Dealer service dept-horror story

I once caught a Chevy dealer in Mississippi installing a used salvage yard engine in a pickup after I'd authorized $2700 plus labor for a new Goodwrench engine. A Dodge dealer in Colorado installed a salvage yard trans in Dodge Intrepid after I'd authorized $1700 plus labor for a Chrysler reman unit. That bit them several months later when their salvage yard trans failed and the car was supposed to have a Chrysler reman trans in it with a 36 month, 36,000 mile warranty from Chrysler.

And that was routine, everyday stuff. Considering what repair shops tried to do to us, knowing we were professionals, I don't even want to think about what they're doing to an uninformed and unsuspecting public. The large franchised dealers were the worst of the bunch. They knew the manufacturers wouldn't come down on them because they sell too many vehicles.

I'd better not get started on the auto industry.

I said I need a second opinion and went to an independent shop I've also dealt with. They found the radiator cap wouldn't hold pressure. An $8.00 radiator cap is a bit different from a head gasket job.

I don't want to burn bridges with that Chevy dealer because I have a good deal going with the Parts Dept. and one of the salesmen is an old friend, but I discreetly no longer have anything to do with the Service Dept.

Kent

Have seen this time and again.

When the service manager takes it upon himself to do the diagnosing for the mechanic, it is ALWAYS a train wreck. Every blessed time.

The mechanic at that point simply does not care any more. He is frustrated and could care even less as to the real problem.

If the boss says to put a motor in it, he'll put a motor in it just to prove a point/to prove the service manage a fool. He will then stand back and smile to himself when the noise "reappears" after spending thousands of dollars at the service manager’s bidding.

Stand your ground. You agreed to pay for one repair; not someone's education.

Allan