GMAC Smart Buy Complaint - PLEASE HELP.?

Question

Long story short, I turned my Chevy Silverado in on the day it was due. 60+ days later I got a bill from GMAC for $650 saying it was missing a spare tire, the spare wheel and 2 areas had paint peeling side the box. When I turned it in the dealer these problems were not present. In GMAC's vehicle turn in kit it says the vehicles are typically inspected within 48 hours of being returned, in this case it was 35 DAYS later. When I call them to argue my case they do not want to give me the time of day. ANY ADVISE TO DEAL WITH THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRICIATED.

Answer 1

I'm not exactly sure what can be done, however 35 days if far too long for the vehicle inspection. Pickup truck spares are stolen quite often at dealerships, so it's not surprising that would be on the list.

Just out of curiosity, did you lease the truck from the same dealership where you turned it in? You can turn in your GMAC lease/smart buy at any Chevy <in this case> dealership, however it's just a piece of the puzzle.

In addition, did a sales associate fill out the lease/smart buy return sheet, or was it handled by the Finance Manager. Either way, the form should have been faxed to GMAC immediately unless the used car Manager wants to appraise it an get a 'GM Dealer Buyout for Inventory'. Had this happened and the Manager decided he did not want the Silverado, then possibly the form was not faxed until weeks later.

I am just trying to give you an angle to approach your situation and I will see if I can get more information tomorrow for you. Good luck and I certainly hope you can avoid any fee's you are not responsible for.

Edit: I consulted a Sales Manager at a GM dealership and unless you can prove the car had a spare tire and no other blemishes, then there isn't anything you can do. The dealership is not responsible for any damage unless the customer can prove it was not present when the truck was turned in. The typical inspection happens anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. You can go to the dealership and try to talk with the Sales Manager and explain to him your situation. I know it's not what you wanted to hear, so in the future, as posted, it's best to take pictures of the vehicle as well as get signed copies at lease/smart buy turn in. Good luck.

Answer 2

Prior to the day it was due, you needed to make an appt. to have the vehicle inspected.  You would have received the inspection report noting any defects.  If you have this, copy and mail to GMAC.  If not, you are SOL.

Answer 3

tell them you are not responsible for the damages to the car....have them speak to the dealer..threaten not to buy any of there cars again

Answer 4

It's funny that they call it a "smart buy".

Did the dealer give you any paperwork at the time you checked it in?

...you should have taken pictures, that would help your case, but a day late and a dollar short.

Leasing companies and balloon finance plans are famous for playing these types of games....and unfortunately if you don't pay up they will put it on your credit.

sorry.