On my initial problems I approached the Service Manager at Barber Oldsmobile and
requested their assistance. When I got the bill I paid it. No bargainingl! The
motor lasted 300 miles. They were no help when it let go down the road in
Beaver. That work was 6K plus they brokd the windshield, I replaced it with
insurance ($100.00) deductible. Ypu'd think they would pay the deductible, no
way. In Beaver Utah, Anytime said they knew about the GMC and would be glad to do
the job. 5 Months later it was ready to pick up. I paid for a new radiator and
oil cooler. These internal oil coolers have not been available for at least 10
years I found out when I got home that work was about 1K. The intake manifold was
broken here too and that cost me several hundred more plus shipping from Joe in
Paso Robles. When I go the GMC home I took it in to have the thing checked over.
No smog stuff on the engine. I was illegal. I called Anytime up. They had no
clue as to what I was talking about. The water cooler was taken off there too and
replaced with one that I was lucky to get home with. Where was my Cast one? No
body knows. I had to buy another one of those too. I never has quibbled with the
mechanic. I just look at the certificates on the wall to see if he really is what
he says he is. Go for it and pay. Both of these time I felt it mentally and
financially. As far as oil changes go. A guy named Tom Peters, author of the
book, In Search of Excellence was sent to both agencies. I have an abundant
supply of his book and give them out to people who should improve cutomer
relations. After all, all they have is the service to their customers. Right!
>
> > The service you get today is poor and ridiculous. I don't know
> > where the quality went and what they think they are doing to the public in
> > general.
>
> Chuck,
> To some extent we brought it on ourselves. $75 / axle brake jobs and $19.95
> lube/oil/filter jobs are just the most glaring examples. At that rate how
> much do you think they can pay the mechanics? How much time do you think
> those techs get to do the job?
> In my day, we did a proper "lube" job, including changing the oil (..new
> drain plug washer if needed, wipe sealing surfaces clean for drain plug and
> filter), changing the filter, lubing ALL grease fittings if any, inspecting
> axle boots, exhaust system and mounts, shocks, tires, etc. We looked for and
> checked out any leaks (oil, ATF, Coolant, tires, etc.) , adjusted tire
> pressure to specs, checked ALL fluid levels and topped up as necessary,
> including coolant (rarely checked nowadays as they might burn their little
> minimum-wage fingers since the car is hot), transmission, differential, brake
> fluiid, power steering, washer fluid, etc. I could go on, but you get the
> idea.
> For all of this, an experienced mechanic spent about 1/2 hour on your
> vehicle, and you were charged for that amount of time. And there's the
> rub.... With shop rates passing $70/hour, who would be willing to pay $35
> labor (~$50-$60 total) for a lube/oil/filter job?
> This is one reason I no longer work on cars for a living. In order to make
> a decent living in that field today, you must be young (strong but
> inexperienced), and very fast (wear "blinders" so you focus only on the job at
> hand. Do not take time to think about the best thing for the vehicle, only
> quicker ways to finish up and "ship it!"), and if you do look the car over,
> report ONLY those problems that you know you can make good money fixing,
> turning a blind eye to any weird or difficult problems.
> I don't know all the answers, but I suggest that if you do find a mechanic
> you trust, do not try to bargain him down for every job, but be willing to pay
> a fair price for his expertise, investment, and efforts.
>
> Rick Staples
> '75 Eleganza, Louisville, CO
> Certified Master Auto Technician
> Certified Master Truck Technician
> Certified Engine Assembly Specialist
> Certified Parts Professional, Auto and Truck
> etc.....
