GM Warranty SUCKS! (Long)
03-10-2005, 07:52 PM
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St. Jude Donor '05
GM Warranty SUCKS! (Long)
WARNING -
THIS IS A RANT, AND I MEAN RANT!!!!!
BEWARE GM WARRANTY!!!!!.....
Onto the show;
I had service work done at a Chevrolet dealer in the South Bay back in September 2004. One of the items replaced was the right rear hub assembly.
Well, about a month later I went to a local independent to have some work done, and had then hoist up the car to check a few things, and what do ya know - the right rear tire had play. Well, the right rear hub assembly (that's right, the one just replaced) went bad. I mean real bad. About an inch play at the edge of the wheel. Of course I had the independent replace the part and give me back the part that Chevrolet Dealer put in so I could get it warrantied.
Well, I guess the warranty of a part is different in the automotive industry than any other industry on earth - let me explain:
After some fighting (this included 2 calls to GM customer service), they finally agreed to reimburse me for the part (all I ever asked for was an actual part, never money). What they neglected to let me know is that they were going to reimburse me only for the replacement cost, not the original part cost (which was considerably higher - dealer cost).
For this part, the GM cost was $454 (or $491 with tax), the independent cost was $179 (or $193 with tax).
So, I finally get a check from this Chevrolet Dealer (anyone guess who it is yet?) for $304. I can't figure this number out at all. As I look at it, the dealer (or GM) owes me GM replacement cost at least. Now, I'm not talking cost and labor - that would be stupid. I'm talking just the cost of the GM part.
So, I call the dealer and leave a VM for the service manager who never gives me a return call.
The next step was to write a letter to the owner outlining the problem and giving them a deadline of the end of this month to resolve the problem, or it's off to court.
Well, that got me a phone call, and here's where the real fun begins.....
I told him that I felt that there was a discrepancy of $187 ($491 - $304) from the GM reimbursement, but I was informed that it's GM's policy that they only cover the replacement costs that I incur,
not the actual GM replacement cost. I'm told that the $304 is the replacement cost and labor from the independent. Using that logic, then GM should owe me $630 (the cost of the part and labor).
I was informed (rather directly) that this whole problem was mine. I was told that I could have taken the vehicle back to them for replacement (right, with that much wheel play), or that they would have towed it (gee, I know all this how?). Not to mention that this is a non-stocked part, so they'd have the car for a few days.
I informed him that his part failed (which he countered with he didn't manufacturer the part) - this "he said, she said" went on for several minutes and it became apparent the neither he nor I were going to change our stance on the issue. I left it with "my attorney will be reviewing this" (which he will).
So, let's do a little math.
The original part cost $454, with tax is $491
The labor for GM to install the part was $175
This brings the GM total to $667
The independent part cost $179, with tax is $193
The independent labor was $125
This brings the independent total to $318
My total so far is $986
I get a check for $304.
This makes my final cost $682
Which means that I actually LOST $15.00 from the original GM cost (nothing like running backwards).
And, of course, GM will no longer warranty the part - it's now up to the independent (which makes sense).
I guess I should be happy that they covered anything at all, but in my opinion the replacement cost should have nothing to do with the actual cost of the item - JUST WARRANTY THE DAMN PART; KEEP YOUR
CUSTOMER HAPPY (at least that's what I learned in retail).
If I got it done for less (not hard where a dealer is involved), then good for me. It's still their part that failed, and that part cost me $454.
So, kiddies, be warned that if you decide to have your work performed at a GM dealer (which I now classify as a GIANT ACT OF STUPIDITY), you'll get royally screwed by the cost of the parts, the cost of the labor and their warranty (if you get your GM parts replaced by someone else).
Find a good independent - you'll be happier in the end!
This concludes my rant, thanks for tuning in......
THIS IS A RANT, AND I MEAN RANT!!!!!
BEWARE GM WARRANTY!!!!!.....
Onto the show;
I had service work done at a Chevrolet dealer in the South Bay back in September 2004. One of the items replaced was the right rear hub assembly.
Well, about a month later I went to a local independent to have some work done, and had then hoist up the car to check a few things, and what do ya know - the right rear tire had play. Well, the right rear hub assembly (that's right, the one just replaced) went bad. I mean real bad. About an inch play at the edge of the wheel. Of course I had the independent replace the part and give me back the part that Chevrolet Dealer put in so I could get it warrantied.
Well, I guess the warranty of a part is different in the automotive industry than any other industry on earth - let me explain:
After some fighting (this included 2 calls to GM customer service), they finally agreed to reimburse me for the part (all I ever asked for was an actual part, never money). What they neglected to let me know is that they were going to reimburse me only for the replacement cost, not the original part cost (which was considerably higher - dealer cost).
For this part, the GM cost was $454 (or $491 with tax), the independent cost was $179 (or $193 with tax).
So, I finally get a check from this Chevrolet Dealer (anyone guess who it is yet?) for $304. I can't figure this number out at all. As I look at it, the dealer (or GM) owes me GM replacement cost at least. Now, I'm not talking cost and labor - that would be stupid. I'm talking just the cost of the GM part.
So, I call the dealer and leave a VM for the service manager who never gives me a return call.
The next step was to write a letter to the owner outlining the problem and giving them a deadline of the end of this month to resolve the problem, or it's off to court.
Well, that got me a phone call, and here's where the real fun begins.....
I told him that I felt that there was a discrepancy of $187 ($491 - $304) from the GM reimbursement, but I was informed that it's GM's policy that they only cover the replacement costs that I incur,
not the actual GM replacement cost. I'm told that the $304 is the replacement cost and labor from the independent. Using that logic, then GM should owe me $630 (the cost of the part and labor).
I was informed (rather directly) that this whole problem was mine. I was told that I could have taken the vehicle back to them for replacement (right, with that much wheel play), or that they would have towed it (gee, I know all this how?). Not to mention that this is a non-stocked part, so they'd have the car for a few days.
I informed him that his part failed (which he countered with he didn't manufacturer the part) - this "he said, she said" went on for several minutes and it became apparent the neither he nor I were going to change our stance on the issue. I left it with "my attorney will be reviewing this" (which he will).
So, let's do a little math.
The original part cost $454, with tax is $491
The labor for GM to install the part was $175
This brings the GM total to $667
The independent part cost $179, with tax is $193
The independent labor was $125
This brings the independent total to $318
My total so far is $986
I get a check for $304.
This makes my final cost $682
Which means that I actually LOST $15.00 from the original GM cost (nothing like running backwards).
And, of course, GM will no longer warranty the part - it's now up to the independent (which makes sense).
I guess I should be happy that they covered anything at all, but in my opinion the replacement cost should have nothing to do with the actual cost of the item - JUST WARRANTY THE DAMN PART; KEEP YOUR
CUSTOMER HAPPY (at least that's what I learned in retail).
If I got it done for less (not hard where a dealer is involved), then good for me. It's still their part that failed, and that part cost me $454.
So, kiddies, be warned that if you decide to have your work performed at a GM dealer (which I now classify as a GIANT ACT OF STUPIDITY), you'll get royally screwed by the cost of the parts, the cost of the labor and their warranty (if you get your GM parts replaced by someone else).
Find a good independent - you'll be happier in the end!
This concludes my rant, thanks for tuning in......
Last edited by bmwgsa; 03-10-2005 at 08:28 PM.
03-10-2005, 07:58 PM
#3
Originally Posted by bmwgsa
Well, I guess the warranty of a part is different in the automotive industry than any other industry on earth - let me explain:
...
I was informed (rather directly) that this whole problem was mine. I was told that I could have taken the vehicle back to them for replacement (right, with that much wheel play), or that they would have towed it (gee, I know all this how?). Not to mention that this is a non-stocked part, so they'd have the car for a few days.
...
I was informed (rather directly) that this whole problem was mine. I was told that I could have taken the vehicle back to them for replacement (right, with that much wheel play), or that they would have towed it (gee, I know all this how?). Not to mention that this is a non-stocked part, so they'd have the car for a few days.
You didn't live up to your end of the warranty and they were generous to give you some money. They didn't have to give you anything in this situation, and most companies in in most industries would have given you nothing.
03-10-2005, 08:16 PM
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We all run into these situations from time to time. It certainly understandable.
One does have to be careful with these ads about [automaker name] warranties on service work performed. Sometimes they cover it all, sometimes they don't cover it and sometimes its a time limited issue. But the notion of lifetime warranty when they do the work is subjective and repair specific. So you need to ask first and have it stated on the repair bill/invoice what the warranty is.
If it had been me, I would have taken it directly back to that dealer the moment the problem was discovered. I'm not trying to wet on your parade here, but you did drive it to that place, so you probably could have gotten it back to Chevy with minimal damage, even so consequential-subsequent damage would have fallen on their shoulders then. Heck you didn't know, you just brought it back in because it didn't seem right. Generally they will take care of it themselves, sometimes under warranty, sometimes under the GM Goodwill warranty. The latter oftent depends on the current/former relationship with that dealer/service center. If the situation has already heated up, they generally aren't in much of a 'goodwill' mood or can't be persuaded. Its very frustrating and political.
As far as attorney's, I think that is a bit extreme/expensive because the amount of money your talking about fits into the small claims category. If you want a legal route you may wish to see about recovering of the difference, in that you may choose to file a small claims case. My opinion, I think your really stretching it though. Close but stretching it.
Sometimes too, signing the service ticket stipulates that disagreements are managed through arbitration. We don't realize we are signing rights away just to release the vehicle into their hands.
I hope you get it all resolved to your satisfaction. Course as they always say down south here, its difficult to remember the objective was to drain the swamp when your fighting the alligators.
One does have to be careful with these ads about [automaker name] warranties on service work performed. Sometimes they cover it all, sometimes they don't cover it and sometimes its a time limited issue. But the notion of lifetime warranty when they do the work is subjective and repair specific. So you need to ask first and have it stated on the repair bill/invoice what the warranty is.
If it had been me, I would have taken it directly back to that dealer the moment the problem was discovered. I'm not trying to wet on your parade here, but you did drive it to that place, so you probably could have gotten it back to Chevy with minimal damage, even so consequential-subsequent damage would have fallen on their shoulders then. Heck you didn't know, you just brought it back in because it didn't seem right. Generally they will take care of it themselves, sometimes under warranty, sometimes under the GM Goodwill warranty. The latter oftent depends on the current/former relationship with that dealer/service center. If the situation has already heated up, they generally aren't in much of a 'goodwill' mood or can't be persuaded. Its very frustrating and political.
As far as attorney's, I think that is a bit extreme/expensive because the amount of money your talking about fits into the small claims category. If you want a legal route you may wish to see about recovering of the difference, in that you may choose to file a small claims case. My opinion, I think your really stretching it though. Close but stretching it.
Sometimes too, signing the service ticket stipulates that disagreements are managed through arbitration. We don't realize we are signing rights away just to release the vehicle into their hands.
I hope you get it all resolved to your satisfaction. Course as they always say down south here, its difficult to remember the objective was to drain the swamp when your fighting the alligators.
Last edited by 93JetJocky; 03-10-2005 at 08:22 PM.
03-10-2005, 08:19 PM
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St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by steve9899
They didn't have to give you anything in this situation, and most companies in in most industries would have given you nothing.
At least in the appliance parts industry, the manufacturer does not care who put in a part, not do they care who replaced it.
Their warranty is for the part itself, pure and simple.
Originally Posted by steve9899
You didn't live up to your end of the warranty and they were generous to give you some money.
However, let's say you break down in the middle of nowhere. Not a GM dealer within a reasonable distance, but here's Joe's garage. Joe has the part and can install it.
Thus, I'm at fault because GM wasn't intuative enough to build a service center every x miles, and I should eat the costs??
My point isn't that I didn't take it to GM. My point is that if they agree to warranty, then reimburse the original purchase price or just give me another part and we're done.
03-10-2005, 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by bogus
I think the bigger lesson to be learned, is never take it to Martin Chevrolet, Hawthorn Blvd, Torrance, CA.
There. I said it.
Those people are crooks.
There. I said it.
Those people are crooks.
Crooks, isn't that one reserved for former prez Nixon? (may he rest in peace.)
03-10-2005, 09:11 PM
#9
The same thing happened to me with a water pump (even though I had the broken one replaced at the dealer), I ended up doing a charge back on my credit card. Those dealers are no better than common crimminals. I never pay with cash, check, or debit anymore when I get any work done. If you have the warranty and paperwork, credit card companies will usually back you up.
Last edited by dan6712cc; 03-10-2005 at 09:15 PM.
03-10-2005, 09:23 PM
#10
Elite Torch Red Member
How do you still have a warranty? The newest C4 is now 10 years old.
Dealers are like anything else. You have to do your homework. SOme dealers are better than others and it's not the dealers, it's the mechanic who works there.
We have plenty of Corvette Specialist dealers in NJ. Guys that work only on Corvettes, those are the places you want to go to if you can't or won't do the work yourself.
Dealers are like anything else. You have to do your homework. SOme dealers are better than others and it's not the dealers, it's the mechanic who works there.
We have plenty of Corvette Specialist dealers in NJ. Guys that work only on Corvettes, those are the places you want to go to if you can't or won't do the work yourself.
03-10-2005, 09:39 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by Mr Mojo
How do you still have a warranty? The newest C4 is now 10 years old.
Dealer warranty on a replaced part
Those hubs go for about $110, you were robbed twice
03-10-2005, 09:46 PM
#12
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Originally Posted by Rex Ruby
You missed something there MOJO!
Dealer warranty on a replaced part
Those hubs go for about $110, you were robbed twice
Dealer warranty on a replaced part
Those hubs go for about $110, you were robbed twice
03-10-2005, 10:02 PM
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St. Jude Donor '05
OK, Andy said it - I took it to Moron (oops, Martin).
The thing of it is that I have nothing aginst their sales or parts departments, only the service.
Just for the sake of arguement, let's turn this thing around a bit.
Let's say that I went to the parts counter and purchased the part. I would have been charged $454+tax and been on my way.
They wouldn't have cared who installed it, and if I returned a broken one, they would have simply ordered a new one and called me when it was available.
I know that to be fact, when this whole thing started, I went to the parts department and they had no problems.
What stopped it was that it was installed by service. It was up to service to write an authorization to order a new one.
What REALLY pisses me off about this is that I NEVER ONCE asked for a refund in any way - All I ever wanted was a replacement to have as a spare - It was the service manager that decided to refund.
Now, with this $304, I couldn't go to Martin or any other GM dealership to get one (not to say I would).
It's just a maddening thing. As I said earlier - just giving everyone a fair warning.
The thing of it is that I have nothing aginst their sales or parts departments, only the service.
Just for the sake of arguement, let's turn this thing around a bit.
Let's say that I went to the parts counter and purchased the part. I would have been charged $454+tax and been on my way.
They wouldn't have cared who installed it, and if I returned a broken one, they would have simply ordered a new one and called me when it was available.
I know that to be fact, when this whole thing started, I went to the parts department and they had no problems.
What stopped it was that it was installed by service. It was up to service to write an authorization to order a new one.
What REALLY pisses me off about this is that I NEVER ONCE asked for a refund in any way - All I ever wanted was a replacement to have as a spare - It was the service manager that decided to refund.
Now, with this $304, I couldn't go to Martin or any other GM dealership to get one (not to say I would).
It's just a maddening thing. As I said earlier - just giving everyone a fair warning.
03-11-2005, 12:40 AM
#14
Team Owner
All I can say, Brian - UGH.
It just reinforces my feeling about these people....
Here is a good one for ya... I ordered a new transmission cable for bastet44's car... it was actually cheaper to have Chris overnight it to me then buy it locally.
What about volume? I bet $$ that Superior makes a killing off of volume.
It just reinforces my feeling about these people....
Here is a good one for ya... I ordered a new transmission cable for bastet44's car... it was actually cheaper to have Chris overnight it to me then buy it locally.
What about volume? I bet $$ that Superior makes a killing off of volume.
03-11-2005, 01:00 AM
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St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by bogus
All I can say, Brian - UGH.
Originally Posted by bogus
I bet $$ that Superior makes a killing off of volume.
The ironic thing is that when I first took the car to Martin, they proudly displayed that they were #1 in customer service in the Daily Breeze reader poll. When I went to get the car, the sign was gone....
Hummmm, wonder where they rank now? I might have to call the Breeze
03-11-2005, 02:15 AM
#17
Melting Slicks
its my opinion you got totally robbed on the initial job pricewise and quality of work wise.
as far as them paying you back for the job they went out of their way to make the repair good though.
if you go anywhere and have something fixed its your duty to give them the first notice of a problem with their work and let them decide how they can make it right.
paint for instance.you get a paint job done and it peels.so you go to a different paint shop and have it repainted and then go back to paint shop 1 and demand reimbursement for it? good luck.
you are only down 15 bucks in the end.
feel lucky on that portion of it.
i would still be peeved about paying twice the price you should have in the first place though.
as far as them paying you back for the job they went out of their way to make the repair good though.
if you go anywhere and have something fixed its your duty to give them the first notice of a problem with their work and let them decide how they can make it right.
paint for instance.you get a paint job done and it peels.so you go to a different paint shop and have it repainted and then go back to paint shop 1 and demand reimbursement for it? good luck.
you are only down 15 bucks in the end.
feel lucky on that portion of it.
i would still be peeved about paying twice the price you should have in the first place though.
03-11-2005, 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by bmwgsa
I have to diasagree. I work in retail, and with several manufacturers.
At least in the appliance parts industry, the manufacturer does not care who put in a part, not do they care who replaced it.
Their warranty is for the part itself, pure and simple.
At least in the appliance parts industry, the manufacturer does not care who put in a part, not do they care who replaced it.
Their warranty is for the part itself, pure and simple.
I had waranty work done on my Zenith HD monitor and the only way Zenith would pay for it was if I used one of their authorized repair facilities...
I've had experience before with GM repair warranties and the only stipulation was that you had to either bring it back to the dealer that performed the repair, or another GM dealership if the original place of service wasn't convenient... I had this issue when I had my A/C serviced in Georgia and had problems again when I was back in Kalifornia... GM stood behind me in that instance...
03-11-2005, 10:14 AM
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All warranty’s suck, plain and simple. If they say “We’re not going to fix it” then their not going to fix it.
Sure you can get an attorney and try to get your car fixed, but then their going to pull the fine print out of their azz. You know like, you didn’t properly maintain it; you didn’t inspect it at the pre defined intervals, the guy who installed your tires damaged the bearing, you abused it. etc. etc. etc
By the time you have invested your time and money in an attorney you could have paid to have it fixed somewhere else.
When I purchase anything with a warranty I just consider it doesn’t have a warranty, and if it breaks and they fix it I consider myself lucky.
When they ask if I would like to buy an extended warranty I just
Sure you can get an attorney and try to get your car fixed, but then their going to pull the fine print out of their azz. You know like, you didn’t properly maintain it; you didn’t inspect it at the pre defined intervals, the guy who installed your tires damaged the bearing, you abused it. etc. etc. etc
By the time you have invested your time and money in an attorney you could have paid to have it fixed somewhere else.
When I purchase anything with a warranty I just consider it doesn’t have a warranty, and if it breaks and they fix it I consider myself lucky.
When they ask if I would like to buy an extended warranty I just
03-11-2005, 10:32 AM
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Sorry, but I love my GMPP. I had many thousands of dollars worth of work on my '99 Blazer done by my local independent mechanic with not one issue with GM. They covered everything they were supposed to and paid him promplty.