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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks
View Poll Results: What should I do with the dealer?
Take their offer
2
10.53%
Take it somewhere else and start again
6
31.58%
Go to BBB
7
36.84%
Take them to court
4
21.05%
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll

Dealer makes a move

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Old Mar 1, 2003 | 12:51 PM
  #16  
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billman
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From: IOWA
Dealer makes a move

Originally posted by 89MustangGX
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.
Tell me about it! This is what I have been dealing with. I did get to another dealer to start things again and have paid for a few things to get fixed, but they are having trouble trying to solve the shaky idle/rich exhaust/poor mpg thing. They want to high pressure flush the fuel system, but I have told them it happened right after the last service. Plus, I have been told by a few mechanics out here that if the oil pan gasket was leaking right after the job, it needs to be done again because you won't be able to totally stop it.

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!
 
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Old Mar 1, 2003 | 03:07 PM
  #17  
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AlM
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Dealer makes a move

Good luck and keep at it!
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.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2003 | 08:01 AM
  #18  
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bob the viking
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Dealer makes a move

Racerguy...

I liked your rant and totally agree with your ascessment of dealership service. I have a couple lovelys to tell if there's any interest. Later BTV
 
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Old Mar 2, 2003 | 11:12 AM
  #19  
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Racerguy
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
Dealer makes a move

ok BTV tell us some stories
 
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Old Mar 3, 2003 | 03:26 AM
  #20  
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bob the viking
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Dealer makes a move

Once upon a time... No seriously...

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!
 
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Old Mar 3, 2003 | 03:48 AM
  #21  
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Loopie
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: kamLOOPs, BC
Dealer makes a move

Originally posted by BobcatSteve
.....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.
Agreed 100%.
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
 
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