International service for 6.0

bpounds · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008, 07:28 PM

Sorry to say that my favored Ford dealer, the one about 3 miles from my home, the one I trusted to service my baby, has closed it's doors. Drapes over the signs appeared just before Christmas. Nice present for the employees, huh? So I'm looking for another service department that I trust with my 6.0. I'm fortunate that we have lots of Ford dealerships around LA county, it's just a matter of finding one that has good diesel techs.

But wait, I also have an International dealership about 5 miles from home. And it's a big one too. Lot's of the IH pickups on the lot. Question is, would they service a Ford truck? More importantly, should I let them? I can just call and ask if they will do it, but my question here is whether that is a good idea. Has anyone tried that? This would be routine maintenance. I'm guessing that IH won't do Ford warranty work.

Interested in all opinions.

Bill

msgtg · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008, 08:48 PM

Just one guy's opinion (mine) is that I MIGHT let them work on the motor but since they are not a Ford dealer, I'd draw the line at the motor.

I drive 90 minutes to reach my dealer...even though there are a couple of dealerships that are much closer. As a matter of fact, I pass a major dealer on the way to my dealer. I trust my dealer...they've earned my respect and my business.

Good Luck Pal!

Joe

Maxium4x4 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2008, 11:08 PM

The IH dealer would have no access to Fords IDS or the specialty equipment. IH and Ford part numbers do cross for filters, so it would be a good idea you can look into if you want local service.

vincewood30 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 02:06 AM

Alot of the Ford dealers are getting shut down around So Cal. Ford is buying them out and closing them. Ford West in Bellflower, Don Kott in Carson, Claremont Ford in Claremont, Burch Ford in La Habra, Board Ford in Whittier and I believe a few others as well.

I'll be taking my 2007 F-350 6.0L to either Downey Ford or Carmenita Ford in Santa Fe Springs for service. Nice thing about Carmenita is that their service department last time I checked was open 24 Hours a day during the week.

ericwc · #5 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 02:53 AM

dang thats no good I am a fairly new ford owner. I had my eye on ford west as the place to take my truck if I had any problems that I would need a dealer for... it was right down the street from my work. Such as life. I would not trust my truck to downey ford thought have heard nothing but bad things about them...

msgtg · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 06:47 AM

Our PSDs are not cheap. You make an investment when you decide to buy one...just make sure you take good care of her and she'll keep you happy!

Joe

bpounds · #7 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincewood30

Alot of the Ford dealers are getting shut down around So Cal. Ford is buying them out and closing them. Ford West in Bellflower, Don Kott in Carson, Claremont Ford in Claremont, Burch Ford in La Habra, Board Ford in Whittier and I believe a few others as well.

I'll be taking my 2007 F-350 6.0L to either Downey Ford or Carmenita Ford in Santa Fe Springs for service. Nice thing about Carmenita is that their service department last time I checked was open 24 Hours a day during the week.

Exactly right. I live in Whittier and it broke my heart when Board Ford closed. I was a long time customer, and although we had our rocky moments, I trusted them to get things right. I guess I did not recognize a good thing until it was gone.

Vince, do you have experience with either Downey or Carmenita Ford? I live and work closest to Burch Ford in La Habra, so I'll be visiting them just to get aquainted. But I can see from the street that their service department is really small. Small does not necessarily mean bad, so I'm hoping they are okay. One good thing, Burch sells a LOT of diesel trucks so I hope that means they have experienced techs.

You and I and ericwc and any other So Cal owners should keep in touch regarding service departments. I'll try to post what I find at Burch.

Bill

SteveBricks · #8 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 10:26 AM

I have heard nothing but good about Tuttle-Click in O.C. Some of our FTE guys have taken their trucks there and have been pleased with the service.Maybe they will chime in today.

3000 FPS · #9 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 10:54 AM

Well guys maybe some of the diesel techs at the ford dealerships that are closing will show up at some of the ones staying open. It would seem to me that they are going to get alot more busy. I Use cerritos ford and sunset ford.

parkfam5 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 11:06 AM

I have bought parts from my IH dealer here in Colorado Springs. I have found parts at a lower price there.

bpounds · #11 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3000 FPS

Well guys maybe some of the diesel techs at the ford dealerships that are closing will show up at some of the ones staying open. It would seem to me that they are going to get alot more busy. I Use cerritos ford and sunset ford.

Good point. Diesel service seems to always take longer anyway, and now could be even slower.

Cerritos was on my mind because I have shopped for vehicles there and it's a big place. One of the bigger dealerships. But kind of far for me. I'm going to have to get used to a longer drive for service. I would sometimes walk home from Board. Not familiar with Sunset Ford.

SteveBricks · #12 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 11:11 AM

Sunset is I believe in Garden Grove, 22 @ 405.
LONG walk down Valley View.

vincewood30 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 11:40 AM

bpounds don't waste your time at Burch Ford. I had a real bad experience at that dalership that almost led me to crashing my van when I had it because they didn't fix something they were suppose to on the steering. Plus I've heard that Burch was being investigated for charging for parts on vehicles they never replaced also.

I never had any problems at Downey Ford though. When I had my cargo van I used to take it to them all the time and never had any problems with them. I know they service alot of Police Department vehicles at Downey. It seems to me at Downey though if they know you need the vehicle for work they don't mess around about getting things taken care of for you there which is a big plus for me.

One nice thing about Carmenita though is that if you need a loaner truck then they have any size truck you can think of there. You don't have to worry about going from a F-350 down to a Ford Focus.

I've never had any work done at Cerritos or Sunset Ford but I've never heard anything bad about them either.

bpounds · #14 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 12:18 PM

Thanks for that info Vince. That's news I can use. Squares with the look of the place too.

I looked up Downey Ford and they are not too far. I don't think I have ever been there. Enterprise rental is onsite too which is a plus. I don't expect to need service until the next oil change (furiously knocking on wooden desk) but want to be prepared.

Bill

ericwc · #15 (**permalink**) 01-03-2008, 02:05 PM

I have heard good things about sunrise ford off the 10 just a little far for me. They sponsor socaps... another good place to get info on dealers in so cal.

Eric