As the tire turns

[baronessekat]

Or the further adventures in getting the van road-worthy again.

This morning was getting up early and getting the van to the dealership for the emission repairs. I opted for the dealership as if they really did need the one part it was going to have to come from the dealer anyway so why have a middleman?

They say that they need to do a new diagnostic just to be sure. Fine I said (didn't pay for the one at Pepboys so why not).

By 11am they called me to tell me that they could get the van for the emissions to pass, BUT... they could not pass it for inspection. To quote "I don't know what the guy who passed the safety part was doing but it wasn't his job". Turns out there were leaks in the break cylinder and the shoes on the rear were so thin that he was surprised I hadn't heard anything. Actually I did and had remarked at Pepboys that i was surprised that the breaks had passed because they had been making some noise.

Marty at the dealership gave me two options. 1: they do the emission part that I came in for and take the van back to where I had it previously inspected and have them pass it. or 2: Authorize them to fix the breaks and then they could totally clear it and pass it today. It would cost $400 more than he originally quoted me for the breaks and yes, I probably could find them cheaper at midas or something but at this point I just wanted it done. So I told him to go ahead and do what needed to be done.

Got a call at 4 to tell me they were done and would be at the metro to pick me up.

And they were there waiting for me. It was great. I get to the dealership and Marty tells me "I managed to save you some. Instead of the $650 quote I gave you it came to $642"

They also did a free 27 point inspection on the van for any other issues. He gave me a list of 3 things that should be done within the next 6 months. I looked at him and said "Your daughter comes to you with this list and asks what should be done first. What do you tell her?" And he told me. So I start working on saving up to get the other things fixed but the van, she is inspected and ok as far as that goes. Shiny new yellow sticker in the window proves it.

Tomorrow after work I take the documentation and go to the DMV and get the registration taken care of.

I know I paid a lot in labor by going to the dealer but they did what they said they were going to do. After my experience last week that goes a long way in my book.

I will also be writing to Pepboys about the "passed" safety inspection.

Comments

[utsi.livejournal.com]

i know most folks shake their heads when i tell them i take my car to the dealer. but they give me options. they have a vested interest in preserving their reputation. i have never regreted this. i have gone to SCA friends who are mechanics. i have gone to local shops, also friends working out of their house and shopped for the cheap. end result - dealer wins.

i have also found that my dealer will offer me the choice of after market parts to cut costs, and will tell me how that affects me/ny car. something to keep in mind.

glad you got evrything fixed, and are safe. that's the important part. staying safe.
*hugs*

[sillyviking.livejournal.com]

A long time ago, I took my car to Pep-Boys for new tires. The job took forever, and they did a bad job, as in one of the tire almost fell off driving to work. I complained, but I wouldn't take my car to Pep-boys ever again.