Seriously, you never think this kind of nightmare will happen to you, until it does. When I dropped off my Subaru WRX STI for a routine inspection and *service*, I took all the usual precautions. Or so I thought! Imagine my absolute disbelief when I called to pick it up, and they couldn't find it. Not only that, but the dealership staff had the audacity to suggest I'd never even brought it in! My heart dropped, because my Subaru WRX STI is more than just a car; it's a huge part of my life and a significant investment. This whole ordeal started when my car was supposed to be ready for pickup. I called, expecting them to say it was all done, but instead, I was met with confusion. Hours turned into days, and the dealership kept giving me the runaround. They kept asking "When can I get my car?" and I just got vague answers. It was incredibly frustrating to hear them deny the drop-off, especially when I knew for a fact I had left it there. Thankfully, I always make sure to document things. I had a VIDEORECORDING of the exact moment I dropped off my WRX STI, walking through the service bay and handing over the keys. This footage became my saving grace when they tried to deny everything. Honestly, always, always get proof! A quick video or even just a time-stamped photo of your car in their lot with a staff member can save you so much grief. For anyone else potentially facing a situation where their car dealership loses a WRX STI or any vehicle, here’s what I learned. First, stay calm but be firm. Gather all your evidence – receipts, drop-off slips, and especially any video or photo proof. Second, don't hesitate to escalate the issue. I made sure to speak to the service manager, and then the general manager. When that wasn't getting me anywhere, I told them, "I'm calling" higher authorities and consumer protection agencies. It’s important to know your rights as a consumer. Dealerships are responsible for your vehicle while it's in their care. This experience has been incredibly stressful. Not having my car has disrupted my daily routine, and the sheer audacity of being told I never dropped it off was infuriating. It shouldn't take hours or days for an *inspection*, let alone for a dealership to 'lose' a car. I shared my story as "pt1" hoping others can learn from my nightmare. Always keep detailed records, take photos or videos, and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself when something goes wrong. My goal now is to highlight this issue so no one else has to go through the same ordeal with their beloved Subaru WRX STI.