PAINT PEELING OFF CAR

Hello Uncle Jim,

I am a fairly new listener to your program and cannot tell you how much I enjoy listening to you.  I am not sure you can direct me with this situation - but I don't know where else to seek advice or even if warranted.
I have a 1996 Dodge Neon which I purchased from an elderly friend's family just after she passed away. At present the car has 28,000 miles. She took excellent care and I also take excellent care.  Within the last month during which we had rain and some slight frost I noticed the paint on the roof was peeling - I thought I had gotten hit by a rock.  Within two weeks the paint on the roof completely peeled off - now down to primer - I think that's what it is called. I actually watched the paint peel on a windy day and couldn't believe it.  Never have I seen this situation - even with the worst junk on the road.  I contacted the corporate office about this and was told - sorry the warranty is up for paint. Ok, I understand that - but never have I seen this happen and so quickly. Do you have any suggestion - or is the corporate office correct - is it my affair now.  I realize the car is 8 years old - but is in excellent condition - good mileage etc.  I would really like to hear from you.  Thank you for your time - Happy Birthday - from one who is also "39".

Patricia Sisco -

                                           _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _        

Dear Patricia,

Thank for listening to the show. God knows, I need all the help I can get to bring a little logic to a world running amuck - and happy....ahmmm...39th.

Good news: You got a great deal on a car with so few miles.
Bad news: It is long out of warrantee.
This paint peeling condition is not uncommon. The manufacturers are aware of it but have not stepped up to the plate.
You have no known legal grounds to demand a repair on a 1996 vehicle and might spend a lot of time getting annoyed with all the excuses not to remedy an obvious defect. Short of a class action suit or Divine intervention, the problem is on your shoulders.

Uncleism: "The world is not a perfect place."

We always have a choice, "To change the things we can change or accept the things we cannot change." The challenge is to acquire, "The wisdom to know the difference."

Dear niece, at 39 we are able to put things in a wise perspective. Do I want to get a heart attack fighting a battle I will not likely win, or will I count my blessing and accept this imperfection?

Good news: Enjoy a car you got at a faction of the real value.
Bad news: Develop high blood pressure because the car was not perfect.

Which is better: Spend a little money on paint and be happy for 10 years, or spend a lot of money on blood pressure medication and be miserable for 10 years?

At 39 we are old enough to be philosophical and young enough to enjoy our wisdom for another 39.

May the wisdom of "39" years trump life's imperfections.
Everybody's Uncle