I don't like dealerships

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot)
05/27/2015 at 14:36 • Filed to: None

My car went into the shop last Thursday, and is still there 6 days later. I’m getting really upset, as they haven’t been keeping me updated as to what’s going on. This is a breakdown of the events so far.

Tuesday - car broke down, spent 2 days analyzing it myself, trying to figure what’s wrong. I think it’s the starter.

Thurs - car is taken in I’m told they will look at it latest tomorrow, earliest that night.

Friday -10:30am I call, car hasn’t been looked at, they will look at it at 11:30. Also my service guy is out sick, so I’m working with someone else.

Fri- 2:00, I call, car hadn’t been looked at. Talked with 2nd person.

Fri-2:30, they call, Trans code is being thrown, needs a trans guy to look at it. I confirm they have one on duty, but they are currently busy. Talked with 2nd person.

Fri-4:30, I call 1.5 hrs before they close to get an update, I get voicemail of 2nd person.

Sat-I neglect to call until 2:30. (They close at 3) because I was installing a water heater at my house. I called 2nd person, get voicemail again.

Sun/mon-place is closed because holiday & church day

Tues-I call them, we play phone tag for the first half of the day with the first guy. Trans range sensor failed, I give permission they can replace it. I asked when can I expect it done, they said earliest that night, latest the next day.

Wednesday (today)- I call at 1-ish, my service guy is in training. I talk to a 3rd person. She doesn’t know what I’m talking about, so she looks up my car, and there are no notes on what’s wrong with the car. In Disbelief, I say “are you serious? This is what’s wrong ...... I was told this yesterday”. “When did they say it would be done?” “...today!!!”. She said she’ll find out more, I asked how long am I waiting for a return call, she says half an hour.

Wed-2:00, 45 minutes after the previous call, I call back irritated but I’m Trying to hold my tongue. The nice customer service lady finds out the part has been ordered, but the guy who’ll install it is in the training as well. I started to go off, really mad, but stopped midway saying “I’d love to talk to your service manager”. I gave her my phone number, and had her recite it back to me to confirm it was correct.

I plan on calling each day for the service manager. I don’t feel like I have been treated respectfully at all this entire time, they have called me only once with an update. And it sounds like they figured what was wrong with the car last Saturday, but didn’t bother calling me. I had to call them Tuesday to get a update. The guy admitted they were swamped, but every conversation with them I make sure I say “this is my only car, I need it back”.

I know they are are busy, but I shouldn’t have to call them for an update, right? Thus can’t be the norm with dealerships, right?

Also, if my talk with the service manager doesn’t go the way I like, an heartful apology at least, where else on the dealership heirarchy can I go to talk to?

Update: the manager called back. I told her what happen, and how I felt neglected as a customer. I even added that I am in the market for a 2nd car (which I am) and that I have family that works for Chrysler (my dad-in-law), and how I feel Chrsyler probably isn’t worth my time anymore (not entirely true, but the service there is aggravating). She sounded like she can help diminish the bill a bit, so we’ll see...

DISCUSSION (72)

505Turbeaux > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 14:40

what in the fuck are you doing bringing that thing to a dealer? I could throw a hammer at it from the state of Maine and fix it. Or any indy mechanic can for sure

Grab Paddle > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 14:41

I see the first issue is that you bought a PT Cruiser...

Rico > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 14:41

Just show up there and ask them what is the issue.

CB > Grab Paddle
05/27/2015 at 14:42

Oi, no hating on another dude’s ride.

Berang > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 14:45

If there hadn’t been a holiday I could see it being a big deal, but you got a weekend + holiday and it’s a dealer so they probably have more cars than they can hope to work on waiting around in the first place. The last time I dropped a car off at a dealer (which was years ago) I just waited for them to call me. Of course they called me on the day they said it would be ready so I didn’t have any reason to call them in the first place.

EL_ULY > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 14:51

Not an “every dealership” or “typical dealership” scenario. The thing that stood out was...

Also my service guy is out sick, so I’m working with someone else.

This is a bad start. Service advisers do NOT help out the other advisers. When they have to deal with another’s customer, they will always put them in the back burner and take care of their customers first. Especially if you went in with no appointment. Walk-ins always go to the back of the line.

2nd, tansmission codes. They are very time consuming to diagnose man.

CalzoneGolem > Grab Paddle
05/27/2015 at 14:52

Please leave this site.

zeontestpilot > 505Turbeaux
05/27/2015 at 14:53

Because this was the only dealership in the area that did payments in some form or fashion. I’m heavily strapped for cash because we just spent a bunch switching from propane to natural gas, and then getting all our appliances conveyed over (we still dont have the dryer converted).

Being an adult is difficult...

CalzoneGolem > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 14:53

Echoing what 505 said. Is there a reason you’re brought it to the dealer?

zeontestpilot > Grab Paddle
05/27/2015 at 14:57

I can guarantee my pt is more jalop than whatever you drive.

zeontestpilot > EL_ULY
05/27/2015 at 14:58

It sounded like they figured it out quickly, they just didn't give me the time of day.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Grab Paddle
05/27/2015 at 14:59

Ho back to the front page troll

505Turbeaux > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 14:59

yeah, I hear you, but man google fu skillz and cheap ODB2 readers, along with a set of cheap wrenches is a fantastic investment. It is the beautiful thing about driving older whips.

Plus it gives you a good excuse to hit the garage with a 6 pack and forget about adult human responsibilities for a bit

zeontestpilot > Berang
05/27/2015 at 15:00

I just got off the phone with the manager, she said “didn’t [name] tell you what was wrong” . “Nope, they just gave me something generic and left it at that.”

zeontestpilot > Rico
05/27/2015 at 15:01

It's an hour from work, and 45 minutes from home. Plus when Igwt off work, it's closed.

zeontestpilot > CalzoneGolem
05/27/2015 at 15:04

They had a way to do payments. No other dealership did....I called them all asking. I’m strapped for money currently. We just switched from propane to natural gas, before the company got too busy with other clients and ignore us....like they did last year.... It was $400 to switch, and $200 to switch appliances over.

shop-teacher > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 15:05

Damn. I’m pissed off too, and it isn’t even my car! WTF!?!

zeontestpilot > 505Turbeaux
05/27/2015 at 15:18

It makes me wish I had a garage. But believe me, it’s now in the works. I’m trying to fix all my small engine items despite a is k of knowledge there. I might just bring the trimmer in to get fixed, and figure out the other ones on my own. We’re trying to save money where ever We can.

zeontestpilot > shop-teacher
05/27/2015 at 15:21

I know. I took my car there because I could do payments. It's like 40 minutes away from my house, no where on my commute home. :/

PS9 > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 15:24

Kinja'd!!!

Should have threatened to step on the dealership with your zeon.

Patrick Nichols > CB
05/27/2015 at 15:24

Except for my roommate’s (who doesn’t care about his car in the least) 3rd sebring...

Yep he had not one but two before and still decided to get a third.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 15:24

“I know they are are busy, but I shouldn’t have to call them for an update, right? Thus can’t be the norm with dealerships, right?”

It’s the kind of thing a crappy dealer would do.

“Also, if my talk with the service manager doesn’t go the way I like, an heartful apology at least, where else on the dealership heirarchy can I go to talk to?”

I think the only discussion you have with the service manager is telling him that you’ve arranged a tow truck to pick up the vehicle and take it to a shop that actually cares about having your business.

Now having said that... on the PT cruiser, anyone can easily check what codes it’s throwing by doing the ‘key dance’.

And if it’s not starting at all and they’re telling you it’s a transmission code, I bet these monkeys probably read the code or read the description of the code wrong.

What are the exact symptoms you’re experiencing?

Note that I used to own a 2006 PT and did some work on it myself.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > 505Turbeaux
05/27/2015 at 15:25

OBD2 reader not needed on the PT. On the PT, you can turn the ignition off and on 3 times and it will show you all the codes.

I did it myself when I had a PT.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Grab Paddle
05/27/2015 at 15:28

PT cruisers are underrated. They’re actually pretty good when you consider how much space they have and practicality. I owned one. Though the manual ones are much better than the ones with automatic.

505Turbeaux > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/27/2015 at 15:29

yeah the 05 jeep does that, but for a trans sensor does that show in the engine codes on those, or is it the trans module that needs to be read. If so a $150 scanner from anywhere should capture those too.

deekster_caddy > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 15:30

I don’t like dealerships because every time I’ve used one the experience has been exactly the same. I’ll get nothing, nothing, nothing, then at 4:45 a call “your car is ready and we close at 6.” and I’m like “Hello? Traffic? I guess I’ll pick it up tomorrow, thanks a lot jerks.” Never a call to update me, it’s always me calling them and it sounds like I’m a bother to answer for.

So yeah, don’t take it to a dealership unless you have no other choice. Find a local mechanic who knows your car if you can’t do it yourself.

deekster_caddy > 505Turbeaux
05/27/2015 at 15:32

I wish google and OBD codes were more forthcoming. Unfortunately it’s usually a lot of forum links to bullshit crap or some OBD-code website that ads you to death. But still, get a Haynes manual and have at it.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > 505Turbeaux
05/27/2015 at 15:35

The PT I had was manual... so no need for me to futz with any slushbox or slushbox module.

zeontestpilot > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/27/2015 at 15:35

Thank you! Yeah, minus the rear seats, you have about 5’ of trunk, which is pretty decent. Except the trunk is curved, which makes done things difficult...

I want a manual pt, Im curious of the difference.

Twism > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 15:39

If you ever drove a manual Neon (oh sorry, SX 2.0 ‘’ a totally different car’’), it’s the same transmission. It’s pretty good for a compact car.

Also, I’m just going to leave this here:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/SRT4-DODGE…

shop-teacher > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 15:39

Hopefully next time you’ll be in a place where you don’t need to make payments. I wonder if that’s part of why you’re on the back-burner?

Yeah, being an adult sure can suck :(

zeontestpilot > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/27/2015 at 15:42

Dash lights turned on, but it wouldn’t turn over. I had them explain it to me. The transmission range sensor went, which apparently doesn’t let the car turn over at all. They said at least.

This was the closest dealership (40 minutes away), that did payments. The closest one (10 minutes away), didn’t. I had to sign up for a card to just pay for it to be fixed.We had some extra money, but we spent it on getting natural gas (had propane the week before.

I just got a raise, but we haven't stockpiled anything yet. I'm just a poor man who struggles to make ends meet, :(.

zeontestpilot > deekster_caddy
05/27/2015 at 15:45

There is one guy I like, but it’s a week waiting list usually. Or a few days. I should just call them up next time...

zeontestpilot > PS9
05/27/2015 at 15:46

Nice neo zeon MS, lol. I enjoy the gelgoog, :).

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 15:50

Here is some information for you... First... this is how you read codes yourself:

http://www.ptdoityourself.net/diag_selftest.…

And here is what the codes all mean:

http://www.ptcruizer.com/computer-codes…

Going by what you said, most likely you have a 0700 code being thrown.

And here is some diagnostic and repair info:

http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/general-…

http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/tech-per…

But in a nutshell, the first things to do is to change the transmission fluid (if it hasn’t been changed in the last 50,000 miles) and then unhook the battery for 5 minutes or so and then see if the code comes back.

zeontestpilot > shop-teacher
05/27/2015 at 15:54

I had to get a GE car care card, which has ridiculous interest after its grace period, but it’s the only place that has it. So money shouldn’t be a issue.

zeontestpilot > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/27/2015 at 15:57

It hadn’t been changed...at all...-_-....

Granted, this is my first car and I’m still learning, but they said they’ll do a trans flush while their in there, which desperately needs to be done.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 16:01

If it is the range sensor, then it should turn over and start, but just be in ‘limp home’ mode.

http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/tech-per…

I suspect the people working at that particular dealer are jackasses or lazy... or they’re lying to you. Either way... just from what you said, I wouldn’t trust them.

Note as well that your car could be throwing more than one code. When you do the ‘key dance’, it will show you them all.

Of course I have first hand experience with lazy dealer techs who just look at the last code. In my case in the past, I had an air intake sensor that was throwing off the o2 sensor. Dealer money “mechanic” replaced the o2 sensor, said the car was “ready” even though the issue wasn’t resolved.

My gut tells me you should start calling around to independent mechanics that are physically close to where the car is and take it to the first one who tells you he/she has time to look at it today or tomorrow... and then tow the car there.

Take a vacation day or two if you can.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 16:06

Mechanics piss me off because of how long things take. Not their fault either since its usually just how busy they are. Being able to do it yourself really helps the matter but that’s not always feasible. I would think the whole payments thing could be easier on a credit card though, depending on how your situation with that is. Sure you would pay interest but it definitely allows you to do it as payments.

Brickman > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 16:09

Ahh That’s terrible. Im glad I got into mechanics. I fix everything myself and never even think about bringing in any thing for anyone else to work on it. I refuse to work at a dealership and most repair shops because their gouging and terrible service. I couldn’t sleep at night having to overcharge people or charge for something the owner may not of needed.

Like my brother in law had his crank case filter changed on his dodge ram. Cost him $200 and with out a truck for a day. I can get the filter for $20 on amazon and it’s on top the engine and about a minute to change.

zeontestpilot > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/27/2015 at 16:21

No vacation days for me, at least not this quarter. I think it’s too late for me to scream no at them. First things first, I need it operational. If they did miss anything, I’ll do the key dance thing.

We need a second car, since having our only car not working is difficult. I’ve bern using my sisters car, but she'll need it back soon...

zeontestpilot > Brickman
05/27/2015 at 16:23

But do you have more than one car to use? It's hard with one car, plus my wrench day is Saturday only. I work 40 miles from home, and 44 hours a week, :/.

zeontestpilot > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
05/27/2015 at 16:24

We got a GE car care card from them. Our credit card is nearly maxed out, because of other surprise costs. Ugh, living is expensive...

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 16:50

Well you get better performance and better fuel economy. The EPA fuel economy ratings suggest that there is only a small fuel economy difference. But in the real world, it’s more like a 20-30% difference. I averaged 29 mpg (US gallons) over the 2 years/55,000km I had my PT.

And I heard/read that people with automatic PTs typically get in the low to mid 20s.

If I drove it gently, I would get around 32-33mpg. If I drove it hard, I would get around 25-26mpg.

I would still be driving my PT now if a lady in an Escalade hadn’t gone through a red light and into the side of my car. The car was still drivable after and the doors still worked fine... very solid car. But the cost of repair was much more than the car was worth... so my insurance wrote it off.

Replaced it with a Focus Wagon which is a bit slower, has more trunk space, gets 10-20% better fuel economy, but feels less solid.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Twism
05/27/2015 at 16:52

Depends... for the automatic Neon, if it was one of the later ones with the optional 4 speed auto, then yes. If it was one with the 3 speed auto, then no.

The manual in the non turbo is the same. In the PT, the turbo model got a Getrag manual. Can’t remember if the Neon SRT4 also had the Getrag manual... it probably did.

Sam > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 17:07

Wrecked.

zeontestpilot > Sam
05/27/2015 at 17:23

....context?

Sam > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 17:33

You shot that guy down. i.e. wrecked him

zeontestpilot > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/27/2015 at 17:53

The autos are average for hwy mpg, 23. Nothing remarkable.

How is the focus? What year?

zeontestpilot > Sam
05/27/2015 at 17:58

Ah, it’s been a long day, :/. I’m curious who the 4 people who recommended his comment are. I seriously hope they aren't regulars...

Brickman > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 18:25

Two. I do see your point and work all the time :/ You could invest in a moped or motorcycle?

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 19:10

2007 Focus Wagon... with a manual transmission of course.

The engine in the Focus likes to rev more. Did 17.27 seconds in the 1/4 when I took it to the drag strip. I never took the PT to the drag strip, but I’m quite sure it was faster... maybe high 16s.

It needed some minor things like a wiring repair by the hatch door, new spark plugs and a few other things.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 19:13

Meh... some people hate PT Cruisers. But some of those same people like wagons with manual transmissions.

And I’ve remarked in the past that the PT is basically a wagon you can get with a manual.

I also found it also can handle heavier loads better that other small cars.

bryan40oop > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 19:14

This sounds so much like the dealer I used to work at. We weren’t allowed to turn any customers away, you can only put so many cars in the damn garage bay(s). Owner would rather his employees look like dumbasses and lose the customer after they get their car back due to the length of time a repair took then to properly inform a customer of how long it will take to properly diagnose & repair their vehicle.

Shady shit. Stupid shit.

zeontestpilot > Brickman
05/27/2015 at 19:53

Ha, I wish. I’m the only one who likes them, as MrsZtp considers them death traps. If you mention it in s conversation, it’s the quickest way to get her upset, lol.

We are in talks of a 2nd car, but finances are the biggest hurdle.

zeontestpilot > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/27/2015 at 20:03

I’ve heard that the pt is essentially a pickup truck.

Also, it's weird they don't like it, right? Most of us like different, so why not pt?

Obsessed > EL_ULY
05/27/2015 at 21:00

I’m guessing that you are a service advisor....Happy Birthday by the way!!!!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 21:40

It is classified as a truck, has a firm suspension and has a solid rear axle... but I’d say it’s a small passenger vehicle that can double as a small cargo van when you remove the rear seats.

EL_ULY > Obsessed
05/27/2015 at 22:10

Thanks buddy! :] I was a tech forever but am now in parts.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > zeontestpilot
05/27/2015 at 22:11

Yup such is life. Student loan debt makes me feel the same way sometimes but thankfully that’s at least contributed to a full time job to eventually dig me out of the hole. Hopefully the car keeps running because a well running car always makes my day, no matter the circumstances.

zeontestpilot > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
05/27/2015 at 22:16

Yeah I got student loans too. Plus we just bought a house, and have a toddler in diapers. It makes me wonder, where are all the millionaires looking for bffs?

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > zeontestpilot
05/28/2015 at 06:18

Ahh children, the most significant financial hardship. I seriously don’t understand how those families with like 5 plus children actually survive without making $1million plus per year.

zeontestpilot > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
05/28/2015 at 06:24

I totally agree. They have to be bargain shoppers. My brother-in-law has 9 kids, ranging from 18 downward. His wife just discovered she was pregnant again too. I wonder how they stay afloat.

CalzoneGolem > zeontestpilot
05/28/2015 at 07:51

Sucks but I guess they kinda have you over a barrel.

Captain of the Enterprise > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/28/2015 at 11:07

IT HAS A SOLID REAR AXLE???

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Captain of the Enterprise
05/28/2015 at 11:13

Yes... with coil springs and an anti-sway bar.

Kinja'd!!!

When going over a bump in a turn, the rear would hop out just like a Fox-body Mustang. I found it kind of fun.

AAAND... the spare tire was stored under the floor just like on a truck.

Captain of the Enterprise > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
05/28/2015 at 11:16

Isn't that a watts link?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > zeontestpilot
05/28/2015 at 12:11

Was it driveable or did you ave to get it towed? if driveable let me know next time, I have a reader too if we need to check codes, I see it turned out not to be a starter, but starters are easy and I would’ve been happy to help you bolt a new one on.

zeontestpilot > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/28/2015 at 12:15

Not driveable, :/. My email is zeontestpilot at gmail. Apparently we should probably exchange ways to contact each other outside of oppo.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > zeontestpilot
05/28/2015 at 12:45

I emailed you.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Captain of the Enterprise
05/28/2015 at 12:51

I didn’t put that arrow in. That was just a pic I pulled off the net. I was referring to what the Watts link was attached to below.

zeontestpilot > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
05/28/2015 at 13:01

Thanks!