











Dealer makes a move
Ouch, you'd think if they're going to bother with an official repsonse to the BBB, they'd at least profo read it.
Anyway, what I got out of it, is their saying they tried their best and no matter what they do they can't make you happy (can't fix) so they don't want to deal with it any more. That doesn't sound like any type of a decent fix. And furthermore, they seem upset that you escalated it to a higher level than "Joe" the parts changer you dealt with -- how dare you.
I agree with bringing it to another dealer, but if it were me, I woudl be extremely persistant, calling every day (to anyone who can and will listen -- and even those who won't), writing letters, and doing whatever you can to not only get your money back, but also give them as hard a time as you can. There are even some news stations on TV who will back you or do a story on them as a consumer advocate -- check into that too.
The BBB gave me 10 days to respond if their letter resolved the complaint (of course it did not). Now is my chance to state my expectations and then follow up in small claims.
Wish me the persistence to solve and win this battle!
The oil pan problem is one they admit to messing up, so that will help your position.
Also, if you get to speak with a Ford rep ask for an "after Warranty Adjustment" for the pan and the other problems. The AWA can pay for most if not all the repairs. We had an AWA @ 60k miles on our bronco because of the rotors' "inherent metallurgical problems" (stated by Ford). Ford paid for new rotors mainly because we were "good" customers.
I had an 82 Thunderbird with a serious rear main leak and no time or place to tear into it. The car was only a couple years old at the time. I call the dealer for an appointment and take it in and the service guy assures me it's the valve cover gaskets. After some debate, I explain I just want the car fixed. 5 days later, I get the call that it's done come get it. I don't remember the exact numbers but, it's going to cost like $200 more than I was originally told. As long as it's fixed, right? I get it home (8 miles) and not only is the rear main leaking worse than ever but, 3 days later someone calls from their accounting department and the bill wasn't added properly and they need another $375 and can I bring it down as soon as possible? Yeah.... I'll be right down.
I also had in 91 an 88 Ch**Y truck and the exterior door handle came apart on the drivers side. In the process of trying to hook the linkage back up inside the door, I broke the handle where the
where the rod from the latch hooks into it. I call the dealer for a Saturday appointment (it was right before Christmas and real cold outside and the only opportunity it could be down due to my schedule) to have the door handle replaced. I have to wait like a month for the first available Saturday. I get there right on time, and explain to the service writer I have an appointment to have my door handle replaced. He proceeds to go into this tiraid about what makes me think they even have a door handle for it and did I call to make sure they've got one. Whoa Bud, wait a minute... I've got to call and make sure you got the parts to fix a repair I scheduled a month ago? Screaming back and forth; finally it comes down to, Are you going to fix it or not? I guess I should mention I already had the whole inside of the door panel apart already. 2 hours later, the service writer comes out to the waiting room and proceeds to try to explain to me that due to a redesign I have to also pay for a new latch and linkage. Just fix it, ok! Another hour and a half later I was presented with the bill for $319. 3 and 1/2 hours for a door handle and I already had most of the door apart?
I doubt if I'll ever go back to a dealer, any dealer, for service again. These events seem kinda trivial compared to some of the other horror stories I've read here and a couple other sites. Sure were annoying tho!
.....stay away from the first dealership. Like someone else said, ask around to find out where the best place is to take it. A good dealership depends on exceptional technicians, honest service managers, honest service writers, and an owner that doesn't pressure the shop to push quantity over quality.
Find a good tech guy. PAY his *** if you have to!
A great diagnostic tech is GOLD.
It saves SO much in the long run




