Am I Being Too Picky??

Lloydy · 06-29-2009, 11:31 AM

OK, the 370 is only my second car since I moved here from the UK, so I don't have much of a point of reference.
My last car (2007 VW GTI), I took back to the dealers for servicing and oil changes etc, and each time I took it there, my car was cleaned inside and out, the seat was never moved and the radio was never touched, in fact it was always turned off. So I think to myself this must be how it's done over here (compared to the UK, fantastic)
So when I take my 370 to the Nissan dealers for its first oil change, and considering the car is worth twice as much as the GTI, I'm sure I'll get at the very least the same level of service there.
The car was booked in at 11am I pulled up and got out, I stood there for 5 mins with various people looking at me and saying nothing. Then finally someone asks if they can help me, give my keys and sign the service sheet. The car is ready within 30 mins and I get the keys back.
When I got back into the car, it was still dirty, it was open, and the seat had been moved almost as far forward as it could be, the radio was blaring some station I never listened too and the filthy carpet protector was still in there too.
Now was the VW experience normal, or was the Nissan one? If the Nissan was normal, I'll just lower my expectations again.

Zcott · 06-29-2009, 11:40 AM

I'm not sure there is a "typical" level of service to expect anymore.
It totally depends on the dealership - as with everything some are good, some are bad, and most are in between.
I've had several very BAD experiences with service shops (both dealer and independent) so I try to do as much of the maintenance myself as I can.

The best defense is to be WITH your car at all times. They tend to be a little more conscious of what they are doing when the owner can see them.

RCZ · 06-29-2009, 11:42 AM

Dealerships are so uh... they are a bunch of poopy heads. I avoid it as much as possible.

WooZ · 06-29-2009, 11:57 AM

Try another dealership since not all are the same. One dealership that I used sounded like the OP's, then I went to another and they vaccumed/cleaned windows before I picked it up. This was a Toyota dealership mind you.

FricFrac · 06-29-2009, 12:53 PM

Totaly depends on the dealership. Try another local dealership instead....

nogoodname · 06-29-2009, 12:55 PM

over here, they try as much as possible to wash the car.........and no one wants that.
they scratch the clear coat so bad...you got lucky then.

blaring radio is better then scratches all over

Educ8r · 06-29-2009, 01:15 PM

I can assure you that is the norm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloydy

OK, the 370 is only my second car since I moved here from the UK, so I don't have much of a point of reference.
My last car (2007 VW GTI), I took back to the dealers for servicing and oil changes etc, and each time I took it there, my car was cleaned inside and out, the seat was never moved and the radio was never touched, in fact it was always turned off. So I think to myself this must be how it's done over here (compared to the UK, fantastic)
So when I take my 370 to the Nissan dealers for its first oil change, and considering the car is worth twice as much as the GTI, I'm sure I'll get at the very least the same level of service there.
The car was booked in at 11am I pulled up and got out, I stood there for 5 mins with various people looking at me and saying nothing. Then finally someone asks if they can help me, give my keys and sign the service sheet. The car is ready within 30 mins and I get the keys back.
When I got back into the car, it was still dirty, it was open, and the seat had been moved almost as far forward as it could be, the radio was blaring some station I never listened too and the filthy carpet protector was still in there too.
Now was the VW experience normal, or was the Nissan one? If the Nissan was normal, I'll just lower my expectations again.

SiXK · 06-29-2009, 02:19 PM

It does depend on the dealer, but don't set out hunting for a Nissan dealer that goes that extra mile, you may very well be 80 years old before you find one.

I always make them go around the car and verify no scratches, scuffs etc... before I let them take the car. The dealer I use - Reed Motors in Orlando - is actually pretty good about it, but thats the service writer, who knows how its treated behind closed doors. But at least we agree on its condition before they take it.

They aren't going to (hahahaha) clean it out or wash it, so I don't have to worry about that. I am glad they don't attempt those things honestly.

I say lower your expectations and do as much stuff (oil changes, etc) as you are comfortable and/or don't mind doing yourself.

Forrest · 06-29-2009, 03:14 PM

thats normal for my dealer ship. Infact heres a real kicker. They hire this guy whos like freaking 4 feet 5 inches to move the cars when they are in the service bay. I am not joking he is a little midget nugget. So every time i get into my car the mirrors and seats are totaly jacked up. I kind of want to punch him even though its not his fault he just shoudlnt be moving my car hahaha.

KillerBee370 · 06-29-2009, 03:14 PM

That's unacceptable. Period.

This is why there are service managers. If that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, there is a general manager(I generally don't waste time with anyone other than the general manager).

kantonm · 06-29-2009, 03:26 PM

That is crap!!! I have had Hondas, Nissans Mazdas and now an Acura (ranging from $20k to $35K)... with few exceptions I have always had a clean and ''untouched" car returned to me... The seat thing is not much of a deal to me now b/c the Acura has memory seats that are linked to the remote, if they move the seat it goes back to my settings when I unlock the car... You should speak with the service manager, they should address your concerns, if not go elsewhere. Keep in mind, the dealer makes more money on the service than the sale of the car, you hold the cards!!!

Modshack · 06-29-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

Totaly depends on the dealership. Try another local dealership instead....

Vote with your dollars...(and let them know)

NXTAZEE · 06-29-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

Totaly depends on the dealership. Try another local dealership instead....

Speaking of oil changes, have you had yours done yet?

WShade · 06-29-2009, 07:18 PM

Although they can not do warranty work you may find a better level of service at your local Infiniti dealership for your routine maintenance. But, as many have stated this is the main reason I do it myself.

k20z3 · 06-29-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

thats normal for my dealer ship. Infact heres a real kicker. They hire this guy whos like freaking 4 feet 5 inches to move the cars when they are in the service bay. I am not joking he is a little midget nugget. So every time i get into my car the mirrors and seats are totaly jacked up. I kind of want to punch him even though its not his fault he just shoudlnt be moving my car hahaha.

bwahhah

06-29-2009, 11:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
Lloydy Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 150 Drives: 09 370z PG 6mt T/S Rep Power: 17	Am I Being Too Picky?? OK, the 370 is only my second car since I moved here from the UK, so I don't have much of a point of reference. My last car (2007 VW GTI), I took back to the dealers for servicing and oil changes etc, and each time I took it there, my car was cleaned inside and out, the seat was never moved and the radio was never touched, in fact it was always turned off. So I think to myself this must be how it's done over here (compared to the UK, fantastic) So when I take my 370 to the Nissan dealers for its first oil change, and considering the car is worth twice as much as the GTI, I'm sure I'll get at the very least the same level of service there. The car was booked in at 11am I pulled up and got out, I stood there for 5 mins with various people looking at me and saying nothing. Then finally someone asks if they can help me, give my keys and sign the service sheet. The car is ready within 30 mins and I get the keys back. When I got back into the car, it was still dirty, it was open, and the seat had been moved almost as far forward as it could be, the radio was blaring some station I never listened too and the filthy carpet protector was still in there too. Now was the VW experience normal, or was the Nissan one? If the Nissan was normal, I'll just lower my expectations again.

06-29-2009, 12:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 229	Totaly depends on the dealership. Try another local dealership instead.... __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

06-29-2009, 02:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
SiXK Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Orlando Posts: 352 Drives: 09 370Z / 91 300ZXTT Rep Power: 186	It does depend on the dealer, but don't set out hunting for a Nissan dealer that goes that extra mile, you may very well be 80 years old before you find one. I always make them go around the car and verify no scratches, scuffs etc... before I let them take the car. The dealer I use - Reed Motors in Orlando - is actually pretty good about it, but thats the service writer, who knows how its treated behind closed doors. But at least we agree on its condition before they take it. They aren't going to (hahahaha) clean it out or wash it, so I don't have to worry about that. I am glad they don't attempt those things honestly. I say lower your expectations and do as much stuff (oil changes, etc) as you are comfortable and/or don't mind doing yourself. __________________ Magnetic Black 2009 370Z / Pearl Yellow 1991 300ZXTT

06-29-2009, 07:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
WShade Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 765 Drives: 09 370Z T/S/N Rep Power: 188	Although they can not do warranty work you may find a better level of service at your local Infiniti dealership for your routine maintenance. But, as many have stated this is the main reason I do it myself. __________________ Q50S Q60 RS400

06-29-2009, 11:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
Zcott Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: D/FW, Texas Posts: 89 Drives: 09 370Z Sport PG M6 Rep Power: 17	I'm not sure there is a "typical" level of service to expect anymore. It totally depends on the dealership - as with everything some are good, some are bad, and most are in between. I've had several very BAD experiences with service shops (both dealer and independent) so I try to do as much of the maintenance myself as I can. The best defense is to be WITH your car at all times. They tend to be a little more conscious of what they are doing when the owner can see them.

06-29-2009, 11:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	Dealerships are so uh... they are a bunch of poopy heads. I avoid it as much as possible.

06-29-2009, 11:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
WooZ Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 116 Drives: An Auto Auto Rep Power: 17	Try another dealership since not all are the same. One dealership that I used sounded like the OP's, then I went to another and they vaccumed/cleaned windows before I picked it up. This was a Toyota dealership mind you.

06-29-2009, 12:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
nogoodname Lifetime Premium Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 22,357 Drives: E46 M3 Rep Power: 1765	over here, they try as much as possible to wash the car.........and no one wants that. they scratch the clear coat so bad...you got lucky then. blaring radio is better then scratches all over

06-29-2009, 03:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
Forrest Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: california 707! Posts: 677 Drives: 09 370z Blk 6mt sprt Rep Power: 259	thats normal for my dealer ship. Infact heres a real kicker. They hire this guy whos like freaking 4 feet 5 inches to move the cars when they are in the service bay. I am not joking he is a little midget nugget. So every time i get into my car the mirrors and seats are totaly jacked up. I kind of want to punch him even though its not his fault he just shoudlnt be moving my car hahaha.

06-29-2009, 03:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
KillerBee370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: So Cal baby! Age: 52 Posts: 5,964 Drives: with passion Rep Power: 322	That's unacceptable. Period. This is why there are service managers. If that doesn't seem to be going anywhere, there is a general manager(I generally don't waste time with anyone other than the general manager).

06-29-2009, 03:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
kantonm Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: california Posts: 29 Drives: 06 Acura TL Rep Power: 17	That is crap!!! I have had Hondas, Nissans Mazdas and now an Acura (ranging from $20k to $35K)... with few exceptions I have always had a clean and ''untouched" car returned to me... The seat thing is not much of a deal to me now b/c the Acura has memory seats that are linked to the remote, if they move the seat it goes back to my settings when I unlock the car... You should speak with the service manager, they should address your concerns, if not go elsewhere. Keep in mind, the dealer makes more money on the service than the sale of the car, you hold the cards!!!