Warranty issues with Suzuki Corporation

Hi, my name is Diane and I am sorry the post is so long, but it contains all the details of my problem.
My complaint is about Suzuki America and a 2005 Forenza wagon I own. On or about July 15th 2009 the Engine light of my vehicle came on. I did not know at that time the nature of the problem. It also happens that July of 2009 I was due for a Vehicle inspection. These two issues have come together to cause my problem.
I had some regular maintenance done to the car to see if the engine light would go out. Oil change, air filter , check pvc valve all the common routine items. This did not help the condition. I then had to bring the car for inspection as the end of July was upon me. The car failed emissions testing and I was given a reject sticker and a read out of the failure code. The code P0420 turns out to be the exhaust system. I then took the car to the dealership where I purchased it. Thinking that my extended warranty would cover the repair.
The first problem I encountered was that the dealership no longer handled the Suzuki brand. Getting it serviced would probably cost me. The next problem I encountered was that the dealership Baker Cadillac / Olds had archived all customer files for the Suzuki line and my paperwork could not be found. I had to contact Customer service at Suzuki to get this information a copy of my contract. When I did this I was told they did not record my contract either and told me I should find my own copy. I was able to find a copy of my sales slip and verify that I did in fact have an extended warranty on the car. I faxed that info to Baker and waited for a response. The response was they could not help me without a copy of my contract. I finally had to call Suzuki Corporate offices and explain what my problem was and was given another number to call. I called and this office handles service contracts and they were able to locate my contract number and mail me a copy. I called Baker back and was told They kept on Suzuki techs and to bring the car back in and they would put the car on the computer and see what is wrong. After it was analyzed it cost 90.00 dollars for the details, and they said catalytic converter front, back or both had failed or possibly another component. When I questioned which is it, they stated no way to know.
The first part of this complaint deals with the fact that Suzuki cannot tell me what exactly it is that has failed. The 2nd issue I have is the cost of repairs is almost as much as the current value of the car some $3000.00 dollars to fix. Kelly blue book is 4600 in excellent condition, 2800 as a trade in value in good condition. My extended warranty does not cover this problem. My car is only 4 years old and the warranty is 80,000 mile 8 year. The extended warranty is for 100,000 miles or 10 years. I was told that I have 89,000 miles on the car therefore Suzuki does not have to warranty the catalytic as federal laws state they are not required to. I feel they are hiding behind the law.
I contacted Suzuki head quarters about this issue and the corporate office was very rude and told me they were already aware of my problem and there was nothing they could do. The 3rd part of this complaint deals with the fact that the vehicle is only 4 years old. Most everybody I have dealt with says the car is too new to have after market parts like this available and is should be covered under warranty.
Now after an exhaustive search, no pun intended there are no after market parts to fix the car available. Any other alternatives are very close to the same cost I was quoted from Suzuki. I feel that something is very wrong here and I am at a loss. I Now have a rejection sticker on the car, am currently unemployed cannot afford to have this car fixed and in less then 48 days will no longer be able to drive the car. This Company has a reputation for avoiding Warranty repairs at all cost and I don’t think it’s right. I am hoping i have a legal principle here of a failure to forfill An Implied warranty of merchantability. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Diane

Sorry to hear of your car problems. I recently had to deal with an emissions system failure on my Camry, but it was not as serious as yours.

First, if you are considering a legal complaint, you should take a look at this article: Automobile Warranty Lawyers.

Second, the check engine light is your car's way of telling you something is wrong. When this light goes on, the error code is stored in the car's computer. It looks like you have the error code for your car (if not, many automotive stores will lend you a code reader that you can hook up manually and pull the code out yourself), and it is possible to do a lot of online research when you have this code. There are many automotive forums that you could post on/read through to see if other owners of your car have had similar problems, and how they went about fixing them. As well, there are extensive error code databases online that can point you in the right direction.

As for the warranty, whether it is valid or not, you have to go through the fine print of the contract (but who has a copy of it?) to see if emissions problems are included in your extended warranty. If they are, you have a good case to go back and argue with your dealer (remember to be strong, you bought the warranty to cover things like this, they took your money to fix these problems). If it is not covered by your extended warranty, then it is still worth it to go to the dealer and try to work out an arrangement. Many times, dealers quote you a very high price for no particular reason, and this price can be argued down. Remember to tell them flat out that you gave them money, and that you continue to give them money when you come back for tune-ups...etc. Also, shop around. Visit online review sites to figure out what auto-shop is the best (most honest) in your area, go there and ask for a quote (it doesn't hurt to bring them a box of donuts while you are at it). Then, go back to your dealer with that quote and demand that they match or beat it. Remember to keep reminding them that you have been a good customer.

Also, it would be worthwhile to ask around your group of friends to see if anyone knows/is friends with a mechanic that might be able to help you out. I had a mechanic friend once (I moved away from the state where he lived) who would come over to work on my car with me at no cost. He probably saved me at least a few thousand dollars (replacing axle, wheel bearings, brakes, freeze-plugs, MAF sensor, helped me with my transmission...etc) in the work he helped me with and the tools he already owned.