You've Got To Read This

[Harves]

Hi guys,

Long time reader. I just thought I had to share this with you. My car, an XR6T 04 (dead stock)was nearing the end of its warrantee so I though I would take the car in to get a few things look at before it ran out. Only really two issue's. The power steering shudder and also noise from the rear area (clunk noise) when moving from reverse to drive and also when backing off as it changes to the next gear.

I dropped the car off to our local (and only) Ford service centre. Later on in the day I picked the car back up as parts had to be ordered. A new bush for the rear diff and new top hose for the power steering. Upon picking up the car I noticed that it had done 24kms. Bit long for just a test drive but let it slide thinking just get the stuff done and it will never have to come back.

Two days ago the parts arrive and I organise to drop the car off there for the day. All goes good and I pick the car up later that day, with only 6.7kms extra showing on the clock. I was happy they seemed to do a good job.

Yesterday whilst at home I get a knock at the door from the police!. Apparently at 2:10pm the day before the car was involved in an 'incident'. The car was seen doing a burnout on 2 differnent corners. They wanted to impound my car!. After blowing my top I calmed down enough to explain that at the time the car was in getting looked at. They said they were going down there to talk to the party involved and that I still might loose my car for the night under the anti-hoon laws. They decided not to take the car.

Within 30 mins the service manager was on the phone. The 3rd year apprentice was packing his tools up and heading out the door along with charges from the police for hooning. Very very apoligetic as you would expect.

He also suggested bringing the car down for him to have a look today to make sure there was no other damage and to replace the tyres. I suggested that he should replace also Diff oil, Flush the transmition, and also engine oil as well as replace the rear tyres.

My wife is taking the car in today as I have work commitments, but shes is just as revved up about the situation as I am. She's also very good at yelling!. Our car has very noticeable and easy to remember number plates(probally why he got caught) which now being labled as a hoon car is an embarrasment.

What do you guy's think? Is this fair in an unfair situation? Will let you know whats happen in a couple of hours or so......

Harves

[Dillz]

It's bound to happen, if I got a free set of rears and a complete oil change just for doing a few burnouts I'd be laughing

[XR06T]

cant argue with the dealers intentions. good to see them actually taking a stand on it and offering stuff for free. push for as much as you can!

there are MANY burnouts out of the rear entrance of my local dealer..

[TornadoJudd]

What was the dealerships name and where are you. I think its fair what they are doing for you but I would be hitting them up for the next service for free.

[tmac450]

Unfortunatly, this is not an uncommon story when dealerships are concerned.

I've had a similar experience in the past, except it was a client who said they saw me hooning my car up the street. Problem was that it was in the dealership. When I collected it there was 60 extra ks on the clock and the service manager didn't give a sh*t. He admitted to it all, but said so what.

Anyway, as a result, I always request that the car not be driven our of the lot. If a road test is needed, I'll go with them.

Any reputable dealers shouldn't let anyone other than the Service Manager drive the cars anyway.

[chipa_12]

Wether its common practice or not, doesn't make it acceptable. Good on you for sticking up for yourself and demanding something done. A lot of people would have just taken it without saying anything. Bad luck for the apprentice, makes you wonder how many times he has done this before, without getting caught. Good from the manager for taking resposibility.

I have had my car taken for a 'test drive' and add 30 odd Km's to the speedo. Makes you wonder , 30 Km's in Canberra is like one end of the canberra to the other. Pretty big tests drives. When I questioned them about it they just played dumb. I dont take it to that particular dealer anymore.

[senna_T]

I'm amazed they are going to replace the tyres! I can tell you my service manager wouldn't do that!

[Felix]

I have had my car used to pick up KFC before... they even left the rubbish in the car, its not that I mind that much, its more the fact the closest KFC was over 40km round trip away.

Where I used to work in Taringa (brisbane) with a merc dealership round the corner we had ALOT of cars coming past out shop and let me tell you, if it was my merc I would be pissed! Although seeing those AMG's sideways at full revs was pretty good.

Felix

[mbjunior99]

That's not the first time I have heard about that either. I would be happy with a new set of tyres though

[Harves]

Hay,

Rear tires will be replaced, All oils replaced including a flush of the Auto and also car will be detailed. Curtisy BF car also. And the Diff noise that was there is also getting a much closer look. Its funny how they bend over backwards for you now. I feel bit sorry for the dealership, we are a small city and new owners have not long taken over and had tried to stamp out this behavour because the old owners had a bad service name. Bit of a let down for the service manager allowing his mechanics to think they can do it in the first place. I am happy with the outcome in the end. As for the dealers name , I wish not to say at this stage.