<font color="red">UPDATE: </font>
I hope it's the final update.
Shortly after my last post, I finally receive the expected call from John Rissoe. (Kinda makes ya wonder if they're watching this post, don't it)
Apologizes for the length of time it took him to call me and gives some explanations. Then he proceeds to tell me they have my HPX repaired and are ready to return it. Goes on to say that when they disassembled the carburetor, they discovered one of the valves in the fuel bowl was not properly seated. They determined that after the machine had run for a bit, that due to thermal dynamics, the valve would become unseated and shut off the fuel supply to the bowl. So, they reseat the valve and have put about 10 hours on the machine since with no problems.
I politely listened to his explanations of how the problem was solved and asked what assurance did he have that it wouldn't happen again? He said he felt it was corrected and the dealer was ready to return it to me.
Once again, I stated that I did not want the machine back, I wanted a replacement or to void the loan paperwork. Not to mention, of course, the machine now has an additional 10 hours on it. That would total 40, only 25 of which I was responsible for.
He told me that was what warranty was for and he felt John Deere had lived up to that. I told him nope, new machine or I continue with the complaint processes I listed in my above post. He hem-hawed around and said that it would be up to the dealer if they wanted to provide a new machine. I thanked him for his time and advised I needed to get off the phone so I could call the AG's office. He said he would call the dealer and speak to them and call me back.
Within 30 minutes I get a call from the dealer's son, who evidently operates one of their 3 dealerships. Very reasonable man. He didn't quibble, said he understood my options were new machine or walk away from the loan. I agreed that we were on the same page. He said he was hesistant to replace my machine w/another gas HPX because he was concerned that if I had a similar problem with it, it would only create a much larger problem with my view of John Deere products. I agreed with that too. So, he offered to void my loan and let me walk away. Or........., we could negotiate on the price difference on the new diesel HPX he was expecting in early next week.
After we haggled a bit, we reached an agreement where they will take back the gas HPX and void the loan. I will purchase/finance the diesel model (including price difference)next week when it arrives. And they will move the optional receiver hitch from the gas one to the diesel one.
I'm satisfied. And I'll give an update next week when I get my hands on the diesel.
Thanks to all for your support. It kept me focused, motivated and strong!
Chuck
