Dealership Really Did It Wrong

[Bonnell]

Sorry to hear you had a problem at the dealer but in all fairness a fuel filter is NOT part of a tune up.

Hi,

I own a business and I know that sometimes we make mistakes. If you read my posts, you saw that the mistakes were distributed over three visits - in other words, they were consistently bad, uncaring or whatever.

As far as the fuel filter, it may not be specified in the GM tuneup parts list but it is one of the items in the list presented here by other members and the second question asked by the Corvetee specialist that I found was "when was the last time you changed your fule filter?" He indicated that it should be changed at least once per year but he changed his every six months.

He at least asked. Maybe the dealership is simply practising as GM teaches, I finally found a mechanic who understands that I need to have my car cared for, not serviced and forgotten.

Thanks for the post.

J

 

[cntrhub]

Edmond says : "My belief is that the only mechanic you can trust to work on your Vette' is yourself."

I am so glad I am out of the Auto/M/C repair business. Horror after horror stories is what I have witnessed in over 25 years.
Edmond has it right. If you could only learn how to work on the little things: oil/filter, fuel filters, air cleaners, spark plug/wire changes, and tire rotations... would keep your Vette out of the hands of some of those uncaring, nasty inept mechanics.
I read a sting operation way back in the mid 1970's about an English firm testing the dealers and private shops, and how they work on cars. The test car was taken in to the shop and when returned, only 23% of the shops did the work correctly. I think if the test were done today, the stats would be lower.
It is so scary out there, I fear for you all.

 

[Edmond]

It is so scary out there, I fear for you all.

Yes, it is scary out there. Not just for Vette's, but for any car that needs to be repaired. I remember that it was as recent as 3 years ago that I was one of those scared persons. I was always worried about something wrong going with the car and if I would have enough money to pay for repairs. Over time, I decided that I'm not going to be scared if something on the car breaks. I'm not going to be afraid to try it myself.

Since that time; I have saved a lot of money in repairs and felt much better knowing that I did the work myself. If someone is going to tear my car up, it's going to be me! :L

Yeah, it took me 2 1/2 hours to change 6 spark plugs on a Toyota, but I know I did it right.

Yeah, it took me 4 hours to change the master cylinder and brake booster on the Vette', but I know I did it right.

What we fail to mention when you work on your own car is the internal satisfaction of a job well done.

 

[Bonnell]

Hi Edmund,

Did you buy a Shop manual to work from? If so, can you give me a part number?

Thanks,

J

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

Good Dealer Story

While I was living in Germany, my warranty service was done by the Opel dealer in Bitburg, Autohaus Werkmeister. I never had any problems with their work. They even replaced my pitted rims with no hassle. All four of them! They also let me bring in my own Mobil 1 for oil changes since I could buy it significantly cheaper in the base exchange. All they charged was labor and for the filter.

One time I was having trouble with the HUD not keeping its setting, they found the problem was a low battery, and replaced it! Not charged it, replaced it! Without me having to beg. I just wish I was there now instead of Italy. The palce I take it too isn't bad, but it is an all makes garage that has the contract to do warranty repairs. I would do my own oil changes except I can't get my car up on the lifts at the hobby shop.

A good story to help balance some of the bad ones.

 

[Evolution1980]

Hmmm...I think my insurance covers a tow up to 60 miles. How many miles is it across the pond to Germany? Can I make it in 60 miles????

 

[WhalePirot]

I remember a great meal at a 5 star place up the hill a piece from Aviano. RAPCON still get maxxed out with more than one airplane at a time? LOL

Seems the Germans do a great deal more maintenance, as a rule, than Americans do. this shows with Bimmer (some) dealers versus others and most independents. When I buy a used Gelande-Wagon, I always insist on a totally dealer maintained car. What price, reliability? Perhaps that is why my '89 735iL drives as tight as when new, and looks nearly as good.

 

[Edmond]

Hi Edmund,

Did you buy a Shop manual to work from? If so, can you give me a part number?

Thanks,

J

J.,

I will get back to you on that after I get out into the garage and find the manual.

 

[Bonnell]

Great. Thanks.