Gran Prix Chevrolet, South Miami - '96 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Truck - alternator problems

# 7 for April 28, 2002

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on April 27, 2002:

From: Rubesn63 [Email User]

RE: Gran Prix Chevrolet, South Miami - '96 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Truck - alternator problems

I purchased a brand new '96 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Truck. The alternator went bad in a few months. I went to Gran Prix Chevrolet in South Miami for service. I was surprised that in 30 minutes I had my truck back with a said new alternator installed and for a very polite attitude from the dealear's employees. Two years later the alternator went bad again and I went to Gran Prix Chevrolet for service.

I was told warranty expired. Fine, I understand that. They offered me a new alternator installation "Guaranteed For Life" for a price I couldn't agree to pay for. I asked why guaranteed for life now and not for the one they installed before or even for the original that came with the truck. The explanation was so absurd that I can't believe they're allowed to do that to customers and remain impune.

Anyway, I asked a private mechanic to do the job and I was astouned to find out that the alternator they change in my truck had a label attached to it with the word "REFURBISHED". Isn't that nice? Is it possible that they charged Chevrolet for a brand new alternator when they serviced my truck?

Maybe I'm just upset because it happened to me, but I believe we people, deserve a little more respect and protection. Do anybody know where to get such protection?

Rubens Onofrio