Maplecrest L~M Lets Me Down

RE: Maplecrest L~M Lets Me Down

I think Ron has his head so far up his rectum he can probably see his tonsils.:eek: Spoken like a true liberal from his lofty ivory tower perch. You really do need to get out in the real world and get yourself a nice plumbing or trucking job.

THE CUSTOMER IS KING. THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT. Without a customer, you don't have a business. And, Ron, you can just kiss my robust buns if you think Sandy was out of line. He has every right and then some to make sure the work is performed right, on time and to his expectations. Nothing less.

This post was intended to test the profanity filters and Mod filters. Ron have a good night. Sandy, I've got your back.

'98 Pristine Pearlescent LSC
'93 V-10 Twin Turbo Money Pit (The MonsterMark)
'93 Collecting Dust
Bryan
 
RE: Maplecrest L~M Lets Me Down

Hey Brian,

No need to apologize, man. You have your opinion, and I have mine. I don't find you post offensive at all. Differing views are always good, even if they are critical of me.


Although I am out in the real word. My day job requires me to be at a CNC machine, with hot chips and metal debris flying about. I have several "brands" on my body from hot chips flying and sticking to the skin. Youch! I am missing the tip of one finger, which got cut off when a piece of carbide spinning at 10,000 RPM touched my finger. On the other hand, when it's fine work and the machine is spinning tooling at 14,000 RPM, the chips are so ultra fine, when you reach into the machine to change tooling, you immediately have 5,000 splinters in your hands. It's much akin to the sensation you get when you handle fiberglass insulation with no gloves. It's a great job, but it's not as clean as you think it is, and to get to where I am, I had to serve an apprenticeship just like a plumber or auto mechanic.

So again, please don't apologize for having a opposing view. That is one thing these boards are meant to do...
 
RE: Maplecrest L~M Lets Me Down

I went back there yesterday, and in a polite & soft spoken voice I attempted to explain to the service writer what took place & why I am unhappy. Rather than apoligize, immediately he became definsive & raised HIS voice! I remained calm. I explained that by entering into the computer a 5,000 mile service he has deprived me of obtaining same at my REAL 5,000 miles and I'll have to pay for it then, and that I expected to pay for it now (just oil change & filter), which is why I twice specified THAT is all I wanted!
He shrugs shoulders and says that I didn't make it clear. This is an out & out lie!! I said it twice!
If he has a bad outlook with me, how's he gonna be with typical customerrs??
I think I need to hasten his departure, this coming week.
The scratch is totally gone, thanks to me. He'd probably attempt to sand it with sand paper, and then say that Sandy brought the sand-paper to him to use!!

I went in and complained to MY salesman, and HIS reply was "You're not the only one who has complained" ~ "Tell Steve" ~
 
RE: Maplecrest L~M Lets Me Down

Sandy, next time bring in a piece of paper that has a list of who and who cannot touch your car. Put that service manager at the top of the list. I introduced my Dad to a mechanic I worked with back in the '80's at L/M dealership. The mechanic and I were friends and he has been taking care of my Dad ever since. Like royalty. Like every customer should be treated. In fact, even though there are great big signs saying stay out, we just walk straight in to the shop and tell him the problems we are having. Just imagine the nerve of us. Just walking in. How outrageous! Even when he is busy he takes the time. If the guy was ever looking for a job, I'd hire him in a second.

Ron, it was very late and I was in a great mood coming back from my parents 50th weddiing anniversary. I saw that post by you and it sounded like some fun. I know you are a rock steady guy, tough to get your goat. I did not know that you also had that job. That changes things for me and I will back off on the liberal professor stuff.

I started my first business while I was in college and it really P'd me off when I had to constantly argue with my professors over every issue related to business and government. These were all guys that went straight from college to academia, never spending a day in the real world. Making payroll every week, dealing with OSHA walking in one door, the EPA in the other, and the fact that 3 employees didn't show up this morning. They had no clue. You shouldn't be allowed to teach business courses until you have at least run a business from a senior management position.

See everybody. Ron and I disagree with a lot of things but there is no doubt in my mind that we would get along fine in everyday life. Some of you guys think that just because people disagee, they are immediately going to become enemies. Heck, if Arnold can live with a Kennedy for all those years, that shows that anybody can get along.:)

I got a quarter-barrel in the trunk, 3 kids in the back seat, the Pristine Pearl Mark is looking sweeter than ever, 30 pounds of ice, and I'm off to see friends I haven't seen in years. Life is good. Cheers. GO PACK!

Oh ya, I forgot. Got smoked by a Lincoln LS8 yesterday. Pulled up to the line, didn't know he was going to go and by the time I pressed the pedal, he was gone. Missed opportunity. I am sure I would have been close. Nitrous is going on soon on the '98. The car is just too darn slow for me.

'98 Pristine Pearlescent LSC
'93 V-10 Twin Turbo Money Pit (The MonsterMark)
'93 Collecting Dust
Bryan
 
RE: Maplecrest L~M Lets Me Down

Bryan,

Don't worry. I like those little cheap shots about "liberal professor". It always puts a smile on my face. Now I'm not about to say with a straight face that teaching is a very difficult job. However, depending on what class I'm teaching, frequently the people attending are apprentices, and they have just worked a 10 or 12 hour day. Add to the fact that there is a 1 hour overlap from the time they are done work to my class, and the fact that the college has a pub on campus, and you can imagine the "situations" that sometimes occur. I feel bad for these guy, as many of them have families, and they don't want to listen to me go "blah blah blah" for 4 hours, they'd rather be with their families. It's a fun job as well. SO keep them cheap shots coming...I'll be ready for ya!! LOL
 
RE: Maplecrest L~M Lets Me Down

I gotta agree with Sandy on this one. I am equally anal-retentive about my babies- and mine are not even maintained to Sandy's exacting standards. I cringe WHENEVER they go to a dealer, as I don't like them out of my site. If I put a scratch on my car- that's one thing. If someone ELSE does it, it's a completely different story.

I've had several bad experiences at various dealers...

I try not to "hover" while it's being serviced, but I want my car within sight at all times. I now operate under the assumption that NO ONE else will care for my car the way I would. I usually try to make sure the service writer knows how VERY particular I am about the Mark... typically to no avail.

Case in point... (well, TWO cases actually)

#1 After it was in for the dreaded blend door actuator arm, I brought it home to wash it (since they had the nerve to park it outside overnight). While drying it off, I suddenly notice that the plastic retaining screws/pins at the bottom of the windshield cowling are missing. Of course, after I get it home, the burden of proof is on me. Granted, it's only a few dollars worth of parts, but an annoyance nonetheless. I let this one slide.

#2 When in for an A/C check & charge, I pick it up to find a series of parallel scrapes (cuts) in the leather cover of my steering wheel, as if someone dragged the key across it while getting in/out. I immediately bring this to the attention of the service writer, who tries to pass it off as "normal wear and tear". This is something I am NOT willing to let slide. I finally lost my composure & said "LOOK at this car... do you see ANY OTHER wear and tear?" The tech disavowed any knowledge of it... which is fine- maybe he (or whoever) didn't realize it happened. All I know is that it was NOT there when I brought it in. After 15 minutes of arguing, the service writer finally agrees to order me a new steering wheel. When I take it back to have the wheel installed, I am informed that I will have to pay $50 because the car was 6 weeks out of warranty. This I don't understand, because this isn't a warranty issue- though the dealer probably reported it as such... but I pay it because I want my baby the way she WAS.

I've had several times, when taking the mustang in for an oil change that I've have had to make sure they drained BOTH front and rear sections of the oil pan.

It's a constant battle. If you don't assert yourself, the dealership will (often) be more than happy to take advantage of the situation. I've been "taken" a number of times. Other times, I've been willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

I guess, in my case, it's genetic. The week after my grandfather first got to see my Spring Feature LSC, he went out and bought a new towncar (after 6 Grand Marquis'). That summer, he gets rear-ended (by his best friend) at my cousin's wedding reception. My mom said he was on the verge of tears... and he couldn't very well tear into his best friend.

My 85 year old grandmother is afraid to touch my car (to steady herself) when walking up my parents' driveway- a fact which grandpa & I always have a good chuckle about! HE'S the one who instigates it tho... "DON'T TOUCH THE CAR, ELMA!"



It's a tough world out there...
 
RE: "People make mistakes" doesnt cut it!

RE: "People make mistakes" doesnt cut it!

Ok, not my beef. I dont know either one of you. But as an "outsider" I can tell you that Sandy did nothing wrong. Why is Sandy so special? I'll tell you. Every single customer that goes to any business should be treated with respect, and appreciated for their patronage. Yes, people make mistakes, but servicing cars falls into a "safety" matter. A mistake on a car can cost lives. Ok, the kid forgot to close the trunk. It hits the light fixture which falls to the ground, landing on another tech's head. OOOOPS! It was a mistake. Try telling that to the workman's comp insurance carrier who raises their rates so high that people like us have to pay alot more money to have our car serviced because one stupid flunkie made a mistake. We are talking about an automobile here, not a shirt being hemmed, or a wall being painted. It isnt just the money being spent, but the safety issues. If the kid forgot to tighten a l few lug nuts, and the wheel came off down the road causing a major accident, is that passed of with "he made a mistake"? If your work ethics are so "recognized", then why dont you hire people like that? Let him do what he is told at your shop/school. Ever since we removed the option of letting people think for themselves, things have gone down hill. Why did he leave the trunk open? Because he wasnt TOLD to close it? You told Sandy to get off "the high horse".. sounds to me like your horse stands 40 hands high, and no one ever told you to "jump".
If I went to ANY business establishment, and watched them completely take no regard in my "customer service", I would not only scream out to the kid to pay more attention, but I would advertise to each and every customer that ever considered visiting that place, about the negligence, lack of concern, and inability to please the CUSTOMER.
The " percentage" rule is moot in this case. Every customer is entitled to a 100% satisfaction rule. 98% doesnt cut it. Do you have any idea what would happen to the automotive trade if anything less than 100% wasnt strived for? Yes, we all make mistakes. I just hope that some of people's mistakes dont involve taking your side. It is Sandy's property. It is Sandy's money that was used to pay for each and every car that Sandy brings to that establishment.
If ANY technician becomes "shook up" because the owner of the car was watching, they need to find a new job. And as far as "percentage" goes, sounds like the tech only did 30% of the job successfull. He followed instructions. Thats about it. He wasnt "told" to be careful.. does that excuse him from following rules of "common sense"? If it were my son, and he got fired for making 3 mistakes, I wouldn't tell him that some people are hard to please. I would tell him to be more careful, and he better learn from this or keeping a job in the future will be almost impossible. What are you teaching your kids/students? Basic common sense, ethics, safety, and respect for customers and their property dont sound like anything you teach.
I think you are the one who needs to be wished "good luck".
BlackIceLSC
GGM8 founding member
94 Black/Black M8
95 Champagne/Saddle M8
 
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The trunk was open because the mechanic opened it to turn off the air ride or air bags or whatever. This is supposed to to be done before lifting the car. He should have closed the trunk afterwards.

Lincoln-Mercury service departments are not used to dealing with people who are fussy with their cars. 99% of Lincoln~Mercury buyers are NOT "Car People" - Neither is Buick or Chrysler. When you go to a Chevy dealer with your Corvette, or other models that attract fussy buyers, they tend to take better care of the car. This only because many of them have been yelled at prior.

I have not been back, since then, but the service manager did call my house and appolgize for it all, and said that he'd back the work order totally out of the system, so that I could get the 5,000 free service, Lincoln provides, and I offerred to pay the $19.95 for the service I did get, and he said that it was free.

This is NOT the service writer, with whom I sparred with, it's his superior. They have a total of five service writers. I will use one of the other four that all know me well the next time I go. They always give my cars to technicians that know my cars, and cover the door panels, seats, steering wheel and are exceptionally careful. Between using one of the established service writers & his giving the car to another tech, I think I'll be okay. Like was said, this was the 1st bad experience in 17 years and 3 Lincolns, there.
 
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TRUE, but I wanted to reply to the man who backed me, and I also never got around to mentioning that they did call me and bend over backwards to right the wrong.
I went yesterday and drove a 2003 DTS deVille with 1,850 miles on it. It was a salesman's demo with a moonroof & the usual packages. He left to go sell BMWs and this car is out front & 4-Sale. Mint condition, no flaws, but it's black on black. Not too sure about a black-on-black that lives otside :( Still looking around, but it will be real hard to beat the price on THAT particular car. $5,000 at 0% interst for 3 years. $138.00 @ mo. Drives = to the Town Car, has gobs more power & Tq. Dash is not as nice, seat are = Stereo is 100 times better, no power pull down trunk to freak out people at the supermarket. Has Vogue WW on it, too. Looks real nice with the chromed rims.
 
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I would advise you to NOT let them "back" your last service out of the computer. That is one way for a shop to eliminate a "liability". I know its been a week or so, but if they should erase your last service from their system, and something (heaven forbid) should go wrong between now and then, or you have to prove that you were there and something needs to be addressed, they have no record of your visit. I know, you have a receipt, still... its like this...
Guy givies his car to an lot attendant to do some shopping. Upon return, he gets his car back and there is a small scrape on the rear bumper. the lot attendant doesnt charge him for the parking in hopes the customer will just let it slide. Guess what? That scrape was witnessed by the owner of the other car that it hit, and the guy now has to try to prove he wasnt the one who did it, it was the attendant. Can he prove it? No... no receipt.
I know your situation is different, but there are reasons you should always pay for services rendered. tell him to discount the next service, but you still want a receipt.
On our 2003 Town Car, the trans went out at 51k. The dealership, and Ford Fleet wanted to see a receipt for ALL services performed, and thank God we followed the maint. serv. intervals to a "T", or we would have been out a $2500.00 tranny job.
Lets hope your next visit redeems that dealership 3 fold.
BlackIceLSC-VP LODNCA
http://mark8.org/lodnca
94 Black/Black M8
95 Champagne/Saddle M8
 
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I have my receipt :)
Everything will be fine there, once again. Of this I am sure. I just need to be polite & say "hi - How 'ya doin"? to that one particular service writer as I make my way to one of the other 3 that I have delt with for 17 years.
 
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