This is a contract that you can present to any dealer or repair shop before they fix your car. I would like feedback on how it sounds and if I should add or take something away.
Thanks
Vehicle condition agreement
I__________________________________ (employee /employer name) agrees with the owner of this vehicle __________________________________________ (vehicle owners name)
that it is a___________________________________________ (vehicle make and model) and it is in perfect mechanical working order and there are no dents, dings, scratches, paint chips or markings in the paint or clear coat and there are no exterior blemishes in any way, shape or form.
There are no rips in any part of the interior and or cigarette burns on seats, no tears, scratches, dents, dings, markings or interior blemishes in any way, shape or form.
I also agree the car has a working AM FM CD Player and the radio will not be turned on played with in any way, shape or form during the time it is being repaired and or stored on repair vehicles' property. The power windows and or power seats are not to be used or played with in any way, shape or form during the time the vehicle is being serviced and or stored on vehicle's repair property.
The vehicle will be kept locked or in a locked building when not being serviced. Any service that has not already been discussed with the vehicle owner will not be performed with out notifying the owner before in advance. This includes but is not limited to unnecessary Mileage on the odometer.
The Mileage on the odometer reads ________________________ miles at the time of drop-off.
Date________________________ and time of drop-off is ______________________________
Please understand this document is not intended to be rude or by any means insulting or questioning of you, your company, your employees or employers.
This is simply a written contract that presents everything in an extremely clear fashion as to what is and is not expected by both parties involved.
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on :
Personally I think its a bit much.... if you read the fine print at most shops they don't take responsibility for anything that can happen to your car (which they make YOU sign). If you bring something like that in your asking for trouble.... IE they WILL mess with you. Find some place that you trust and you won't have to worry about silly stuff like that.... my 2 cents.
Posted by NVMY02SS (Member # 1422) on :
ok as a previous service writer of a Chevy dealer...i would personally take offense to it. I dont think it would be wise to take this along with you. You are defenietly looking for trouble!
Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
Ray, We're all in the same boat, ...we worry about our cars being taken car of while in someone elses hands. However having them sign an 'agreement' may not be the most effective way of achieving what you want.As MM mentioned, ...the fine print at the bottom of most service invoices makes some statement (in one way or another) that "...we are not responsible...". Your best bet is to do the best you can in creating a rapor with the service manager (and techs) so that they understand that you care about your car, and that you would hope they do the same. Write the mileage down, reset the trip odometer, put towels on the seats and floormats, ...make them aware of your efforts such as these. Ask questions, so they know you want to know specifically what it is they plan on doing. Take every precaution you can to prevent 'something' from happening. Get the names of those who you talk to,...write them down, ...mention that you want to know what mechanic is going to do the work, ...ask that it be noted on the invoice. It should be common practice to do so anyway, ...but they will know you will be looking. Not everybody cares about our cars like we do, ...make sure the service department knows you are one that does care. At the same time, ...when they do a good job, ...you get your car back, ...all taken care of, ...Don't be afraid to TIP the mechanic! Let the service manager know you are happy with the work. They may see you as one of us 'anal' types, yet at the same time know that you go out of YOUR way when the job is done right, ...and you appreciate their efforts. ...and an added bonus is the technician is recognized by his boss that he has satisfied another customer...
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
I agree with ragSS. Having worked at dealerships in the past, and now owning an independent shop, all it takes is communicating what you would like. Be friendly, not rude. You will get a lot further. Things may still happen though. Good luck. Posted by Xsta Z 28 (Member # 740) on :
If I was a Service Writer and you gave that to me, I would be insulted and either:
A: Tell you to take your business elsewhere.
B: Sign it and treat you like $#*@, Screw me - Screw you.
Just my 2 cents. Unfortunately it is a scary thing to bring that car in for service, but one needs to have some faith they will treat your property nicely.
I think it would be far better to develope a personal rappor with the Service Rep, in lieu of shoving false legal text into their face. Anyway it would NEVER hold up in court.
[ 24. March 2003, 10:34 AM: Message edited by: Xsta Z 28 ]
Posted by Fbodfather (Member # 1119) on :
I would think that the service manager would refuse to sign such a document.
I agree with RagSS and Xta....much better to develop a rapport with the service department.
It is so important, when purchasing a new car...that you look at the overall picture. The lowest price is not always the best deal. We have some very very good Chevy dealers out there...and some that...well....................................
A good dealer will have a good service department that will respect you AND your Camaro.
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Agree - with most. Relationships are what's important. Treat the service advisor with respect, explain that you are a fussy owner and what your expectations are, and you'll be surprised the quality of service you get.
I had a problem with damages done at the dealer, they fixed it and gave me a loaner. I do, however, politely ask the service advisor to do a quick walk around the vehicle with me checking for prior damage and to date none has refused and in a way it protects them - in case there is prior damage.
Enjoy your ride! Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :
Having a dealer sign any paperwork in my opinin is like eating at a resteraunt. 1st time you send back food ok,2nd time who knows what will be done . A dealer might sign it but I would not want to think what could happen after you leave.
Posted by Bill Mason (Member # 1807) on :
I agree with those who have said that your relationship with the shop/people is the most important aspect of ensuring that your car is respected and fixed properly. This in the number one thing I do when taking our cars in for work.
However, I would question whether this is possible with dealers in the long term (sorry Scott), given the staff turnover that can occur at dealerships.
I had a very good relationship at a GM dealership (in Toronto) for 4+ years, It was fantastic with very open and honsest dealings with the service mangers, service writers and the ONE technician permitted to work on my car. I was told to my face on several occassions that I was their number one customer. We spent A LOT of money at that dealership in the care and feeding of the Firebird and Corvette.
Then management changed, and a $1,000 preventative maintenance repair wound up costing me $7,500, which was recently settled for $4,000 (all in Cdn dollars). Their knowledge of how I enjoy the car was used as a basis to skewer me and repeatedly charge me for increasingly botched work.
So, I think the best thing you can do is find a very competent knowledgable caring independently owned service shop (such as Steve da Wrench) and build a relationship with that shop. Then, only take your car to a dealership for those items that the independent shop can not deal with. After all, the independent guy lives or dies by his reputation and the happiness of his customers!!!
I knew this before, got sucked in but will never ever go back now. I have since found a couple of independent shops and I am very very happy again.
Sorry for the bit of a rant, but I really think that this is the best and only approach in the long run for us car enthusiasts.
Bill M 98 TA
Posted by Ray (Member # 1557) on :
I live in a college town with a very high turnover rate. If you go to anywhere here twice you will see different people working. How many times has a mechanic sat in your $30,000.00 SS and left a grease stain in the seat or floor mats? The smell of gasoline inside? Get my drift? I'm sick and tired of people in my country who don't do the job right!
"Do it right the first time or don't do it at all".
"If you want it done right, do it yourself".
Unless you own a Jag or Porsche 911 and your a movie producer, actor or fat-cat at a Beverly Hills dealership, the odds are your not gonna get the best service.
It's just an idea....
Apparently you guys think it's a bad idea.
Thanks for responding
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
Like Raggs, The Fbodfather and others have said these are people you want to trust and depend on, treat them that way.
Keep in mind that many in this business are there because to some degree or other they are auto enthusiasts. For the most part they enjoy a car that is well taken care of and they are anxious to show they care.
As a practical example - shortly after BG last year I brought my SS in to get the TSB for third gear done. I went in during business hours to meet the service writer and make the appointment, showed him around the car (he loved Scott's signature) and asked if he had a good transmission tech. He said he had a very good one and assured me he would take care of it.
When I brought the car in I mentioned lift points etc. and he stated that he could see how much I cared for the car and they would do the same.
When the car was ready, they informed that they had also noticed the pinion seal leaking and took care of that too. I let them know I would check for leaks over the next few days. Well after a week, the shifting worked well, no leaks etc. so I drove back to the dealer and gave a nice tip to the service writer and the mechanic with a note of thanks for each.
Went back to the dealer yesterday and the mechanic came out to meet me, said he really appreciated the gift and assured me that he would take personal care of my car.
I had brought it in for a bad 02 sensor which they had every right to deny because of headers. They checked the car thoroughly, said their test showed all 4 were bad and replaced them all under warranty.
As Scott says there's a lot more to the dealer than the best price. Having been a service manager at a dealer (in a former life) I know that the first thing everyone forgets is what they paid for the car, and what they always remember is how they were treated.
Posted by ChuckSSter (Member # 1800) on :
I bought my camaros used so I am in a little different situation . I have a Dealer I trust and they do work for me on my Wifes car . I think what everyone has said is true a good relationship with the people is a must . I personally have a shop that I trust do most of my work , they know my cars and treat them like I am standing there watching when I am not. They go as far as to put my cars in the bay if I have to leave them overnite . I find that the Dealer is great but expensive so a local shop is a must espically with my 72 , I also do some stuff my self but I am getting to old to lay on the ground on my back and probally to lazy to . Hope all this helps you some theres some great advice in what everyone has said Thats my .02 Posted by agmSS (Member # 853) on :
Ray,
I agree with everyone else that taking the time to build a relationship with the service dept. whether at a dealer or an independent is fundamental to getting your car treated the way you want it to. I think there ARE some pretty clear no-brainers here that should be automatic tip-offs to service organizations that a particular car stands out and might warrant some extra caution. For example, if a customer brings in a vehicle clean enough to let a baby eat off the engine, DO NOT give it back looking like it just went mud-bogging. Also, some cars are prone to attracting vandals and other mischief makers more than others, so I ask that my cars be brought inside at night if the work requires an overnight stay. Pretty basic stuff and most professional service shops know this without having to be told.
Invariably however, an "accident" will happen, like a stain on the carpet or an upholstery puncture from a screwdriver left in a back pocket. The good shops will take precautions and set standards to prevent these things and if it does happen, they're honest enough to tell you up front and make it right and NOT wait for you to find it on your own and voice a complaint. I've experienced both extremes, with shops that came right out and said they accidentally damaged the car to shops that damaged it and then played dumb when I pointed out the damage. I can appreciate how frustrating that can be. The honest shop made sure I was completely satisfied before they let me leave and I had to take a big bite out of the azz of the one that played dumb. Of course, I don't take my business to the "bad" shop anymore, and I tell everyone who asks to stay away from them.
If you're not sure where a good one is that's convenient to your location, I'm sure there are other enthusiasts around that can make a recommendation. Word of mouth is a big deal and a shop with a bad rep will be avoided like the plague. Asking a shop to sign an agreement like the one you posted would be offensive to the honest shops and irrelevant to the bad ones. It's a lose-lose either way and doesn't start the relationship off on a good note at all. Good luck.
Andy
Posted by NVMY02SS (Member # 1422) on :
quote:Originally posted by DaddySS: Went back to the dealer yesterday and the mechanic came out to meet me, said he really appreciated the gift and assured me that he would take personal care of my car.
I had brought it in for a bad 02 sensor which they had every right to deny because of headers. They checked the car thoroughly, said their test showed all 4 were bad and replaced them all under warranty.
As Scott says there's a lot more to the dealer than the best price. Having been a service manager at a dealer (in a former life) I know that the first thing everyone forgets is what they paid for the car, and what they always remember is how they were treated.
hey rich curious as to which dealer you did take it to?
i always like to hear of a good chevy dealer in my area doing nice things for fellow camaro owners
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
I'll email you...don't want to advertise their kindness on the 02 sensors. Posted by ErinMarie (Member # 1422) on :
I just wanted to let you know that i presonally told the owner (since i know him very well) that the 2 people you dealt with were very helpful and took care of ur SS. He said he appreciates it and he will commend the 2 of them for a job well done!
Posted by DanPazich (Member # 1352) on :
NOw if only I could find a dealer/shop around here like that. That I know they are looking out for my car and take care of it wehn it's out of my hands. I've tried building relationships with 2 dealers but with no luck. The one dealer my parents have done business with for years, and has bought 4 cars there between my family, and gets all servicing done there, I just done think they know that I care for my SS as much as my parents care for us children. Posted by Ray (Member # 1557) on :
I took all your advice here....... Today I went back to my dealer and tipped the shop foreman and service write-up guy $20.00 each, cash.
Now watch both these guys quit tomorrow and then I start all over again! Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ray: I took all your advice here....... Today I went back to my dealer and tipped the shop foreman and service write-up guy $20.00 each, cash.
What did they do for you that prompted you to tip them? What needed to be fixed on your car?
Posted by Ray (Member # 1557) on :
The rear fold down seat did not line up when I pulled it down and up. The side levers were off center...... Thay fixed it but my main beef was when my roof panel had bubbles under the paint(SS recall but Chevy refuses to admit it) and the dealer was jacking me aorund. I finally got it re-painted.
Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
Ah, I see. Glad to hear you were able to resolve your issues with the car and the dealer.
Best of luck if anything else needs attention...hopefully they'll remember you and take care of you well again.
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