That's what I think.

 

Yes, to your first question.....the design is doing what is intended. BUT the pads, used in place of non steps, are minimally effective. In a review, again of non step useage, I would say slightly larger pads and chip REDUCTION material (similar to what is used on some truck rockers and behind rear wheels) on the lower portion of the doors, is needed (GM PROBABLY wanted a cleaner look, however) Now, if you don't like that appearance, BUY the steps.

Notice I said REDUCTION.....NOT ELIMINATE. Some people will always complain. But, when using eliminate it will compound the issue (as now).

That is probably oversite #1. Oversite #2 is not making the steps standard and including the cost in the base price. I know, people will say, "I like the look of no steps". But, what choice would you have had if the vehicle ONLY came with steps.

I agree with your statement, "....GM knew about the issue....". And they did, I've been told. They experienced SOME sandblasting during the durability testing phase and addressed that issue with the pads. But, MAYBE did not design enough into that "fix".....see my first statement.

And, yes to your last statement regarding the TSB. IF HHR owners believe this TSB is an admission of design "flaw", then perhaps they should also demand new replacement vehicles, for the 100+ other TSB's (remember some are only advisory, i.e., Top-Tear Gas, Contaminated R134, etc.).

But, listen....I'm not against the members who expressed concern on this issue. And I do wish them the best...in whatever their desire. It's their right to demand whatever THEY feel is correct. But like you, I grow weary of the inaccuracies of description, the "crying" of unfareness, etc. I believe all the members of this forum have a right to ask for assistance, in whatever effort they express. But, because this is an open forum, I just wish they would accept some suggestions and stop beating the "dead horse".

 

 

I didn't want to start a new topic on the same subject, but this was the resolution that GM has for me.
First...let's go to December 2nd 2006 when I bought the car (a brand new 2007 HHR). I was not aware that you could add things to a car on the lot when you buy it. I thought that on the lot was "as is". I know now that is incorrect.
I wasn't shown ANY accessories other than what was on the vehicles they had on the lot (sunroof, roof rack, spoiler). There were not any running boards. I didn't even know running boards existed.
I wasn't told that if I did not get running boards, my car would be damaged. Yes, it is paint, but if it is chipped up and sand blasted to where it looks filthy even after cleaning...I would call that damage. It depreciates the value of the care even more so than normal depreciation. (yes..I understand a car does depreciate no matter what..from the day you drive it off the lot).

Come January after the snow and rain and a day that was decent enough to wash the car....I give her a bath. I wash it and find that part of it is not coming clean. The front of the rear fenders look HORRID! I put my hand down to see if I can scrape it off (I know tar and such sticks to cars and can be taken off with my fingernail). I find that the area feels like sandpaper.

In March, I get a card on my windshield to this forum. I join and find out that this is not just something on MY vehicle, but all over the place. And I find out that I need running boards. And I find out people are getting them for free or under $200-$300. Cool. Something to talk to my dealer about.

I take the car in for oil change and show him (my sales guy) the area. He goes and buffs and cleans it, comes back and tells me that I need to buy some touch up paint. OK...but then I am back where I started.

I call GM. They tell me to talk to my Service Manager.

So....yesterday I do just that. I drop my car off for the rotor problem, engine tick, rubber smell, oil change, and boards.

When I pick up the car this is the deal that GM offered.

"Customer requested contact GM about Running Boards to see if they could help with concern. Our Rep OK'd to pay half the total bill to order, paint and install running boards.. As per Larry Mccally. The total would be $1171.10 the customer would pay half of that plus tax if she has them installed. Will let us know at a later date".

OK..while this may seem like a great offer.....I think it is crap.

She broke down the cost for me....

$495 for the boards
$600 for the paint
$76.10 for who knows what....

I talked to my uncle who paints cars professionally and he said the material (the nicer brands) would cost no more than $150....so they are basically charging me $450 in labor.

I asked the dealer if I could buy the boards at half cost and have someone else paint them and she says that the job is being done under warranty and HAS to be painted by the place THEY use and installed at the dealership.

So then I ask myself....if it is done under WARRANTY....why am I paying anything. And if I am paying half....why am I not able to decide WHO does the paint and install???

I called the GM National rep that I have talked to and she should be getting back with me on Monday.

I feel bad because the service manager feels that I should be entitled to the boards at no cost. He said my claim is different because even the salesman stated he didn't know about the boards being helpful to prevent damage...and now my car is damaged because of the miscommunication in the company.

I will keep you all informed on how it goes. So far she estimated MY portion of payment to be just over $600 after taxes.

I also want to add that I would have had no issue at all with putting them on my car if it meant protecting them at the time of sale to be put into the loan amount and paid monthly. I am not blaming GM....as much as the dealer management (not sales nor service, but general manager) and owner for not making certain their sales people know everything they need to know.

I really do love my guys at the dealership and think it is a great team. Even if it means it is at a higher level than just the dealer, the training is obviously not there.

 

Sounds like they're trying to get you to pay for more than the TSB states. Sounds like time to go to another dealer to me.

 

LOL Mike...the gal at the service desk mentioned trying different areas. She even mentioned trying the other side of the state or a different state...LOL.

 

Okay I see now, they've already spoke to the area GM rep. This happened to me on another issue. Once the area rep in my area made a decision I was told my only option was to go outside his area!

 

Angel....

I like your post. It allows for concentrating on the events that led up to the last dealer/GM discussion.

Now, I have a suggestion for you.....Work the SERVICE MANAGER for some participation on this outcome. Afterall, he ADMITTED some "negligence" by not having a properly informed salesperson, who should have known of the problem.

The total dollar amount ...$1171 is what GM Corp. is paying to the dealer (minus your participation, of course) for the "warranty" work. So, the dealer is not helping financially. I would try for 100-200 dollars from the dealer. Which would put you in the "ball park" of ordering the steps as an option on a new vehicle.

Oh, I'm doing this from memory, but you have the Teal Metallic. That will be a 3-4 step paint process. The labor price figured, is about right. Also, $495 cost for the boards is not bad....but, half of that (if that's what you are figuring) is way below dealer cost (had a friend check for me), and not realistic.

Work the SM's participation on the labor angle. If it's their shop, they'll pay the paint man anyhow. If it's outsource, they'll get a better rate because of volumn and not say anything.

Again good Luck.

 

Angel...let me add that I have priced out putting boards on a HHR that doesn't have them (off the lot) and it has ranged from 600 dollars from one dealer all the way to 1100 to have them painted and installed.

I would add that counting on salesmen to know everything about all the cars they sell is a pipe dream....not saying that there are none out there but 9 times out of 10 I know much more about the vehicle than they do.

That being said I have found that even if you wanted to add boards before you bought the car, you would still have been looking at paying 600-1100 dollars to add them rather than the 445 if they were already on there.

I know you may not agree with me and even I think that the cost is excessive but based on what I have found in my shopping experience, you are being charged the low end of the going price


Goose

 

My car is Summit White, Snoopy. I used a photo of my car for my avatar and signature.

You are right Goose, I don't agree...but that is the beauty of life...we can agree to disagree on some issues, yet might see eye to eye on others.

I thank you both for your honest opinion without making it sound like you think I am an idiot. Very honorable...thank you.

Does anyone know how big the area is for reps? How far would I need to go?