Dealer Service Bashing....

[JP <palmerj@earthlink.net>]

In the few years Ive owned cars (10ish) I have been to the independent
shops and the dealer for service. 

With my 83 5000s (In Tennessee, rural!), I took it to a ind. shop. He
did good work, but was nearly as expensive as the dealer. He did give me
the choice of letting him drop in junkyard bits to save money. The car
always got a greasy steering wheel in his care. Overall, a good
experience. 

Again in the backwoods, I started taking my 88 5000sq to the dealer. I
had very good experience with them. 

Except...
I had to search high and low for the front brake pad w/ sensor to
install. Evidently the only place that had them was the dealer. I paid a
load for em. I installed the pads (MYSELF!!) and about a month later,
the front wheel bearing went bad. I took the car to the dealer to have
it fixed. The tech had CUT the pad sensor wires!!! The pinhead didnt
even re-wire them, just put epoxy on the on the hot ends.

These days (In texas), Im in no position to have my car down for any
lengh of time. So, I do pay a little (well, maybe alot) extra to get
parts put on my car. The service guys tell me exactly what they are
about to do, and always have the parts in stock. Bonus, They are open
until midnite weeksdays. 
In about a month, all of this will be behind me for 3 years as my new
car SHOULD be in. 

So there.

Jason Palmer
88 5ksq
97 A4TQM (Dealer says, "In production.")