You make a valid point...picketing might not be practical for you. It takes time, and you just might not have enough of that to make the difference.

MrEllusive makes a good point about contacting Acura/Honda, and I would certainly do this -- but from my experience, not even a phone call to ask the dealership what happened would come of it.

Seems to me you're really stuck with replacing the rim yourself, but that doesn't mean you can't be a thorn in the side of this dealership. At this point I would switch over to "get even" mode, because that's going to be your only compensation. You mentioned you don't want legal problems (smart man btw -- wish I was that rational ) so throwing tires through windows and slashing tires isn't your cup of tea. Although I think it can be done with relatively low risk of getting caught, I understand.

A guy on here posted about how his dealership ruined his rims and while they knew they were at fault refused to replace them. He ended up posting the story on every message board related to the G35. He really pissed them off, so much that they refused to deal with him anymore after they found out. In the end he's probably still got the old rims, but only because that dealership feels they were hurt, and now its just a pride issue. If you ask me, chalk that one up as a win. What you don't see going on back home is that...
1) the owner of that dealership jumped the service managers *** ("Pull your head out of your *** -- do you see what kind of damage you've done to our image")
2) service manager getting his *** jumped some more
3) the loss of business the threads really created for the dealership
4) the overall embarassment the entire dealership is feeling.

As long as everytime that dealership hears or thinks my name, damaged rims, or shady business, and it's followed by "that little SOB - I wish I could just strangle him" I'd feel alright about the whole deal, and only then would I be able to go on with my losses. You come out learning, NEVER trust anyone, get it in writing. They come out learning, some battles just aren't worth it!

Incentally, the web is saturated with honda/acura forums, if you decide to travel this road, start here.
www.honda-acura.net
www.superhonda.com

 

And miss all that work at the Post Office?

 

I just had an epiphany...

Call the Canadian version of the Better Business Bureau and open a claim against the dealership! Make sure to tell the dealership that you'll be going this route if they don't buy you a $150 new replacement wheel.

Ask them if $150 is worth them having to fill out all of the paperwork just to answer the "claim". Just might work.

BTW, the wheel through the window was just a joke...

 

Post Office?

 

BBB is a scam all in its own...anyone that owns a business knows this already. They are on the company's side. Why? The company is who pays the dues.. somewhere between $500-$3000/year depending on the amount of employees. My guess is that the dealership is a member, and if that's the case -- the complaint will get forwarded to the dealer, and the BBB will request a written affadavit with their side of the story. Once that's done -- Issue Resolved. If they aren't a member of BBB, a complaint is harmless.

 

Whoever posted the comment about corps having to be represented by a lawyer is wrong. In most states, parties in small claims court are not allowed to be respresented by a lawyer. The corp I worked for always sent a legal assistant. The filing fees are usually low and the amount in contention has a ceiling of $1000-2500 depending on the location. Time involved and the ability to enforce a judgment are usually the toughest hurdles. Given the facts, I'd say you have a reasonable chance of success so long as there are no requirements in your jurisdiction that such promises have to be in writing. This is all under U.S. laws, not sure how things work in Canada.

 

rideordie... that sucks... my last acura was purchased at acura sherway. i found their sales to be pretty good, but their service terrible. in all honesty i would just buy another rim... and if u don't care, drop the other crappy rim at their door just for principle's sake (and i mean literally right at their front enterance). u can also try contacting the apa (automobile protection agency). they have a 70$ membership (including all taxes) but they may be able to help. i would call them first and inquire if they can help u regarding your problem before u get the membership. here's their info:

www.apa.ca
2 Carlton St. suite 1319
Toronto, Ontario
M5B 1J3
Telephone: 416 204-1444
Fax: 416 204-1985
E-mail: apatoronto@apa.ca
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.

best of luck.

ps: another option u can try is elecro-polishing all the rims. this will give a mirror-like-finish (looks exactly like chrome) on all 4 rims. here is a company contact we use:

www.electro-kleen.com
2355 Tedlo Street, Unit 7
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
L5A 3W7

Telephone: (905) 273-9808
Fax: (905) 273-5979

^^call them for a quote .

 

So sorry for the delayed response to all you replies...but I just got out of JAIL

I decided to go with "neffsters" option #3, and tossed the rim right through the dealer window...apparently, they weren't too happy with me and tossed me in jail...hahaha jk...i'm mad, but not crazy...

Thanks for all your replies...I've just been too busy and haven't had anytime to view the forum.

Actually, my buddy gave me a good idea...he agree's there really isn't much I can do to get the dealer to replace the rim...so he suggested to buy a used rim off of ebay as many of you have suggested...and then use the extra rim as a full spare tire...

Oh wait I don't think I can do this because the tires are directional...so, if I get a flat on wrong side I probably won't be able to put the rim on, right?

Oh well looks like i'm gonna have to giive "electro-kleen" a quick call...thanks for the contact "giddyup69".

 

I guess if you don't have to work or have nother better to do on weekends than standing around passing out flyers for a measley $200, then by all means go ahead. If you REALLY REALLY need to do something to make yourself feel better at night, just drive by the dealership at night and chuck a few eggs or whatever. But in all practicality, his $200 is gone.

 

Like I said earlier, its not that doable for everyone. Fortunately my profession would allow me to stand around passing out flyers for a measly $200. But when I do it... it's not about the $200 anymore -- the money is a distant concern ($200 isnt that much anyway) it's about me letting them know (in a legal way) its far from over.

 

I agree with "Sales" if I had the time, I would definitely stand outside handing out flyers...but unfortunately, due to my time constrait it would not be effective.