Advise Requested

[PT Magnum]

I ordered a Magnum RT eleven weeks ago today FROM an East Texas dealership. The only options ordered were the tow package and Sirius Satellite Radio. I reached Daimler Chrysler Customer Service today and they indicate the car is still in "Edit" stage. The Customer Service Rep said that it may be because of the backlog in Hemi engine production, but he wasn't really certain on the reason.

The dealership has not been of any assistance in attempting to determine the reason for delay, anticipated build date, obtaining a VIN number etc. I have requested the name, telephone number of their District Manager which they will not provide.

I have used several different search engines attempting to isolate the District Managers responsible for this area without success. I thought that perhaps by working up the food chain someone could give me some answers.

My wife has been hospitalized for the past two weeks. She will be an out patient beginning next week requiring her to travel 70+ miles to the hospital several times a week. The car she is traveling in is the one we will be trading in on the Magnum 120,000+ miles and close to tires, major tune etc. I hate to make the expenditure on a trade in because it will not be recaptured. Safety, however, is criitcal.

It would just be so beneficial to us in knowing the approximate build date to figure some of these things out.

You would think with the technology available these days that someone, somewhere within Daimler Chrysler could at least provide some type of time frame.

Any ideas, anyone have access to District Managers responsible for East Texas, would going directly to Brampton have any success?

Thanks,

[lilguyhemi]

I feel for you my friend. I went through a similar situation, only my car was built, it just wouldn't ship. For weeks I had tried to reach a district mangager for DC, and finally did, through my salesman. The DM was at the dealership, and the salesman called me. I went to the dealership and talked with the DM....he was very nice and said he would pursue my issue, even gave me his cell number. That was the last I heard FROM the SOB. He wouldn't even answer his messages I left him on his cell. I found another RT at a dealership with all the options I wanted plus a few more. I bought the car that day. In the end, I have my car, the dealership and my sales rep lost my business.
In my opinion, find a car that is on the lot, and buy it. I love the car, and am happy I bought the thing, but I am much less impressed with DC's customer service.

[PT Magnum]

Thanks for your reply and advise. I may just have to go that route. Several outstanding issues include deposit made to dealership, guarantee on trade-in, and to my knowledge no RT's available in this area.
Customer service, like you said, is a myth. Thanks again.

[lilguyhemi]

The NO RT's in the area is for certain an issue, though I found that spening time at the dealers searching for that elusive RT is time well spent. The trade in shouldn't be an issue since all of the dealers use the kelly blue book as a reference. As to the deposit, I am not sure what state you live in, but in most states it is against the law to keep a deposit until the car has been delivered.
Happy hunting, and keep us advised. Know one thing, whatever you choose as your course of action, the car is worth the wait.

[PT Magnum]

Thanks, you're correct about the deposit issue and trade in. I received a call yesterday afternoon FROM the dealership's sales manager which was encouraging. He will be HAVING a discussion with the District Manager Monday concerning my order. The dealership has changed ownership since my initial order. According to him, a number of things have gotten screwed up as a result of dealership codes being changed etc. I'm not getting too excited until he gets back with me but at least they are communicating. I would think even under the best scenario, I'll be lucky to have the car in 6-8 weeks. I'm certainly encouraged that your experience with the car makes it "worth the wait." Thanks again and regards.

[schmeky]

the car is worth the wait.

It sure is. I would find one at dealer lot if at all possible, even if you have to go a long way to get it. A test drive is mandatory since some RT's pull to the right whereas some don't. I feel a first year RT will have a degree of collector value some years down the road.