My Dealer Just Shocked Me Completely...

[seduced]

I am blown away. I had my car at Gatton Carpenter Ford repairing diff bushes and the like. I got it back and had vibrations all over the place. They told me to take it to another dealer that has a tailshaft balancer as there is nothing more they can do.

I just dropped it off at Southern Cross Ford Toowoomba, which I was a littel nervous about as they have a bad history. That was a few years ago and I was hoping things have changed. Well... they certainly have!

I drop the keys to the service guy, he asks about the problem, history etc, he then says "Ill get one of the guys to go for a drive with you to make sure we know what it is you are talking about.." So one of the workshop guys comes out, introduces himself, and we jump in the car. I explain the problems, ask questions, and we discuss the problems, all things ford, talk about holdens, v8s, the new f6, warranty work, the workshop... etc etc etc. We get out on the highway finally and he boots it up to 120 or so, and he spots it straight away..."that's diff whine mate. Not too bad, I've heard worse.. but its there." Then he says this:

"You obviously look after this car, you've spent alot of money you can see that you enjoy it. Im going to go over this whole car and check it all out for ya, we'll order in a new diff for starters. Its almost out of warranty so we will hit everything before then.... how long have you had it?"

"not long, a few months I havent really had it checked over yet"

"I'll go over it and fix everything up for you. This is a very nice car, looks great"

Im sitting in stunned silence ... he slows down to do a u-turn..

"hmmm... brake shudder, Ill sort that out aswell.."

We get back to the workshop after a discussion on how much warranty work they do, how he loves the turbos, what problems they tend to have etc. He drives it up on the hoist and says "lets have a look". Under the car he notices:

Bowed front suspension springs - will replace those

small oil leak from the head - we will take the top off and fix that properly

rear rose bushes - check those out, might need replacing

balance tailshaft

replace diff

front end feels a little loose at speed, will check it all out - replace what we need to.

Wel will go over the whole car and dop what we need. When do you need it back?

Im now grinning, and I say "its all yours for as long as you need it. Im happy to leave it a few weeks if required"

he says "oh we wont need it that long, just make sure you bring it in to us if you need anything from now on. I like to see things done properly."

So now everything is being fixed, even things I didnt even know about. if ANYONE requires servicing or warranty work, Southern Cross Ford are FANTASTIC. These guys need recognition. A reward of some type.

[Corzza]

Im really surprised!

Maybe they dont have enough work.......

But anyway that's fantastic!

Building customer relaionships

[jimmy1234]

Don't get to excited its just talk and promises so far. Let us know what the end result is.

[Howsee]

Keep us posted as to how it goes.

[senna_T]

If the guy did all that to start with he is far far ahead of any other service centre I've dealt with in recent times...

[Rancidpunx]

Sounds great and I hope it all works out. However im not sure a workshop guy can just authorize all those repairs just like that. If only they could, life with Ford service would be sweet. It is great however to find somebody would is enthusiastic about their job and knows the car. I also hate driving into service and the next thing you know some little kid is behind the wheel moving the car.

[tab]

Good stuff - fingers crossed it all comes to fruition

**Checks calendar...nope it aint 01 April**

[Buf-Phoon]

I also hate driving into service and the next thing you know some little kid is behind the wheel moving the car.

or disappearing up the street to fetch the pies for morning tea

[Rancidpunx]

What I dont know wont hurt me......

[seduced]

Nah, after we talked, he walks over to his warranty guy and says "we need to get all of this done" and hands him the list. The guy then says "no worries.." and begins to mention how long it will take to get in a diff etc.

Add to the list, new idler pullys and new tensioner as they are starting to sound bad. Add also, high pressure power steering hose as it has a tendancy to give in and at $600 each "you dont want that to go out of warranty..."

I am astounded. I will be ringing ford once its all done to give this dealer a wrap. I cant wait to get it back!

I had just spent all day sat detailing it. I said to my wife that if they see how much I look after it, maybe they will look after it too.