On July 7th, 2024, I had my 2023 Cadillac Escalade (approximately 17,000 miles) towed to Long…read moreCadillac due to a check engine light and misfiring. The following morning, I went to the dealership to obtain a loaner vehicle.
Later that week, I was informed my vehicle was ready for pickup. When I arrived on July 14th, I unlocked the vehicle using my app and immediately received an alert notifying me of a safety recall. I returned to the service department, where I was informed there was a recall involving the engine. Because it was the end of the day, testing could not be performed until the following morning.
On July 15th, I was notified that my Escalade had failed the recall inspection and required a complete engine replacement. Understandably, I was extremely disappointed that such a new, low-mileage vehicle needed an engine replacement. Although upset with General Motors, I continued to cooperate with the dealership in good faith and was told the process would take 2-3 weeks.
By August 14th, I was informed that the replacement was complete and was asked to allow a technician to test drive the vehicle overnight to ensure proper operation. I agreed, and on August 15th I was told the vehicle was ready for pickup.
When I arrived on August 18th to collect my Escalade, I immediately observed new body damage on multiple areas of the vehicle that was not present when I dropped it off. The dealership had failed to notify me of any incident. Out of concern that accepting the vehicle would shift liability onto me, I refused to take delivery and left it on their lot, continuing in the loaner vehicle.
The following day, I contacted the dealership and provided photo and video documentation of the damage. I also obtained an independent estimate from my preferred body shop and forwarded this to the service manager. I was then told the dealership would only authorize repairs if done in-house. I politely declined and requested either reimbursement for the independent repair or the dealership's insurance information so I could file a claim.
Shortly afterward, I received a phone call from Scott Barry, identifying himself as the owner/president of Long Cadillac. His behavior was hostile, dismissive, and unprofessional. He referred to me as a "disgruntled customer," accused me of attempting fraud, and refused to provide his insurance information, stating that his deductible was $5,000 and that he would not involve his insurer. He told me my only options were to allow Long Cadillac to repair my vehicle in-house or "take him to court."
Mr. Barry also issued an intimidating remark regarding the loaner vehicle. He warned me that if I did not return the loaner during business hours and in "satisfactory condition," there would be issues. He went on to say that five years ago, in a similar situation, he reported a customer's loaner vehicle as stolen, which resulted in that customer being held at gunpoint. He relayed this story to me in a manner that was clearly intended to threaten and intimidate me, which I found extremely inappropriate and unprofessional.
I made it clear that I only wanted my vehicle restored properly, either by my trusted body shop or another certified GM body shop. I even offered to obtain multiple estimates to demonstrate reasonableness. Mr. Barry refused, told me I was not the type of customer he wanted to deal with, and stated that Long Cadillac would no longer service me. He further admitted that "touch-up work" had already been performed on my vehicle without my consent, and that he intended to deduct that value from any settlement. The attempted repair was incomplete, obvious, and not in line with manufacturer standards.
Throughout this ordeal, I have felt disrespected, belittled, intimidated, and discriminated against. My concerns have been dismissed despite clear evidence that my vehicle was returned to me in a damaged condition while in the dealership's care. I have maintained professionalism, provided documentation, and acted in good faith. All I have asked for is a fair resolution which Mr Barry cheated me out of.
Please take your vehicles elsewhere do not use this dealership, they do not treat there customers with respect
