The post on panniers was supposed to be today's post, but I made a mistake and instead of hitting save, hit publish. So, I thought I would share with you my experience of the last week re: my car.
I have a 2006 Toyota Matrix, which I love (that's the product plug). Poor baby's a little abused, but I try to take care of her mechanically. But, since I am also a frugal person, instead of going to the dealership (which had a few free oil change coupons for me in the beginning - but then I ran out), I used a $15.99 coupon at the local Merchant's Tire and Auto.
When I dropped the car off, they offered to rotate the tires for free. How nice, I said. Because they needed it, and again, I'm frugal, I said yes. When I returned to pick up the car, they said there was weird wear on the tires and I needed an alignment, and they had these plans of 1 year, 2 years, 3 years. It was the end of the day, so I didn't get it.
Though I can be naive (hence, the 'how nice') I also thought I should have my dealership check it out, since the guy in the service center, Paul, is great and trustworthy, I think. (and who can't love a guy who calls you a wise ass). My car also needed 20,000 mile tightening of bolts, etc. So, Paul took my car in, chastized me for taking it to another place and said he'd honor any competitor coupon in the future, and said he'd get back to me.
And what do you think was the answer? Alignment is spot on true. Balance is a little off, but within tolerable limits. Bolts tightened, etc. All for free. I love my dealership and I love Paul.
I have half a mind to go back to Merchant's (this is the product unplug) and ask how they can sleep at night. But, it's not the guy's fault - it's the corporation, so I won't waste my time. But I won't be spending any more money there either. And neither will my husband.
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6 comments:
My dad works at a dealership. Any time I need anything done on my car it ends up coming back to me fully detailed and with a full tank of gas. It currently smells like cherries.
Well, that's a nice situation for you! I was very wary of dealerships before finding this one...
I don't know or care what goes on internally as long as Lola (my Solara) stays beautiful. I'm shallow like that. Also, I have a husband who can take a car completely apart and put it back together, so I don't worry much. But it did take him years to teach me to tell him when I heard a funny noise, rather than just turning up the radio. :-)
I'm the opposite DD. I don't care what mine looks like as long as it runs well... :-)
because of the damn country roads here, I need to have my brakes and tires checked way too often. owning a car isn't a luxury and it's expensive, I'd ride my bike but I fear I would die/get killed before I got to far from home.
I drove once in Puerto Rico. No way in hell would I get on a bike there!
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