Who should pay?

[StephenH]

This is an example of the problems a dealership can get into.

A newer forester shelled a turbo, and for some reason the owner opted
to have a private shop replace it. the turbo replacement turbo was
bought from our shop. The other shop was informed about needing to
clean out the oil filter screen in the turbo line (something Subaru
itself has learned the hard way). But the tech couldn't find it so he
didn't do it. The car was then shipped to our shop blowing smoke like
crazy; the new turbo is now tore up. Subaru agreed that we would put
another turbo on, providing we didn't see anything suspicious in the
oil pan" Well, there is some funny metal parts in the pan. If we fixed
it, our bet is the engine would be toast in under 6 months. As we
didn't replace the turbo, we have no liability in the engine
replacement cost, the customer doesn't want to buy it and I'm unsure
of the independent' shops thought.
Sales has offered her 10 grand for it, as our dealership would be
responsible for the repair and resale.
Anyway, that's life in the shop.
Steve

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

This is an example of the problems a dealership can get into.

A newer forester shelled a turbo, and for some reason the owner opted
to have a private shop replace it. the turbo replacement turbo was
bought from our shop. The other shop was informed about needing to
clean out the oil filter screen in the turbo line (something Subaru
itself has learned the hard way). But the tech couldn't find it so he
didn't do it. The car was then shipped to our shop blowing smoke like
crazy; the new turbo is now tore up. Subaru agreed that we would put
another turbo on, providing we didn't see anything suspicious in the
oil pan" Well, there is some funny metal parts in the pan. If we fixed
it, our bet is the engine would be toast in under 6 months. As we
didn't replace the turbo, we have no liability in the engine
replacement cost, the customer doesn't want to buy it and I'm unsure
of the independent' shops thought.
Sales has offered her 10 grand for it, as our dealership would be
responsible for the repair and resale.
Anyway, that's life in the shop.
Steve

Sounds like the owner knew the car has been abused? Is that why they
took it to an indie shop?

Dunno - sounds like a mess.


Carl

 

[Big Jim]

Maybe there's no warranty on the vehicle and the owner wanted to avoid
paying dealer labor fees. However, the shop installed part improperly
and bears all responsibility. Their insurance should cover the
necessary repairs.

 

[weelliott]

Maybe there's no warranty on the vehicle and the owner wanted to avoid
paying dealer labor fees.  However, the shop installed part improperly
and bears all responsibility. Their insurance should cover the
necessary repairs.







- Show quoted text -

I think it sounds like the dealer should not have to pay for the
engine or the turbo, and the independent shop should. If one destroys
a part because they improperly installed the part, they shouldn't get
another one. Sounds to me like the source of all the troubles is the
independent shop. As long as it can be shown that the indepenedent
shop had been notified of the need to clean out the oil filter screen,
and that failure to do that is what caused the failure of the second
turbo and will lead to a failed engine, then I think that it can be
explained to the owner that the independent shop is to blame.

It should be explained in the manner of, "In our experience, when a
turbo fails, you have to do these things to repair it properly... We
instructed the independent shop of the unique things that needed to be
done. They didn't do them. Therefore since we'd done everything we
could do, and they negligently ignored instructions that would have
led to your car being absolutely fine, we feel that they are obligated
to fix your car at their expense."

Seems pretty cut and dry to me, but then again, I might not know all
the facts.