Service Poll
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Service Poll
I purchased my new vette from a fairly large local dealer. I could have saved a little money (500 bucks) buying at one of the larger forum dealers but was concerned about service. I kept thinking if GM dealers aren’t service friendly on cars they sell what’s it going to be like if I didn’t even buy the car from them? I know they make money on service but felt if I had a major issue they wouldn’t help much since I didn’t purchase the car there. Just curious to see what percentage use the same dealer where they purchased their cars.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 9,585
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From: Prepare yourself, for a pride obliterating bich smack. Fairfax, VA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08
SEC > BCS 4 St. Judes '09
poll? 
i have two different dealer service departments that i use, and niether are where i purchased the car from. they dont know and dont care where you bought your car. as long as you or you're warranty is paying for the work.
i have two different dealer service departments that i use, and niether are where i purchased the car from. they dont know and dont care where you bought your car. as long as you or you're warranty is paying for the work.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,113
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From: Big Bend Country, TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
NCM Lifetime Member
The only time my car will see a dealer is if there is a warranty issue. For all else, I use a shop that is owned by a fellow vette owner.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
From: Rowlett Texas
In my personal experience when I worked at a dealership we knew where the car was purchased from. And it did matter. We took care of "our" customers first. Warranty pays the same but the people who bought from us gave us more of their money so they got better service.
That's how management wanted it.
That's how management wanted it.
Last edited by KISSfn; Mar 10, 2006 at 09:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Originally Posted by KISSfn
In my personal experience when I worked at a dealership we knew where the car was purchased from. And it did matter. We took care of "our" customers first. Warranty pays the same but the people who bought from us gave us more of their money so they got better service.
That's how management wanted it.
That's how management wanted it.
That's exactly the same feeling I have about dealers. Why wouldn't they take care of the people that bought the car from them first? I get a free loaner from the local dealer anytime I bring the car in for any reason. Don't think they'd do that if I bought it else where... It's a small thing but saves me a lot time when the car needs to be worked on. I keep their loaner until I get my car back...
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I service the car myself. Most of these dealers don't even know how many quarts of oil the car takes!! For warranty issues I would have to take it to a local dealer. None of them had allotments, so I was forced to buy 120 miles away. I have an early car.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,467
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
Originally Posted by cthusker
I purchased my new vette from a fairly large local dealer. I could have saved a little money (500 bucks) buying at one of the larger forum dealers but was concerned about service. I kept thinking if GM dealers aren’t service friendly on cars they sell what’s it going to be like if I didn’t even buy the car from them? I know they make money on service but felt if I had a major issue they wouldn’t help much since I didn’t purchase the car there. Just curious to see what percentage use the same dealer where they purchased their cars.
But they're a small outfit & simply did not have an allocation for a '06 Corvette, so I told them as much as I hated I'd have to buy the car elsewhere.
They were extremely understanding but also insisted I bring the car to them for service, and I have.
Interesting developement with the small dealership happened after I'd bought my C6. They were bought out bu a large dealer (chain) out of Milwaukee.
So when I was in last time for my first oil change they had two loaded 2006 ragtops on the showroom floor ready to roll.
The Sales Manager & I just had to laugh, timing's everything.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 63
Likes: 31
From: Telford TN
I bought from a forum dealer because of the difference between a large discount and no discount. I only go to a dealer for a major warranty repair. If it's small I do it myself, takes less of my time.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Originally Posted by Landru
I really like the people working the "local" dealership (~12 miles away).
But they're a small outfit & simply did not have an allocation for a '06 Corvette, so I told them as much as I hated I'd have to buy the car elsewhere.
They were extremely understanding but also insisted I bring the car to them for service, and I have.
Interesting developement with the small dealership happened after I'd bought my C6. They were bought out bu a large dealer (chain) out of Milwaukee.
So when I was in last time for my first oil change they had two loaded 2006 ragtops on the showroom floor ready to roll.
The Sales Manager & I just had to laugh, timing's everything.
But they're a small outfit & simply did not have an allocation for a '06 Corvette, so I told them as much as I hated I'd have to buy the car elsewhere.
They were extremely understanding but also insisted I bring the car to them for service, and I have.
Interesting developement with the small dealership happened after I'd bought my C6. They were bought out bu a large dealer (chain) out of Milwaukee.
So when I was in last time for my first oil change they had two loaded 2006 ragtops on the showroom floor ready to roll.
The Sales Manager & I just had to laugh, timing's everything.
I agree with everything you said. My closest local dealer (30 miles away) that handles vettes does about 30 a year. Nothing like the big vette dealers but enough. Since we was within 500 bucks of the big guys I said.. ok. If he wasn't competitive say a couple grand then I would have bought elsewhere. I hope if I have a major problem they will go to bat for me (probably kidding myself) but that's why I bought from them. As for normal service I'll do it myself but I was very concerned about warranty work.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,467
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
Originally Posted by cthusker
I agree with everything you said. My closest local dealer (30 miles away) that handles vettes does about 30 a year.
Wow, I'd have had to drive 50 miles into town to find a place like that since I'm "new" to the area here and hadn't known of the EVS store in Random Lake (WI), yet.
The EVS store sells a LOT of Corvettes, given where it's at.
Originally Posted by cthusker
I hope if I have a major problem they will go to bat for me (probably kidding myself) but that's why I bought from them.
Tell of your concern(s) and ask if they're up to the task.
I would, hell I did.
My C5 had the dreaded rearend leak.
Went to the small dealership & flat-out asked the Service Manager he 1) Had a "Certified" Corvette mechanic" on his staff who could 2) handle the job.
Affirmative to both and they proved it.
Replaced the seal(s) as needed to the tune of $1,800 (on GM's tab) and I never saw another drop.
This pissant outfit even gave me a loaner while they had the car!!
That was a first for a Chevrolet dealership of any size, for me.
Originally Posted by cthusker
As for normal service I'll do it myself but I was very concerned about warranty work.
Get some knuckleheaded imbucile working on one of our C6 cars and that's where the real trouble can begin.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Originally Posted by Landru
30 cars a year!!
Wow, I'd have had to drive 50 miles into town to find a place like that since I'm "new" to the area here and hadn't known of the EVS store in Random Lake (WI), yet.
The EVS store sells a LOT of Corvettes, given where it's at.
Ask 'em!
Tell of your concern(s) and ask if they're up to the task.
I would, hell I did.
My C5 had the dreaded rearend leak.
Went to the small dealership & flat-out asked the Service Manager he 1) Had a "Certified" Corvette mechanic" on his staff who could 2) handle the job.
Affirmative to both and they proved it.
Replaced the seal(s) as needed to the tune of $1,800 (on GM's tab) and I never saw another drop.
This pissant outfit even gave me a loaner while they had the car!!
That was a first for a Chevrolet dealership of any size, for me.
Perfectly understandable.
Get some knuckleheaded imbucile working on one of our C6 cars and that's where the real trouble can begin.
Wow, I'd have had to drive 50 miles into town to find a place like that since I'm "new" to the area here and hadn't known of the EVS store in Random Lake (WI), yet.
The EVS store sells a LOT of Corvettes, given where it's at.
Ask 'em!
Tell of your concern(s) and ask if they're up to the task.
I would, hell I did.
My C5 had the dreaded rearend leak.
Went to the small dealership & flat-out asked the Service Manager he 1) Had a "Certified" Corvette mechanic" on his staff who could 2) handle the job.
Affirmative to both and they proved it.
Replaced the seal(s) as needed to the tune of $1,800 (on GM's tab) and I never saw another drop.
This pissant outfit even gave me a loaner while they had the car!!
That was a first for a Chevrolet dealership of any size, for me.
Perfectly understandable.
Get some knuckleheaded imbucile working on one of our C6 cars and that's where the real trouble can begin.
People think it's a HUGE deal here to drive 40 miles... I'm not kidding! Coming from Neb where we might drive 50 miles for a pizza! I've already done EXACTLY as you suggested regarding the dealer. They have a certified vette mechanic which helped my decision. I also spoke with several local peple that bought vettes from them. They said they were great to work with.. on the other hand they were probably all related to the owner!
So far they've been up front with everything including my production date. It's in the system now so looks like 4 weeks. They also agreed to remove & re-install my calipers and send out for powder coating. Also agreed to install my after market wheels at N/C. The wheels are actually being done by a friend that owns the local GY shop and owns a vette. They also agree to install my Corsa exhaust for 75 bucks which I thought was fair? Will they be stand up people in the event of a major problem? Who knows. I hope that I don't need to find out. This is my first American car in 15 years so I hope I'm happy with it. It's not a daily driver which may make some difference.......
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Location: Earth
There is a Chevy dealer within 10 minutes of me but I have had a couple of bad experiences there and will not return. I take my car to where I bought it. Unfortunately it is a 1 hour drive, but my car deserves to be treated right ans so is worth it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 1
From: NOVA VA
Originally Posted by Mayonayze
poll?
i have two different dealer service departments that i use, and niether are where i purchased the car from. they dont know and dont care where you bought your car. as long as you or you're warranty is paying for the work.
i have two different dealer service departments that i use, and niether are where i purchased the car from. they dont know and dont care where you bought your car. as long as you or you're warranty is paying for the work.
What dealers do you have service your car in NoVA. There is something that I want them to look at and might as well take it to the best place first. Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 859
Likes: 14
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by cthusker
I purchased my new vette from a fairly large local dealer. I could have saved a little money (500 bucks) buying at one of the larger forum dealers but was concerned about service. I kept thinking if GM dealers aren’t service friendly on cars they sell what’s it going to be like if I didn’t even buy the car from them? I know they make money on service but felt if I had a major issue they wouldn’t help much since I didn’t purchase the car there. Just curious to see what percentage use the same dealer where they purchased their cars.
I understand your rational, however, I don’t think that it really matters if you purchased the car from the servicing dealer or not. I suspect that if the dealership is predisposed to providing quality service; that’s what you’re going to receive; regardless of where you purchased the vehicle! However, if their tendency is to provide inferior service, I doubt that the quality will improve just because you bought your car there!
Another factor to consider is; the way most business are departmentalized today, dealing with the “Sales Department” and dealing with the “Service Department” could be like dealing with two different corporations. Often they are in competition with each other, not concerned with what the other entity does. This is especially true if the Service Manager is compensated on a commission basis; in which case, I guarantee you that he does not care where you purchased your vehicle!
Just something to consider when "passing" on a saving offered by a Forum Dealer.
Save the Wave
Jim
Last edited by TheJimer; Mar 10, 2006 at 03:09 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I usually take the Vette to the place where I bought it. However, the service department where I have been taking my Tahoe for a couple of years has been great and I have gotten to know them well. It turns out that they do quite a bit of work on Vettes and have several guy on the service staff that own Vettes are very involved with the cars for show or tracking. While I have no complaints with the selling dealer's service, I am seriously considering switching.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 18
From: Minnesota
The place I go for service on my corvettes has a lousy Sales Department and although the service guys are all really good and I get along with the service writers really well, the sales area sucked and they would not take a single penny off list price on a C6.
So I bought the car elsewhere and will get in serviced where I normally get my other Chevrolet vehicles serviced (at least I will when it needs servicing of some kind.)
So I bought the car elsewhere and will get in serviced where I normally get my other Chevrolet vehicles serviced (at least I will when it needs servicing of some kind.)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 802
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by Mayonayze
poll?
i have two different dealer service departments that i use, and niether are where i purchased the car from. they dont know and dont care where you bought your car. as long as you or you're warranty is paying for the work.
i have two different dealer service departments that i use, and niether are where i purchased the car from. they dont know and dont care where you bought your car. as long as you or you're warranty is paying for the work.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Originally Posted by TheJimer
cthusker,
I understand your rational, however, I don’t think that it really matters if you purchased the car from the servicing dealer or not. I suspect that if the dealership is predisposed to providing quality service; that’s what you’re going to receive; regardless of where you purchased the vehicle! However, if their tendency is to provide inferior service, I doubt that the quality will improve just because you bought your car there!
Another factor to consider is; the way most business are departmentalized today, dealing with the “Sales Department” and dealing with the “Service Department” could be like dealing with two different corporations. Often they are in competition with each other, not concerned with what the other entity does. This is especially true if the Service Manager is compensated on a commission basis; in which case, I guarantee you that he does not care where you purchased your vehicle!
Just something to consider when "passing" on a saving offered by a Forum Dealer.
Save the Wave
Jim
I understand your rational, however, I don’t think that it really matters if you purchased the car from the servicing dealer or not. I suspect that if the dealership is predisposed to providing quality service; that’s what you’re going to receive; regardless of where you purchased the vehicle! However, if their tendency is to provide inferior service, I doubt that the quality will improve just because you bought your car there!
Another factor to consider is; the way most business are departmentalized today, dealing with the “Sales Department” and dealing with the “Service Department” could be like dealing with two different corporations. Often they are in competition with each other, not concerned with what the other entity does. This is especially true if the Service Manager is compensated on a commission basis; in which case, I guarantee you that he does not care where you purchased your vehicle!
Just something to consider when "passing" on a saving offered by a Forum Dealer.
Save the Wave
Jim