NNPA Columnist
Ask Gwendolyn Baines
Dear Gwendolyn:
Why is it that there’s virtually nothing in place to protect consumers from being ripped off. If I had $500 every time I was ripped off, I would have at least $10,000. This money would be put aside for home improvement, hurricane relief or towards retirement. What can I do? I have gone to dealerships and paid $500 for repairs and had to return the very next day for the same problem. Then, to be told I would have to pay another $548 to resolve the problem. I once went to a famous repair shop and paid $1,400 for air conditioning repairs. After the repair, the air conditioner still didn’t work due to a part they needed. The industry is getting away with it so much that they’re actually shocked when you make a complaint about it. Gwendolyn, I’m tired of the rich getting richer.
Julia
Dear Julia:
No you’re not. If so, you would purchase better cars. When searching for a used car, ask a mechanic to assist. With a used car comes repairs. Sometimes not immediately, but sooner than if car tag indicates the vehicle is new. It is good when you do not have to pay a monthly installment. Although, paying a monthly payment equals out when you constantly have repairs. Let me tell you this: Most car dealerships and auto repair shop owners are not rich, but soon become so when they have customers like you. They prey on good people. Contact your Better Business Bureau to make a formal Consumer Report. Whatever you do, don’t give up on this problem. In searching for a used car, look for cars being sold from an affluent neighborhood. People with money keep good preventive maintenance. People without money tend to let theirs run until it just stops.
Let me tell you something else: House mortgages are set, but car repairs are unexpected. This causes a panic. That’s when you will find yourself back at the car dealership trading in your lemon only to receive a lime. Save your money Julia and buy a better car. Funny thing though. Car dealerships make an effort not to sell a bad car — to a thug.