So I got the car in to the dealership for the fuel pump replacement recall. They set up a ride home with a very nice woman Lyft driver, really interesting person, a writer when she's not a driver. So far so good.
At home peacefully reading various library books including this
By 3:30 I hadn't heard from the dealership. I waited till late afternoon because they'd said it was a day-long job. But I was concerned in case I ended up driving after dark.
Called and found they couldn't do the work because they couldn't remove the panel to access the fuel pump. They needed to break the panel. And they planned to charge me for the part.
Yes, didn't sound right to me either. And they said a week to get it. I made unhappy noises about both things. So they're getting the part overnighted, will do the work tomorrow.
Soooo I called the general manager and he agreed it didn't sound right, he'd be right on it. A few minutes later the service director gets back to say he's all over it, part ordered, he'll check with me Tuesday morning. He sounded totally panic stricken.
So we'll see if they still try to charge me when I see them. If so, I'll definitely do a call the manager scene. I can't believe they can ask me to pay for what they broke. If they do, I'll definitely bust them online and here.
Today started out well and then it didn't.
Happy day everyone, this too shall pass. Though I've had better days.
Breaking something and charging you for it is not on!!
ReplyDeleteI'll say!
DeleteI am surprised you could find a phone number for the manager. Businesses now make it difficult to find out actual phone numbers. Of course you should not pay for whatever they have to do to change the fuel pump. Tell 'em to get knotted.
ReplyDeleteYes, and he picked up on the first ring. That was good.
DeleteThere's little control over car service and repair expenses, since the problems are often not revealed until a closer inspection is undertaken. $$$ However, since it's a recall and originally the manufacturer's fault, you should be on firm ground.
ReplyDeleteI certainly was. When a tech breaks something it's not the customer's responsibility.
DeleteIt sure seems like a repair shop should be able to remove a panel without breaking it. This is why you go to a garage instead of a dyi! I did see that costs for car parts has sky rocketed. Of course, what hasn't.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I could have busted it myself! But it's on them.
DeleteIt seems they thought it would be easy to screw over an older woman. Good for you. I hate this sort of sexism.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely my suspicion. Also ignorance on the part of the service clerk.
DeleteAnd this is why, when Mr. Moon was in the auto-repair business, he had so many older, repeat customers. He did not practice such shoddy, shady business. But boy, does he know all the tricks.
ReplyDeleteYou were absolutely right to get ahold of that manager! Good for you!
It seems to have worked, read on
DeleteThat is so NOT right, Boud, and good for you in pursuing it further. Apparently, this dealership has not heard of "You break it, You Fix It." Hope that you get it sorted out as it seems you are doing a good job. And, yes, this too shall pass so don't sweat the small stuff although it can be hard not to do so.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, don't sweat the small stuff. But sometimes it's hard to recognize what's the small stuff.
DeleteStress over car repairs is real. You deserve a treat. You made a good decision calling the manager. It makes no sense they couldn’t reach the fuel pump when cars are made to be repaired.
ReplyDeleteThe service manager explained that there's a screw which aged out, couldn't turn so they had to basically break in. Or something.
DeleteI'm glad you stood up for yourself and called the manager. They shouldn't charge you anything for their own recall.
ReplyDeleteAs Bob Marley would sing, "Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights! Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight." :)
Thank you for the encouragement yesterday, that was very helpful.
Deletethat almost smacks of a scam. good thing you are no push-over.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly looked that way to me
DeleteGlad you're on the ball. You need a Mr JLB Maketoni.
ReplyDeleteWhat I wouldn't give to have him around. I'd make him a lot of his favorite soup.
DeleteNo! That is not right! They had best not try to charge you for that OR not replace the broken part or they will be sorry! Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteI think we've got it settled. Outrageous even to try it.
DeleteSeems a tiny bit disreputable to me.
ReplyDeleteMore than a tiny bit!
DeleteYeah, something doesn't sound right about that.
ReplyDeleteWe did get it resolved.
DeleteCheck your recall letter. There might be a corporate number.b I am of the opinion that you should report this dealership because you are probably not the only little old lady they tried to rip off. You see, the garage is reimbursed for the repair from the manufacturer. You should never be charged for that.
ReplyDeleteIt's their own dealership. But at this point I think it was more ignorance than malice. They've put it right.
DeleteGlad you did get it resolved, but what a shame it caused you a worrisome day. There is no excuse for that kind of behavior. Little did they know who they were dealing with!
ReplyDeleteYed, not a good day. But now it's settled.
DeleteOne more case of thinking an older person will just sit back and take it....good for you for advocating for yourself!
ReplyDeleteI was stunned at first. I really shouldn't have had to argue this point.
Delete