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We have a Jeep Grand Cherokee Several years ago the...

Dear Tom and Ray:

We have a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Several years ago the paint on the roof
started to peel. We have notified Chrysler about the problem and have tried to
work through their system. The bottom line we get from them is "drop dead." We'd
like to get the car repainted by Chrysler. How can we get their attention so
they'll paint the car like they should? -- Janis

TOM: How do you get their attention? Walk into their service department waving
about eight Ben Franklins, Janis.

RAY: I'm afraid we can't be very encouraging. In the late '80s and early '90s, a
number of manufacturers had paint problems. It was due, we believe, to a
federally mandated reformulation of the paint to make it less harmful to the
environment. Unfortunately, it took some manufacturers longer than others to get
the new formula right, and during that time a lot of people got stuck with
peeling roofs, hoods and trunks. And it seemed to be the worst with blue, gray
and silver colors.

TOM: It was a nightmare for the manufacturers, who helped some people and
successfully managed to discourage others. And at this point, I'm afraid,
Chrysler considers it "not their problem."

RAY: We agree with you that it stinks. But if you've already been through their
system, and found their customer service to be less than helpful, your only good
option is to pay for it yourself. If you leave the roof untreated you risk
having the primer degrade, and then you'll get rust. So whether you intend to
keep after them for some compensation, or just write it off and never buy
another car from them, you should go ahead and have the roof painted now.

TOM: Sorry to be the bearers of bad news, Janis. But we've had hundreds of
letters from Ford, GM and Chrysler owners over the years who were in exactly the
same situation, and who got similarly brushed off.

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