Cherokee Hyundai (GA) $100.00 for "free oil chances for life"

[bgillson]

Under contract law, one cannot usually collect for "pain and suffering" unless there are actually medical bills associated with that. Liability laws are usually different and may allow for such additional claims related to pain and suffering, punitive damages, etc as specified under the law.

Contract law remedies are usually limited to actual damages, specific performance (in lieu of monetary damages), and legal fees.

Update:
Got a call today from Hyundai Corporate and sent them copies of sales documents, etc. The black and white facts should speak for themselves and I'm not certain that Corporate can do a whole lot, but will see what develops. I certainly don't plan on rolling over on this and a small claims law suit would have little, if any effect. On the other hand, I can't be the only one who has fallen prey to this and a class action suit might get their attention. I would assume there are a number of previous customers involved. The "free for life" scam did not just apply to the Genesis' but all of their cars. A judgment could be substantial. Food for thought..........stay tuned!

 

[shagnat]

nm

 

[bgillson]

Nothing new from Hyundai Customer Care folks to date. Seems like ample time has passed for some sort of update from them!

 

[Mark_888]

Nothing new from Hyundai Customer Care folks to date. Seems like ample time has passed for some sort of update from them!

Since Hyundai dealers are independent businesses, and not owned by Hyundai, Hyundai Motor America rarely gets involved in something like this. I don't know what you expect them to do, since they cannot order the dealer to do anything.

 

[bgillson]

I realize there may be nothing they can do, but they requested that I let them investigate the situation before I took any further action. I've tried to comply with that request but think the time has come for me to pursue with the dealer.

 

[Mark_888]

I realize there may be nothing they can do, but they requested that I let them investigate the situation before I took any further action. I've tried to comply with that request but think the time has come for me to pursue with the dealer.

Sorry, I did not understand that. If they said that, ask them for an update.

 

[bgillson]

As expected, the Genesis/Equus Customer Relations folks were unable to offer and assistance. However, I did get a call from the dealership general manager. He had quite a different perspective. Said he reviewed all the paperwork and could not see where I was ever charged the $99.00 fee (at least we agree on that point, I could find nothing as well) and the sales manager should never have issued a refund to me. Fact is, I never requested a refund, that was what alerted me to the fact that they were actually charging customers for this "free" benefit. Further, the GM informed me that when he gives a customer something (ie, free oil changes for life) he expects something in return which would be displaying the dealership sticker prominently on the rear window of the vehicle. Apparently customer satisfaction, loyalty and repeat business do not fall in to that category. As far as he is concerned, the matter is resolved and was a "comedy of errors". We can certainly agree on that point! Still love my Genesis and plan on replacing my 2012 Tucson is several months with a 2016 Santa FE, It won't be purchased from Cherokee Hyundai of Kennesaw! I will also find another dealer to fill my service needs. How's that for a great marketing strategy!

 

[Mark_888]

As part of the sale I was promised free oil changes for life, no further specifics...

Just remember next time that all such agreements or terms must be in writing and part of the sales contract. Verbal statements are worthless.

 

[bgillson]

Just remember next time that all such agreements or terms must be in writing and part of the sales contract. Verbal statements are worthless.

I actually do have a receipt from them stating "We owe you free oil changes for life" but nothing about a price or stipulation that the sticker has to be displayed. Not worth the effort to argue with them, easier to just take my business elsewhere.

 

[Mark_888]

I actually do have a receipt from them stating "We owe you free oil changes for life" but nothing about a price or stipulation that the sticker has to be displayed. Not worth the effort to argue with them, easier to just take my business elsewhere.

Not sure what the "receipt" says, but probably not legally enforceable. It needs to be in a contact.

In order for a contract to be valid, it must have the following characteristics:

1. Clear and specific terms. For example, phrases like "for life" are not specific enough because it is not clear if it is transferable to subsequent owners. If it does not look like it was written by lawyer (at least the fine print) then it is probably not enforceable.

2. Consideration. Something must be exchanged by both parties and must be documented in the contract. That is why it needs to be in the original sales contract for the car purchase, or another contract where you are providing consideration to the dealer via an agreement to display their window advertising, etc.

3. The contact must be agreed to by both parties, and in this case (due to the value of contract) it must be writing. Only a contract that has a value of less than $500 can be verbal, and even then must still adhere to 1 and 2 above.

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[ahearn]

I also recently purchased a 2015 Genesis from Cherokee Hyundai in Kennesaw and was offered the $99 oil-change-for-life deal. Before papers were signed I noticed the huge ugly "Cherokee Hyundai" decal already across the back window, with a small number on the side. I was told that the $99 deal required the decal. Subsequently, we turned down the $99 deal and had them remove the decal. I realize that only $99 for a lifetime of oil changes is their way of subsidizing customers to advertise their dealership, but it wasn't worth it to me. After arguing with the sales manager, we reached no compromise. My guess is that they'll stop offering the deal after enough customers complain.

 

[bgillson]

I also recently purchased a 2015 Genesis from Cherokee Hyundai in Kennesaw and was offered the $99 oil-change-for-life deal. Before papers were signed I noticed the huge ugly "Cherokee Hyundai" decal already across the back window, with a small number on the side. I was told that the $99 deal required the decal. Subsequently, we turned down the $99 deal and had them remove the decal. I realize that only $99 for a lifetime of oil changes is their way of subsidizing customers to advertise their dealership, but it wasn't worth it to me. After arguing with the sales manager, we reached no compromise. My guess is that they'll stop offering the deal after enough customers complain.

At least, they told you up front about the charge and stipulation to keep the decal on the car! If they had done the same with me I would have declined the offer and that would have been the end of it. Hope you enjoy your new Genesis, it's a wonderful car! I went to Rick Case recently for service and was very pleased, they seem to genuinely appreciate my business.

 

[Dai Uy Ted]

Cocoa Hyundai (Florida) provides free oil changes for life with new car sales, no strings attached. And they encourage frequent changes, perhaps to get us back in more often. I've bought three cars from them in past seven years.

 

[Mark_888]

I also recently purchased a 2015 Genesis from Cherokee Hyundai in Kennesaw and was offered the $99 oil-change-for-life deal. Before papers were signed I noticed the huge ugly "Cherokee Hyundai" decal already across the back window, with a small number on the side. I was told that the $99 deal required the decal. Subsequently, we turned down the $99 deal and had them remove the decal. I realize that only $99 for a lifetime of oil changes is their way of subsidizing customers to advertise their dealership, but it wasn't worth it to me. After arguing with the sales manager, we reached no compromise. My guess is that they'll stop offering the deal after enough customers complain.

They probably used recycled oil anyway. Not worth it without the decal.

 

[ahearn]

It simply proves once again that, when buying a new car, you need to watch the salesperson to make sure his fingers never leave his hands. A car dealer has more tricks up his sleeve than a cat has lives (censored from original version).

 

[aphillipsiii]

At least, they told you up front about the charge and stipulation to keep the decal on the car! If they had done the same with me I would have declined the offer and that would have been the end of it. Hope you enjoy your new Genesis, it's a wonderful car! I went to Rick Case recently for service and was very pleased, they seem to genuinely appreciate my business.

I have had pleasurable experiences at Rick Case (Roswell/Duluth) and AutoNation Hyundai Mall of GA. My Equus and Tucson are both serviced by AutoNation Hyundai Mall of GA. Tell Dalton and Josh I said hello if you stop by. Furthermore, if you are looking for a top notch, professional Sales Consultant, see Jineta Brown over at AutoNation Toyota (Mall of GA). See can assist with a purchase across any of the AutoNation family of dealerships. I purchased two vehicles with her assistance this year.

 

[Valo_Soul]

Maybe just put the decal back on when you take the car in for oil changes...

 

[ahearn]

I always wonder about people who say they had a great experience at a new-car dealership, regardless of what brand car and what dealership. They got screwed, but simply don't know how they got screwed and for how much. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. I have a piece of swamp land in Florida I would like to offer them.

 

[MoabGen]

I always wonder about people who say they had a great experience at a new-car dealership, regardless of what brand car and what dealership. They got screwed, but simply don't know how they got screwed and for how much. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. I have a piece of swamp land in Florida I would like to offer them.

Don't forget to pressure them into buying an extended warranty on the swamp as they're about to sign the paperwork and make sure you give them a great 4% rate on the financing with a prepayment penalty as an added bonus. Chances are, they'll go along with everything and recommend all their friends to you, so make sure you hold back a few lots of your prime real estate.

 

[Fight4Hemp]

Don't forget to pressure them into buying an extended warranty on the swamp as they're about to sign the paperwork and make sure you give them a great 4% rate on the financing with a prepayment penalty as an added bonus. Chances are, they'll go along with everything and recommend all their friends to you, so make sure you hold back a few lots of your prime real estate.

Lol you forgot to offer paint protection