recall and make changes to the system. I preferably would rather no DEF system. I currently have over 30k miles on it, but according to the lawyer it goes back to when you first brought the vehicle in for the error. You also get reimbursed for any other money you put into it since then. Anyway, its worth a shot to see what they offer. If I can get a new one and keep my payments the same, I would be happy.
 
#21 ·
I went through this in 1991 in FL. What they did is take the sales price of the car and divided by 120K miles (The was what they thought was the useful life of the car). Then took that number and multiplied it by the mileage of the first repair. Then deducted that from the total sales price and that was our refund.
Example $20,000 car divided by 120000=0.17 cents per mile. First repair was at 1000 miles. So, 1000 miles X 0.17 cents is $170.00. $20000-$170=$19830.
FL it had to be a safety issues and the first time we got rejected because we answered a question wrong. The whole process took almost 6 months. Good luck. When and if you go to arbitration have several second written opinions. Have every repair slip. The MFG will come with all sorts of stuff.
Some states also make you notify the MFG in writing that you are going to turn it in as a lemon and they get one more final chance to fix the repair.
Good luck.
 
#22 ·
I had a buy back on the vehicle I purchased before the JGC and in the state of VA the only loss on the vehicle is based on usage IE the mileage * mileage allotment by the tax code. So I received every dollar back except for EX: 5000 miles used * $0.56 = $2800. So if I paid $50,000 all in for the vehicle (Vehicle Price, Tax, Title, Fees) I received $47,200 in cash back.

Again, this was an example of how the VA Lemon Law works and this was handled with a different manufacturer. The vehicle was also in good shape and had no cosmetic issues that would have also been deduced from the settlement. If it would have had cosmetic issues this would have been an agreed upon number between myself and the manufacturer as a further reduction of value.

Also, in VA the code sounds similar to NY that the vehicle has to be in the shop for 30+ days (total days, not business days) or have been repaired for the same issue 3+ times within 18 months of purchase. Doesn't matter what it is as long as it is an issue that is unable to be resolved.
 
#23 ·
My 2014 Diesel stranded me and my family while on vacation. I finally got fed up with the delays on waiting for the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. After extensive review on this forum, I had them check the DEF filter and injector and they were clogged with the crystalized DEF. The tech could not guarantee I could make it home so I traded on the spot. Jeep had to know there were problems or there could not have been such warning indicators as "Incorrect DEF detected" (nothing but MOPAR in mine) and "engine will not restart in 200 miles." Yes, I had the computer reflashed 6 different times and that did not fix anything. There is a TSB out to replace the catalytic converters so be prepared for a long wait because they are all failing.

Is anyone aware of a class action suit against Jeep/Chrysler for the diesels?
 
#24 ·
Thought I would update. Proceedings have begun and case opened with Chrysler. Regional rep has been scheduled to inspect the vehicle. Check engine light came on again last Thursday with 3 active emissions codes. This is the 3rd check engine light in 2 months. This case seems to be making itself very quickly. Truck is in the shop now, they are replacing the EGT sensor. Car already has the new revision cat on it. Getting pretty sick of this car.
 
#25 ·
I finally got out of my 2014 ECO Diesel. Trade certificate came through and I was able to get into a 2015 Overland with Pentastar engine. I was having second thoughts about ditching the diesel because i had been running great for a few months, but of course it coded on my way home from vacation 2 days ago. Picked up the Overland today. Not looking back!
 
#26 ·
Good to hear that you were successful. The lemon Department has been calling me every other day. You can tell that they are running into this a lot.
 
#29 ·
That's what I did. They're now waiting to hear back from Chrysler. I really love my Jeep. I don't think the Hemi compares to the diesel. I really hope this issue is resolved and I can just upgrade to the 2015, or even 2016 this fall.
 
#30 · (Edited)
My swap was finally completed in January. It only took about 4 months! :( I'm happy to be in a working 2015 now. Still need to write a letter to all of the Executive Leadership of FCA about my ordeal dealing with their employees and lack of customer service.


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#33 ·
Just got the call, vehicle replacement has been approved, should be receiving my certificate within 10 days, get to keep the vehicle until new order arrives. Sticking with the diesel, going to a Summit from my Overland. The engine is just too good, hopefully the emissions systems won't be very far behind.
 
#37 ·
First post here I like the site!

I'm tossing around a diesel GC, thinking of trading in my Rubi for it. I'll wait for summer/fall though and shoot for a 2016. Do you guys think the EGR, PCV, and overall emission systems bugs will be fixed? Buying a $60K loaded up lemon isn't something I want to chance.

Mods if this is the wrong place please move my post to the right place.-Rockydee
 
#38 ·
Not necessarily the right place, but I'll comment...

Are you trading your JKUR in because you want something more lux? Better gas mileage? What's your reasons for the JGC diesel?

I have a feeling that the newer (late 2015's and 2016's) will end up with the revised CAT and the updated software. So I'm guessing it'll be worked out. Early adopters of almost ANY product can expect glitches.

The car itself is freaking amazing. Regardless of the DEF/DPF/EGR issues. And I don't think that these CAT issues make the car a lemon, no matter what anyone else feels. Frustrating? Sure. Lemon? No way. S*&t happens to cars all the time.

Imagine how I felt with my Audi S4 knowing the thing was a freaking ticking time bomb. A $60k German masterpiece. In the beancounter's infinite wisdom they switched timing belts for chains - awesome. But they used plastic for the chain guides and stuck them in the very back of an already cramped space. :eek: When those things go, you can expect upwards of an $8k bill (some have spent way more), because it won't be during warranty. These Jeep issues seem tame by comparison.

To continue my rant, I understand that new Subaru STi owners are having the short block blow after 7k miles. Apparently it's pretty common. But on a $40k econo-racer, that's ridiculous.

Ok...so, the Jeep's not a lemon. The part is a failure. It's being rectified. It is frustrating. But it'll be back to the Jeep you love once it's all done. Rant done.
 
#39 · (Edited)
I'm at a point in my life where I want it because I want it, if ya know what I mean. :) The Wrangler is great, I want something a little bigger more comfortable, etc. and better in snow for when I travel to see my daughter in CA. I owned diesel PU trucks over the years had good luck with'em but nothing with these insane emissions systems.

I'm worried about the garbage the EGR and PCV put back into the engine clogging things up. If there are easy cost effective methods to work around em I'm all ears. I just don't want to foul up the warranty.

Thanks for getting back to me.-Rockydee
 
#40 ·
Not a problem. And I understand where you're coming from. Sounds like you're on the right path with your decision-making (and I'm not ever one to really question one's decisions).

As you know, the diesels of today aren't like the diesels you owned in your PU's. They have all the restrictive emissions equipment that essentially neuters them. The equipment can be taken off (do so at your own risk, both with emissions testing requirements and warranty). If you're out of warranty, then you don't have that to worry about. Otherwise, just enjoy the vehicle for what it is. All the bugs will be worked out when you're ready...

...but by then, there may be an updated JGC on its way with new bugs to work out! :thumbsup:
 
#42 ·
here is my experience...bought the 14 limited eco in feb of 14...has been in the shop 26 days....12 trips to the shop, 3 break downs on the side of the road....today was the last straw...i traded it in.....i cant handle having such an unreliable ride....it had a ton of potential but just failed me way too often....with 41k miles i got 35k for it...im happy to wash my hands of it.....
 
#48 ·
I could type a few pages here, but I'll try to summarize our successful buyback.
Picked up '14 GJC Limited diesel 11/14. Demo with 3500 miles.
Bad vibration at idle from day 1. Went round and round with dealer/Chrysler for 60 days.
Car spent 42 of the first 60 days in shop. Final diagnosis: low compression cylinder #6 (read; engine is toast)
I kicked and screamed in protest as they installed a new engine instead of giving me a new car.
Good news is that it left my wife stranded on the way home from the dealer after finally picking it up 1-6-15(with the new engine!)!!!
I pitched the keys on the Gen Mgrs desk along with a few choice words, and said he could have this POS back!
Long story short; the dealership completely went to bat for us and got a buy back and a replacement 2015 GJC diesel, very quickly and with zero additional stress on my part. Needless to say I was impressed! There are literally hours of hair pulling details I'm leaving out, but in the end we got the vehicle/price we wanted and are hopeful the '15s are all ironed out.
Dealer GM asked my opinion of the process. I gave him this summary:
"For years Jeep has sold $25k vehicles and probably serviced them accordingly. Now that they expect me to drop $55k on a "luxury" SUV, I expect Jeep to provide a representative level of service. Currently they do not!!" He chuckled in agreement!
Despite my dissatisfaction with the way Chrysler has dragged their feet on everything(except the buy back), I could not be happier with the dealerships efforts to make and keep a happy customer. For those curious types, Allen Samuels DCJ - Waco TX.
 
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