Re: Dealer Oil Change - Followup

["David N. Boyer" <ravee@lamere.net>]

I've had that sleazy feeling before, so what I did was this.  After the oil
change (and I stress after) I ask for the empty containers back because of some
'rebate offer.'

-David
'92 slc Mobil 1 15-50

Matt Cleland wrote:

> Here's a followup to my posting from yesterday re: my experience with an oil
> change at my dealer, Mobil 1 & the "sleazy feeling".
>
> After stewing for a couple hours about the "sleazy feeling", I called VW
> Customer Relations at the 800# on their website.  I spoke with a very polite
> representative who took my info, including VIN# and dealer name.  We then
> discussed the issue of tire rotation, and she told me that VW will pay for 1
> rotation during the 2yr/24month free maintenance period.  She said she would
> contact the dealer on my behalf and get them straightened out.  I also
> mentioned the business about them claiming oil reimbursement for the oil
> they didn't use, and she said she would speak to them about that also.
>
> Well, lo and behold about 9:00AM this morning the friendly service manager
> at my {Cadillac,Olds,Nissan,VW} dealer calls and wants to chat about why I
> called VW.  I told him I was pissed that I took the car in for service and
> they weren't familiar with the VW coverage of the tire rotation.  I also
> told him that I was concerned that I looked in the back and saw about 15
> bays full of Cadillacs and one tiny one in the corner for VWs.  He went on
> to tell me about how VW doesn't sell many cars and that they only have one
> tech and they are trying to "steal" a tech from another dealer.  He then
> told me that he came over from the Cadillac dealer and didn't really know
> that much about VW.  I told him that didn't fill me with confidence.
>
> He said they would be glad to rotate my tires for free whenever I wanted to
> bring it in, and he would "generously" cover the next Oil/Filter change. I
> reminded him that VW covers that already, and it wasn't all that generous. I
> also told him that it is a pain in the ass to take the car in and wait for
> an hour for a service that should have been done the first time and that I
> had requested.
>
> He finally said that he would "personally" come to my house, pick up my car,
> take it to the shop, rotate the tires and bring it back.  I told him I'd
> consider it and give him a call.
>
> I probably will wait, since I'm gonna have all the wheels off in the next
> couple weeks to install new suspension stuff.
>
> All I can say is that I was impressed with the response from VW, and that
> they must really put the screws to the dealers when it comes to customer
> sat.
>
> After driving the car for a few hours, I've decided that they probably did
> use my oil.  The engine seems to rev a little less freely, which I (maybe
> incorrectly) ascribe to the heavier 15W-50 oil (vs. the 5W-30 Castrol).  Any
> comments as to my assessment here are welcomed.
>
> Thanks a lot to all of you who responded both on the list and privately.  I
> would encourage anybody who has issues with their dealer to enlist the help
> of the VW Customer Relations folks.  Remember, you paid big $$$ for your
> car, and you deserve to be treated well.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Matt Cleland                                    cleland@stlnet.com
> 98 Jetta GLX
> Black/Biber