To Whom It May Concern,
Subject: Dispute Regarding Payment and Service Issues
I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the unsatisfactory service and lack of communication I have experienced at your dealership during the repair and maintenance of my vehicle. These issues have caused significant stress, inconvenience, and financial burden. I am seeking clarity on whether these problems arise from individual errors or systemic shortcomings.
Summary of Events and Issues
1. Initial Diagnosis and Warranty Discussion
Upon bringing my car in for repair, I was informed that the catalytic converter was faulty. I specifically inquired whether the repair would be covered under warranty.The customer service representative stated, "We don’t know; we will put the part first, take pictures, and then send them to Toyota."I made it clear that I would only proceed if the repair was covered under warranty, as the quoted amount (£2,700) was unacceptable.Confusingly, subsequent repairs for an A/C gas leak were covered under warranty, while the catalytic converter repair was not. This inconsistency undermines the transparency of your process.
2. Appointment Delays and Poor Communication
I received an email requesting that I bring the car in on October 16, 2024. Upon arrival, I was informed that the part had not arrived, and the appointment was rescheduled for October 24, 2024.I was told I had been notified via a phone call, but I did not receive an email, which would have been a more reliable method of communication.
3. Misleading Paperwork and Warranty Dispute
On October 24, I was presented with a document for £2,055 to sign. Believing this was standard procedure (as I had previously signed similar documents for inspections without charges), I signed in good faith.After the repair, I was shocked to be charged £1,855, with the explanation that my warranty was "voided" due to a gap in service history.This critical information should have been disclosed before proceeding with the repair. Had I known, I would have opted for a local workshop, which quoted £500 for the same repair.
4. Inconsistencies in Warranty Application
The A/C repair was eventually covered under warranty, but the catalytic converter repair was not. This inconsistency raises serious doubts about the integrity of your warranty assessment process.
5. Service and Billing Concerns
During a service on September 6, 2024, I was charged £205 for air conditioning maintenance, even though the system was functioning perfectly prior to the service. Since then, the air conditioning has not worked properly, with one side blowing hot air while the other side blows cold air. Subsequent repairs resulted in both sides emitting cold air.This issue rendered my car inoperable for taxi services for three months, during which I incurred insurance costs and other expenses without earning income.Despite repeated visits to address the issue, it remains unresolved. Each time I was assured the problem was fixed, only to be informed later that additional parts were required. My car has spent multiple days in the workshop without resolution.I have also not received an invoice for the air conditioning repair conducted under warranty, despite repeated requests. This raises concerns about transparency and justification of charges.
6. Customer Service Issues
A staff member, who identified herself as "T," wasted two hours of my time with unhelpful responses and failed to address my concerns adequately. Her dismissive attitude and lack of resolution only added to my frustration.
Impact on My Work
The unresolved air conditioning issue has severely impacted my work as a taxi driver. Customers have complained about the extreme temperatures in my car, and some have refused to travel with me. This has resulted in significant income loss, compounded by the financial burden of ongoing insurance and maintenance costs for a car I could not use.
Requested Resolutions
Refund: A full refund of the catalytic converter repair charges (£1,855) due to the failure to honor the warranty and the lack of disclosure about the service history gap.Compensation: Reimbursement for time and expenses wasted due to the prolonged air conditioning repairs, including: Travel expenses incurred during seven visits to the dealership.Compensation for income loss of £200 per day over the three-month period when the car was inoperable.
If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will escalate this matter further, including seeking legal advice and filing a formal complaint with relevant consumer protection authorities.
I hope to resolve this matter amicably and promptly.
Kind regards,
Aamir Suleman.