BlMancaster Farming, Saturday, December 12, 1998
How To Solve
Auto Complaints
RUTGERS, N.J. - Do you
know that complaint handling
programs exist for resolving
automobile problems
If you are having difficulty in
resolving auto complaints such
as repeated repair attempts
(brakes, paint, transmission,
etc.) or elusive diagnostic-prob
lems (leaks, noises, etc.), you can
appeal to a dispute settlement
board (DSB).
A DSB is an informal dispute
settlement mechanism whose
members are charged with
resolving complaints based pri
marily on the standard of fair
ness. These boards offer prompt
and objective resolution to con
sumer complaints that are bene
ficial to consumers, dealers, and
auto companies. Composed of
independent volunteers, the
boards provide customers an
opportunity to have their com
plaints heard and decided by an
independent authority at no
cost. Decisions are binding on
auto companies but consumers
are free to reject decisions and
seek other remedies available
under state or federal law. To be
eligible for review, the vehicle
must be covered under an
express new vehicle warranty.
Before applying to a DSB, a
wise consumer should address a
concern or complaint with a
local dealership and the automo
bile company. Local dealerships
are independently owned and
operate their own service cen
chop-rite two, me.
Quality American Workmanship!
#5 CLAMP TYPE CHOPPER
#lO CLAMP TYPE CHOPPER
* Plates available in 3/16" (standard), 1/8",
1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1”.
* V-Belt Putties available for #lO, #l2, #22
and #32 choppers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL
OR WRITE:
CHOP-UITK TWO, INC.
531 OLD SKIPPACK ROAD
HARLEYSVILLE, PA 19438
1-800-683-5858
FAX (915) 256-4363
www.chop-rite.com
ters. Therefore, quality ot ser
vice repairs vary between deal
erships. Under the New Jersey
Lemon Law, a dealer must pro
vide to a consumer an itemized
and legible statement of all
examinations and repairs at
each visit.
If a consumer is dissatisfied
with repairs or elusive diagnos
tic attempts, a dealership can
provide the telephone number
and address to contact the
regional customer service office
of the auto company. Because
companies have a vested inter
est in customer satisfaction,
regional office managers are
eager to resolve complaints or
disputes. These offices might
inspect a vehicle to aid: n dealer
diagnosis and suggest resolu
tions. Also, when regular repair
procedures are not successful, a
field service engineer, a highly
trained technical expert, can be
called on to inspect a vehicle on
a limited basis.
To file a complaint with the
DSB, the customer can call a
dealership for an 800 number,
select a dispute settlement pam
phlet from the dealer or refer to
his/her Owners Guide or
Warranty Information Booklet.
After obtaining and completing
a short application form with
pertinent information, the cus
tomer mails it to an address of
an independent consulting firm
that oversees board actions.
DSBs meet on a regular basis to
CHOPPER
#32 SCREW DOWN TYPE CHOPPER
jjjp
This John Deere B tractor sold for $1,500 at Lancaster MennonKe High School’s Fall
Gathering and Auction held recently. The sale netted $BO,OOO for student programs.
review cases. Trained board
members review all materials
related to the complaint and,
based on available information,
arrive at fair and impartial deci
sions. Consumers have the
option of appearing before the
boards to present their cases.
Decisions are mailed directly to
consumers after review.
Generally, boards may award
one of the following: a replace
ment vehicle, refund of the pur
chase price, repair, reimburse
ment for incidental expense,
combination of the above, or
nothing.
Efforts are made to render a
decision within a reasonable
time (approximately 30-40 days
from receipt of complaint).
#27 HEALTH
FOUNTAIN JUICER
❖ Made in the U.S.A.
❖ Easy to Clean
❖ Made from Cast Iron
❖ Quality Workmanship
V *”b
#1 CLAMPLESS TYPE CHOPPER
USAGE STUFFER, LARD & FRUIT PRI
Com on you ©uvs aaove over/
NEED MORE ROOM?
Read The Real Estate Ads
In Lancaster Farming's
Classified Section
IESS
#3 FOOD CHOPPER
#T!S
w
STUFFER HORN AVAILABLE
IN VARIOUS SIZES