View Full Version : Two water pumps???
Hi guys...
My car was at the dealer this week for a timing belt replacement. I got the car back, paid (the price matched exactly the quote they gave me) and went home. Then I looked at the invoice and there's something that I don't understand... There are 2 pumps... One is part #06F121011X, the other is part #000121005U. Both are about 100$. I can easily find the 1st one on the internet and it looks like the actual water pump. The other one is more mysterious, but a search actually returns items listed as water pumps too (although no pictures). The service department is closed until Monday, so I can't ask them, so I'm asking you guys before I jump to the (probably wrong) conclusion that I got shafted. Can someone enlighten me as what is this part (#000121005U) exactly?? Thanks! [wrench]
FraggyA4
05-31-2013, 02:22 PM
ECS shows genuine water pump so I would say you got shafted. But on the bright side you did get it at a $50 discount compared to ECS lol.
They charged me way more than the kit ECS is selling... Isn't that 250$ including the pump? So no, I didn't get any discount, but it was expected. But this will need some explaining on their part (about the second mysterious pump)... [rolleyes]
Charles.waite
05-31-2013, 03:00 PM
It would appear you got double shafted as the X at the end of the part number signifies its a rebuilt pump.
I would bring that back and politely ask them to do it again with brand new parts. And to not charge you twice for the same part. Unless you agreed to them installing remanufactured parts? I'm not sure if Remanned water pumps are good or bad, but I wouldn't trust one in my car...
Khaotic
05-31-2013, 03:57 PM
Only other pump I know of listed as "coolant pump" in ETKA is one for the auxiliary heater.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9237/namnlsbh.jpg
It would appear you got double shafted as the X at the end of the part number signifies its a rebuilt pump.
I would bring that back and politely ask them to do it again with brand new parts. And to not charge you twice for the same part. Unless you agreed to them installing remanufactured parts? I'm not sure if Remanned water pumps are good or bad, but I wouldn't trust one in my car...
No, I never agreed for them to install a rebuilt pump. They didn't tell me. I'm going to have a talk with the service guy, ask him to explain, then I'll decide what to do. This is crazy. I decided to have the job done at the dealer because I thought I would have a quality job, I pay more, and I get this. WTF??? [mad]
Only other pump I know of listed as "coolant pump" in ETKA is one for the auxiliary heater.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9237/namnlsbh.jpg
I asked if they replaced anything else, they told me they didn't. I don't see why they would have replaced that part, and the part # doesn't match.... [confused]
Charles.waite
05-31-2013, 04:25 PM
I asked if they replaced anything else, they told me they didn't. I don't see why they would have replaced that part, and the part # doesn't match.... [confused]
Not sure, since you're in Quebec, but in the US I don't even thing the Auxiliary heater was an option. In any event, Thats an electrical pump as far as I know, so it has nothing to do with the timing service/water pump replacement. If you care enough I'd go into the dealer with the invoice, and ask them to explain every line item. If anything sounds fishy call them out on it and have them show you the part in question. I mean, they've got them in stock in the parts department, its not like they can't pull it and show a new one to you just to clarify what was done.
FraggyA4
05-31-2013, 05:27 PM
I was meaning that ECS charges $150 for the other pump you listed and you said you got it for a $100. Also if it's a reman pump I would highly suggest making them replace it with a new pump.
Not sure, since you're in Quebec, but in the US I don't even thing the Auxiliary heater was an option. In any event, Thats an electrical pump as far as I know, so it has nothing to do with the timing service/water pump replacement. If you care enough I'd go into the dealer with the invoice, and ask them to explain every line item. If anything sounds fishy call them out on it and have them show you the part in question. I mean, they've got them in stock in the parts department, its not like they can't pull it and show a new one to you just to clarify what was done.
Yeah, that's what I was planning to do.
I was meaning that ECS charges $150 for the other pump you listed and you said you got it for a $100. Also if it's a reman pump I would highly suggest making them replace it with a new pump.
I know, if the pump I got for cheap is rebuilt then it explains the price. Anyhow, I'm pissed, and what pisses me even more is that I have to wait until Monday to go there and get some explanation on this mess. [mad]
Ok, so after doing some research, the second "part" is a "core charge"... I didn't notice the "CORE" on the same line on my invoice...
So.
1) It looks like the pump is a re-manufactured one. For that, I'm still very pissed, and I will a) ask them to redo the job with a new one or b) ask for some kind of refund or compensation... Maybe a) and b)...
2) How is this "core charge" shit is supposed to work anyway? ECS has a re-manufactured water pump for about 212$ that includes a 90$ core charge that they refund to you when you send you old one. So basically my dealer is charging me the same shit, but doesn't refund the core charge. What, they keep it for themselves?? WTF is this??? Can someone explain? How the fuck is that possible??? [headbang]
Khaotic
06-02-2013, 02:04 PM
Ok, so after doing some research, the second "part" is a "core charge"... I didn't notice the "CORE" on the same line on my invoice...
So.
1) It looks like the pump is a re-manufactured one. For that, I'm still very pissed, and I will a) ask them to redo the job with a new one or b) ask for some kind of refund or compensation... Maybe a) and b)...
2) How is this "core charge" shit is supposed to work anyway? ECS has a re-manufactured water pump for about 212$ that includes a 90$ core charge that they refund to you when you send you old one. So basically my dealer is charging me the same shit, but doesn't refund the core charge. What, they keep it for themselves?? WTF is this??? Can someone explain? How the fuck is that possible??? [headbang]
By that method, shouldnt you then get ~$90 withdrawn from the bill since they get your old pump, so could it be a mistake that they added the cost instead of withdrawing it?
It still is a shit move to replace with a rebuilt pump without giving you the choice between new vs rebuilt, and if they didnt say anything about this to you then I would demand a brand new one to replace it
By that method, shouldnt you then get ~$90 withdrawn from the bill since they get your old pump, so could it be a mistake that they added the cost instead of withdrawing it?
I hope it's a "mistake".
As for the rebuilt pump, I'll see tomorrow when I talk to them. I'll try not to yell like a crazy person in the service dept. [>_>]
FraggyA4
06-02-2013, 05:29 PM
Best way to deal with it is to keep it cool and be mature and responsible.
Best way to deal with it is to keep it cool and be mature and responsible.
I know... I know... The problem is that I know they will argue, and that I will have to push to have them redo the job for free. It sucks... For me, and for them. It's not a situation I like, it's a loose-loose.
BTW, anyone knows how much a water pump would cost from the dealer??
crazydevilz
06-03-2013, 08:23 AM
Next time go to autobar if you near mtl !
Rombotis, Eurozone, CB Garage, autobar just not the dealership for a timing belt job. I assume they installed an oem w/pump with a plastic impeler
typeslone
06-03-2013, 12:15 PM
Can someone enlighten me as what is this part (#000121005U) exactly??
As you found out, the part number is the part number for the core charge. Those of us who work for vw and audi dealers recognize that as a pseudo number that covers cores for all water pumps sent back to corporate VAG as cores.
If you were to come to my dealer and buy a remanufactured part and did not have a core to return, you would see that number on the bill with a charge of $100, then when you brought a good core back to me, you would be credited back the $100. If you had a core to turn in at the time of purchase, you wouldn't even see that on the bill. When service customers have us change their timing belt and water pumps, they normally don't even see a core line on the repair order because the mechanic turns in the core while he is working on the car.
Also 99% of the dealers out there only carry remanufactured water pumps, alternators and so on. Which are identified with the "X" at the end of the part number. It is more cost effective than having a new part and both Audi and VW, under warranty, will NOT pay for a new part (ie: water pump, a/c compressor, axle, trans, engine) unless no remanufactured part is available at the time. The one exception is brand new cars in dealer inventory that have not been titled yet, technically those are supposed to get new parts before remanufactured parts.
Also there is nothing wrong with the remanufactured water pumps, you didn't get shafted at all. I remember back when 1.8T's were still under warranty and water pumps on them where failing left and ride. The brand new water pumps still had issues meanwhile the remanufactured water pumps were better quality with all updated parts.
typeslone
06-03-2013, 12:26 PM
Oh and list price on a reman'd water pump is $100.80, list price on a new water pump is $101, normally that never ever happens. Usually the new pump is substantially more than the reman'd one. For example, B6 V6 A4, rema'd pump lists for $115.50 and a new unit for $300, 1.8T pump lists for $143 and a reman'd for $107.
Charles.waite
06-03-2013, 12:47 PM
As you found out, the part number is the part number for the core charge. Those of us who work for vw and audi dealers recognize that as a pseudo number that covers cores for all water pumps sent back to corporate VAG as cores.
If you were to come to my dealer and buy a remanufactured part and did not have a core to return, you would see that number on the bill with a charge of $100, then when you brought a good core back to me, you would be credited back the $100. If you had a core to turn in at the time of purchase, you wouldn't even see that on the bill. When service customers have us change their timing belt and water pumps, they normally don't even see a core line on the repair order because the mechanic turns in the core while he is working on the car.
Also 99% of the dealers out there only carry remanufactured water pumps, alternators and so on. Which are identified with the "X" at the end of the part number. It is more cost effective than having a new part and both Audi and VW, under warranty, will NOT pay for a new part (ie: water pump, a/c compressor, axle, trans, engine) unless no remanufactured part is available at the time. The one exception is brand new cars in dealer inventory that have not been titled yet, technically those are supposed to get new parts before remanufactured parts.
Also there is nothing wrong with the remanufactured water pumps, you didn't get shafted at all. I remember back when 1.8T's were still under warranty and water pumps on them where failing left and ride. The brand new water pumps still had issues meanwhile the remanufactured water pumps were better quality with all updated parts.
So did the OP get charged for the core even though they took his old pump?
typeslone
06-03-2013, 01:01 PM
So did the OP get charged for the core even though they took his old pump?
I would have to look at his invoice to see how it was charged out. On the ADP software we use here, if a customer returns a core on the same invoice as the part was purchased on, it won't show up on the bill at all. If customer returns a core say a week after he bought it, he would be made a new invoice that would show just the 000-121-005-U part number with a description saying "core return" and a price of negative $100.
Ibisweiß
06-03-2013, 01:07 PM
On a timing belt service at an Audi dealership, there is a $100 core return refund along with a core charge of $100 so it evens out. Check your RO again and make sure they didn't charge you just one.
I'm getting my A4 2.0T done this week and I have both on there, it states that my "core price" is 100, and that vw06f-121-011-x is my core return.
I would look into it, but don't get heated, I think you got an honest service!
typeslone
06-03-2013, 01:22 PM
Here is an example of how it would look at my dealer.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj176/cecco83/77C9569B-CAEC-491A-B66A-664A79ECC059-4385-0000026DC47763AF_zpsaedeb379.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/cecco83/media/77C9569B-CAEC-491A-B66A-664A79ECC059-4385-0000026DC47763AF_zpsaedeb379.jpg.html)
As you found out, the part number is the part number for the core charge. Those of us who work for vw and audi dealers recognize that as a pseudo number that covers cores for all water pumps sent back to corporate VAG as cores.
If you were to come to my dealer and buy a remanufactured part and did not have a core to return, you would see that number on the bill with a charge of $100, then when you brought a good core back to me, you would be credited back the $100. If you had a core to turn in at the time of purchase, you wouldn't even see that on the bill. When service customers have us change their timing belt and water pumps, they normally don't even see a core line on the repair order because the mechanic turns in the core while he is working on the car.
Also 99% of the dealers out there only carry remanufactured water pumps, alternators and so on. Which are identified with the "X" at the end of the part number. It is more cost effective than having a new part and both Audi and VW, under warranty, will NOT pay for a new part (ie: water pump, a/c compressor, axle, trans, engine) unless no remanufactured part is available at the time. The one exception is brand new cars in dealer inventory that have not been titled yet, technically those are supposed to get new parts before remanufactured parts.
Also there is nothing wrong with the remanufactured water pumps, you didn't get shafted at all. I remember back when 1.8T's were still under warranty and water pumps on them where failing left and ride. The brand new water pumps still had issues meanwhile the remanufactured water pumps were better quality with all updated parts.
Yeah well I couldn't get there in time today, it was a long day at the office, and to top it all I broke the LCD screen of my phone so I had to replace that asap cause it's the only phone I have... Anyway, long story short, I couldn't get there before closing. While I was getting raped by the repair shop, you guys were posting a lot of usefull information... So thanks a lot to all of you. This is very helpful.
On a timing belt service at an Audi dealership, there is a $100 core return refund along with a core charge of $100 so it evens out. Check your RO again and make sure they didn't charge you just one.
I'm getting my A4 2.0T done this week and I have both on there, it states that my "core price" is 100, and that vw06f-121-011-x is my core return.
I would look into it, but don't get heated, I think you got an honest service!
I never got the core return...
Here is an example of how it would look at my dealer.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj176/cecco83/77C9569B-CAEC-491A-B66A-664A79ECC059-4385-0000026DC47763AF_zpsaedeb379.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/cecco83/media/77C9569B-CAEC-491A-B66A-664A79ECC059-4385-0000026DC47763AF_zpsaedeb379.jpg.html)
Yeah, that was what I was expecting... But not... I got charged for both the pump and the core, and there's no return. They got my old core for free, probably used it for some party or shit for their owns cars, who knows...
What is very suspicious to me is the price of the job: exactly what they quoted me for. So... Understand what you want, but honestly? They did that on purpose. Most customers would pay, put that invoice in the drawer, and never think about it again. That's some easy money. But yeah, I'll keep that to myself, just because I want to keep a good relationship with my dealer. But I'll never trust them again, nor will I recommend them.
So I just came back from the dealer... It's funny, read on... But first, here's a copy of my invoice :
http://nsm08.casimages.com/img/2013/06/04//13060411584211654711262680.jpg (http://www.casimages.com/img.php?i=13060411584211654711262680.jpg)
The discussion with the service guy went like this:
Me: Hi! (insert some small talk here) Well, look at my invoice, I think you forgot to refund the core charge...
Him: Ho! It's possible... (Looks at the invoice) Yeah, it looks like it's a mistake, let me check with the parts dept. (Goes into the dept with 2-3 mins). Yeah, it's a mistake, but it won't change the price of the job because we balanced the labor cost to match the quote we gave you.
Me: Heuu, what? You're saying that the labor cost wasn't 534.83 but 634.83 but you reduced it to balance the invoice?
Him: Yes, something like that!
Me: Wait, it doesn't add up. The job took 4.18 hours. Right? That's what is on the invoice. Now you're telling me that the tech took more time but it isn't reported on the invoice, is that it?
Him: (starting to get confused) Hmmmmm, no, the job took 4.18 hours...
Me: Then if you multiply 4.18 by your hourly rate, it's like........ 534.83. So where's the 100$??
Him: (very confused) Yeah, well, it is what we quoted you, so the invoice is ok. We always charge this and do it like that.
Me: Well my friend, you took 100$ in my pocket and can't explain why.
Him: You'll need to talk to my manager, and he's on vacation. Come back next week...
And I will! [mad]
So... What do you guys think?? The explanation doesn't add up. It really looks like they put the core return in their pocket. Like I said, most customer won't notice.
I'll talk to the manager... If he doesn't agree to refund me the 100$ I suppose I can escalate this dispute right to AoA??
Unless you guys see something I didn't see... [rolleyes]
funky_snowman
06-04-2013, 03:22 PM
Sounds like a lie to me, lol
Charles.waite
06-04-2013, 03:31 PM
Sounds like a lie to me, lol
Agreed. 1) sounds like the service dude didn't know what was going on, not his fault I suppose. 2) Definitely talk to the manager and if you aren't happy with his explanation (I bet you wont be, haha) then escalate. Sounds to me like they either made an honest mistake and the rep was doing his best to explain an invoice even he was confused by, or they're actually trying to pocket the core charge, which is super shady.
Yeah well, I'll certainly talk to the manager next week. I hope he sees reason, otherwise I'll have to go to AoA. There must be some place I can complain.
From experience and from reading threads on here. I would not wait and the get ball moving towards contacting AOA with a copy of your receipt.
From experience and from reading threads on here. I would not wait and the get ball moving towards contacting AOA with a copy of your receipt.
What do you mean by "from experience and from reading threads on here"? Care to elaborate? I think I need to give the manager the opportunity to correct the situation and explain himself if I want to keep a good relationship with the dealership and its service department. There are only two dealerships in the city where I live, and the other one is not practical for me. Anyway that's the way I see it. On the other hand, if you have some information that could change the way I should handle this, please share! [:)]
typeslone
06-05-2013, 07:41 AM
What do you mean by "from experience and from reading threads on here"? Care to elaborate? I think I need to give the manager the opportunity to correct the situation and explain himself if I want to keep a good relationship with the dealership and its service department. There are only two dealerships in the city where I live, and the other one is not practical for me. Anyway that's the way I see it. On the other hand, if you have some information that could change the way I should handle this, please share! [:)]
As someone who has been working for dealers for a decade now. Give the service manager a chance to make it right, but keep Audi of Canada's number handy in case. A good dealership will make it right if they care about customer service, a crappy one will tell you to pound sand, that is where AoC comes into play.
If our service department quotes a customer a job for $800 and the tech ends up taking an additional 2 hours on the job, we swallow our loss eat the extra two hours labor. Now if the tech gets the job done an hour early, odds are we will still charge the quoted price depending on the relationship with the customer. Some customers get breaks, some don't, is it wrong? Yes but its really up to the service writer in that situation. I am a parts guy so I really don't make those calls.
schmiesus
06-05-2013, 08:40 AM
Dude you're getting shafted hard.
And anyone else read that convo with a french accent?
I'm with typeslone. Keep AoC's number handy. I've had to call them twice now and not because the dealer was being difficult. They for the most part are on your side.
typeslone
06-05-2013, 09:35 AM
And anyone else read that convo with a french accent?
I surely did.
BenMTL
06-05-2013, 11:28 AM
What dealership is this?
Hugh@EuropaParts
06-05-2013, 01:33 PM
What dealership is this?
one that I wouldn't step foot in!
If our service department quotes a customer a job for $800 and the tech ends up taking an additional 2 hours on the job, we swallow our loss eat the extra two hours labor. Now if the tech gets the job done an hour early, odds are we will still charge the quoted price depending on the relationship with the customer. Some customers get breaks, some don't, is it wrong? Yes but its really up to the service writer in that situation. I am a parts guy so I really don't make those calls.
Well, if you write on the invoice that the job took 5 hours (and quoted me for that) but that in fact it took 4 hours, as I customer how would I know. I think it's ok if, as you said, you do the same if it goes the other way. In the end, some win, some loose. I'm not sure it's ethical, but the customer will never know.
But if they refuse to refund a core charge, like in my case, then it is obvious: from a customer perspective, they are stealing from me. They already make a lot of money and overcharge on parts and the rate is way more than any other shop. Then to top it all, they steal. And when confronted, they lie.
What dealership is this?
I'll keep that to myself for now, but there are two dealerships in Quebec City.
Going "public" with this will be my last resort, but certainly one I will use if I need to.
BTW, anyone knows the time allowed/suggested by Audi for a timing belt job including the water pump?
typeslone
06-06-2013, 06:02 AM
Well, if you write on the invoice that the job took 5 hours (and quoted me for that) but that in fact it took 4 hours, as I customer how would I know. I think it's ok if, as you said, you do the same if it goes the other way. In the end, some win, some loose. I'm not sure it's ethical, but the customer will never know.
But if they refuse to refund a core charge, like in my case, then it is obvious: from a customer perspective, they are stealing from me. They already make a lot of money and overcharge on parts and the rate is way more than any other shop. Then to top it all, they steal. And when confronted, they lie.
Unfortunately, ethics get thrown out the door when it comes to repair service at a dealership, very sad but true. The parts dept I am in is a little different, we are very competitive, especially being in the NYC metro area where there is a lot of competition. Most maintenance and wear and tear parts are already discounted by us. I will gladly sell a part at a discount to someone that isn't a wholesale customer or good, regular customer just to make the sale. I'd rather sell part for cheaper than not sell anything at all.
As for your core refund, providing your original water pump was oem, you should ABSOLUTELY be refunded the core charge, the technician returned a good core, you are entitled to the refund. There are only three situations in which I will not refund a customer a core charge. The first is if they no longer have the box for the part, VAG will not accept the core without it and there is no way around it. The second is if the core they are returning is an aftermarket part, same thing, VAG will not accept the core. The third and last reason is if the part was damaged from outside influence (ie- bent to hell axle from hitting a curb, transmission case destroyed from a raised manhole cover, piece of engine block cracked off from accident), VAG doesn't like to accept cores like that. Now occasionally in the 2nd and 3rd situation I can sneak those cores by without VAG noticing, it doesn't always happen though.
I really hope this dealer makes right of the situation, this stuff gives dealer bad names in general and because of that, good dealerships suffer.
Thanks typeslone. Very useful information again. My water pump was OEM, I'm pretty sure it was the original one since the car has only 85000 km.
Could you look up the information about the time suggested for the job in the manual for me? It would be much appreciate. [:)]
Charles.waite
06-06-2013, 08:10 AM
Not to mention it should be explained to the customer WHY the part wast eligible for a core refund.
typeslone
06-06-2013, 08:16 AM
Warranty time pays about 3 hours to change the water pump, which includes the labor to change the timing belt and the labor to put the nose in service position in it. Since corporate pays for warranty time, they short change the dealer. Customer pay will be more, you will never pay warranty labor rates, ever. Typically cash labor rates are warranty time multiplied by 1.5, which in this situation is 4 1/2 hours.
We charge between 4 and 5 hours labor on a typical 2.0T timing belt/h2o pump/serp belt job, the higher number is for customers who opt to change the thermostat also. Our one service writer said if they charged you more than 5 hours, then they are ripping you off. Our labor rate is $105 an hour, we are a vw dealer but we do service a fair amount of out of warranty audis. Typically audi dealers in my area have a much higher labor rate, keep in mind I am less than 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan and the NYC metro area as a whole is very expensive.
Here is what we charge for the parts prices, timing belt kit is $303.68, water pump is $100.80 and coolant is $24, we don't mark up those parts in the service, that is true list price for the USA. I am not sure what the canadian prices are for stuff.
doublezero30
06-06-2013, 11:47 AM
If you're not familiar with flat rate it's quite simple. The book says a job takes 6hours, you pay 6hours of labor. It doesn't matter if the job took 4.18 hours or 7.23hours, you pay the flat rate book time of 6 hours. (This is just an example I don't know what the flat rate time on that job is). But this could make up the difference you're "missing"
Warranty time pays about 3 hours to change the water pump, which includes the labor to change the timing belt and the labor to put the nose in service position in it. Since corporate pays for warranty time, they short change the dealer. Customer pay will be more, you will never pay warranty labor rates, ever. Typically cash labor rates are warranty time multiplied by 1.5, which in this situation is 4 1/2 hours.
We charge between 4 and 5 hours labor on a typical 2.0T timing belt/h2o pump/serp belt job, the higher number is for customers who opt to change the thermostat also. Our one service writer said if they charged you more than 5 hours, then they are ripping you off. Our labor rate is $105 an hour, we are a vw dealer but we do service a fair amount of out of warranty audis. Typically audi dealers in my area have a much higher labor rate, keep in mind I am less than 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan and the NYC metro area as a whole is very expensive.
Here is what we charge for the parts prices, timing belt kit is $303.68, water pump is $100.80 and coolant is $24, we don't mark up those parts in the service, that is true list price for the USA. I am not sure what the canadian prices are for stuff.
Thanks again for all the information you've given. I really appreciate the time and the help. [hail]
If you're not familiar with flat rate it's quite simple. The book says a job takes 6hours, you pay 6hours of labor. It doesn't matter if the job took 4.18 hours or 7.23hours, you pay the flat rate book time of 6 hours. (This is just an example I don't know what the flat rate time on that job is). But this could make up the difference you're "missing"
Yeah... As I said, I can't argue with the time the job took, I can't know. Still, there's a core return that was never credited... But.......... The only way this would be right is if the book time was 5 hours, at 127.95$, that makes about 640$ for labor only, and 1099.17$ for the complete job including parts (not including the core charge of course). I was quoted 1095.19$. That would put some weight to the explanation I was given by the service guy. Let's say it is true. The invoice would be about 100$ over the quoted price because they forgot to credit the core charge. They didn't see the mistake, so they reduced the time the job took to 4.18 hours to match the quoted price. Does that make sense? [confused]
It's been crazy at work so I couldn't make it to the dealership this week. But the way I see this as of now is that they quoted me for a 5 hours (flat rate) job, for a total cost of about 1100$ with parts. When they completed the invoice at the end, it was about 100$ over because they forgot to refund the core charge, so they reduced the time accordingly to match the quoted price. That was a mistake but I agree with the service guy and the explanation he gave me based on all the information that was provided in this thread. I won't ask for a refund. I think they were honest, it's just that the invoice looked suspicious with the core charge not being refunded. So that's where I stand with this. Basically, they'll probably apologize for the mistake, I'll apologize for doubting them (and calling them liars), end of story...
I'm bumping my own thread here, but I wanted to update it in case someone else gets in the same situation.
I got a call from my dealer 3-4 months after all this, they told me they owed my 100$ and basically refunded me without any questions. So I was right from the beginning.
I don't know exactly what happened between my last post here and the call I got, but it may have something to do with the fact that I complained to AOA on the survey they sent following the repair. I wrote that I wasn't satisfied with the explanation I got from the dealer and that I felt I was supposed to get the 100$ core charge refunded. Maybe someone looked into it, and ended up calling the dealer and asked them to simply refund me. I didn't ask, I took my money, and ran..... [;)]
So...
1) core charges must always be refunded, don't believe the dealer when they say it's "ok" that it's not
2) maybe these surveys work after all, and someone actually read them...! [up]
crazydevilz
03-17-2014, 06:35 AM
3 - dont go to the dealer for the timing belt repair.
Peenge
03-17-2014, 07:22 AM
Only way of knowing a job gets done right, unfortunately is doing it yourself.. I would NEVER let anyone i don't know personally change my timingbelt, i don´t have that kind of trust in people haha! I might also add that just a couple of months ago i was a tech at Swedens largest Volvo dealership and performed this type of work myself, and i would never deny a customer to spectate while i work on his/her car, i had nothing to hide :)
It's nice that some of you guys can work on your own cars, or know some great mechanics that you trust. I don't. I got quotes from different places and the price was about the same. I went with what I felt safe with, at the time. And my car didn't blow up in pieces, so I guess they did a decent job. ;) The only problem I had was with this core charge mess, which was resolved to my satisfaction in the end. :)
BenMTL
03-18-2014, 07:21 AM
2) maybe these surveys work after all, and someone actually read them...! [up]
It was the survey 100%. Had a similar experience, local Montreal dealership screwed up and was not willing fix issue so I complained on survey which goes directly to AoC and local dealership was forced to get in touch and correct their mistake.
Good to know! I always thought these were just for show... [;)]
viprez586
03-21-2014, 06:47 AM
It was the survey 100%. Had a similar experience, local Montreal dealership screwed up and was not willing fix issue so I complained on survey which goes directly to AoC and local dealership was forced to get in touch and correct their mistake.
Yep, surveys definitely hurt the dealership's "score". They're regional rep probably had it out with the service manager.
Glad you got it sorted out.
As previously stated though, reman water pumps are no big deal - they're pretty much redone like new. The fact you had all the work done at the dealer also helps for warranty purposes IF something were to fail in the imminent future.