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Posted

Three weeks ago I got a letter in the mail for my 2005 Cadillac CTS-V for the ignition switch recall and a fuel pump module recall, so I call my local dealer and make an appointment. One and a half hours later they give me a call and tell me that I need two keys to perform the recall. Being that I only had one I tell them to just cut a second key and bill me for it. Their service advisor provides to tell me that it's going to be 54 for the cadillac key or 9 dollars for a regular key and 150 for programing.

 

150 for programing I ask, yes sir your vehicle has a system called passlock and the key needs to be programed after being cut. She knew who I was and what I do and she still tried to charge me to program a key that doesn't need programed.

 

Just today, I bought a C6 Z06 Corvette in kansas and had it taken to the local dealer for a check up, oil change and what ever else it needed including a few recalls. About 3 hours later I get a call from the advisor telling me that the TPMS needs to be reprogrammed at a cost of 49.95 even though the car didn't have any TPS lights on when it was dropped off. (these cars do reduce performance when you have a bad TPS sensor)

 

So I just told him that was fine Ill take care of it when I get back to Alaska, well he insisted that he will just take care of it for me at no charge so I say thanks and hang up. About 7 min later he calls me back and says that because it requires the use of the Tech2 that he will only charge me 39.95 (this car doesn't require a scan tool). So I decline and tell him Ill just bring the equipment with me to take care of it when I pick up the car at the end of the week. Thats when all hell broke loose and he told me that I didn't know what I was doing.

 

Why is anyone going to the dealers if this is how they are being treated?

Posted

I hate to hear these kinds of stories. I only ever worked for two dealerships. They were very high end luxury car dealerships, and one has published a book on providing top notch customer service. I was proud when I worked there and still brag about how good they are. In fact, I've taken both my employees to both dealerships so they can see the level of service they offer... I know it's rare, I just hate to hear people are being treated like this. I feel like experiences like you described is what gives our entire industry a bad rap.

Posted

I had a customer come in yesterday and she told me the dealer said she needed front wheel bearings. Guess what, I just replaced them with Moogs 2 months earlier, I mean come on it was plain as day the front wheel bearings were new. Same dealer told my sister her front brakes were so bad they didn't want her to leave with the car. She brings it to me, pads are 3/4 full and everything else ok. 6 months later they tell her the front calipers are sticking, they were not. I get crap like this all the time from a local dealer, they prey on women with fear tactics. Too many stories to tell.

Posted

I like the local dealers, they grab the customers with $19.99 oil change/rotate then the customer comes to me with a $900 brake job estimate to see if we can beat it. I can always beat it, and I don't have to give away an oil change to get the job.

 

I'm not sure if there's a new trend but the new car dealers are making the wallet flush chains look like saints.

Posted

We are a Vw/Audi shop, and the local Volkswagen dealer has told a few of our customers that we have sent to them for recalls that we have no business working on their car, that we are not certified to performed the work that her car needs,blah,blah,blah. (My partner and I were the top techs there for over 5 years) All they have done is lost customers for good. When a business speaks poorly of another business i think it makes them look unprofessional but alot of them will still do it.

  • 2 months later...
Posted

Hey I'm trying to replace a speed sensor on a Audi A8 2004 but having troubles seeing it. Not the wheel one but the one that supposedly goes on the front differential. Can someone help?

 

 

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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