Monday, December 8, 2008

Wow.. Buying a car? better be careful.

G'day Everyone.

Jamie Berke finally posted a good article on the deafness.about.com. In this one, you'll read her story about a deaf man's car purchasing experience: http://deafness.about.com/b/2008/12/06/was-this-deaf-man-ripped-off-by-car-dealership.htm#gB3

But if you want to skip to Philly.com for the main story: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081206_Deaf_Northeast_Philly_man_says_Cherry_Hill_car_dealer_swindled_him.html

For years, I have told some of my deaf friends to bring a TRUSTED person or family member in going to a car dealership. Some dealerships are known to pull stupid stunts at times. Some, with dishonest workers, that actually do take advantage of the disabled community at times. That is sad. It's all about money, profitability. This is a bad time that this story has to appear at an unfortunate time for the car dealers.

Especially now that the Big 3 automakers are on the edge of the vote from Congress about their "Bail out money". I sent emails to my congress reps and told them "VOTE NO!". Personally, the automakers had plenty of chances to look at their finances and tighten their belts in the past two years. But doing nothing since the recession started? Nope. Not an excuse for heading to congress and asking for a "handout money".

So, if congress says no, the financial shock wave will roil right through the automakers, suppliers and the car dealers. Especially the car dealers. Some have closed down, got rid of their inventories, and eventually joined the unemployment lines.

You know, there are some car dealers that deal with people honestly. Even with the disabled.
But those who take profit and money to the max over honest livings, they will be the ones that will face God at it's worst time.

So, if you do go to a car dealer. Either bring an interpreter along with you from a deaf ministry, or just come with a trusted hearing friend. Nobody likes to be taken advantage of. And I don't think we'll see the last of this case. So watch Philly.com for further details.

Semper FI.

3 comments:

RLM said...

Deaf people ought to bring their trusted hearing friend to "hear" the engine, but deaf customers ought to do the entire talk. Comprendo?

That's why I do not have any cars or personal vehicle more than 15 years.

I am doing real fine on the public transporation as less headache and frustration. I am doing for the sake of our fragile Mother Earth.

RLM

Unknown said...

RLM: I do agree. My original plan if I worked in DC that I would take the Metro. I enjoy being on a subway at times. (except for the rush hours).
Buses? Some times they're ok, but it can be heck to stand outside in bad weathers.
The only thing I can tell you is this: Light rail ride is better than a subway. Try the one in St. Paul, MN. Their system is young and it will improve with other lines added in the future.

RLM said...

Steve,

Yep, riding the Metro or Metrobus during the rush hours could be really unbearable!

I usually ride on Metrobuses during Sundays, because of low traffic numbers and slower Metrorail services (Sunday). Metrobus ride on Sundays are much faster than Metrorail services. Believe it or not!


Thanks for sharing your personal experience and knowledge about St. Paul light rail system. :)

RLM