Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

JWz06 · 08-07-2002, 11:55 AM

I have read alot about people not getting the service that one would expect from their dealer, especially after dropping 50 large.

My car is relatively new and has not needed anything but I am interested in the good, the bad and the ugly so to speak of service received at dealers in the DFW area.

Anyone want to share? Thanks in advance.

JWz06.

dminnick · 08-07-2002, 12:21 PM

I had a problem with my 99 coupe about a year ago. I bought it used with 22K miles on it. The AC was leaking all over the passenger floor boards. I took it in for service. They "fixed it" and I got it back the next day. Two days later, the same thing. This time they "really fixed it."

A month later during a particularly humid day, it started draining into the car again. By the time I got home, the car was sputtering. I pulled into my garage, and it died. It went to the garage on a hauler. They spent two weeks fixing it.

My wife picked it up at the shop and brought it home. Later in the evening when she went to put it in the garage, it would only go up to 1 mph and then shut off. Car hauler again. This time it was the steering wheel lock module. Three more days.
They did fix it this time, but they had caused collateral damage at this point:
1) steering wheel leather was nicked and scratched
2) tear in passenger door panel
3) window tinting damaged.

It was a freaking nightmare. I got a free oil change out of the deal, and they fixed the torn door panel. I haven't taken the car back to them since. It was Reliable Chevrolet in Richardson.

Z49 Z06 · 08-07-2002, 01:03 PM

I have heard the same type of stories about thoes guys at Reliable in Richardson.

JimGnitecki · 08-07-2002, 01:56 PM

I'm also interested in DFW dealer recommendations.

I got my first unpleasant surprise this past Monday when I called my selling dealer, Frank Parra Chevrolet, and told the service rep I got that I had read postings by at least 4 other members on the Z06vette website, whose earely February/02 cars came from the factory with loose upper suspension fasteners. I told him that since my car was also built in early February, I would like to stop by after work, and have the fasteners just quickly checked.

The service rep said that would not be possible, because they are "too busy" late afternoons and evenings, "trying to get the promised repairs done for everyone". Here's the procedure he wants me to follow:

- Make an appointment to bring the car in in some morning

- Take their shuttle service back to my job (their shuttle STARTS an hour after I start work, and in traffic would take about 3/4 hour to get me to work)

- Leave the car with them all day (to get possibly damaged while waiting for a 5 minute inspection)

- Call their shuttle to piuck me up after work

- Take the shuttle through rush hour back to their dealership

- Pick up the car, and hope that:
(1) the inspection was done
(2) If loose, the fasteners were tightened
(3) No damage was done to the car while there (last time I left a vehicle at a dealership, they did a repair, left the evhicle in their lot, and it got dinged by someone's door hard enough to make a 3" dent in it)

There's no way I want to do the above.

I called my salesman at the dealership, he agrees it's nuts, and is going to try to "talk wth Service".

So far, I'm not impressed.

Anyone know a good shop? I don't mind paying to have the inspection done, for my piece of mind.

I tried calling Speedworks, a local recommended performance shop that has done a dyno run and 2 oil changes for me, but they are so busy they won't look at it for at least a couple of weeks.

Jim G

jimvette · 08-07-2002, 02:58 PM

I have used Huffines in Lewisville a few times and have been very satisfied. Talk to a service advisor named Greg Nossiff. He always makes sure my car is well taken care of.

WA 2 FST · 08-07-2002, 03:04 PM

I know one of the service advisors at Eldorado Chevrolet in McKinney. It's been awhile since I've owned a GM vehicle, but when myself or anyone in my family has needed GM service in the past 12 years, we've gone there and been very pleased.

I was up there just a couple of months ago talking to him...just to let him know and see I was back in the Chevy camp, and would be calling on him if service issues arise.

Like I said, I've known him for over a decade and have always found him to be very upfront and honest. Now how good the Vette techs are...I cannot say.

If you venture up to Eldorado Chevrolet (on I-75) ask for Gary Werner.

JWz06 · 08-07-2002, 05:22 PM

Thanks for the input. Bought mine at Friendly Chevy near downtown Dallas- Parkland Hospital. Any one specifically talk to their dealer about mods and effect on the warranty and what was the reaction?

Haven't done any performance mods but can see how one thing could lead to another. Before you know it, a Stage III head/cam/stroker package some how appears.

Want to go slow but want to keep in the good graces of the General.

WA 2 FST - Have you talked to Gary about your non-hose mods. I'm sure the bottle kinda exceeds the bounds of what is acceptable engine / drivetrain wise on the warranty.

JWz06.

Torchedx2 · 08-07-2002, 05:52 PM

Try Classic Chervrolet in Grapevine. I had good experiences with them. They have an excellent service shop and one of the shop Foreman owns an '01 Z06.

Andy Thompson · 08-07-2002, 06:45 PM

If you don't mind going North of the Red River, there is a dealer called Knippelmier Chevrolet in Blanchard, OK. They are South of Norman and West of I-35 about 5 mile. I bought a '96 LT4 and my '01 Z from them. I have always been very pleased with their sales and service. They are also the largest Vette dealer in OK. The owner has quite an extensive private collection of Vettes, Camaros, etc. and I was recently told that he just did a Lingenfelter conversion on his '02 MY Z. Good people and they do know Vettes.

JimGnitecki · 08-08-2002, 06:47 AM

Thnaks for the referrals, guys.

Jim G

z62jag · 08-09-2002, 07:01 AM

I can also recommend Greg at Huffines in Lewisville. He has always treated me well and has made sure any work was done right the 1st time.

weiner · 08-09-2002, 07:27 AM

I also have bought my 01 Z from Frank Parra but have never taken it there for service. I have been taking it to Huffines in Plano. So far the service has been great. I have just finished an oil comsumption test and they are willing to repair the engine without any questions since it is using about a quart every 1300-1400 miles. I recommend that you speak with Frank Conti.

Doug

JimGnitecki · 08-09-2002, 09:14 AM

Thanks, Weiner!

See5Vett · 08-09-2002, 09:41 AM

I had some body work done at Frank Parra on my 99 C5 and they did a outstanding job, it was finished when they said and the fit and finish was as good as new.

I purchased my 02 C5 and haven't needed service yet, I did get a free bottle of GM touch up paint in the mail. That was nice since the MY color isn't easy to find.

Art

JimGnitecki · 08-12-2002, 06:56 AM

I mentioned above that the first service person I talked to at Frank Parra Chevrolet, about the possibility of untightened suspension fasteners, gave me a bit of a run around.

I contacted my salesperson and politely complained.

He talked to the Service Manager, who invited me to come in THAT afternoon and have them checked.

I went in (Friday afternoon), and they put the car onto a lift and checked them. Apparently, all were tight.

Made a difference getting the salesperson involved. he jumped right on it.

Jim G