Dear Terry, I'm the not-so-proud owner of a 2003 Chevy Cavalier which runs nicely and gets almost 30 mpg despite my heavy foot. But about 6 months ago -- after the 3-year warranty had run out -- the paint started peeling off the flat horizontal surfaces. I took it to a dealer -- "Out of warranty," they said, "Too bad." But I remember Chevy having a similar problem a few years back and the company said it would make good for six years on paint. Any help for me? -- PO'd (peeled off) in PeoriaDear PO'd, Ask your dealer to have a regional factory representative take a look at your car. If there's an issue with rust underneath the surface, that's covered by a longer warranty than the overall vehicle warranty. Also ask to see any service bulletins related to paint issues. This week•Dealers vie for oil, brake and tire jobs•Why does my new car have no sticker?•Why is the paint flaking off my Cavalier?•Why would truck be repossessed after lease is over?If you have a question for Terry, e-mail him at Driving for Dollars. Save money on your car -- sign up for Bankrate's new weekend Car & Money newsletter advertisementRelated Links:7 best off-to-college carsNational auto loan averagesWhat changes auto loan rates?Related Articles:All new cars for 20105 steps to 'clunker' dealTake the 'cash back?'
Dear Terry, I'm the not-so-proud owner of a 2003 Chevy Cavalier which runs nicely and gets almost 30 mpg despite my heavy foot. But about 6 months ago -- after the 3-year warranty had run out -- the paint started peeling off the flat horizontal surfaces.
I took it to a dealer -- "Out of warranty," they said, "Too bad." But I remember Chevy having a similar problem a few years back and the company said it would make good for six years on paint. Any help for me? -- PO'd (peeled off) in Peoria
Dear PO'd, Ask your dealer to have a regional factory representative take a look at your car. If there's an issue with rust underneath the surface, that's covered by a longer warranty than the overall vehicle warranty. Also ask to see any service bulletins related to paint issues.
If you have a question for Terry, e-mail him at Driving for Dollars. Save money on your car -- sign up for Bankrate's new weekend Car & Money newsletter