Had an interesting warranty experience I felt like sharing. Might strike a few nerves here.
Yesterday, my wife informed me that the check engine light was lit on our 2006 Corolla. At this time the miles on the car were 35,996.
We had had a check engine light before that manifested in some hard shifting behavior that was resolved, clearly under warranty, by replacing some expensive engine control module or another. This was a relatively hassle free experience that was soon forgotten.
By the way, the dealership, that I was previously happy with, is about 17 miles from our house.
Preparations began in earnest. My wife called the dealership and explained the situation, they left her with the impression it would be covered.
The thought of having the car towed to the dealership crossed my mind.
I settled for taking a picture showing the odometer reading and the lit check engine light. I also called Toyota customer service and explained the situation, they took out a file, gave me a reference number, and the name of the local rep.
Armed with this I took the car in. I think the odometer read 36014 when I got to the dealership.
Friendly service advisor guy says it will be about an hour to check it.
Hour and a half later I am informed it is an intake gasket leak causing a lean condition. "This is covered under warranty, right" I ask.
Argument with suddenly less friendly service advisor ensues. I mention the picture, call to Toyota, 19 miles on the car when we took delivery, etc. Service advisor says he will have to talk to the service manager.
I sit for fifteen minutes while service advisor goes about his business. Finally, I walk in on him. "Have you talked to your manager?" "Not yet, a few minutes"
Finally he comes back and tells me, no charge for the visit, they will call when the part comes in, and it will be covered under goodwill but the car is not under warranty. At this point, they have lost both my goodwill, and my repeat business.
Was really surprised they even attempted to stick me with this one! Times are tough on the sales end I guess.
Suddenly the Corolla loses much of its lead over the Saturn ION sitting next to it in my garage!
Yesterday, my wife informed me that the check engine light was lit on our 2006 Corolla. At this time the miles on the car were 35,996.
We had had a check engine light before that manifested in some hard shifting behavior that was resolved, clearly under warranty, by replacing some expensive engine control module or another. This was a relatively hassle free experience that was soon forgotten.
By the way, the dealership, that I was previously happy with, is about 17 miles from our house.
Preparations began in earnest. My wife called the dealership and explained the situation, they left her with the impression it would be covered.
The thought of having the car towed to the dealership crossed my mind.
I settled for taking a picture showing the odometer reading and the lit check engine light. I also called Toyota customer service and explained the situation, they took out a file, gave me a reference number, and the name of the local rep.
Armed with this I took the car in. I think the odometer read 36014 when I got to the dealership.
Friendly service advisor guy says it will be about an hour to check it.
Hour and a half later I am informed it is an intake gasket leak causing a lean condition. "This is covered under warranty, right" I ask.
Argument with suddenly less friendly service advisor ensues. I mention the picture, call to Toyota, 19 miles on the car when we took delivery, etc. Service advisor says he will have to talk to the service manager.
I sit for fifteen minutes while service advisor goes about his business. Finally, I walk in on him. "Have you talked to your manager?" "Not yet, a few minutes"
Finally he comes back and tells me, no charge for the visit, they will call when the part comes in, and it will be covered under goodwill but the car is not under warranty. At this point, they have lost both my goodwill, and my repeat business.
Was really surprised they even attempted to stick me with this one! Times are tough on the sales end I guess.
Suddenly the Corolla loses much of its lead over the Saturn ION sitting next to it in my garage!
