stop trying to diag smart cars

[race911]

Something not specifically mentioned here, and I think is very relevant, is that the first of the cars will be out of warranty before we know it. All we'd like to do is understand the cars from day one. I've owned two shops (Porsche specialist) over the years. I can't imagine my car going back to any dealer for really anything, given what I've seen so far. If I could have declined the warranty altogether, with a corresponding decrease in price, I would have gladly taken that option.

(The business I own now is not automotive related, but I have about a dozen car dealers as customers. Nothing about the way they do business, especially in the current climate, encourages me to patronize them for anything other than delivering a car for a negotiated price.)

[fortow]

xcrew229x - I certainly hope that you don't own a dealership, or work in one. The kind of attitude you express is exactly what everyone is discussing. It is diametric to developing a good relationship with customers. It will engender disrespect and distrust.

I once took a Ford van into a Ford dealership telling them that it needed a new timing chain. The chain had stretched and skipped a tooth. It was winter and I didn't feel like doing the job myself at that time. Instead of doing as I instructed, they ignored my instruction and did a "tuneup" after which the mechanic took the vehicle out for a drive. The end result was that it skipped more teeth, and bent several valves. They called me up telling me the van was ready with no indication that there was a problem. I started the engine and immediately knew what happened. An argument ensued, I refused to pay, drove the van home and had to not only replace the chain but remove the head and do a valve job as well. Instead of both respecting my knowledge and diagnosis or doing as I instructed on my vehicle, they created a major problem due to their disrespect and incredible incompetence.

Do you think the dealership did the right thing?

That was one of the experiences that convinced me to distrust dealerships. Of course not all are like that, but enough are to create a problem for the industry.

[rawlus®]

thx classicsmarts for your post and more importantly your attitude and business demeanor and point of view. if only more dealerships shared that viewpoint.