Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

You should pay attention to the 'Stealership' mechanic that posts here
boasting about how he gets paid for 80 hours while only working 40...

There is too much truth in that word, sorry man.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

cactuscowboy wrote:
>
> Dear "Snow",
>
> I work for a Jeep DEALERSHIP, in sales. Your referring to any Jeep dealer
> as a "stealership" is not funny or cute, it's offensive.
>
> What purpose is served by your slamming auto dealerships and building upon
> unfair, negative stereotypes? Are you the typical "ten percenter" who
> thinks that factory trained technicians should work for 6 bucks an hour
> while the car store operates on a non-profit basis? Sure sounds like it.
>
> Word of advice: park under the shadetree and do the work yourself.
>
> Best regards,
> Dave Rose
> Cactus Cowboy
> Big Wonderful Wyoming
> '49 Willys Pickup (parts truck)
> '62 Willys Pickup 4WD 226
> '98 XJ Sport
> O|||||||O
>
> "Snow" <snowball_2004@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:kkH1c.13373$JZ6.375709@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> >
> > "Jerry Newton" <figatmcttelecom.com> wrote in message
> > news:404698fe_3@newspeer2.tds.net...
> > > Make an appointment with the local Jeep dealer. Give them the $75 or so
> > > they want to diagnose it, and let them tell you what is actually wrong.
> I
> > > know a lot of people have a hard on for the dealers, but let's face it:
> > > these guys stare at 4.0 liter engines all day every day, they might just
> > > know something about them. Then when they tell you what is wrong, ask
> > them
> > > to explain how they came to that conclusion, so that you are clear, i.e.
> > "we
> > > measured hydrocarbons in your cooling system, indicating a bad head
> gasket
> > > or failed hard part."
> >
> > Only problem with some stealerships is that they will pass this vehicle
> off
> > to the "new guy", who many times is not all that experienced with the 4.0
> ,
> > yes he knows how to change the spark plugs, change the oil and stuff like
> > that. You need to talk to your local service manager and see if the
> stealer
> > has a dedicated "jeep guy". Stealership I used to go to had one of the
> best
> > around, he would also lend out his jeep if the situation dictated so he
> > could drive the customers jeep and pin point the problem. Too bad the new
> > service manager didn't realize what he had before he let the gent go.
> >
> > Snow...
> >
> >

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

You should pay attention to the 'Stealership' mechanic that posts here
boasting about how he gets paid for 80 hours while only working 40...

There is too much truth in that word, sorry man.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

cactuscowboy wrote:
>
> Dear "Snow",
>
> I work for a Jeep DEALERSHIP, in sales. Your referring to any Jeep dealer
> as a "stealership" is not funny or cute, it's offensive.
>
> What purpose is served by your slamming auto dealerships and building upon
> unfair, negative stereotypes? Are you the typical "ten percenter" who
> thinks that factory trained technicians should work for 6 bucks an hour
> while the car store operates on a non-profit basis? Sure sounds like it.
>
> Word of advice: park under the shadetree and do the work yourself.
>
> Best regards,
> Dave Rose
> Cactus Cowboy
> Big Wonderful Wyoming
> '49 Willys Pickup (parts truck)
> '62 Willys Pickup 4WD 226
> '98 XJ Sport
> O|||||||O
>
> "Snow" <snowball_2004@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:kkH1c.13373$JZ6.375709@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> >
> > "Jerry Newton" <figatmcttelecom.com> wrote in message
> > news:404698fe_3@newspeer2.tds.net...
> > > Make an appointment with the local Jeep dealer. Give them the $75 or so
> > > they want to diagnose it, and let them tell you what is actually wrong.
> I
> > > know a lot of people have a hard on for the dealers, but let's face it:
> > > these guys stare at 4.0 liter engines all day every day, they might just
> > > know something about them. Then when they tell you what is wrong, ask
> > them
> > > to explain how they came to that conclusion, so that you are clear, i.e.
> > "we
> > > measured hydrocarbons in your cooling system, indicating a bad head
> gasket
> > > or failed hard part."
> >
> > Only problem with some stealerships is that they will pass this vehicle
> off
> > to the "new guy", who many times is not all that experienced with the 4.0
> ,
> > yes he knows how to change the spark plugs, change the oil and stuff like
> > that. You need to talk to your local service manager and see if the
> stealer
> > has a dedicated "jeep guy". Stealership I used to go to had one of the
> best
> > around, he would also lend out his jeep if the situation dictated so he
> > could drive the customers jeep and pin point the problem. Too bad the new
> > service manager didn't realize what he had before he let the gent go.
> >
> > Snow...
> >
> >

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

cactuscowboy did pass the time by typing:

> I work for a Jeep DEALERSHIP, in sales. Your referring to any Jeep dealer
> as a "stealership" is not funny or cute, it's offensive.

Then you would love the way I refer to salesfolk as salescritters. :)
(That includes sales for multi million dollar communications systems)
"Having a line in the budget is like opening a tuna can in front of 1000 cats."
But in all honesty, if your in sales and not trying to be the first person
that customer talks to, your not going to be there very long.

...anyhoo..

My definition of "stealership" comes from the outright overpricing of
parts and labor. How can one dealership sell parts with over 200% markup
while at the same time another dealership sells the same part at 10% markup.
Even some of the dealership mechanics I've dealt with have suggested doing
the job myself just because the rate they would have to charge is insane.
Those are the folks I send others to, because they have proven
themselves to be honest.

> What purpose is served by your slamming auto dealerships and building upon
> unfair, negative stereotypes? Are you the typical "ten percenter" who
> thinks that factory trained technicians should work for 6 bucks an hour
> while the car store operates on a non-profit basis? Sure sounds like it.

Actually, there are quite a few dealerships out there who seem to prey on
unwitting motorists by doing unnecessary repairs. Sometimes it might just
be an honest mistake, but other times it's outright incompetence or fraud.

> Word of advice: park under the shadetree and do the work yourself.

Most of the folks here do exactly that, some even dig out the snow to work.
I prefer a nice well lit garage.

....
My suggestion is to take it in stride and understand that this group
has readers from all over the world. Your dealership might not be
a "stealership", but many too many folks have come here with nightmare
stories of how they were ripped off. This is also a place where folk
come for suggestions of where to go for service and where to avoid.
....

--
DougW
Geek used to be a four-letter word,
now it's a six-figure one.

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

cactuscowboy did pass the time by typing:

> I work for a Jeep DEALERSHIP, in sales. Your referring to any Jeep dealer
> as a "stealership" is not funny or cute, it's offensive.

Then you would love the way I refer to salesfolk as salescritters. :)
(That includes sales for multi million dollar communications systems)
"Having a line in the budget is like opening a tuna can in front of 1000 cats."
But in all honesty, if your in sales and not trying to be the first person
that customer talks to, your not going to be there very long.

...anyhoo..

My definition of "stealership" comes from the outright overpricing of
parts and labor. How can one dealership sell parts with over 200% markup
while at the same time another dealership sells the same part at 10% markup.
Even some of the dealership mechanics I've dealt with have suggested doing
the job myself just because the rate they would have to charge is insane.
Those are the folks I send others to, because they have proven
themselves to be honest.

> What purpose is served by your slamming auto dealerships and building upon
> unfair, negative stereotypes? Are you the typical "ten percenter" who
> thinks that factory trained technicians should work for 6 bucks an hour
> while the car store operates on a non-profit basis? Sure sounds like it.

Actually, there are quite a few dealerships out there who seem to prey on
unwitting motorists by doing unnecessary repairs. Sometimes it might just
be an honest mistake, but other times it's outright incompetence or fraud.

> Word of advice: park under the shadetree and do the work yourself.

Most of the folks here do exactly that, some even dig out the snow to work.
I prefer a nice well lit garage.

....
My suggestion is to take it in stride and understand that this group
has readers from all over the world. Your dealership might not be
a "stealership", but many too many folks have come here with nightmare
stories of how they were ripped off. This is also a place where folk
come for suggestions of where to go for service and where to avoid.
....

--
DougW
Geek used to be a four-letter word,
now it's a six-figure one.

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

cactuscowboy did pass the time by typing:

> I work for a Jeep DEALERSHIP, in sales. Your referring to any Jeep dealer
> as a "stealership" is not funny or cute, it's offensive.

Then you would love the way I refer to salesfolk as salescritters. :)
(That includes sales for multi million dollar communications systems)
"Having a line in the budget is like opening a tuna can in front of 1000 cats."
But in all honesty, if your in sales and not trying to be the first person
that customer talks to, your not going to be there very long.

...anyhoo..

My definition of "stealership" comes from the outright overpricing of
parts and labor. How can one dealership sell parts with over 200% markup
while at the same time another dealership sells the same part at 10% markup.
Even some of the dealership mechanics I've dealt with have suggested doing
the job myself just because the rate they would have to charge is insane.
Those are the folks I send others to, because they have proven
themselves to be honest.

> What purpose is served by your slamming auto dealerships and building upon
> unfair, negative stereotypes? Are you the typical "ten percenter" who
> thinks that factory trained technicians should work for 6 bucks an hour
> while the car store operates on a non-profit basis? Sure sounds like it.

Actually, there are quite a few dealerships out there who seem to prey on
unwitting motorists by doing unnecessary repairs. Sometimes it might just
be an honest mistake, but other times it's outright incompetence or fraud.

> Word of advice: park under the shadetree and do the work yourself.

Most of the folks here do exactly that, some even dig out the snow to work.
I prefer a nice well lit garage.

....
My suggestion is to take it in stride and understand that this group
has readers from all over the world. Your dealership might not be
a "stealership", but many too many folks have come here with nightmare
stories of how they were ripped off. This is also a place where folk
come for suggestions of where to go for service and where to avoid.
....

--
DougW
Geek used to be a four-letter word,
now it's a six-figure one.

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

If a mechanic works 40 hours and gets paid for 80 hours, he deserves it and
has worked hard to earn it. A highly skilled mechanic, *if he stays busy*
can make an above average to excellent income. There's nothing wrong with
flat rate pay for service work on vehicles. It's been the industry standard
for many years. It's a difficult and demanding job. For every 'gravy'
brake job our technicians do, there are other jobs they don't get paid for,
e.g. a very minor problem is corrected and the customer is not even
charged..... but the return is huge in customer loyalty and goodwill.

In sales, I work for straight commission. Sounds easy and profitable, huh?
If it were, everyone would be doing it.

The car business is great. Where else can an individual work harder and
smarter and get paid more for their efforts? Maybe some of you who are
slamming car stores as "stealerships" are stuck in routine jobs paying a
straight salary or hourly wage? Jealousy speaking perhaps?

As for higher prices for OEM oil filters and such at the local dealership,
well there's always NAPA and Carquest down the street. In fact, at our
dealership, some of the parts we use are bought down the street, so we can
pass savings on to our customers. If we weren't competitive, we'd go out of
business.

I'm damn proud to be working for Fremont Motors, the largest dealer network
in the state of Wyoming. We didn't get to be the largest by ripping off
people. Besides providing good, high paying jobs to me and my coworkers,
Fremont gives generously to the local community, supporting youth groups,
service clubs, sponsoring the county fair, etc.....

Making broad sweeping generalizations and condemning car stores as
"stealerships" based soley on the price of an oil filter or one bad
experience is unfair. Sorry if this is coming off as a rant, but I'm sick
and tired of the negative stereotypes.

Best regards,
Dave Rose
Cactus Cowboy
Big Wonderful Wyoming
'49 Willys Pickup (parts truck)
'62 Willys Pickup 4WD 226
'98 XJ Sport
O|||||||O
http://fremontmotors.com/

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:4049DD8E.680FEB44@sympatico.ca...
> You should pay attention to the 'Stealership' mechanic that posts here
> boasting about how he gets paid for 80 hours while only working 40...
>
> There is too much truth in that word, sorry man.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>
> cactuscowboy wrote:
> >
> > Dear "Snow",
> >
> > I work for a Jeep DEALERSHIP, in sales. Your referring to any Jeep
dealer
> > as a "stealership" is not funny or cute, it's offensive.
> >
> > What purpose is served by your slamming auto dealerships and building
upon
> > unfair, negative stereotypes? Are you the typical "ten percenter" who
> > thinks that factory trained technicians should work for 6 bucks an hour
> > while the car store operates on a non-profit basis? Sure sounds like
it.
> >
> > Word of advice: park under the shadetree and do the work yourself.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Dave Rose
> > Cactus Cowboy
> > Big Wonderful Wyoming
> > '49 Willys Pickup (parts truck)
> > '62 Willys Pickup 4WD 226
> > '98 XJ Sport
> > O|||||||O
> >
> > "Snow" <snowball_2004@msn.com> wrote in message
> > news:kkH1c.13373$JZ6.375709@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > >
> > > "Jerry Newton" <figatmcttelecom.com> wrote in message
> > > news:404698fe_3@newspeer2.tds.net...
> > > > Make an appointment with the local Jeep dealer. Give them the $75
or so
> > > > they want to diagnose it, and let them tell you what is actually
wrong.
> > I
> > > > know a lot of people have a hard on for the dealers, but let's face
it:
> > > > these guys stare at 4.0 liter engines all day every day, they might
just
> > > > know something about them. Then when they tell you what is wrong,
ask
> > > them
> > > > to explain how they came to that conclusion, so that you are clear,
i.e.
> > > "we
> > > > measured hydrocarbons in your cooling system, indicating a bad head
> > gasket
> > > > or failed hard part."
> > >
> > > Only problem with some stealerships is that they will pass this
vehicle
> > off
> > > to the "new guy", who many times is not all that experienced with the
4.0
> > ,
> > > yes he knows how to change the spark plugs, change the oil and stuff
like
> > > that. You need to talk to your local service manager and see if the
> > stealer
> > > has a dedicated "jeep guy". Stealership I used to go to had one of
the
> > best
> > > around, he would also lend out his jeep if the situation dictated so
he
> > > could drive the customers jeep and pin point the problem. Too bad the
new
> > > service manager didn't realize what he had before he let the gent go.
> > >
> > > Snow...
> > >
> > >

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

If a mechanic works 40 hours and gets paid for 80 hours, he deserves it and
has worked hard to earn it. A highly skilled mechanic, *if he stays busy*
can make an above average to excellent income. There's nothing wrong with
flat rate pay for service work on vehicles. It's been the industry standard
for many years. It's a difficult and demanding job. For every 'gravy'
brake job our technicians do, there are other jobs they don't get paid for,
e.g. a very minor problem is corrected and the customer is not even
charged..... but the return is huge in customer loyalty and goodwill.

In sales, I work for straight commission. Sounds easy and profitable, huh?
If it were, everyone would be doing it.

The car business is great. Where else can an individual work harder and
smarter and get paid more for their efforts? Maybe some of you who are
slamming car stores as "stealerships" are stuck in routine jobs paying a
straight salary or hourly wage? Jealousy speaking perhaps?

As for higher prices for OEM oil filters and such at the local dealership,
well there's always NAPA and Carquest down the street. In fact, at our
dealership, some of the parts we use are bought down the street, so we can
pass savings on to our customers. If we weren't competitive, we'd go out of
business.

I'm damn proud to be working for Fremont Motors, the largest dealer network
in the state of Wyoming. We didn't get to be the largest by ripping off
people. Besides providing good, high paying jobs to me and my coworkers,
Fremont gives generously to the local community, supporting youth groups,
service clubs, sponsoring the county fair, etc.....

Making broad sweeping generalizations and condemning car stores as
"stealerships" based soley on the price of an oil filter or one bad
experience is unfair. Sorry if this is coming off as a rant, but I'm sick
and tired of the negative stereotypes.

Best regards,
Dave Rose
Cactus Cowboy
Big Wonderful Wyoming
'49 Willys Pickup (parts truck)
'62 Willys Pickup 4WD 226
'98 XJ Sport
O|||||||O
http://fremontmotors.com/

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:4049DD8E.680FEB44@sympatico.ca...
> You should pay attention to the 'Stealership' mechanic that posts here
> boasting about how he gets paid for 80 hours while only working 40...
>
> There is too much truth in that word, sorry man.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>
> cactuscowboy wrote:
> >
> > Dear "Snow",
> >
> > I work for a Jeep DEALERSHIP, in sales. Your referring to any Jeep
dealer
> > as a "stealership" is not funny or cute, it's offensive.
> >
> > What purpose is served by your slamming auto dealerships and building
upon
> > unfair, negative stereotypes? Are you the typical "ten percenter" who
> > thinks that factory trained technicians should work for 6 bucks an hour
> > while the car store operates on a non-profit basis? Sure sounds like
it.
> >
> > Word of advice: park under the shadetree and do the work yourself.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Dave Rose
> > Cactus Cowboy
> > Big Wonderful Wyoming
> > '49 Willys Pickup (parts truck)
> > '62 Willys Pickup 4WD 226
> > '98 XJ Sport
> > O|||||||O
> >
> > "Snow" <snowball_2004@msn.com> wrote in message
> > news:kkH1c.13373$JZ6.375709@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > >
> > > "Jerry Newton" <figatmcttelecom.com> wrote in message
> > > news:404698fe_3@newspeer2.tds.net...
> > > > Make an appointment with the local Jeep dealer. Give them the $75
or so
> > > > they want to diagnose it, and let them tell you what is actually
wrong.
> > I
> > > > know a lot of people have a hard on for the dealers, but let's face
it:
> > > > these guys stare at 4.0 liter engines all day every day, they might
just
> > > > know something about them. Then when they tell you what is wrong,
ask
> > > them
> > > > to explain how they came to that conclusion, so that you are clear,
i.e.
> > > "we
> > > > measured hydrocarbons in your cooling system, indicating a bad head
> > gasket
> > > > or failed hard part."
> > >
> > > Only problem with some stealerships is that they will pass this
vehicle
> > off
> > > to the "new guy", who many times is not all that experienced with the
4.0
> > ,
> > > yes he knows how to change the spark plugs, change the oil and stuff
like
> > > that. You need to talk to your local service manager and see if the
> > stealer
> > > has a dedicated "jeep guy". Stealership I used to go to had one of
the
> > best
> > > around, he would also lend out his jeep if the situation dictated so
he
> > > could drive the customers jeep and pin point the problem. Too bad the
new
> > > service manager didn't realize what he had before he let the gent go.
> > >
> > > Snow...
> > >
> > >

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

If a mechanic works 40 hours and gets paid for 80 hours, he deserves it and
has worked hard to earn it. A highly skilled mechanic, *if he stays busy*
can make an above average to excellent income. There's nothing wrong with
flat rate pay for service work on vehicles. It's been the industry standard
for many years. It's a difficult and demanding job. For every 'gravy'
brake job our technicians do, there are other jobs they don't get paid for,
e.g. a very minor problem is corrected and the customer is not even
charged..... but the return is huge in customer loyalty and goodwill.

In sales, I work for straight commission. Sounds easy and profitable, huh?
If it were, everyone would be doing it.

The car business is great. Where else can an individual work harder and
smarter and get paid more for their efforts? Maybe some of you who are
slamming car stores as "stealerships" are stuck in routine jobs paying a
straight salary or hourly wage? Jealousy speaking perhaps?

As for higher prices for OEM oil filters and such at the local dealership,
well there's always NAPA and Carquest down the street. In fact, at our
dealership, some of the parts we use are bought down the street, so we can
pass savings on to our customers. If we weren't competitive, we'd go out of
business.

I'm damn proud to be working for Fremont Motors, the largest dealer network
in the state of Wyoming. We didn't get to be the largest by ripping off
people. Besides providing good, high paying jobs to me and my coworkers,
Fremont gives generously to the local community, supporting youth groups,
service clubs, sponsoring the county fair, etc.....

Making broad sweeping generalizations and condemning car stores as
"stealerships" based soley on the price of an oil filter or one bad
experience is unfair. Sorry if this is coming off as a rant, but I'm sick
and tired of the negative stereotypes.

Best regards,
Dave Rose
Cactus Cowboy
Big Wonderful Wyoming
'49 Willys Pickup (parts truck)
'62 Willys Pickup 4WD 226
'98 XJ Sport
O|||||||O
http://fremontmotors.com/

"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:4049DD8E.680FEB44@sympatico.ca...
> You should pay attention to the 'Stealership' mechanic that posts here
> boasting about how he gets paid for 80 hours while only working 40...
>
> There is too much truth in that word, sorry man.
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>
> cactuscowboy wrote:
> >
> > Dear "Snow",
> >
> > I work for a Jeep DEALERSHIP, in sales. Your referring to any Jeep
dealer
> > as a "stealership" is not funny or cute, it's offensive.
> >
> > What purpose is served by your slamming auto dealerships and building
upon
> > unfair, negative stereotypes? Are you the typical "ten percenter" who
> > thinks that factory trained technicians should work for 6 bucks an hour
> > while the car store operates on a non-profit basis? Sure sounds like
it.
> >
> > Word of advice: park under the shadetree and do the work yourself.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Dave Rose
> > Cactus Cowboy
> > Big Wonderful Wyoming
> > '49 Willys Pickup (parts truck)
> > '62 Willys Pickup 4WD 226
> > '98 XJ Sport
> > O|||||||O
> >
> > "Snow" <snowball_2004@msn.com> wrote in message
> > news:kkH1c.13373$JZ6.375709@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > >
> > > "Jerry Newton" <figatmcttelecom.com> wrote in message
> > > news:404698fe_3@newspeer2.tds.net...
> > > > Make an appointment with the local Jeep dealer. Give them the $75
or so
> > > > they want to diagnose it, and let them tell you what is actually
wrong.
> > I
> > > > know a lot of people have a hard on for the dealers, but let's face
it:
> > > > these guys stare at 4.0 liter engines all day every day, they might
just
> > > > know something about them. Then when they tell you what is wrong,
ask
> > > them
> > > > to explain how they came to that conclusion, so that you are clear,
i.e.
> > > "we
> > > > measured hydrocarbons in your cooling system, indicating a bad head
> > gasket
> > > > or failed hard part."
> > >
> > > Only problem with some stealerships is that they will pass this
vehicle
> > off
> > > to the "new guy", who many times is not all that experienced with the
4.0
> > ,
> > > yes he knows how to change the spark plugs, change the oil and stuff
like
> > > that. You need to talk to your local service manager and see if the
> > stealer
> > > has a dedicated "jeep guy". Stealership I used to go to had one of
the
> > best
> > > around, he would also lend out his jeep if the situation dictated so
he
> > > could drive the customers jeep and pin point the problem. Too bad the
new
> > > service manager didn't realize what he had before he let the gent go.
> > >
> > > Snow...
> > >
> > >

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

cactuscowboy did pass the time by typing:
> If a mechanic works 40 hours and gets paid for 80 hours, he deserves it and
> has worked hard to earn it. A highly skilled mechanic, *if he stays busy*
> can make an above average to excellent income. There's nothing wrong with
> flat rate pay for service work on vehicles. It's been the industry standard
> for many years. It's a difficult and demanding job. For every 'gravy'
> brake job our technicians do, there are other jobs they don't get paid for,
> e.g. a very minor problem is corrected and the customer is not even
> charged..... but the return is huge in customer loyalty and goodwill.

And there is the key, customer loyalty. The old adage is "One happy customer
might tell 2-3 others, but one unsatisfied customer will tell hundreds."
On Usenet it's just a factor of thousands greater. I've had work done at
the local dealership even if it was cheaper to do it myself. It's a matter
of how much my time costs and having the tools.

Once a mechanic (and myself) spent about two hours trying to figure out why
the ABS kept failing on the 93 ZJ. Long story short, it was a bad connector.
The dealership wasn't going to charge me for all the effort but that would
have taken away the mechanics pay. I paid the full hourly rate and the
diagnostics fee. (plus gave the mechanic a $50 for his time). Fowler in
Norman OK, no longer does Jeep, but I sent quite a few people down there
because of that experience.

> In sales, I work for straight commission. Sounds easy and profitable, huh?
> If it were, everyone would be doing it.

Heh. Sales is one of the most demanding occupations but as you say, one of
the most lucrative providing you work harder and smarter.

> As for higher prices for OEM oil filters and such at the local dealership,
> well there's always NAPA and Carquest down the street. In fact, at our
> dealership, some of the parts we use are bought down the street, so we can
> pass savings on to our customers. If we weren't competitive, we'd go out of
> business.

Actually, oil changes are competitive at most dealers. It's the other
work that gets pricy.

> I'm damn proud to be working for Fremont Motors, the largest dealer network
> in the state of Wyoming. We didn't get to be the largest by ripping off
> people. Besides providing good, high paying jobs to me and my coworkers,
> Fremont gives generously to the local community, supporting youth groups,
> service clubs, sponsoring the county fair, etc.....

Glad to hear you like your job. I wish you well.

> Making broad sweeping generalizations and condemning car stores as
> "stealerships" based soley on the price of an oil filter or one bad
> experience is unfair.

Who ever said Usenet was fair? :)

> Sorry if this is coming off as a rant, but I'm sick
> and tired of the negative stereotypes.

As are a lot of others here. Understand that Usenet is full
of opinions the same way a feedlot is full of.....


--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors

Re: Cherokee Overheating - Replace Engine ?
 

cactuscowboy did pass the time by typing:
> If a mechanic works 40 hours and gets paid for 80 hours, he deserves it and
> has worked hard to earn it. A highly skilled mechanic, *if he stays busy*
> can make an above average to excellent income. There's nothing wrong with
> flat rate pay for service work on vehicles. It's been the industry standard
> for many years. It's a difficult and demanding job. For every 'gravy'
> brake job our technicians do, there are other jobs they don't get paid for,
> e.g. a very minor problem is corrected and the customer is not even
> charged..... but the return is huge in customer loyalty and goodwill.

And there is the key, customer loyalty. The old adage is "One happy customer
might tell 2-3 others, but one unsatisfied customer will tell hundreds."
On Usenet it's just a factor of thousands greater. I've had work done at
the local dealership even if it was cheaper to do it myself. It's a matter
of how much my time costs and having the tools.

Once a mechanic (and myself) spent about two hours trying to figure out why
the ABS kept failing on the 93 ZJ. Long story short, it was a bad connector.
The dealership wasn't going to charge me for all the effort but that would
have taken away the mechanics pay. I paid the full hourly rate and the
diagnostics fee. (plus gave the mechanic a $50 for his time). Fowler in
Norman OK, no longer does Jeep, but I sent quite a few people down there
because of that experience.

> In sales, I work for straight commission. Sounds easy and profitable, huh?
> If it were, everyone would be doing it.

Heh. Sales is one of the most demanding occupations but as you say, one of
the most lucrative providing you work harder and smarter.

> As for higher prices for OEM oil filters and such at the local dealership,
> well there's always NAPA and Carquest down the street. In fact, at our
> dealership, some of the parts we use are bought down the street, so we can
> pass savings on to our customers. If we weren't competitive, we'd go out of
> business.

Actually, oil changes are competitive at most dealers. It's the other
work that gets pricy.

> I'm damn proud to be working for Fremont Motors, the largest dealer network
> in the state of Wyoming. We didn't get to be the largest by ripping off
> people. Besides providing good, high paying jobs to me and my coworkers,
> Fremont gives generously to the local community, supporting youth groups,
> service clubs, sponsoring the county fair, etc.....

Glad to hear you like your job. I wish you well.

> Making broad sweeping generalizations and condemning car stores as
> "stealerships" based soley on the price of an oil filter or one bad
> experience is unfair.

Who ever said Usenet was fair? :)

> Sorry if this is coming off as a rant, but I'm sick
> and tired of the negative stereotypes.

As are a lot of others here. Understand that Usenet is full
of opinions the same way a feedlot is full of.....


--
-- DougW -- 93 ZJ 4.0 http://members.cox.net/wilsond
HESCO Supercharger - 300W IASCA Stereo - Edelbrock IAS Shocks
Gibson Exhaust - rear DCpower - custom gauge install - Stillen Rotors