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R/C-PILOT

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Re: RANT WARNING! Ford Dealership
« Reply #25 on: November 20, 2008, 05:55:21 AM »
I've worked for a few dealerships, writing service and as service manager, over the last 20 years.  From Ogden Lincoln Mercury in Westmont/Oak Brook Illinois to Precision Toyota  and Holmes Tuttle Ford in Tucson back to Ogden Lincoln Mercury/Kia in North Aurora Illinois.  Lots of different leadership, between these dealerships.  Precision Toyota, was by FAR the best dealership, to work and buy from. Our standards of conducting business were very high at Toyota, then we come to Lincoln Mercury/kia of North Aurora Illinois.  There were times we'd have a vehicle on the trans flush machines (5 times in fact) that the machine provider would come in an unhook and take the machine and what was left of my chemicals for the machine, for lack of payment. I do know that the $105 per hour labor rate does pay for sending my techs to school every 6 mos or so and there union wage, as well as lights and electric. At Toyota, we had 22 techs that were sent to school all the time. Ogden Lincoln Mercury's way of "saftying" a used vehicle was unbelievable. Never wanted to put a dime in them, but sold them for top dollar. I felt dirty working for them. There are good and bad dealerships, and I'm happy to have forgotten most of the bullsh*t.
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R/C

1988 16' Tahiti SBC  &  1977 18' Dimarco

stc315

  • Karma: +3/-0
Re: RANT WARNING! Ford Dealership
« Reply #26 on: November 21, 2008, 09:33:55 AM »
Having worked for several dealerships and running a brake specialist shop. I can tell you that $115 for labor is about the average depending on where you're at. Remember that the mechanic, that parts guy, the service writer, the parts manager, and the service manager (& assistant if they have one) all make a commission off of that $200+ bill. Most techs get paid an hourly rate of "book time" if they do it faster they make more money. If they do it slower, they lose money. Not to mention they own their soul to the SnapOn or Mac tools guy. The parts department marks up parts by up to 300%. But some things are reasonably priced if they have a lot of competition in the area. That said, yes you can do it yourself with redline, amsoil, or royal purple and saved at least half. But what is your time worth. Jacking it up, crawling back out to the tool box at least twice, getting diff oil all over your hands (and that smell if horrible and takes forever to fade lol), cleaning the surfaces before you put sealer on em, and cleaning everything including the drops of oil on the driveway. If the dealer does it and it leaks again, they fix it for free. If you do it no such luck. I personally do most of my own stuff, but I don't change fluids on my truck or car. It's too easy and cheap to have someone else do it. Just my $.02
  • Boat #1: 1987 Baker Tunnel Jet
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"Too much horsepower is almost enough!!!"

jet boat performance

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Re: RANT WARNING! Ford Dealership
« Reply #27 on: November 21, 2008, 08:37:17 PM »
Most of you don't know that I/we are deeply "invested" in the automobile business statewide (as well as JBP) and I am a ASE certified Master Tech.  I personally have 30 plus years in the retail Automotive (and related Auto Bus) as a Line Tech, Warranty Admin and Service advisor & Service Manager (I'm also a licensed CA auto dealer & we still own an licensed CA auto repair business).  We work regularly for each of the "Big Three" as well as a multitude of other MFG's and a plethera of Auto warranty administrators, insurers & legal types as a technical consultant and expert witness  So that said, I would think it safe to say I have some experience in the field. Yes you'll find higher prices on parts and labor at the "Dealer", yes, generally the staff and techs are better trained.  As a rule IMO you'll get good solid knowledgable service at your Dealer svc dept.  Not to disparage the many good independant shops out there (there's lots of good ones, and a few bad ones).  Yes they will be less money (they don't have the overhead and costs associated with a big business). I won't tell you you can't find bargains and good techs that will take care of you.  You will find alot of good independent techs are from dealers but found life more appealing on their own, myself included. You as a consumer have the legal "right" in Cali to an comprehensive written estimate of costs.  You have the right to say no thank you.  You have the right to an explanation and question any and all costs or charges you may have agreed on (and as " a pre condition") demand to see ALL the old parts used in your repair!  You also have the right to a comprehensive and detailed invoice clearly spelliing out what exactly was done.  I am very familiar with the procedures, rules and laws and if I can ever help any of our SCJB brothers j ust say the word.  Tom   
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