so, first let me say that I will go in and retract and edit based on outcome
On July 4th I bought a 2001 Ford F-150 pick up that had been gone over by this mechanics shop. I bought it from the sister business next door (South Pacific Auto Sales)
I was told to buy the warranty as the truck had 100,000 miles on it, but was also given the mechanics report card and repair log. It had been checked out thoroughly, tuned up, new brakes, rotors, drums etc.
I was told that is was a great buy, solid rig, yada, yada,,yada.
The finance guy really "suggested" I buy a warranty and said "Not that this will most likely happen, because our mechanics are really good, but you're buying as is.... of course, we'd make it right if something happened right away because we take care of our customers, especially when you use our mechanics, but you should get a warranty with any used vehicle."
He made it sound like I would get VIP service if I kept it within the "family" and got the warranty.
I got the warranty. Best advice I ever got.
The truck was driven to Albany (the dealership) and back to Salem three times- Home depot 4 times (6 miles each way) and finally, a month later, it's first maiden voyage to Sisters Oregon-- or not.
It made it just outside of Lyons before there was a cutting out feel. The guy at the auto supply shop said "Hmmm, maybe needs gas additive cause of a clogged injector" We put the recommended cleaner in.
Meanwhile, we noticed that the brakes didn't seem to be firm.
Took the car back home and straight to South Pacific Auto where it was purchased.
Explained the problem, left the key. I had had the car less than 5 weeks. They promised me they'd get it taken care of.
It has now been in the shop for over two weeks and if I get it back as predicted for the third time, it will be two and a half weeks- exactly one third of the time I have owned it, in the shop.
Bad ABS Module and coil and spark plug.
Talking to other mechanics they say the spark plug (not covered under warranty aka "my dime") should have been checked, cleaned and/or replaced at the time of service for sale... (recommended mileage?) otherwise, it is probably a fail caused by the other problems-- but, hey, they are the competition, what do they know? really.
South Pacific Tire Pros (and repair) were referred to as "our guys". Made it sound like a happy family.
Made it sound like if I bought from them, used their mechanics, I would be in this big happy family.
But I am not so happy.
It wasn't even diagnosed for a week.
Then they were waiting for the warranty place to okay the repair for a day or two.
Then a part was ordered but didn't come in till last Thursday.
Then this used part was bad, go figure.
But, when he ordered it again, it is no longer a day turn around I guess, cause now it isn't due to arrive until Tuesday. Supposedly I will get it back on Tuesday... or Wednesday.... or Thursday.... or ?????
In the meantime, this truck I bought to use in a time-sensitive remodel has been sidelined at their shop for over two weeks (two weeks and one day so far and counting)
To install an ABS module, coil and spark plug.
The expense of holding up my contractors until I can haul supplies has been horrible.
Moral of the story.
1.Buy a warranty.
2.Get a couple of mechanic shops on standby that will accept the warranty.
3. Find out who can fix it and when.
or better yet...
4. Get a certified used vehicle or even better, new.
On the bright side, Will at the repair shop is polite each and every one of the 5 times so far that he has told me it will only be another day or two. read more