Ford Dealer

[nj susan]

Took little red to the local Ford dealer today. Even though she is 6 years old, she is still under warranty (only 24,000+ miles).

Not only were they accommodating with the appointment I wanted, but I was called to remind me about the appointment yesterday afternoon, and greeted with a smile when I arrived this morning. The problem was with the thermostat (it was covered). However, they didn't have the part at the dealership, but said they would have it by around 1PM. They offered me a ride home (about 10 miles) and the driver was very pleasant as well.

At about 3PM they called to let me know that the car was done and ready for pickup. Total charge $50 deductible.

I know a lot of people who have horror stories about visits to the dealer, but I've had great experiences with Ford and Dodge (for the Charger) as well.

[Bob & Lee Abbott]

Re: Ford Dealer

I'm almost 200 miles from my little Bird's original dealer, but my local Ford dealer still treats me like I'm one of their best customers. Everyone in the dealership calls me by name and goes out of their way to be polite. I've bought other cars from them, but I really think it's the Bird that makes the difference. They like to have her in, probably because there are not many around here. Nice to be treated well.

[Ediron]

Re: Ford Dealer

Some dealerships no matter what they sell know how to run a business.I've always have had a nice relationship with my L/M dealer and my Cadillac dealer.Sometimes it's our attitude also.

[My Raven]

Re: Ford Dealer

Consumer Reports reported that Ford vehicle quality was on par and in some cases exceeded Honda and Toyota. They further stated that Ford's problem was not with their product but consumer perception that they still built vehicles with shoddy build quality.

This month's Car & Driver rated the Ford Fusion Hybrid as the best pick of 4 tested hybrids including the Toyota Camry. For that magazine to endorse a Ford product, who have never found a Toyota, Honda or BMW they didn't love, with a glowing test report gives me hope that Big Blue may be able to survive this mess.

I have heard a lot of import lovers at work compliment Ford for passing on the bailout money.

Maybe things are looking up ... I hope so.

[CaliforniaBird]

Re: Ford Dealer

I have had very good experiences with the local Ford dealer here as well. They have always taken care of anything I asked for! Thats why I now own three Fords and my new (2004) Bird is on the way!

[COLP]

Re: Ford Dealer

I echo the comments regarding excellent service from my local Ford dealer. Earlier this summer, my 2005 started leaking transmission fluid. Took it to the dealer for repair (under extended warranty - no deductable). Since it would take them a couple of days to make the repairs, I asked if they would put on the car cover if they had to park it outside. The service manager so "Oh no. We will keep this one inside at all times." Might be something to do with it being a fairly rare car that is really special.

[FritsB]

Re: Ford Dealer

That is good news Susan. Thanks for sharing. I also have great experiences with my Ford dealer in NL. They are always thinking forward and very pleasant to deal with.

[SixPac]

Re: Ford Dealer

What a great way to bring 2008 to a close. Positive comments about our Ford dealers. Our dealer is also in this group of dealers who know how to treat their customers.

Thanks Susan for starting this thread.

[FUN X 3]

Re: Ford Dealer

Our dealer Battlefield Ford in Manassas VA is excellent, I recommend them to anyone in the DC area close enough to have your cars serviced there. We bought both vehicles there, but I believe they treat us well because we've chosen to have them serviced there on a regular basis. Dealers make more money servicing vehicles than selling them anyway.

[nj susan]

Re: Ford Dealer

In addition to this most recent experience, little red went to the 'doctor' during the summer. I was having a problem with the latch on the convertible top and called them to find out if it was covered by the extended warranty. Consensus of friends/family is that it would not be because it is the convertible top. They checked it out before they serviced the car and told me that it would indeed be covered. The actual canvas is not covered. Their regular shop personnel had difficulties with the repair so they called in a 'specialist' to make sure the job was done correctly (which it was). They had to keep it overnight and I asked them to keep her inside, which they did. In fact, when we arrived to pick her up, she was still inside with lots of admirers.

Jack Trebour Ford in Randolph, NJ knows how to treat our baby birds. Thanks everyone.

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Ford Dealer

Great Post!!

I'd also like to recomend a FORD Dealership in Central Florida. Nick Nicholas Ford, Rte 44W, Inverness, FL.
Most of you know the story of my NM. Well, after losing the best Thunderbird guy in Florida, to Retirement, (Joe Varey), I had to search for someone to TRUST. These folks were and still are Awesome to deal with. What I thought was a COP problem, wasn't. Their Tech's are super, and constantly going for training, like most other's I assume. But even the Tech's, let alone the Writer's and Management there, actually care about the rides they are servicing. They brought my long-stored NM back to life and with more pep than before. They have become my dealer of choice, though 36 miles away, and with three other FORD dealers closer. And I gave them my family purchasing business also.

[5bird7]

Re: Ford Dealer

I'll add my Thanks to the Ford dealers we've dealt with over the last 6 1/2 years. We never had a complaint about the selling dealer nor their service dept in Arlington, TX - Don Davis Ford, though we no longer use them since we moved further away. We've used three other dealers on the road with both cars - Bickford Ford in Snohomish, WA,
the Ford dealer service dept. in Pullman WA, & O'Meara Ford service dept. in Denver, CO. and nothing bad to report about them.
We now use Karl Klement Ford in Decatur, TX. In fact George was just in there yesterday because a mouse chewed thru a vaccum line on the 05 (uh oh!). They taped it up as the part is no longer available from Ford (on back order and I hope not forever!). Meanwhile one of their service techs said anytime our 02 has the check engine light come on in the 02 (due to c.o.p.s), bring it in and they'll use their diagnostic tool and tell us which one is bad since our 02 is no longer under any warranty and Ford hasn't covered the 02 c.o.p. problems. George can then fix on his own. George was quite pleased with that.

ps - George is busy baiting and trapping mice now - killed 3 so far but there appear to be more. He hasn't checked all the cars in the garage for mouse damage yet.

[SixPac]

Re: Ford Dealer

Time to put a cat in the garage.

[00mustng]

Re: Ford Dealer

.....wonder if the vacuum line is the same on the LS or S Type?.....No longer available from Ford ...... and on backorder sounds ominous....

[z06bigbird]

Re: Ford Dealer

Customer attitude and respect typically result in a mirror image from the dealer. A few Starbucks, Blue Bell, or tacos works wonders. Not a bribe; just a showing of appreciation. Life is a two way street.

Whenever I move to a new town/dealership, I briefly meet with service mgr and ask "Which service writer do I avoid." Also, it does not hurt to ask which model car do I avoid! Works for me everytime.