Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2003 23:21:59 -0700
Reply-To: zampano <matthias.k@ATTBI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: zampano <matthias.k@ATTBI.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon warranties/ general rant
In-Reply-To: <ECEKJMNLBLCDNOKAJBNEOEHDCEAA.stevegough@hcis.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
Steve,
They (Fast German) repaired the problem, but I pretty much paid for it.
They initially wanted me to pay $1600 to get it done. I said no way,
and offered to pay $1000, all included with a fresh warranty. They
refused, and we ended up arguing for 5 min, with me leaving, and them
steadfastly refusing to do it for that kind of money. I told him he'll
hear from the local small claims court as I left. On my way up, 1 hr
into the drive, the shop owner calls me on my cell saying that he
agrees to do it, for $1025. I said ok.
(I paid them originally $2500 for an over the counter rebuild with new
AMC heads, how good or honest that rebuild was you can find in the
archives)
Two weeks later they called me it was ready and I went there and picked
up the van, acting all cool and buddy like, as did they. They gave me 6
mos. warranty. They kept the van for a full 5 weeks.
2 days later I notice that it's leaking coolant. Great I figured. I saw
that a hose clamp was not tightened, so I tightened it. The leak
persisted though to a much smaller extent, but still there was a puddle
every morning. I just had my transmission replaced by a different shop
last week, and they said the leak comes from the water pump seal. I
guess I will be heading back down there again (1-3 hr drive depending
on traffic/time of day, taking a cab to the train station, taking train
to L,A., have friend pick me up downtown)
As far as I am concerned, all mechanics "specializing" on "problem"
cars such as Vanagons, Jaguars, Alfa Romeos or Fiats and the likes are
cunts. They all get into the business to rip you off, and lie like
persian rugs.
The whole warranty issue is a joke because they will take forever to
fix it, once they finally agree to, and in the meantime you need a
rental, full collision insurance etc., not to mention time and money
spent on rides, towing, taxis, buying dinner for your friend driving
you etc.
Living in L.A. now for 7 years I have gotten to accept a certain amount
of b.s., I actgually don't mind getting lied to and ripped off, as long
as it's actually fixed. Problem is: It isn't.
My other car is an Alfa Romeo. It was in the shop last week too and
they did stuff like replace the fuel sender, coolant temp sensor (ECU),
replaced clutch slave which came to $1200. I have spent another $5000
over the last year at same shop.
I get in the car and my fuel gauge still does not work. I ask him what
happened. His answer is: They were still waiting for the part. BUT THEN
WHY DID YOU CHARGE ME FOR IT. IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE THE PART, THEN YOU
DIDN'T DO THE WORK, RIGHT??
So he tells me to bring it back and he will fix it. Cool, I say,
thinking that I just caught him with a lie. I drive two blocks (2
bloody blocks) and the clutch pedal sticks to the ground, does not
release. I open the hood and there's also fuel dripping from the rail.
So again I drive it back, he looks it over, tinkers around and tells me
I need to bring it back. WTF??? They basically never even took it for a
test drive. That's ridiculous.
With both vehicles I am at the third mechanic now, over 2 years, and
have yet to find a decent one, though for the Vanagon I think I might
have now.
I know I am not just blowing hot air, because on both vehicles I have
pulled the engine myself, reinstalled all the ancillaries like water
pump, electrical, yada yada. And me as a layman never had such problems
as leaks from seals or non starting issues.
These days I don't have those budget problems anymore that force me to
do things myself, and the results so far have been worse.
What to do?? I always pay by credit card now, always. I also know now
that you just have to spend a lot of money on bad/crooked mechanics
until maybe you find a good one. And
probably need to spend some time litigating. I am also not afraid to
give those mechanics a bad rep on the internet, at clubs etc. And I am
pretty good at ruining somebody's business a lttlte weenie bit that
way. They deserve it. These days, if you type "Just Tires" into Google,
the first four websites are ones that tell you how much they suck.
Can't be too good for business.
The list so far of mechanics to avoid in SoCal are:
Fast German Auto in West Covina
Swiss Motors in L.A.
Alfa Only in Glendale
Alfa Omega in Culver City
The one shop I can recommend is Buggy Builders on La Brea and Venice
They tell you our cars are special, complicated and poorly engineered.
Bullocks. They just don't know what they're doing, and lie and cheat
you on top of it.
Not surprising since Corporate, read: Government, America (which these
days seems to be all that's left of America) itself indulges in and
fosters corruption, lies and hallucinated bottom lines.
The best way I guess would be to do all the work yourself and have a
VERY understanding girlfriend/wife, or buy a Chevy or Jap car.
End of rant.
Y'all have a wonderful week.
Peace
Matthias ('84 WBX Wolfy 4spd)
On Saturday, April 12, 2003, at 08:55 am, Steve Gough wrote:
> Matt,
>
> Just ran across your January post on your warranty
> problems while searching the archives. I haven't
> followed the list for a while.
>
> A couple of years ago, I bought a Boston Bob engine.
> Burned a rod bearing after about 1200 miles. A real
> bummer. Bob sort of split the damage with me, because
> he said he could find nothing either of us did wrong.
> I wasn't happy about that, but was in a bad spot and
> agreed.
>
> Did you get your problem resolved? I hate to bring
> up Bob's behavior on the list, but have thought several
> times about polling the group to see if ANY of these
> rebuilders really honor their warranties.
>
> Steve
> '86 Westy
>
> Steve Gough
> Little River Research & Design
> 1125 Wood Road
> Murphysboro, IL 62966
> 618-529-7423 fax 618-529-0927
> stevegough@emriver.com www.emriver.com
>