Dealership experience
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 7,128
Likes: 1,945
From: Sportsman's Paradise
It was a small country town so everyone knew everyone and I considered a lot of them like a second family member, we even chartered a large boat together to go deep sea fishing a few times, that was a blast. Holiday parties out of town sponsored by the dealer owner etc. I suspect that will vary as all dealers are independent owners so they do what they want.
What chapped my *** was Ford's SLTS. Service labor time standards for warranty repair pay so I left for greener pastures.
Moderator
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 158,157
Likes: 11,919
From: Greenfield, MA
Moved from GNAC.
I spent most of my adult working life in dealerships...33 1/2 years. Sales...Sales Management...Finance Manager...Fleet Manages...General sales Manager...General Manager. Very challenging...but...very rewarding...both personally and financially. Many of my former customers have become very good friends.
I spent most of my adult working life in dealerships...33 1/2 years. Sales...Sales Management...Finance Manager...Fleet Manages...General sales Manager...General Manager. Very challenging...but...very rewarding...both personally and financially. Many of my former customers have become very good friends.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I'm sure this question will receive different replies, them being based on the individual dealerships worked.
Like most jobs its probably as much to do with one's own desire to make the best of any situation.
Like most jobs its probably as much to do with one's own desire to make the best of any situation.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 7,128
Likes: 1,945
From: Sportsman's Paradise
I learned more in 11 years at the dealer than i did the previous 20 years working at other shops. Their training requirements are over the top. But like i said, i considered all the schools paid vacations.
That's one constant you'll see at nearly every dealer regardless who owns it. For at least one technician that is.
That's one constant you'll see at nearly every dealer regardless who owns it. For at least one technician that is.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,950
Likes: 5,076
I've got a good friend that worked as a Ford mechanic for 20 years. He had/has all the certifications and especially enjoys working on diesels. Is the best I ever saw at tracking down electrical issues.
But the work was hard on his body and he had to move on after lower back surgery. Moved on to supervising some fleet mechanics.
But the work was hard on his body and he had to move on after lower back surgery. Moved on to supervising some fleet mechanics.
Moderator
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 158,157
Likes: 11,919
From: Greenfield, MA
I'm not so sure the OP wanted any opinions...he hasn't been back on since posting his question. 
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 342
From: PG, BC, Canada
I did for 11 years as a line technician, 1993-2004. The work I enjoyed but that's not dealership limited, I love working on machines so any where would be ok as far as that goes. Having access to all the special tools and equipment was the icing on the cake and cherry on top. The other thing I liked about it was the constant training, got sent all over the country to schools and such which just made my job easier. I considered them paid vacations.
It was a small country town so everyone knew everyone and I considered a lot of them like a second family member, we even chartered a large boat together to go deep sea fishing a few times, that was a blast. Holiday parties out of town sponsored by the dealer owner etc. I suspect that will vary as all dealers are independent owners so they do what they want.
What chapped my *** was Ford's SLTS. Service labor time standards for warranty repair pay so I left for greener pastures.
It was a small country town so everyone knew everyone and I considered a lot of them like a second family member, we even chartered a large boat together to go deep sea fishing a few times, that was a blast. Holiday parties out of town sponsored by the dealer owner etc. I suspect that will vary as all dealers are independent owners so they do what they want.
What chapped my *** was Ford's SLTS. Service labor time standards for warranty repair pay so I left for greener pastures.
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