Re: Go to dealer for repairs?

[Dwight Varnes <mxbreed@lancnews.infi.net>]

quattro@rogerswave.ca wrote:
> 
> Have you ever try to make friends with the people at your local
> dealership?
> I did.  Not only did I learn lots of neat things when they show them
> to me on microfishe (I will be getting one soon) I get nice discount
> on parts.

This approach can certainly pay off. I've worked for both Audi and Saab 
dealers, and while not all technicians are good or give a damn, most will 
appreciate someone who understands and cares about their car more than 
the average Hyundai owner. They are not, however, usually fond of someone 
hanging out in the bay with them (would you like your work be scrutinized 
constantly?). The real problem is reaching the tech, or getting to know 
him/her.
This is because of an individual called a Service Advisor, whom is 
essentially a customer relations person/appointment taker. Read the want 
ads in your local paper for a description of this job and you'll likely 
find automotive knowledge is not a requirement. This person is the 
barrier between you (who knows what is wrong, or how at least to describe 
it) and the fella most likely to fix it. My local VAG dealer has good 
technicians, but abysmal service writers that often incorrectly relay 
what the problem is, resulting in a tech having no idea what's wrong with 
the car. On the other hand, my Ford dealer (freebie co. car) has an 
exceptional (and attractive) young lady advisor who has impressed me so 
much I've written a complimentary letter to the General Manager of the 
place.
Anytime you can "get to" the tech, get him to like and remember you, and 
be able to request him in the future, will do wonders for the quality of 
work you might receive. Hope this helps.
(BTW, this is not in defense of dealerships, as I simply can't stand to 
work for most of them, and no longer do)

Dwight