Why you should not take your car to Goodyear.......

So I was surfing last night and found a story about a poor slob who took his Lotus Elise to a local Goodyear shop (WTF!) to get tires put on. Apparently the shop did not listen to or read the very specific, detailed instructions on how to jack up the car….

Here it is in the man’s own words:

“Dropped my Elise off to the local Goodyear shop to have new F1G3s installed. My Father-in-law is the service manager and has been for 10 years. He is out on medical leave, but he met me at the shop this morning, because he understands the uniqueness of the car.

I handed them the tire tools and opened the Owner's Manual to the jacking instructions so they would be clear. We went over all the instructions and they assured me I was in good hands.

We (my father-in-law and I both left)

1 hour later I get a call about the "accident" and that I needed to come down...

WTF!

So this is what I found...








It get's better. They said they read the manual, but not to the point where it spoke about the 4-point lift. After the crash, they continued reading. Yipee for me.

The damage is inclusive of the rear clam, front clam, underneath the driver's door, and a nice puncture through the bottom diffuser around the passenger seat area.

When I was there, they had a wrecker attached with a winch to the front end so it wouldn't come crashing down. After it cleared the lift, the front end swung around and crashed into some tool chests.

I'm mostly worried about the rear structure... the puncture underneath and the loss of value of the car (it's paid off free and clear)!

I've already called Dimmit in Clearwater and they are expecting the vehicle. Goodyear has filed the claim with their carrier and has promised to fully cover the repair. Luckly my FIL was there as a witness.

What else do I need to be concerned about in the repair/insurance claim? Diminished value, loss of use (not my primary vehicle), etc.”


He goes on to say that he will be “forced” to drive his Porsche while this gets sorted, so I’m not crying for him just yet, but that sure sucks!

Mental note – do not go to Goodyear for ANYTHING! I bet if these guys get fired they can always get a job at Richmond BMW......

[padi56]

Bloody hell thats going to cost them,its a special glue bonded chassis.And if damaged its a right off.Sorry if it was my car would have stayed put to make sure they carried out the jacking instructions.

[Launch Mini]

I can totally relate to what the guy is going through.

I'm with Padi on this. I would have stayed to make sure it's done right.

It's just a car and obviously the guy is pretty well off, but it sure does suck when that happens, especially when FIL manages the place, medical leave or not.

BTW, wish they made the Elise for giants.

[roadcarver]

What's your story, John?

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

I can totally relate to what the guy is going through.

[roadcarver]

Hi John,

That lotus is a convertible, just put the top down you should fit right in

Originally Posted by Atomic

I'm with Padi on this. I would have stayed to make sure it's done right.

It's just a car and obviously the guy is pretty well off, but it sure does suck when that happens, especially when FIL manages the place, medical leave or not.

BTW, wish they made the Elise for giants.

Originally Posted by roadcarver

What's your story, John?

John's gone for a while, but I'll pinch hit.

They leased an 06 3-series wagon and from day one the panoramic sunroof made wind noise when it was closed. I think it's been in to be fixed five or six times now, but it's not 'fixed'.

One time the car was delivered from the dealer with scratches all over one side of the car, another time with a big dent in the front bumper.

There's more to it, but that's the fiddy cent tour.

[roadcarver]

Yikes, that a bad experience truly. Now wonder Richmond BMW was mentioned... I guess that's where he got his Bmer.

Man oh man... horror stories for servicing...

Originally Posted by Atomic

John's gone for a while, but I'll pinch hit.

They leased an 06 3-series wagon and from day one the panoramic sunroof made wind noise when it was closed. I think it's been in to be fixed five or six times now, but it's not 'fixed'.

One time the car was delivered from the dealer with scratches all over one side of the car, another time with a big dent in the front bumper.

There's more to it, but that's the fiddy cent tour.

[JJ Irani]

OUCH! That's a real bummer. I'd have gone ballistic if those idiots would have done that to my car!!

[Langnam]

I think having a car fall off a lift at a service station is a little more frequent than a dealership/quick change place would have you believe.
About 15 years ago, one of our analysts dropped his car off at the local Jiffy lube for an oil change, only to get the phone call that his car fell off the hydraulic lift. The car was pretty well crunched, but he was lucky as it was only an old ford Escort.