Take It To Consumer Affairs

[XRchic]

Originally Posted by EviLkarL

I wasn't going to air my story about the issue i had, however with this topis its a great opportunity.

I had a BA XR8 which I dropped off to my dealer for its 30,000k service. This was the same dealer I bought the car from.

Upon return that afternoon, I arrived to pick up and was told there had been a small accident and the apprentice had smashed my car while parking it. They bought the car ot show me, nothing to serious, smashed headlight, bumber, dented front guard and bonnet, scuffed front rim.

The workshop leading hard obviously appologied and remarked that not only will it be fixed, but there will be no charge for the service. I sort of expected the free service anyway, as i certainly wasn't satisfied with it lol

I was heart broken because there was not a scratch on this car previous to this and i treat my cars like presious metal. They gave me a loaner for the night which had to be returned the next day. Overnight I discussed the idea of trading up as I couldn't bring myself to accept a repaired car. The following day i returned and began to talk turkey with sales and ended up buying another car. I received full value for my traded XR8 and i was happy with the deal.

3 weeks later, the service manager is on the phone telling me i have an outstanding service fee on the XR8. He wouldn't take my story on the free service and refered it back to the guy that told me this.

Should I pay the fee ?

No.

Dealer service departments are absolutely the worst places to get your car serviced - not because of the mechanics but because of their philosophies of deliberately trying to rip customers off. My partner has just resigned from the service dept of one such dealer.

Besides, they said you didnt have to pay, that it was free due to the inconvenience caused by the accident - if you have that on paper somewhere then great. If not, just argue with them and refuse to pay. They are probably just hoping you will go "OK, I guess I should pay then" and cough up. Cause a bit of trouble and they will forget it quick enough.

Never get your Ford serviced at a dealer.