NothernMystique
CEG'er
Okay,
So I was having some major issues with the car over the past few days. I got some codes (no detail, as I'm posting just to vent) and I limped to the dealership on my way to work.
I got there at 9am, described the problem to the services adviser.... The fact that they call these guys advisers is really beyond me... He knows so little about cars, it's not funny. I find that the advisers jump to a conclusion that would make any non-technical person believe makes sense, and thereby justify a fairly large expense to repair.
It's like they are there to 'test the water' on your comfort level on a repair price.
here is what I think an average dialogue between a service adviser and a customer would sound like...
adviser (A) "hi there welcome to ford, what seems to be the problem with your car?"
Customer (C) "ummm, like I'm not sure... my car like beeps when I turn it on"
A
ooh, that's bad, it can be a pretty serious problem when the flux capacitor produces an audible with greater than 1500 decibels."
C: Really, the car is not worth that much, so I hope it's not expensive
A: I think we can get it done for $500 or less
C: ummm, ok, that's not too bad, please fix it
****since the initial offering was accepted by the customer, the adviser types into the computer to call back with an additional $250 spend to complete the repair. But only after we've committed to the $500 in labor so far*******
Sorry, back to my story...I accept a $100 diagnosis fee, to tell me that I've got the codes I've already told them about...
I accept a call 4 hours later, and authorize a $300 spend to remove and replace the UIM - I know it's disgusting, I've done this myself in the driveway about 3 times in the last few days- But included in the $300 is the replacement of the damaged wires to the fuel injectors. So I figure, okay, $400 all in, and I'm going to be driving home happy and done with a problem I could not diagnose.
That was my mistake. when he told me $300 I should have spazzed on him over the phone about highway robbery, and criminal pricing and generally been a disgruntled customer... but no. I said, ok.
I get the call 2 hours later (2 hours before the shop is closed) to say, oh, its not the wire, its the fuel injector connectors, and their $30 a piece, So, again, i'm thinking, frig, okay now we are at $640....I can still stomach that. Then he smells blood, 'no, the cost will be $100 for the diagnosis, $300 for the re and re of the UIM, $240 for the and $300 for labour, plus Ontarios 8% and Canada's 5%
A GRAND.... a ????ing grand....
I ask the adviser, and what if that is not the solution to my problem....
A: Well then we'll have to investigate more....
Me: "Close the hood, get all the screws and parts into a bag and leave them on the passenger seat" and push the car into the lot so I can get her towed home. I'm coming down right now, and am going to pay you $400.
A: ok..
NOW, thinking more straight I should have paid for $250!!! they only removed the UIM they didn't replace it!!! God!!!!
I am willing to pay for knowledge, I'm not willing to pay $97 per hour to tinker on the car... I can do that for Free.
Sorry, but my therapist feels talking about it is good for me...lol
So I was having some major issues with the car over the past few days. I got some codes (no detail, as I'm posting just to vent) and I limped to the dealership on my way to work.
I got there at 9am, described the problem to the services adviser.... The fact that they call these guys advisers is really beyond me... He knows so little about cars, it's not funny. I find that the advisers jump to a conclusion that would make any non-technical person believe makes sense, and thereby justify a fairly large expense to repair.
It's like they are there to 'test the water' on your comfort level on a repair price.
here is what I think an average dialogue between a service adviser and a customer would sound like...
adviser (A) "hi there welcome to ford, what seems to be the problem with your car?"
Customer (C) "ummm, like I'm not sure... my car like beeps when I turn it on"
A
ooh, that's bad, it can be a pretty serious problem when the flux capacitor produces an audible with greater than 1500 decibels."C: Really, the car is not worth that much, so I hope it's not expensive
A: I think we can get it done for $500 or less
C: ummm, ok, that's not too bad, please fix it
****since the initial offering was accepted by the customer, the adviser types into the computer to call back with an additional $250 spend to complete the repair. But only after we've committed to the $500 in labor so far*******
Sorry, back to my story...I accept a $100 diagnosis fee, to tell me that I've got the codes I've already told them about...
I accept a call 4 hours later, and authorize a $300 spend to remove and replace the UIM - I know it's disgusting, I've done this myself in the driveway about 3 times in the last few days- But included in the $300 is the replacement of the damaged wires to the fuel injectors. So I figure, okay, $400 all in, and I'm going to be driving home happy and done with a problem I could not diagnose.
That was my mistake. when he told me $300 I should have spazzed on him over the phone about highway robbery, and criminal pricing and generally been a disgruntled customer... but no. I said, ok.
I get the call 2 hours later (2 hours before the shop is closed) to say, oh, its not the wire, its the fuel injector connectors, and their $30 a piece, So, again, i'm thinking, frig, okay now we are at $640....I can still stomach that. Then he smells blood, 'no, the cost will be $100 for the diagnosis, $300 for the re and re of the UIM, $240 for the and $300 for labour, plus Ontarios 8% and Canada's 5%
A GRAND.... a ????ing grand....
I ask the adviser, and what if that is not the solution to my problem....
A: Well then we'll have to investigate more....
Me: "Close the hood, get all the screws and parts into a bag and leave them on the passenger seat" and push the car into the lot so I can get her towed home. I'm coming down right now, and am going to pay you $400.
A: ok..
NOW, thinking more straight I should have paid for $250!!! they only removed the UIM they didn't replace it!!! God!!!!
I am willing to pay for knowledge, I'm not willing to pay $97 per hour to tinker on the car... I can do that for Free.
Sorry, but my therapist feels talking about it is good for me...lol
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