Am I being too picky or I just have to let it go? [rim damaged by dealership]
10-04-11, 08:45 AM
#16
Pole Position
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I took my car into the dealership last week for a brake fluid flush and refill. I got my car back home and noticed a rather large sratch on my front passenger side rim and assumed it was due to their car wash and they accidentally washed it even though i asked them not to. I called back the same day and asked to speak with the service manager and i told me to bring it in and they fixed it no questions asked. They sent the wheel out to a repair shop to get it fixed, gave me a loaner and had to back the following day. The scratches you are referring to are on all 4 of my rims caused by discount tire, i just let it go as they are small. Rims are going to get sratched and nicked, it's a fact.
10-04-11, 09:21 AM
#18
I would definately complain to management about the wheels.
I had good experience so far at the local servicing dealership I go to. One time, they called me that they needed to hold the car for an extra day because the tech accidently hit the lift with the wheel when approaching it. They gave it to the wheel shop (which is actually up stairs in their dealership) to repair it and it looked like new.
I wasn't worried since it was the certified car and it already had pre-existing curbs and scatches from the first owner. Now if it were my new car, then possibly I would likely say, get me a new wheel.
I had good experience so far at the local servicing dealership I go to. One time, they called me that they needed to hold the car for an extra day because the tech accidently hit the lift with the wheel when approaching it. They gave it to the wheel shop (which is actually up stairs in their dealership) to repair it and it looked like new.
I wasn't worried since it was the certified car and it already had pre-existing curbs and scatches from the first owner. Now if it were my new car, then possibly I would likely say, get me a new wheel.
10-04-11, 10:02 AM
#20
I'd bring the car back and show the service advisor and service manager.You have nothing to lose.
They use the socket to take off the lugs and are not careful.My local service shop guy uses a socket with tape around it to stop any possible scratching of the opening.That gash is from the socket hitting the wheel and his not getting it in the lug hole.Carelessness.
I hate bringing the car to dealer service and never ever let them wash it.
The few times I do bring it in,I do a walk around with the service advisor.
They use the socket to take off the lugs and are not careful.My local service shop guy uses a socket with tape around it to stop any possible scratching of the opening.That gash is from the socket hitting the wheel and his not getting it in the lug hole.Carelessness.
I hate bringing the car to dealer service and never ever let them wash it.
The few times I do bring it in,I do a walk around with the service advisor.
Last edited by Joeb427; 10-04-11 at 10:18 AM.
10-04-11, 10:10 AM
#21
Valve spring recall results in a 100k powertrain warranty or $500 gift card. Putting it off or not getting it performed negates these huge benefits. Not to mention you'll have had addressed a problem Lexus (the manufacturer of your car) deems important enough to issue a recall for.
Dealerships do screw up sometimes. However, you're being ridiculous if you think it happens even close to a majority of the time. You can't read rant threads on CL about an individual dealership screwing up an individual recall on one individual's car and think it's systemic. Even if it's a group of individuals.
But even more importantly, if the dealership screws something up during performance of this recall, THEY WILL FIX IT. For free. If they don't, or if they screw something up further, you can bet Lexus corporate will step in.
Recalls are issued for a reason. Often they're safety related and can significantly affect operation of the vehicle. In these particular cases, they also come with benefits (a free tank of gas and an extended warranty/gift card).
If this isn't enough, realize that if you have a problem related to these issues and attempt to get it covered by warranty and you HAVEN'T had the relevant recalls performed, you can bet it'll be out of pocket.
Lastly, I and most other potential buyers check Carfax and dealer service history specifically to check that recalls were performed and in a timely manner. You're hurting your resale value.
10-04-11, 11:37 AM
#24
Take it back. That is unacceptable. Nothing makes me more angry than taking my vehicle to a tire store and seeing a tech go at my rims like a Nascar pit crew. If it was unavoidable I would let it go, but this is just the result of carelessness.
10-04-11, 01:33 PM
#25
They did the same thing to me at lexus of Austin, they ended up refinishing my wheels and they never looked the same the color doesnt match the rear ones etc... it is very shameful! sorry
10-04-11, 03:22 PM
#26
My local dealership scratched a rim. I called as soon as I got home and e-mailed a photo. Initially they said there was no way they caused the damage. I politely explained I have pointed out every flaw before dropping my car off for service. Bottom line is we split the cost on having the wheel repaired which I thought was very fair.
Humans work on the cars and make mistakes. Develop a good relationship with a dealer and they will be fair to you. Demanding and forcing issues is not the remedy. Be nice to them and they will be nice to you.
Humans work on the cars and make mistakes. Develop a good relationship with a dealer and they will be fair to you. Demanding and forcing issues is not the remedy. Be nice to them and they will be nice to you.
10-04-11, 03:27 PM
#27
Lexus Fanatic
when you pick up your car from the stealership everyone just wants to get out of there... this is wrong~ spend the xtra 20min and inspect EVERYTHING, each wheel, each body panel, the bumpers, the door handles, the int., the blah blah blah... you get the point. BEFORE YOU DRIVE OFF THE LOT!
10-04-11, 07:26 PM
#28
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I took you all's suggestion and brought my car back to dealership. Service manager took a look at it and wanted to make this thing right. I did tried to reason to those people and I should say they were polite and understand my concern.
They will take the car back tomorrow and correct it. I believe they are going to re-finish that damage.
I did clearly told them I am not asking for a new rim. I just want it to be "acceptable level" appearance. I understand rim may be damaged overtime but not like this, especially not a 6 months car. I would let it go if I drive a KIA. But Lexus? Not a chance. Unless they want to be the same level as KIA.
I really hope that technician learn a lesson. I asked the server manager "Will you let the same guy service the LFA in that garage?" before I leave. He was laughing and did not say a thing.
They will take the car back tomorrow and correct it. I believe they are going to re-finish that damage.
I did clearly told them I am not asking for a new rim. I just want it to be "acceptable level" appearance. I understand rim may be damaged overtime but not like this, especially not a 6 months car. I would let it go if I drive a KIA. But Lexus? Not a chance. Unless they want to be the same level as KIA.
I really hope that technician learn a lesson. I asked the server manager "Will you let the same guy service the LFA in that garage?" before I leave. He was laughing and did not say a thing.
Like my mom has always said, "Nobody will hear you if you don't ask!"