Don Mealey Chevrolet

𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗗: Don Mealey Chevrolet of Clermont, FL at all costs.

Their service department (whom had possession of my new 2021 Tahoe for 3 weeks due to a recall) caused front end damage to my front bumper which was custom painted black to hide the chrome accents.

They also caused damage (scratches and a curb dent) to 1 of my custom 26” rims ($1,200 per rim), and that’s not even including the satin paint job that I had paid $250 (per rim) for.

On top of this all, I was promised that GM would reimburse me for up to $40/day for a rental (since this is the only dealership I’ve encountered after 20+ years, and dozens of vehicles) that does not provide a loaner to their customers).

Neil Wright (the service manager) had agreed verbally via email that Don Mealey Chevrolet would cover the cost of their damage, acknowledging that they were liable for the cause. He also ignored my email with my rental receipt (which exceeded $40/day as there’s nowhere on earth you can rent a full sized SUV for that price), so I ended up paying $80+ a day (eating $40/day x 3+ weeks out of my own pocket).

Neil Wright has ignored both of my emails with the bodyshop estimate, as well as phone calls.

All I needed to know was how the payment would be handled, as in: A) would Don Mealey Chevrolet prefer to pay the bodyshop directly or B) should I pay the bodyshop and get reimbursed via Don Mealey Chevrolet.

So while I continue to get zero communication from Don Mealey Chevrolet and/or Nick Wright, I will be paying the bodyshop directly to have the work done and then I will be handling this matter in small claims court to recoup my losses, not only from their damage to my SUV, but for the $40/day rental coverage that I was never reimbursed on.

I wanted to share with you my experience with Don Mealey Chevrolet in Clermont. First off, I have recently discharged from Chapter 7 (January). We needed a second car desperately and I really wanted a new Ford. After several embarrassing attempts to get financed with a local ford dealership, I decided to contact Don Mealey. Ben Whitman was the salesman I worked with. After a few attempts at a few used vehicles Ted Pappas worked his tail off to get me an amazing deal on a brand new Chevy Cruz at a fantastic interest rate. The entire experience was first rate with a team at Don Mealey who were truly interested in getting a great deal for me. I am a customer for life and would highly recommend this dealership.

Sent my Mom there, find out later they said they replaced a water pump, funny I had just replaced it, and the water pump still had my mark on it. Sad thing is I have done previous business with Jay Mealey, I tried to contact him many times, he would not return the phone call.