Hey all; back again.
Some really good, solid replies here; I like the input!
dbmg: I didn't contact the DMV, I contacted my state's department of transportation (AZ DOT). Even though they did confirm the date that my plate/ tags were sent out, and that indeed the dealership sat on my stuff for a month even though I paid them a fee for this, AZ DOT said they can't get involved any further than this as it will become a "civil case", and if I want to pursue it, then that's up to me.
Contact a local news channel? We're on the same page!
I've already sent in a submission to a local television station here in AZ that does a consumer protection piece about this dealership since having my unpleasant experience with them. Although, the TV station informs all submitters that they receive
MANY submissions and they can't always address them all.
And Better Business Bureau? We're on the same page again!! I've already filed a complaint with them in regard to this dealership.
Local magistrate office? I haven't done that. Are you basically talking about contacting a lawyer? I've
thought about that, but, I don't have a lot of money to throw around and would want it to be cost-effective if I were to consider legal representation.
And that reminds me......I actually mentioned this at the dealership when they weren't being very accommodating and forthcoming with me (that I might try going the legal route), and the general manager of the dealership actually said to me, "Don't bother; you'll lose". What a swell guy, huh? Was he actually
trying to make me mad and tick me off?!?!
And I know: This particular dealership may not be representative of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company
as a whole, but, this was the dealership I dealt with. I am a first-time customer at this dealership,
and, a first-time Harley buyer. I let them know this out-loud at the dealership, too. You'd think they'd want to give and leave a good impression. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I've been riding cycles for over 30 years (I'm just about 50 years old), and this is my first Harley. The machine itself seems a quality-built cycle, but, the dealership experience has soured me.
There's this saying.....I'm not sure of the exact quote, but loosely, it's something like this: It can take years to find or get a customer, but only a minute to lose them.
glider: I think I will take your advice and put a post/ thread up in your "bad dealer" section.
Jack Klarich: Yup, no test rides at this dealership. I was at
other dealerships here in AZ and they do allow test rides. And guess what? I
did contact the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin via postal mail. In my letter to them, I even tried to be proactive and said to them that I hope they don't just give me the
company line of "all dealerships are independently owned and operated". But guess what? Wait for it..........................yup, they gave me the
company line...
And
Jack.....do you have some "special phone number" for the Motor Company???
lidflipper: That's very tempting...I've been thinking about doing that "sign thing" and hanging out near the dealership.
FerrousBueller: Do I still like the bike? Welllllll......yes, I suppose so. But, every time I look at it, I'm reminded of that dealership and especially that general manager who irritated and irked me to no end with his arrogance and over-confidence.
And you're not clear on whether or not I still have the bike or returned it? Sorry if I didn't make that clear. I
tried to return the bike but was unsuccessful in either trying to renegotiate that "UVC fee", or, cited "buyer's remorse" and wanted to return it as I was under the impression that I had "15 days or 500 miles" (I explained about the confusion in regard to the number "15" in my previous post in this thread).
And
Ferrous....I know what you're trying to see in that I shouldn't let this one dealership sour my opinion on ALL Harley dealers; it's just difficult for me, that's all.
Here I was, a cycle rider of 30+ years and telling this dealership that I am trying a Harley for the first time in my life, that I'm going to "buy American" (sounds so patriotic, doesn't it?). And what do they do? They mess with me and don't even try to "make things right" when I take exception to their "bogus" UVC fee.
I've checked around with other dealers since then, other Harley dealers (not under the "RideNow" umbrella), and even some Japanese dealerships, and none of them ever heard of this UVC fee. With a previously-owned vehicle, other dealers tell me the only fees they charge in addition to the sticker price is: State sale's tax; plate/ tags/ title; and dealer documentation. That's it.
I was even looking at another American-made brand while shopping a while back, the Victory line of motorcycles. Did I make the right decision? The wrong one? Hmmmmm.....
Pez
