Yet Again - MOT Service

[SpeedBaby]

I know it’s not the first time I am posting a negative review of MoT service and I also know that somehow no one else seems to encounter similar aggravations while dealing with them. However, I felt that it’s important to share a new story that has happened (and is still happening) to me and my car.

Nearly two weeks ago I have brought the car in to MoT for a mild service issue and for the engine mount recall. Let me underline the fact that at that point the car was running perfectly. I was told that they had to replace the oil cooler which was ordered and was supposed to be installed the next day.

The next day I came to the dealership at the same time when the car was being pulled into the bay from a road test. Even before I was able to see the car I saw clouds of thick white smoke. By that time the engine was off but the smoke was still clouding out of the exhaust. Next thing I noticed was oil coming right out of the exhaust. I was told that they would need another day to figure out what was wrong and at the end of next day I got a phone call telling me that my car needs a new engine and turbo.

Now it’s been over a week since I brought the (running) car in. For all this time I have been paying for a rental out of my own pocket, which I am having an extremely hard time to agree with. I know I haven’t got an extended warranty, which covers the rental. But on the other hand, my car is leased for 3 years and buying extended warranty on it was not justifiable. Neither am I happy about getting my engine replaced – at the time when I brought it in the engine was working perfectly fine, so it must’ve been something done during the install of that oil cooler that caused the engine to go. And the thing that pisses me off the most is that despite our previous agreement they got the same apprentice working on my car that smashed my side mirror while pulling the car in. Which BTW still hasn’t been replaced!!!!

And now, just to top it off, when I wanted the car transferred to a different dealer, where I could at least get an EXPERIENCED person installing my engine, I was told that I couldn’t do it. They are telling me that I can’t take my own car?!?!?!? And in the mean time I’m still paying for the stupid rental (believe me, it is STUPID).:bang

[Unoriginalusername]

Get it back and never go back

[JonsMazda]

Sorry to hear that....hope everything goes well :)

[IMHIP2]

Similiar problem with a Windstar once (although I drove it into the dealer with the white smoke coming out of the exhaust - Head gasket blew).

Called CAA and had it towed to another dealer where they did the engine replacement for a much better price (mind you it was not under warranty at the time and I figured I would be footing the bill).

Eventually got my engine, install and rental paid for by Ford

It sounds like the problem may have been caused by the dealer's install of the oil cooler and some coolent entered where it shouldn't have. In your case since the dealer did the screw up they probably need to fix it although you should have the right to take it else where.... They should also cover the rental if its in for anything over two days.

Good Luck

[Broli]

i will no comment on the engine problems, i dont know enough about the situation.

however, in terms of the rental, i am surprised they wont cover a rental for you, at least at 30 bux a day from enterprise, if u wanna go higher end then u pay the difference, i know they are not required to for the first 5 days, but it is sux that they aren't hooking that up for you.

[Caz]

I think you have a case for getting them to pay for a rental.

[PlatMS6]

I think you have a case for getting them to pay for a rental.

For sure - especially when they killed it!

[SpeedBaby]

...and the story goes on: today we were approached by one of the service guys, who accused us of 'racing' the car. Not like it really makes a difference, but it was just said with an obvious intention to underline the fact that just by servicing our car at all they are doing us a huge favor.

Not that we actually do race the car, but even if we did, that shouldn't matter, since that's how the positioned the car to begin with:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW60yRJ9YUQ

BTW, on the side note, how do you like the fact that Mazda Canada, who is organizing the MOtM this year making it a track day. Meanwhile, if you go on the track your warranty is automatically annulled as it is considered 'abusive driving'. Keep that in mind all of you that are planning on going to the event.

[MattC]

I really dont think you should be taking the word of some service guy as the word of Mazda Canada though, he is, for lack of a better word, just a tool hired by them.

If I were you, if you haven't already, I would try to take this above the dealership, take it to Mazda Canada, I am sure they would like to hear this story and it might help your cause abit, as bad PR is bad PR.

Now that being said, I am not 100% sure about how this industry works, like are the dealerships pretty much totally independant of Mazda Canada, apart from just being allowed to sell their product, or if the head office has some say at the dealership level. Either way, It should be brought to their attention.

This whole situation stinks, my condolences for your car, hopefully it is back in fighting shape soon without too many heads having to roll.

[Broli]

BTW, on the side note, how do you like the fact that Mazda Canada, who is organizing the MOtM this year making it a track day. Meanwhile, if you go on the track your warranty is automatically annulled as it is considered 'abusive driving'. Keep that in mind all of you that are planning on going to the event.

yes, lets have discussion on the issue of tracking ur car at MOTM and warranty cancellation in the MOTM thread (I do think it should be clearly stated one way or the other)

[Kevin@nextmod]

When i had my tranny problem and they said i have to replace it, they didn't want to pay for my rental. The reason was "i drove the car there, and was not towed there". I of course didn't pay for the rental cause i'm not spending $30 a day. So i just took my other car and went thru the days. Not bashing on MOT or anything here, just saying what i experienced cause i never had a problem with them. They replaced my tranny with no questions asked, then my no start problem fixed. They even replaced my pullies cause it was making stupid noises. Overall i think i claimed about $10k more or less on warranty there with no problems.

[Flagrum_3]

First of all, sorry to hear 'they' killed your baby.Its pretty obvious they screwed something up as white smoke from the tail pipe means coolant.(and thats pretty noticeable).Like mentioned by an earlier poster, just let them fix it and don't go there anymore, but I would demand they put their best guys on it.(Which should be expected anyways)...I am also pretty sure you can get reimbursed for the rental if you push it, atleast for anything past the five days.

Good luck on the whole situation


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[Cardinal Fang]

...and the story goes on: today we were approached by one of the service guys, who accused us of 'racing' the car. Not like it really makes a difference, but it was just said with an obvious intention to underline the fact that just by servicing our car at all they are doing us a huge favor.

LOL.....I friend of mine who used to drive a Civic Si was given the same grief by a Honda mechanic. Just keep your cool and try not to blow up in their face. Once you become abusive they have every right not to service the car.



Not that we actually do race the car, but even if we did, that shouldn't matter, since that's how the positioned the car to begin with:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW60yRJ9YUQ


"Positioning the car" may be a little strong here. The commercial is funny. If you look at the first few frames you will notice the quote at the bottom of the screen..."cars are not toys please drive responsibly." If you take the commercial as a sign that Mazda wants you to drive the car hard then you're going to be in trouble. Many car companies use hyperbole to make a point about the performance aspects of their cars. Don't take it seriously.



BTW, on the side note, how do you like the fact that Mazda Canada, who is organizing the MOtM this year making it a track day. Meanwhile, if you go on the track your warranty is automatically annulled as it is considered 'abusive driving'. Keep that in mind all of you that are planning on going to the event.

Doesn't surprise me at all. This is not just typical of car companies but the insurance companies are getting in on this as well. My brother and his friends had organized a track day two years ago at Shannonville. I went with him to see what all the fuss was about. When I arrived I noticed several cars with the license plates tapped up. I never understood why. Then I found out from some track rep. that sometimes the insurance companies through the police take down license plate numbers and issue letters to owners of the cars stating that "racing," even on a closed track is considered reckless driving and could void your insurance. I thought nothing of it until my brother received a letter from his insurance company two months later with a similar tone. They rationalized that they were there to insure his car in regular day to day use and they are not in the business to offer insurance to drivers that "race" their cars. They mentioned their were insurance companies that offered insurance coverage for racing professionals and if he wanted to pursue that he was more than welcome. They went on further to note that if he continued to drive in this manner that they would terminate his insurance.

Nice.....

[3GFX]

Well Speedbaby, sorry to hear. I always ask about a loaner car if the car goes in for major service, but Mazda doesn't usually offer one. Sit tight it will all be fixed. The fact that you're getting a new engine is incredible!

(PS The old one, still good? Anyone think it will fit in a sedan? ;) j/k)

[Kevin@nextmod]

^^haha dave....even if the engine is still good, you'll still need a shit load of stuff to fit that in your car to work. lol...

[Skarbro]

Doesn't surprise me at all. This is not just typical of car companies but the insurance companies are getting in on this as well. My brother and his friends had organized a track day two years ago at Shannonville. I went with him to see what all the fuss was about. When I arrived I noticed several cars with the license plates tapped up. I never understood why. Then I found out from some track rep. that sometimes the insurance companies through the police take down license plate numbers and issue letters to owners of the cars stating that "racing," even on a closed track is considered reckless driving and could void your insurance. I thought nothing of it until my brother received a letter from his insurance company two months later with a similar tone. They rationalized that they were there to insure his car in regular day to day use and they are not in the business to offer insurance to drivers that "race" their cars. They mentioned their were insurance companies that offered insurance coverage for racing professionals and if he wanted to pursue that he was more than welcome. They went on further to note that if he continued to drive in this manner that they would terminate his insurance.

Nice.....

For reference:

From The Ontario Automobile Policy (OAP1) (http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/english/forms/autoforms/endorsement/OAP1_23-10-2006.pdf):


1.4 Your Responsibilities
If you fail to meet your responsibilities, claims under this policy, with the exception of certain Accident Benefits, may be denied.

By accepting this contract you agree to the following conditions.

1.4.6 You agree not to use or allow anyone to use the automobile in a race or speed test or for any illegal trade or transportation.

This includes racing at the track.

[mEtH]

Sorry to hear about your problems but when you had the problems with them before didn't you say you were going to go to another dealership? If I had problems with a dealer I would not go back to them.

I must have taken my car to 4 different dealers but now have settled on which two dealers I like to use and for what service as well. Maybe its time for you to change dealerships or work with two of them to get the service you require.

[3GFX]

...you'll still need a shit load of stuff to fit that in your car to work. lol...

Starting with springs :chuckle

Ok, sorry I had to, back on topic.

[WLS ZMZM]

sorry to hear about the car speedbaby.. thats a pretty shitty deal.... you seem to be alot more calm then I would be..... thats for sure.... as for the rough time.... and the "racing" unless they have prove its all just words.. so no worries there..... however... its a forced induction sports car... its not going to be granny driven..... but regardless... I'd definitely press for the car rental.. and if you not satisfied I'd call mazda canada and speak with them.... but Fang is right don't blow up at them.. last thing you want is a pissed off mchanic doing your motor swap.... piss them off... and they might do something to really piss you off... if you catch my drift....

[SpeedBaby]

It gets better! this morning we called the dealer asking to get the service records printed out. When Vlad got there to pick them out it turned out that the service manager saw one of the service advisers doing it and took them away with instructions not to give us anything.

When our lawyer asked to talk to him (the service manager) on the phone, he said that he had no time for all this!

Is asking for my service records was such an outrageous demand?!?! this is just getting ridiculous....

[Cardinal Fang]

It gets better! this morning we called the dealer asking to get the service records printed out. When Vlad got there to pick them out it turned out that the service manager saw one of the service advisers doing it and took them away with instructions not to give us anything.

hmmm....I know you two have some history there but that shouldn't be reason not to give you the records.



When our lawyer asked to talk to him (the service manager) on the phone, he said that he had no time for all this!

Lawyer?

Now you've elevated your actions in this case. Posting here in an open forum on this matter is really a bad idea. If you have retained the services of a lawyer to clear this up you shouldn't be making any statements as it may prejudice your claim.



Is asking for my service records was such an outrageous demand?!?!

Not in my books.

[rsquared]

Wow, that's quite the story! Not sure what I would do if that happened to me, I can't even imagine the stress you're going through. Did the service people at least admit they caused the problem? Nothing worse than getting bad service and them not taking responsibility for it. Mistakes happen, but it makes it slightly easier when people can own up to them. Maybe you can ask them to cover your car rental due to all the problems they caused? Anyway, really hope it all works out.

[Skarbro]

It gets better! this morning we called the dealer asking to get the service records printed out. When Vlad got there to pick them out it turned out that the service manager saw one of the service advisers doing it and took them away with instructions not to give us anything.

When our lawyer asked to talk to him (the service manager) on the phone, he said that he had no time for all this!

Is asking for my service records was such an outrageous demand?!?! this is just getting ridiculous....
Wow, this is getting crazy. I see no reason why you can't have your own service records. It's common to get them when you are selling the car.

[JonsMazda]

Seems like they are hiding something...some dark sercret, that they don't want you to know about. Should talk to the general manager or inform mazda canada right away.

[MattC]

Well its obivous the service department has done something they want to cover up, or they would give you the records, as its your right to know what is happening/has happened to your car service wise.

Especially if you plan to sell it in the future.

the more I read about their bad business practices in the service dept at MoT makes me not want to take my car there anymore, yeah its just one case, but still the fact that all this is happening once is too much for me.

[MAZDA Kitten]

I think you have a case for getting them to pay for a rental.

+1

Call Mazda Canada ASAP!!!

[MAZDA Kitten]

BTW, on the side note, how do you like the fact that Mazda Canada, who is organizing the MOtM this year making it a track day. Meanwhile, if you go on the track your warranty is automatically annulled as it is considered 'abusive driving'. Keep that in mind all of you that are planning on going to the event.

Sneaky
This reminds me of that Simpsons episode where they were promised a boat that had to be picked up at the Police Station and then they would arrest people with outstanding tickets
LMAOOOO

[Caz]

Fishy stuff!

[WLS ZMZM]

yikes i agree again with Fang... you may not want to post anything else on here.. just to be safe... especially if a lawyer is now involved.... as for the records thats just stupid.... like everyone else is saying sounds like something is being covered up....

[MAZDA Kitten]

Im just curious did they even give you a reason WHY the engine is being replaced?

[Flagrum_3]

It gets better! this morning we called the dealer asking to get the service records printed out. When Vlad got there to pick them out it turned out that the service manager saw one of the service advisers doing it and took them away with instructions not to give us anything.

When our lawyer asked to talk to him (the service manager) on the phone, he said that he had no time for all this!

Is asking for my service records was such an outrageous demand?!?! this is just getting ridiculous....

If you have your lawyer involved, I would take Fangs advice, Do not post on this subject again!, atleast until its been settled...
The fact that MoT has already stated they will be replacing the motor, basically they have already assumed responsibility for the blown engine, so I don't see any reason for legal action! unless of course you feel it was blown thru some scrupulous means.As for the records...Have you talked to the Dealer Manager about it? It can't hurt and then if not satisfied call Mazda Canada.
The only thing that bothers me here is the mechanic ragging on (accusing) Vlad about racing the car!? ...maybe it was just the anxiety of possibly loosing his job that brought that on, Nevertheless it was uncalled for and extremely unprofessional IMO.


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[Flagrum_3]

Im just curious did they even give you a reason WHY the engine is being replaced?

Maybe the huge white cloud large enough to encompass all of MoT(just a slight exaggeration) billowing out if the exhaust pipe was explanation enough....words need not be spoken, I would think :whoa


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[whiteomega]

Maybe the huge white cloud large enough to encompass all of MoT(just a slight exaggeration) billowing out if the exhaust pipe was explanation enough....words need not be spoken, I would think :whoa


_3


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i think more detail is still needed..like why said white cloud occurred in the first place (and not just the mechanical reasons either)

[Flagrum_3]

i think more detail is still needed..like why said white cloud occurred in the first place (and not just the mechanical reasons either)

It was a bad attempt at a joke, okay :loco

And I think the details can wait until everything has been settled. Don't you agree?


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[Z00mZ00mZ00m]

Before you all start making judgements based on this ONE incident at MoT...
keep in mind all the other happy customers of MoT. There's always going to be that 1% that isn't satisfied...

there's always 2 sides to every story....
don't trust everything you read people...

Here's some tips if you don't wanna get treated like crap at a dealership:

1) don't park your car on their show lot as if you own the place
2) don't tell the female staff to "bend over"
3) try to be nice to the techs and staff (afterall, they are the ones you rely on to service your car), instead of calling the cops on them and then having it backfire on you to the point where you get threatened to be arrested if you step foot on the dealership

just some food for thought ;):pop

[SpeedBaby]

Like I said in the first post: I do realize that it seems like only I happen to have issues with that dealership and I do recognize that there's plenty of other happy MoT customers out there. I never said that things like that happen there on a daily basis.

Now, since you seem to be so well informed about what is going on there, you should've noticed that I never did any of the things that you have mentioned there, so your coments are merely unrelated.

And while you're on the roll of spilling the truth about what exactly happened in this story, maybe you'd also clarify for me what specifically happened to my car that it needs a new engine and turbo now?

[whiteomega]

understanding is a three-edged sword: your side, their side, and the truth in the middle.

i guess we only have one side of the story, so my apologies for jumping to conclusions.

[Unoriginalusername]

Before you all start making judgements based on this ONE incident at MoT...
keep in mind all the other happy customers of MoT. There's always going to be that 1% that isn't satisfied...

there's always 2 sides to every story....
don't trust everything you read people...

Here's some tips if you don't wanna get treated like crap at a dealership:

1) don't park your car on their show lot as if you own the place
2) don't tell the female staff to "bend over"
3) try to be nice to the techs and staff (afterall, they are the ones you rely on to service your car), instead of calling the cops on them and then having it backfire on you to the point where you get threatened to be arrested if you step foot on the dealership

just some food for thought ;):pop

don't represent a business as an enthusiast/member... this isn't the better business burreu. if you are an employee or affiliate of mot come out and say it

[Z00mZ00mZ00m]

don't represent a business as an enthusiast/member... this isn't the better business burreu. if you are an employee or affiliate of mot come out and say it

I'm not an employee of MoT...i just know what happened and i'm just stating some facts...

just wanted to shed some light on the situation that's all...

this is a forum which is meant for free speech, and i'm just sayin what has to be said

[whiteomega]

personally, i think if they want to be anonymous that's fine. if they're replying to personal opinion with personal opinion, that's their right.

[SpeedBaby]

I'm not an employee of MoT...i just know what happened and i'm just stating some facts...

just wanted to shed some light on the situation that's all...

this is a forum which is meant for free speech, and i'm just sayin what has to be said

Honnestly, I'm really happy to find someone who actually knows what happened. And just like I asked before: do tell me the whole story, please.

But on the other hand, considering your innitial post you seem like someone who doesn't even know who you are talking about. For instance: I have never been threatened to be arrested for anything in my life, and I visited the dealership just this evening. Also, there's only very few ppl the heard the words 'bend over' from me addressed to them, and there is not a single female among them. I never parked in the show lot, simply because I never park at ANY lot - I park along the curb infront or across from the entrance. As for being nice - I can indeed be very bitchy at times, however I ALWAYS stay politically correct and despite all the aggravation that has been caused to me at this dealer I have always maintained a professional discussion.

Yes all my posts on this matter are highly biased, but I trully believe that given all the trouble and aggravation that has been caused and noone showing any intention to resolve it (especially not the service manager) the least I can do is express my opinion on this.

As for your highly valuable opinion, it surely is welcome. Just as long as you know what you are talking about.

[stas]

speedbaby, did you resolve the issue with the rental?

in my opinion at this point any reasonable person to who this has happened has the right to be as bitchy as they want towards any garage/mechanic that caused problem(s) (no one knows a 100% what caused the issue, so dont try to up ur post count to prove a non existent point).

the owner of the vehicle should have the right to see the service history, even if its a lease

why doesnt the dealership show an example of being nice, especially to loyal clients, by not holding a grudge on someone if the car was parked in the wrong spot or if the person was pissed off at something before, for valid reasons. EVEN IF THERE ARE 2 SIDES TO IT, when any NORMAL person is pissed those emotions get expressed in some sort of way, in most cases. If you dont know this, then you have never worked with customers (obviously mechanics wouldnt know this, especially at dealerships since they A dont give 2 shits alot of time and B they dont tend to deal with clients), anyone in retail would know what i'm talking about.

my 2 cents.

[Cardinal Fang]

Ok then....

*Pours water on entire thread*

[Tokic_o]

just on a side note....at MoT where are you supposed to park if you're going for service? the small parking lot across the street from it?

[S.F.W.]

just on a side note....at MoT where are you supposed to park if you're going for service? the small parking lot across the street from it?

Yes, there is a lot across the road, specifically labeled service.

[Tokic_o]

oh haha sorry the ignorance

[Z00mZ00mZ00m]

speedbaby....im not referring to you....
im referring to your boyfriend Vlad

[yellow 3]

i think you need to stay out of this
Mr anonymous or give ur name don't be a wuss :flaming


speedbaby....im not referring to you....
im referring to your boyfriend Vlad

[GuelphCity]

speedbaby, did you resolve the issue with the rental?

in my opinion at this point any reasonable person to who this has happened has the right to be as bitchy as they want towards any garage/mechanic that caused problem(s) (no one knows a 100% what caused the issue, so dont try to up ur post count to prove a non existent point).

the owner of the vehicle should have the right to see the service history, even if its a lease

why doesnt the dealership show an example of being nice, especially to loyal clients, by not holding a grudge on someone if the car was parked in the wrong spot or if the person was pissed off at something before, for valid reasons. EVEN IF THERE ARE 2 SIDES TO IT, when any NORMAL person is pissed those emotions get expressed in some sort of way, in most cases. If you dont know this, then you have never worked with customers (obviously mechanics wouldnt know this, especially at dealerships since they A dont give 2 shits alot of time and B they dont tend to deal with clients), anyone in retail would know what i'm talking about.

my 2 cents.

I totally agree. I was sorta thinking whoever made those points about how not to piss off a dealership, was smokin sometihng... No one EVER talks like that about custoemrs at my dealership. They can park in the f-in owners spot if it makes them less defensive when they walk in.

I agree that anyone has the right to be upset abou things that go wrong with their car. It is stressful. Whether it is the dealership at fault or not, it is still a shitty situation to be in. And you deserve answers. i would freak out.

[FLIPDADY]

I think we've seen and heard enough about this issue.