I purchased a Certified Pre-Owned Buick from Simi Valley Buick GMC September 2017. This included an extended warranty with the purchase.
An appointment was made for an oil change. Additional electrical issues required analysis.
I was informed a technician could perform the oil change, only, on a Saturday otherwise I would need to make two (2) trips to the dealer.
I rescheduled to drop the vehicle off over the weekend, rent a vehicle at my expense, due to at business trip Monday through Thursday the following week.
The issues to be resolved were related to the vehicle stereo shutting off when signaling to change lanes on the freeway with the cruise control engaged. Additionally this happened when backing out of parking spaces or randomly when windows were opened, closed or anything else electrical was engaged within the vehicle. At lower speeds, thankfully, when beginning a turn the vehicle would loose power steering. Fortunately this was not experienced at higher speeds or on the highway. The electrical issue also caused the headlamps to have inconsistent intensity or illumination.
Being these items were a HUGE safety concern I was not driving the vehicle unless absolutely necessary, due to being my only vehicle.
Monday, October 22, 2018 the oil change was performed and I was advised the battery failed to hold ample charge. The cost, despite being a certified pre-owned vehicle would be for labor, only. I was also informed after replacing the battery they would need to reprogram a computer. (Not within my means to do).
Query; How is a part covered under warranty without the labor to install it? Will the dealer provide the part to the customer expecting them to install it? Luckily it was not the engine. Wow!
I agreed to pay the labor, via telephone, being out of town, as I would need my vehicle upon returning the rental car.
I picked up my car Friday morning just before 8:00 AM. I paid the labor cost for the battery as there was no way for me to move the car, take the car and part, or install the battery on my own, without agreeing to pay the labor. (Replacement of a battery is not difficult for me to do).
I placed (re-usable) canvas shopping bags in the trunk of my car and noticed the heavy duty rubber trunk mat was missing. I immediately called the service writer over and showed him. He told me to wait and advised he checked the work area of the technician and could not find the floor mat. He also stated he advised the service manager. The service manager never came out to speak to me. The service writer advised the technician was due in at 8:30 AM and I opted to wait up to a half hour to verify whether he had the trunk mat. I left to go to work. The technician did not come in that day.
The dealership set an expectation stating they would check for the floor mat and call me later in the morning. At 215 PM I called the dealer. Expectation was set and not met or exceeded, by the dealer.
AGAIN, an expectation was set for the manager to get back to me and no communication was received.
Thinking the THIRD time would be the charm, I emailed the dealer and received a response, via email, stating I would receive a call the next day. The email advised the message I submitted, via email, was forwarded to the General Manager. This specifically outlined or set the expectation of a "hearing" from the dealer the next day.
NO EXPECTATIONS = NO DISAPOINTMENTS!
There was no call. Now, Monday, approximately 930 AM and still no communication from the dealership.
It is CLEAR, once Alexander Buick took over from Simi Valley Buick GMC, the importance and value of customer service is secondary.
It is not the value of the floor mat as much as the principle. I took photos to time and date stamp the photo with my phone prior to leaving the dealer. The repair order was closed out showing one (1) mile was driven, only. There were actually three (3) miles driven. While not significant, who drove the vehicle? It was in their possession Saturday through Friday and obviously closing the ticket there was NO TEST DRIVE TO VALIDATE SAFETY with the loss of power steering. The presumption the situation was resolved without a test drive is disturbing. This based on mileage when the ticket was closed, versus how additional mileage was driven upon my picking up the vehicle.
I guess CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SAFETY are NOT IMPORTANT to the dealer. I wonder whether they test drive vehicles after replacement of brakes or suspension parts?
I will have future service performed at a different dealership. I will not refer Alexander Buick GMC at ANY LOCATION they own. It is obvious ALEXANDER BUICK GMC is more concerned with greed than customer service or safety.
BUYER BEWARE! Take everything not permanently attached to your car out before going to the dealer. Photo or video your vehicle inside and out, including the trunk and under the hood. PROTECT YOURSELF!
Photo attached... No vacuum with the car wash
Highly disappointed.... read more