We broke it, you now owe us - rant

[Uncle Cracker]

I can to a point understand the dealers' position. There are probably far more customers blaming the dealers for things that they didn't do, as well as far more dealers who won't take responsibility for things they know danged good and well they did do. I suspect that reality is somewhere in the middle.

Here's one thing that might help protect both the dealer and the customer: You know those little slips you sign at the rental place when you rent a car? The ones where dents, scratches and broken glass are noted? Doing this when you drop off your car might help with cosmetic issues. It obviously won't work for mechanical ones, but it's a start.

[messmaker]

I used to provide a service for the largest oil change service in the area. They had a 14 point physical double check procedure to make sure everything was done. At least one customer a month would get an engine replacement because they forgot to install or tighten the drain plug.

[Thalermade]

Crazy day didn't have a chance to call the dealer, and didn't receive a call either.

The cap is from the recovery tank. The car is a 2001. The dealership checks all the basic fluids and tops them off with each oil change. The multi-point vehicle inspection sheet shows that no coolant was needed. They just added oil and windshield washer fluid.
So this cap was checked in July 2008 when they did the flush and fill. They handled in November 2008 during an oil change.
And it has been handled monthly by me, because to really see the "cold fill" line it is easier to look down through, than to try to see it from the engine side of the tank.

I am curious whether the service writer, whom I had never seen there before, mis-spoke and was being brutally honest - '"The cap broke when we took it off" compared to, lets say "when we removed your cap we noticed it was broken and it needs to be replaced."

I guess I am just disappointed in the approach taken - maybe it was in-experience on his part.

Thanks for listening and your points of view.
Russ

[Tom Slick]

I guess I am just disappointed in the approach taken - maybe it was in-experience on his part.

I agree with you, whatever the real situation it was not handled correctly at first. If he was really good you would have wanted to buy a new cap from him and thanked him for it.

[sscherin]

I took my GMC Jimmy in for a warranty replacement of the Alternator..

The shop boys "cleaned" my ashtray for $5 in change I had in there.
I complained to the Manager and I was very clear that I didn't care if I ever saw the money again.. I just wanted him to know his boys were taking stuff from customers cars.

One of the 1 hour oil change places bought my friend a new engine on his Thunderbird..

They fired it up with no oil then even brought him into the shop to listen to the knocking sound it was making. He asked em "You put oil in it right?" Dumb looks, panic!!!