Dealership Character

[johnscottccr]

Hi.

I had my 2003 Lincoln LS in for warranty repairs which they had my vehicle
for almost 8 weeks. Yesterday when I went to pick it up, I paid for a rotate & balance which I was told was $106.00. After questioning the charge, they told me it would only be $45.00. So, fine... I paid that and left. Got a few miles down to road to get gas and noticed that my rim had been severely scraped and that my front tire had a gash on the sidewall. I just purchased these tires about 6 months ago, and as meticulous as I am, I know for a fact
it wasn't there when i took my car in for service. I brought it to the service advisors attention, in which he immediately said that it was not possible for that to have happened while my car was there. My theory is this, if it didnt happen while they rotated and balanced my tires, then some careless technician driving my car while scanning for transmission code could have done it. I feel as if I am going to have to come out of pocket on this. But, I feel without a doubt that it was done while in the hands of the service technicians. What can I do, if anything. It's my word against theirs. This is a Michelin tire that came on the LS V8, which I replaced all 4 at 45,000 miles 6 months ago from the same dealership.

~~Scott

 

[beaups]

u grin and bear it and find a new dealer.

 

[itsnotmydaddys]

So are they sayin that it happened the 3 miles or so you drove to get gas. If not then you have a case that they rotated and balanced a damaged wheel and tire. Its extremely undafe for them to do it and send oyu on the road with a tire like that. Did you ask them why they would put you back on the road in an unsafe vehicle.

 

[JES_LS]

That is very convincing arguement. It leaves the service advisor very little room to wiggle out of it. Either he has to call you a liar, or he has to admit that they screwed up one way or another.

Also if the dealer installed the tires didn't they give you some sort of road hazard coverage (where they would prorate a tire(s) that is(are) damaged and must be replaced)?

Go in and be ready to have to speak to the General sales manager or the owner to get results.

 

[DLS8K]

So are they sayin that it happened the 3 miles or so you drove to get gas. If not then you have a case that they rotated and balanced a damaged wheel and tire. Its extremely undafe for them to do it and send oyu on the road with a tire like that. Did you ask them why they would put you back on the road in an unsafe vehicle.

You would have to prove that something happened at the dealership that caused damage to the vehicle. Also, if the tire had a gash in the sidewall, than it more than likely damaged the wheel. More importantly, wouldn't you have noticed the gash/damaged wheel when you picked it up.........seeing as how "meticulous" this person is? I would say be prepared to buy a new tire.......not much recourse for this.

 

[jumpman6235]

once you sign on the dotted line.. its all on you. you should have inspected your vehicle before signing and driving off... but really not many ppl do

 

[johnscottccr]

Well, not exactly... I was checking to make sure they rotated and balanced my tires. That is when I noticed it. But all in all, there probably is no recourse. I took the car back today, because they didn't even rotate my tires, they just took them off and balanced them. I'm even questioning that.
My car was clean when I left it. It has been there for 7 or 8 weeks, for extensive warranty repairs.

~~Scott

 

[johnscottccr]

I just wanted to hear it from you guys before I step out to grin and bear it. Thanks for the responses. Also, When I picked my car up, I did not sign
any paperwork holding them harmless. Thanks again.

~~Scott

 

[T_Man]

My dealer is very good about this kind of thing.

When you drop off your vehicle, the service writer inspects it inside and out with you, noting any prior defects on a special form that you both sign. Then when you pick up your vehicle, you both reinspect it with the original form in hand and sign off again before you leave. If there are any changes or damage in or on the vehicle, it is dealt with right then and there.

Saves a lot of headaches and return visits.

But the ultimate responsibility is always yours. Always throughly check out your car before you leave the dealership lot.

 

[LincolnTech38]

Per Ford warranty and operating manual the Service writer is to inspect all points of the vehicle as well as verifying the customers concerns when the vehicle enters the service drive....that doesnt happen but its ford policy.