Any RAM reps here? New truck was stolen at the dealership

[Skrap]

Oh, I don't give a damn who did it. We've all had trucks stuck in mud or snow and we all know what kind of torture people put on trucks trying to get them unstuck. Especially STOLEN vehicles.

The dealer douche thinks he can shine it up and give it back.

First, my guess is the theif tried to get across the field to get to the road. In doing so he got stuck. Thieves are not going to spend 10 minutes rocking the truck back and forth with the trans to get unstuck. They probably had some wheel spin and higher RPMs but once it's stuck they are going to leave the truck stuck. If you're a criminal are you going to monkey around with it and the chance of getting caught.

As others have said, I'd be oissed but in the end I don't think your being reasonable. Ask for a lifetime warranty and be done with it. Your own ins would replace the truck so why should the dealer. I'm a hard headed, stubborn ******* and even I think you are a bit out there. With all due respect, of course.

 

[AkNomad]

I'd get everything documented just in case something comes up later and pursue a lifetime warranty in the meantime. As for a new truck, that ain't going to happen so work with them on trying to get them to throw in the lifetime warranty and let it go.

 

[ExpressRules]

For everyone that is screaming "report it to his insurance" I ask why? There is no claim if the truck isn't damaged. And even if it was damaged and the dealer made repairs there still isn't a claim.

I can fully understand being mad, I know I would. I would however use that constructively and see if , as others have already said, get the dealer to spring for an extended warranty.

Forget about a new truck. Take advantage of what can be had, not the impossible.

 

[jsteinm1]

The way folks think never ceases to amaze me,,, The 'emotions' involved over inanimate chunks of steel,, The perception of a 'violation' of your dreams,,,,

Realistically, all that happened was your truck was driven into the mud and got stuck. The chance of any 'real' damage to the truck is virtually nil,,, IMHO,,, getting your feelings hurt is really the biggest problem here,,, Not the truck,,, YOU.

I can think of far worse things that could have happened,,,

To me, sittin around all pissed off w/o a truck while yours sits at the dealer ready to go doesn't make a lot of sense, but, hey, it's your blood pressure, not mine.

In this case, this isn't just a matter of the OP just being pissed about this happening, but the real loss that is suffered from diminished value, and possibly early failure from abuse (only time will tell). That carfax report with a "stolen vehicle" tag on it knocks a lot off the resale value of the truck.

To the OP: like others have said I'd probably get a lawyer and look to get back the diminished value. I don't see a new truck being appropriate here, unless the dealer agreed to trade you into a new truck and gave you a reasonable trade in on this one. Make sure to get a copy of the police report and probably a good idea to get the vehicle towed to another dealership for a second opinion.

 

[bigfoot2219]

If you want a new truck. You will need a lawyer. Or make them give you more than what its worth in exchange for a darn good deal on a new one. A lawyer can negotiate for you if feel
negotiations between the dealer and have
Collapsed. I don't work for Chrysler. Sorry to hear of the story. I love my Ram.

 

[Irrivirsible]

This is why leasing is attractive, something happens you are out of it down the road. I leased a brand new 1997 Mazda 6 and was rear ended 3 times while stopped at red lights. The dealer I leased from did the body work and had to glue something, sounded mickey mouse to me but I had no say in the matter. When they did a windshield replacement there was a loud air sound afterwards when the car was running. Don't know if they didn't replace some insulation or what but it was definitely noisy. Also, during windshield installation he broke a blade and chipped paint off the top of the door area and also scratched the paint across the roof at the same time. I was turning it into the dealer as soon as the windshield was replaced and told them but they said they didn't care because they were taking it to auction. I am so glad that was a lease. I told the windshield guy that if the dealer did not accept the car as is they were going to be responsible for making it right. Lucky for them the dealer could care less.

 

[QwikKota]

HA!!! You don't know me very well then!!!

Unhappy? Sure, but once I saw my truck was OK, just WTH more could I want? I dayum sure wouldn't start pushing the 'I want a new truck!!!' button!

The abuse MOST of us put on these trucks far exceeds anything that happened that night, and none of us blink an eye when we do it to our own vehicle, over and over and over again. But if someone other than ourselves 'got it stuck in the mud' once, it's a major crime and the truck is now 'damaged'?

What about the guy who now has no truck? Should he 'lawyer up' and demand a new truck and a Million bucks for 'anguish?' (Unfortunately, this is becoming the new 'American Way')

Perhaps due to a Customer Service/Warranties background, and quite a few 'personal losses' of my own that far, far and away eclipse someone other than me getting my truck stuck in the mud makes all this seem quite trivial,,,

But hey, a persons biggest problem is that persons biggest problem. Doesn't matter if that person is a 2 yr old who wants his blanky, a 16 yr old who got their smart phone taken away, or the Colonel who has to decide which group of Soldiers will be sent into an area knowing casualties will occur.

Yeah, we all got problems. You'll have to excuse me if 'someone got my truck stuck' just isn't near the top of my list.

Perhaps if we all made our own 'list' and compared it to others, most of our problems would look rather insignificant,,,,

I highly doubt he is getting a new truck. I just think it's easy to be a monday morning QB and say people are over-reacting when it didn't happen to them. I love when people say "It could be worse". Of course it COULD be, but it isn't. That person is describing to him what he is going through. Some people offer support, others tell them to grow a pair. You act how you want and people will react how they want. Having a new truck stolen is the issue, not the stuck in the mud part. No one is forcing you to read this guy's thread, let alone reply. Move on to what IS on the top of your list.

 

[BlownGP]

Did this happen at AutoNation Chrysler Dodge in Spring?

My friend works there and he said someone stole a first gen SRT8 Jeep that was in for service work.. The power was out so the camera's didn't catch anything..

 

[Sladerade]

Ol' Dirty, which dealership was this at? If they aren't going to let you get out of the truck, have them replace every mechanical part of the truck that was stuck in the mud. ex. ball joints, check wheel alignment, check for any front end leaks. When they went through the mud did they bottom out the front or damage the body in any way?

If they don't tell you what was wrong or giving you the run around send your story into KHOU, KPRC, KTRV news stations I'm sure their investigation team will LOVE your story!

 

[TruckNut]

This sucks--I would be furious! L-A-W-Y-E-R. They're covering this up so don't take possession of the vehicle. You need to know everything at play here before doing anything.

Any local TV stations have investigative reporters? What a story--2 vehicles taken for joy rides at TX dealership. Who knows, there might be more cases of this. Sorry for your predicament and hope it gets resolved to YOUR satisfaction.

 

[Raist11]

I think a lot of this is being over thought. I don't think the thieves accidentally ended up stuck and went back to get another truck to try and steal to make money. They most likely were joy riding, what better place to joyride a 4x4 truck than in a muddy field? I highly doubt this was Nicholas Cage looking for a laundry list of vehicles.

The truck was stolen and recovered. Just like with insurance, if it isn't a total loss, then they repair and return it to you. Just because it happened at the dealership doesn't mean they'll feel bad and award a new truck. They'll still just repair and return it to you. I don't see a judge awarding any more than that. Ask for some extras to make up for the inconvenience and that's about it. I would explain how it's been such an inconvenience and has caused a lot of stress and concern for the quality of your truck. That you think an extended warranty might be necessary at this point.

If this happend at Tom's Auto Repair they wouldn't be giving you a new truck as compensation. The dealership won't be any different. You may have a chance if your area has a law that allows you to return the truck if it's been under 30 days. That may be possible.

This sucks though. I remember when I was a kid and my camaro got broken into and the stereo system stolen. I felt just sick, violated almost. Part of me didn't even want my car anymore. After a couple months, I got over it though.

 

[Forcepro]

The way folks think never ceases to amaze me,,, The 'emotions' involved over inanimate chunks of steel,, The perception of a 'violation' of your dreams,,,,

Realistically, all that happened was your truck was driven into the mud and got stuck. The chance of any 'real' damage to the truck is virtually nil,,, IMHO,,, getting your feelings hurt is really the biggest problem here,,, Not the truck,,, YOU.

I can think of far worse things that could have happened,,,

To me, sittin around all pissed off w/o a truck while yours sits at the dealer ready to go doesn't make a lot of sense, but, hey, it's your blood pressure, not mine.

Then you have never seen a drunk red-neck get stuck and proceed to "rock" the truck using the transmission and WOT for 15 minutes because "this time I'm gonna make it".

...and that's on his own truck.

 

[DaKing]

There is a saying " Drive it like you stole it" Why is that?

Again, Insurance is there to protect your investment. you need to involve your insurance. The truck should be inspected by a 3rd party.

If it was driven into a near lot, I doubt there is any real damage. But, you need to insure that the truck is still at its value. You should not have to leave the dealer with a truck worth $5000 less, due to something they did wrong.

 

[noupf]

really wish the OP would chime back in. Very interesting case he has here.

I too think that a new replacement truck would be out of the question. If i were in the same situation, sure i'd want a replacement, but realistacly, i dont see it happening.

Just like if it was stolen from a private mechanic shop and found down the road. Joe Bob isnt buying you a new truck.

I'd think the dealreship would have no problem giving away the lifetime warranty or at least offering it at a HUGE discount. Also, factor in the carfax value reduction for the theft which will be attached to the title.

 

[SlowRoller]

Then you have never seen a drunk red-neck get stuck and proceed to "rock" the truck using the transmission and WOT for 15 minutes because "this time I'm gonna make it".

...and that's on his own truck.

Thank goodness the new RAMS have rev limiters and shifters that won't let you WOT 'power shift' back and forth.

(I see you have a 2104 RAM,,, Does it use a Fuel Cell, or are we still burning gas ~90+~ years now?!?! )

 

[Forcepro]

really wish the OP would chime back in. Very interesting case he has here.

I too think that a new replacement truck would be out of the question. If i were in the same situation, sure i'd want a replacement, but realistacly, i dont see it happening.

Just like if it was stolen from a private mechanic shop and found down the road. Joe Bob isnt buying you a new truck.

I'd think the dealreship would have no problem giving away the lifetime warranty or at least offering it at a HUGE discount. Also, factor in the carfax value reduction for the theft which will be attached to the title.

This^

Maxlife warranty or whatever they are calling lifetime warranty now, plus a free maintenance package for XX number of miles/years at the very least.

Good luck, I'm glad I'm not in your shoes.

 

[ghamden]

As much as lawyers are disliked this is a time when you stop talking because the more you try to handle the issue you are putting your foot in your lawyers mouth.

Do not Except the the Truck

Call Loan company inform them of the situation they have a vested interest also....

Get a lawyer he/she will get more info faster they won't want court involvement.

Contact news media that's where it really hurts them

Again DO NOT EXCEPT THE TRUCK BACK

I am being to believe Ram Dealers have very low integrity i have had issues with my dealer not this severe but questionable enough that i wouldn't refer anyone to them...

And tell us their name ... So other can decide whether they want to do business with a dealer who would at minimum guarantee an extended 100 % drive train warranty that could be used at any Ram Dealer.

You have rights do not let them step on them.

 

[codered]

I would be pissed, even if it wasn't an inside job it was the responsibility of the stealership to keep the truck locked up. that's just bad business I wouldn't even think of taking my truck back there. probably a credit fraud company better watch it.

 

[JTrean]

They owe you a new truck. Here in Oregon, if a vehicle is stolen, it is listed on the title same as if the vehicle is totaled from a wreck. That would mean your truck would have lost 20-50% of its value because it would now have a dirty title due to theft.

 

[ExpressRules]

I have doubts that the OP's vehicle was ever listed as officially stolen since it was found right next to the dealer so all the conjecture by so many "experts" replying may be mote.

While I don't know Texas law in this matter. I would have to think in this situation the OP may be shooting himself in the foot if he tried to report it to his insurance company as stolen because at that point it may affect title.

It would be my bet that the vehicles were taken just to joy ride in and when the person or persons didn't get far because they got it stuck they just grabbed another. The one that got away will probably be found in a remote area all banged up and maybe set on fire just for the hell of it.

Unless the OP provides additional information regarding the status of the situation everyone is just beating a dead horse.