bob_nestor wrote:
It's been a long, long time since mechanics actually worked for the dealerships. Now most mechanics are basically independent operators working in the dealership shops. They get paid according to the Chilton manual estimates for working on problems. So if there's a loose bolt causing an oil leak but they can sell it to the Service Manager as something more significant, they'll get paid for repairing the bigger issue even though it only takes them a minute or two to fix the real problem. Then they can move on to work another vehicle - time is money.
Best to stay away from dealerships, even for warranty work. In warranty work the factory will only pay for a clearly identified problem. So if the problem the customer reports could be caused by three different things and they don't know which one it is, the dealership won't want to work on it because if they guess wrong they won't get paid.
Learn to do your own work or find a good independent shop and build a good relationship with them for any repairs. An alternative is if you really have to take it into a dealership, take it to one other then the one you purchased the vehicle from. Chances are they'll assume you're upset with the selling dealer and they MAY work harder in the hopes of getting your future business.
Wow!!! I don't think I have seen a forum post with so many erroneous statements in a long time.
Technicians work under the same rules and employment guidelines they have for at least the last fifty years I have been involved. Dealerships and good independents alike have stringent standards they expect technicians to meet in the areas of training, equipment, customer satisfaction, production, etc. They are professionals whose job it is to satisfactorily make repairs and live within the ethics of the industry. As in any other field, there are varying degrees of talent and dedication involved but it would be just as stupid to state all Doctors are attempting to take advantage of insurance companies at the expense of the patient. Padding time on repairs and billing for work undone is nothing brilliant and technicians attempting to do this on a regular basis are soon discovered in any shop.
The statements made about warranty repairs reflect a total lack of knowledge as to how warranty operates. Often repairs are multiple causes and there are guidelines in place for the technician to follow during the diagnosis and repair. If the tech follows the proper procedures and the shop documents the repairs properly, the warranty will not stop paying until the problem is corrected. There are a number of failed no-talent techs crying about how unfair warranty is. They often wind up working in a back alley garage where they are paid for their time ...not their talent.
Suggesting you take the vehicle to a different shop than the one where purchased is a great idea if the original dealer has demonstrated he cannot properly fix your vehicle. Otherwise, a stupid suggestion! The dealer you buy from is where you have the leverage and if you are smart you buy where you expect to get the best service. Running from dealer to dealer just confirms to the dealer you are visiting that you well may be a problem customer. Building rapport with your servicing dealer as with anything else in life always results in a more satisfactory result.
