This is why I avoid the dealership...

[CivilJeep]

Like many of you, I avoid the dealership service department at all cost. 3 years of free maintenance? No thanks, I'd rather do it myself....I know how to count to 5 quarts. I decided to go with a Mopar lift on my Gladiator, and in an effort to not disqualify my Jeep from a service contract, I opted to have it "professionally" installed at the dealership. Unfortunately, even scheduling appears to be too complex for my local dealership to figure out. Having scheduled my appointment weeks ago, I was assured that they could complete the work in one day. So, woke up early on my day off to have it there at the 7:30 scheduled time. They call me back at 8:30, and tell me that the "accessories guy" takes Mondays off, and he will start on it first thing tomorrow. I ask why I was scheduled for his day off, and told it would be done......they don't know.

I know there are far more frustrating experiences than having your lift kit delayed, but I'm just astounded at the incompetence at every level.

Sponsored

 

[Mac]

I feel the same way about dealerships, but IMO I would be more concerned about what they would screw up doing the lift kit than the oil change, I wouldn't let them do either.

 

[dakota.morgan91]

on top of that, they should not be having a level 1 tech "accessory guy", be doing something as complex as a full-suspension overhaul.... That's rediculous.

 

[CivilJeep]

I feel the same way about dealerships, but IMO I would be more concerned about what they would screw up doing the lift kit than the oil change, I wouldn't let them do either.

I absolutely agree. Part of my frustration is that I am fully capable of installing this lift kit. I have all the tools and know how to do it right. But in the eyes of FCA, I'm not a professional, and my Gladiator would be DQ'd from a service contract. It's like being held hostage, basically.

 

[Riccochet]

I feel the same way about dealerships, but IMO I would be more concerned about what they would screw up doing the lift kit than the oil change, I wouldn't let them do either.

The one and only time I let the dealer do an oil change on my JKR the idiot spilled oil all over the bumper, grill, engine cover and other parts. They didn't even try to clean it. Just wiped it up. To say I was bit mad is an understatement.

 

[mazeppa]

I'm assuming they lied to you. They probably needed the "accessories guy" to take care of an unforeseen situation, like hurry and put your lift kit on another JT in order for the dealership to make a very profitable sale that day, that was dependent of that new sale JT to be lifted.

The service manager doesn't enjoy being a hired lyier for the company, but he needs to feed his family.

 

[stingrey]

I feel the same way about dealerships, but IMO I would be more concerned about what they would screw up doing the lift kit than the oil change, I wouldn't let them do either.

100%
The last time I took my vehicle to a dealer for the 'free included oil change' I later found my oil cap resting peacfully on top of my battery.
That was in 1994 and I have never had non-warranty work done by a dealer ever since.

 

[Tufelhundin]

To the OP, I hope your experience was better than mine. I took mine to the dealer, bought the Mopar lift and scheduled to have them install it. When I picked it up, my back shocks were on upside down, rear sway-bar links were at a huge angle, front sway-bar disconnects could not be removed, they threw away the attachments to hang the disconnects on and the list goes on. Took it to an suspension shop and they told me to take pictures of certain things, plus the mechanic brought me out and said nothing was tight and apparently I had a bolt missing from the adjustable sway bar.....


you get the idea.

Took it to the dealer, I requested the service manager, he came out, I showed him everything I was shown and I told him he had a liability in the Service Dept and I was taking it to get fixed at the Suspension shop.

Basically he agreed about the "expert in the service department" and told me to bring him the receipt from the suspension shop and I was quickly reimbursed for the expense.


I was actually concerned to take my jeep in when I found my rear window was leaking but they were quick to get approval for a new glass and thank goodness they used an outside company to replace it.

 

[CivilJeep]

To the OP, I hope your experience was better than mine. I took mine to the dealer, bought the Mopar lift and scheduled to have them install it. When I picked it up, my back shocks were on upside down, rear sway-bar links were at a huge angle, front sway-bar disconnects could not be removed, they threw away the attachments to hang the disconnects on and the list goes on. Took it to an suspension shop and they told me to take pictures of certain things, plus the mechanic brought me out and said nothing was tight and apparently I had a bolt missing from the adjustable sway bar.....


you get the idea.

Took it to the dealer, I requested the service manager, he came out, I showed him everything I was shown and I told him he had a liability in the Service Dept and I was taking it to get fixed at the Suspension shop.

Basically he agreed about the "expert in the service department" and told me to bring him the receipt from the suspension shop and I was quickly reimbursed for the expense.


I was actually concerned to take my jeep in when I found my rear window was leaking but they were quick to get approval for a new glass and thank goodness they used an outside company to replace it.

That's incredibly scary. For a "professional" to be so negligent, and then take your money while putting your life at risk is beyond words.

 

[shevchuck]

I spent 10 years working as a server advisor at many different dealerships and ended my career at Mercedes Benz. When I took my wife's Renegade in for an oil change and they tried selling me the BG Fuel injector cleaner/throttle body service at 20k miles, I suddenly felt bad for all of the times I tried selling this crap to customers. The money can be great but the lying to customers and trying to cover your butt just to make a couple dollars really beats you down.

When I found out how easy the oil change was on the JT I was relieved that I can do it quickly in my garage without removing panels like the Renegade.

 

[Rummie]

I had a dealership forget to put the oil back in after an oil change on a different Jeep! I do my own oil changes now.

 

[mazeppa]

When I found out how easy the oil change was on the JT I was relieved that I can do it quickly in my garage without removing panels like the Renegade.

And save a lot of time and hassle of taking your vehicle to the service department.

 

[Renegade]

Most Jeep service departments operate in such large volumes that there’s no real care given to individuals. There used to be a small independent Jeep dealer in a town adjacent to where I live. It was awesome, because you could actually talk to the service manager and tech about your vehicle casually. They were purchased by a franchise, then shut down. I’ve had so many bad experiences with the local franchise not diagnosing or repairing things correctly that it gives me anxiety just to walk in there. I wish Jeep would allow warranty repairs from certified independent shops.

 

[CivilJeep]

I suddenly felt bad for all of the times I tried selling this crap to customers.

I can't think of another industry where lying, deception, and incompetence are so systemic. I appreciate a guy's gotta feed his family, but it shouldn't require this. I can see why you would want out.

 

[bgenlvtex]

The same incompetence found in any other industry is found in dealerships.

That doesn't make it right, just a general observation.

Sponsored