Discussions

In 2021, I had an oil change on my Ram truck with 32,000 Kms, it was completed by Mr.Lube in Brandon, 18th and Rosser. Shortly after, my truck engine seized. It was determined by Chrysler that the regulating valve on the filter was broken, lodged and starved the engine of oil. Chrysler voided my warranty on my vehicle due to technician negligence.  
 
After months of arbitration, Mr. Lube agreed to put in a used engine, and designated to have it installed by Direct Automotive on Wall St, in Winnipeg. Refusing to put in a new engine, I was reassured by both companies, in writing, that they would mirror the warranty and remaining duration I had on the previous engine, by accepting the used engine. As Direct Automotive stated, putting me “in a better situation than prior to this unfortunate situation”, this used engine only had 3,995 Kms on it.  
 
Since receiving my truck back in May of 2022, I have had one problem after another. No freon in the air conditioner, tensioner sensor and belts needing to be replaced, 4x4 grinding/rubbing due to brake lines not being properly secured, alternator tearing off belts and breaking brackets, vehicle needing to be towed on three separate occasions, starter needing replacement, after the vehicle sitting for months, the battery needed to be replaced and a coolant leak. Currently, my Truck has 47,410 kms and is in a non-drivable condition.  
 
Mr. Lube refused to help with any of these repairs. Direct Automotive only offered to put in freon with no technician charge and charged me $277 for the freon, claiming that the original engine did not have Freon, which is not true. Direct automotive refused to give me any information about the engine installed, claiming I was not their customer and that Mr Lube is the customer. I never received any communication back regarding the used engine from Mr Lube or Direct Automotive, despite making repeated attempts. After multiple unsuccessful attempts of communication with Mr. Lube’s representative, he eventually answered my call when I reached out blocking my number from call display. During this call, Mr. lube’s representative admitted to getting my email, discussing the matter with Direct Automotive and assured to contact me after further discussion with Direct Automotive. Neither company reached out.  
 
When I learned that there is a statute of limitations in civil law of 2 years, I became worried that both companies may be attempting to ignore me to ensure I would have no legal recourse. I retained a lawyer and have begun the civil litigation process. Unfortunately, the legal process is lengthy and costly, in the meantime I am still without a working truck, paying $700 monthly loan payments, unable to afford another vehicle. Both companies claim that they have no responsibility to repair or replace my vehicle and state in legal documents that if their company is found liable they intend to counter sue the other.  
 
Going on Year 3, this ordeal has been a complete nightmare. I feel that Mr Lube has taken advantage of a single, working mother. This situation has had detrimental effects on my work, family life, mental health and finances. I’m sharing my story because it might help push these companies to do the right thing: as well as to caution others. Although I am incredibly discouraged, I am hopeful that my lawyer can present the evidence and facts of my case clearly. Maybe my story can save someone else the absolute torment of going through what I have experienced, it helps make the fight worthwhile!

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through all this, it must suck.  
 
With that said, I'm curious...even to other people.  
 
When you are living on a single income, what pushes you towards a vehicle that costs $700/month? I make 6 figures, but when it comes to vehicles I buy cheap fuel efficient vehicles, because I know I still have to deal with insurance, fuel, maintenance and repairs. The last car I purchased, I made sure that the monthly payments, insurance, regular maintenance (oil changes, filters, winter tires, etc) and any repairs (mechanical or body) all fit within my budget, so I drove away from the dealership in a brand new 2024 AWD Compact SUV with monthly payments around $400/month. This leaves me plenty of room should anything go wrong with my vehicle.  
 
Sorry if I sound insensitive, but when I went to look at vehicles, I knew straight away that a 4x4 Truck was not in my budget...and again, I personally make 6 figures..and I see people that I know make far less than me driving brand new trucks...I don't get it...how do people afford to eat, or pay rent/mortgage like that?  
 
Edited by PrimeConvoy, 2024-06-14 11:52:15

Thanks for relaying your personal experiences and the parallels shared with the OP. Your direction will be of benefit to all readers.

I'm single income, driving a top of the line 4x4 off road vehicle, brand new at time of purchase and sure, 700 a month in payments. Why not? I can afford it. Insurance is reasonable, gas is cheap, and I have no repair costs. Because it is on warranty-extended warranty at that. Why buy that? It is guaranteed to get me through a snowy country road (if it can't, I will stay home that day cuz it will be. BAD!), it can do the farm work I need it to do, it's fun, AND it is a lot better than paying g $300 to $400 a month on repairs to an old beater that some might think is cheap to drive. It is a lot better on gas, too, than the older trucks. Some cheap little puddle jumper SUV would be useless to me, AWD or not. All that is irrelevant to the OP's problem.  
 
 
In any case, all I can say is I hope that the OP gets a decent resolution through her lawyer. This is a perfect example of why I prefer to deal through the dealership-these little oil change places have rather bad reputations from what I have always been told. By going to the dealership and only the dealership-especially while the vehicle is still under warranty -your chances of getting your vehicle fixed are much better. There is nothing more disappointing than having your warranty voided (well, other than your vehicle being undriveable)

I agree with you that everyone has their own reasons for making any purchase, including vehicles. I also agree that when purchasing a vehicle, dealer servicing is a must regarding warranty coverage.

To hear this happened to you! What an absolute nightmare! Mr Lube should be 100 percent held accountable for wrecking your vehicle! Also to the ones on here that are questioning how someone affords a new vehicle payment… that’s really none of your business! Do people dictate what’s acceptable for YOU to buy with YOUR money?

I think the point here is how two companies have completely failed the OP.  
 
I don't think they came on here asking for financial advice but more a warning for others to hopefully help them avoid ending up in this situation.  
 
This sounds like a very stressful situation to be in and I thank the OP for sharing their experience here.  
 
And yes I think you do sound insensitive with your unsolicited comments about the OPs financial decisions.  
 
Nobody should ever have to budget for being completely ripped off by a business or having to navigate their shady handling of a situation