Out here in the west, dealerships get allocation of new cars based on survey results, I'm told. Every time I take my Toyota in just for an oil change, I get a call from the dealership asking if my experience was satisfactory. I think if I told them I was giving them a bad response, they'd offer me their first born child not to.

 

That's exactly the kind of information I was hoping to get. Thanks Morris!

 

That's the way it should be; they should be bending over backwards to please you. Audi goes out of their way for me. When I was ill and wanted to get the last free maintenance before the 3-years ran out, they drove 45 minutes one-way to pick it up, do the service, and return it.

 

I have had the opposite experience with my dealership. I purchased my new BMW X3 6 weeks ago and I have had nothing but great service from the dealership. Many follow up calls from my salesman who was the best sales person I have ever dealt with. He rushed my tag through so that I would have it before I left for Fla. and on a recent visit I had some questions on the communication system and he came out to the vehicle with me and patiently walked me through all of them. My experience was one of the best ever and I reflected that on the survey I was sent from the dealership. I heard good things about this dealer and now I can see why. Sorry you had some issues as I have had some unpleasant experiences in the past and they are no fun to deal with.

 

Val;

Interesting comments. I had the same type of issues at the Chevrolet dealer when I had to bring my Vette in for service. It has been totally different at the Hyundai dealer. I had an electrical issue that needed attention. The dealership is about 30 miles from where I work but only 5 or so from where I live. When I pulled in the dealer did the normal paper work and when finished had a loaner pulled up and ready to go. My car was done on time and they kept me posted as to progress. Car was washed and ready to go once I arrived at the dealership. I almost have my faith restored in car dealers.

 

Next call, just tell them you are going to report all this on the customer survey. That should get them moving.

 

Good point, the threat of doing something is often more effective than actually doing it . . . something lawyers know very well.

 

Um...Maybe I missed something, but it seems like there are two (or maybe two-and-a-half) issues: license plates that haven't arrived in two weeks (which are probably not the dealership's fault, given DMV incompetence everywhere) and a half-full windshield-washer reservoir -- which could well account for that extra half, the service light.

And this is the cause of all the teeth-gnashing here? Really?

Surely, a bit of patience for the plates is appropriate, and it's quite easy to fill up the reservoir--with better stuff than the dealer would use anyway, I imagine. Doing such things as filling the washer fluid reservoir is actually a Good Thing, because you have to open the hood and look in there--something that too many people just never do. It's sure a lot easier than changing the oil, for example.

Now, if that doesn't turn off that service light, well, maybe it's time for that 25-minute drive, plates or no plates.

So, with all due respect: Yes, you're being too picky. HPH

 

Update: I checked the windshield washer tank and discovered it was full. I then called the dealer's maintenance dept about the washer message and the service message. He walked me through the resetting mechanism which did not work. He then said the car's computer will not reset if a second attempt is made and I'd need to bring the car in. I took it in on Saturday and at first the service manager was a teeny bit arrogant as if he thought I was a bit "slow". The wonderful volvo mechanic then attempted a reset -- it failed. He then hooked the car up to a service computer and the message indicator DID reset, however it was still showing the windshield washer tank needed to be refilled. He worked on the car 2 hours (and they gave us a car to drive so we could go to lunch). He discovered a faulty sensor. The sensor has been ordered. The service manager was extremely apologetic about the sitch and admitted it should have been checked before we left with the car. All's well. I reallllllly liked the mechanic who seems very knowledgeable and thorough. We'll have to take it back in when the part arrives. Oh, and I got my license plate.

 

Better late than never. I saw a C70 with the top up the other day - silver color. It looked nice.