OT: Completely lost it today. Gotta VENT...

[72Lester]

Ever notice how every service department is "five star rated" or some other catchy rating. Just once I'd like to pull up to a service dept. and see a sign that says "2 out of 5 stars, and that ain't bad!!!) I'd probably take my vehicles there, at least I'd expect the worst.

[70jimmy4x4]

I have determined that every service "manager" that I have ever dealt with , has taken a dip in the same shallow pool of uselessness ! Granted, I personally know a couple of service reps that CARE about their customers, but through my own stupidity I never seem to get the chance to deal with them ! (shame on ME !! )
But when my wife picked-up her car after having an ignition problem "fixed", and the service guy said if it does it again "just wiggle this wire right here under the dash" I lost it !!! The car was less than 6 months old and had "bumper to bumper" warranty.
When I called he explained that the part was not "broke" just loose. "Loose" wasn't covered on warranty ! O.K. Then it did it again, back to the repair shop it went....was "fixed", then again....was fixed. Next time I took it in, taking a day off work....
I was enlightened on how the safety lock-out thingy worked on the car. BUt (I said) it doesn't WORK ! well it's loose, it can't be fixed without replacing it. O.K. replace it, "well that will be about 100.00 " BUT isn't it between the bumpers? " Yes but it isn't broke" , I asked him to point it out to me and I will BRAKE the damn thing !!!! They replaced it for "free" !!!!

[68 Stepside]

My friend had the same sort of deal with a local Dodge dealership. He had a new Ram with the V10 in it, and it had a light knock in it when cold. He took it in, and told them to check the piston wrist pins. (He himself is a diesel mechanic, went through 4 years of school for it). They wouldn't do it. They replaced the crank FOUR times (yes, four), and the pushrods/rocker arms twice! Still didn't solve the knock....14,000 miles on it.....

So he traded it off, on a new SD Chevy...(good man). He has a friend that works in the service department at that chevy dealer where he traded it off. Any idea what was wrong? THE #5 WRIST PIN! The dealership jerked him around for months about it, and it turns out he was right, and they wouldn't take the time to check it out. Poor Human Relations is a VERY BAD thing in the automotive industry.

It's funny too, that same dodge dealership also sells mazdas.
My dad had a 2000 mazda B2500. About a week after we got it (10,000 miles), it wouldn't start. So I proceeded to check battery voltage, cranking voltage, etc. Everything was fine, so I used the old BFH on the starter trick. It worked. So he took it down to the dealership, and this is what their service manager had to tell him:

"Well, we started it 100 times, and the starter never did anything but work for us. Maybe you just weren't turning the ignition switch far enough."

So, dad says (he's 56), "I've been driving cars since before you were born kid, don't insult me like that", and walked away. What a crappy dealer, I've since heard that it's fallen on hard times (go figure).

All in all, I'm sorry to hear about your problems with the VW. And I'm sorry for this meaningless rambling as well, but I felt like venting a little too.

If it were me, I would find the district manager, and talk to him.

TJ

[Southpa]

Of course for those routine jobs like oil changes, general checkups (fluids, battery etc.) they will get the low man on the job. So you can expect substandard service right off. And, have you EVER seen someone admit they were wrong when it comes to these situations? The question is:

"OK, so the battery is gone now, why didn't you guys tell me it was on the way out the last time I brought the car in?" Obviously, the did not check the battery and didn't do a proper job.

It doesn't surprise me at all, and could come from anywhere. There was recently a consumer advocate show on TV that spotlighted all the stuff garages/dealerships do.

They would previously get a car checked out by an experienced, certified mechanic. The guy would OK it and then they bring it into a shop for a checkup. You wouldn't believe some of the things these guys were trying to get away with! Everything from front end parts to a complete engine rebuild.

A buddy was telling me that he brought his truck in for new everything in the brakes department. He dropped in while they were working and found the guy installing used parts. He had them put everything back and took his truck home.

[dwaite72lnghrn]

I have read alot about VW dealers and the bad service. It makes you wonder if the checked the electrical system and did not find this what did they check and not find?
Here is a web site for a TDI page www.tdiclub.com it has some info on diesel repair and other info.
Good luck

[jku72]

A lot of people like that only respond to authority. I have had to call above the heads of regional managers on everything from Hotel service to car repairs. Usually, if they stonewall, the person gets all mad, then leaves, not wanting to deal with it. DONT let anything slide. This is why service in the US is so bad on everything. Git cold fries with that burger? Send em back! Never accept second rate or excuses, you only make it harder for the next guy.
Keep going up the line, even if you have to call Gerhard Schroeder. Eventually, you will get sombody who likes to revel in image, and will call for you. And I can tell you, the local schlubs respond to a corporate call.
Did you know congressmen love to settle nickle and dime crap like this? Oh yeah, its a free vote from you and your friends, and only requires a letter. Sound like over kill? It is, but I love it, they deserve it for being dicks. Never be afraid to call corporate offices to complain.
I had a bad service from a hotel, I called the corporate headquarters three states away, and sent email to every corporate "customer feedback" I could find, even ones not related. Guess what? They kiss MY butt now. Like it should be. The other guests all are happier too, because they dont have to deal with the "attitude" from the desk clerk either. My biggest diservice would have been not calling, and letting it slide.

[Randy70C-10]

Well said, and ALWAY make sure you have a name to go with that call.

[brennecke]

My 97 Jetta is falling apart. Mechanically (engine wise) I love it, but the passenger window doesn't roll down, the rear driver window broke yesterday and is now inside the door, the rear end won't align because it was wrecked before I got it, and they don't make shims to fix it. The window motor is $600, and we have to pay because "It worked fine when you picked it up."

Also, never lease a Volkswagen. The salseman lies through his teeth, and then isn't legally responsible for his lies because he doesn't work for the company that owns the lease. We were told we could trade out anytime, the all repairs were covered, that all taxes would be paid, and that we could terminate the lease just by paying the next months payment and handing in the keys.

ALL LIES! We now are so upside down in payments that we might as well have bought the car, and will probably have to buy the car at the end of the lease. I'm praying that I hit a deer.

[bouncytruck]

new69owner, What dealership was it. I'll make sure to tell all my friends in the Seattle area not to buy from that dealership!