computer reflash under warranty/crappy rental car

[glepko]

My car is at the dealer for three days while they remove the computer, send it away for a reprogram, and obviously, reinstall it. The problem was an out of the blue CEL after a start up, with around 11,600 miles, the code was P03 I believe (it was a cylinder 3 misfire). The service manager called the tech and the tech ordered the reprogram.

The next section belongs in the BOV but it's related to this....

The warranty covers a rental car for the three days, but it's a damned Cavalier?! $25,000 for a car and I get a $14,000 POS while I'm waiting for a faulty computer to be fixed? That's BS to me, my staff drives nicer cars than that. My friend bought a used Jetta at a local dealership, when it was in for a two day warranty repair she was offered her choice of ANY car on the lot, Mercedes, Lexus, Nissan.....she chose a new ES 300 for those two days. I understand Subaru not wanting to get into the liabilities involved with this but come on...I expect a car of comparable value to be provided. I sent a polite letter to SOA and I'm going to call the dealership tomorrow. The first rental REAKED of dirty ashtrays, I took it back for an exchange, it was filthy inside, had ashes everywhere, and the cig. smell was covered with some nasty citrus cleaning product. I'm very frustrated about this.

[tjsupe]

I had a friend that had something like this happen with his new Mustang and they gave him an escort for a loaner. He called ford and *****ed about the service (3rd time in for oil leak)and loaner car, and while we were sitting in the dealership (and them not wanting to give us a more expensive loaner)they got the call from Ford and before you know it they are giving us something better. we left with a Brand new (4 miles) Taurus(I know) but It was tons better than the escort I just thought it was funny how they changed their tune so quickly.
So stay on top of them and let them know you are pissed go to the top if you have to.

[Root]

When mine went in for the reflash i got a loaner to. It was a brand spankin new toyota corrola. No power anything, i was surprised i didnt have to stick my feet through the floor to stop. I beat the snot out of that car, it was almost fun.

Justin

[tan]

Dealerships aren't really obliged to give you a rental car. Many dealerships do provide rental cars (from an agency) to improve PR.

The luxury marques usually give you a loaner car (you already paid so much for the car....)

your age also plays a factor. if you're under the minimum age for rental, you get a cheaper (crappier) car.

[glepko]

You're right tan, and I know this, but it's poor customer relations in my opinion. I must expect too much in life sometimes as a 30 yr old independently employeed businessman. I'd think BMW and Mercedes will treat me the way I expect to be treated, I just like the WRX so damned much!

Thank goodness for warranties anyway!

[SacWagon]

just look at it as the time to practice your HOOD SLIDES!

some guy backed into my WRX 2 weeks after i got it and while it was in the bodyshop, the gave me a total POS dodge stratus.. it was already scratched and dented in several places, so a few buddies and i came up with the idea over a few beers.

great fun



lemme know if ya wanna see the action pics

[TonyMS]

I once got a ford focus with 40k on it and it was about to fall apart but I had great fun practicing my hand brake turns something I would never do in one of my cars. The look on my passenger faces when I would just all of sudden pull the e brake and cut the wheel was classic. The car later had a blow out on the rear and I got a new altima much better car.

Tony

[Racenut]

Complaining about the loaner car you got while they were doing warranty service?

I paid more for both my pickup and my minivan than I did for my WRX.. I had $50,000 worth of Dodge in my driveway AND my father works for the dealership... During service visits, they will give me a ride home, or to work.. but no loaner car. I guess I look at the fact that you get a loaner as a nice little bonus... I'm not going to complain as long as I don't have to pedal it

[glepko]

I sent a very polite email to SOA with my complaints, and received a prompt, courteous reply that made it obvious that my message was read entirely, nice touch!

I was informed that Subaru is aware of customer expectations to be placed in a different Subaru in this type of scenario, and that they are currently setting up a loaner program at their dealerships nationwide, as well as preparing to enter vehicles into the rental market.

**news flash haha** Got the call from the dealership as I was typing this that my car is ready to go! YEEEHHHAAAWWW, it's like picking it up the first day again.

Way to go Subaru. A salvaged encounter, nothing works better than at least giving hope of better things to come.

[JRod]

Just look on the bright side, after driving the cavalier your WRX will feel like a supercar.

I often use one of our little 4cyl tacomas at work. The thing has absolutely zero balls. Its almost funny, I actually have to keep overdrive off and downshift the automatic trans. to even keep up with traffic.
But around 5pm I can really look forward to getting back into my WRX, the commute is actually a treat for me. Unless the traffic keeps me in second gear.
When I had my window worked on I got a ride to work from the dealership and that was it. I would not complain about any car they gave me unless it was for an extended period of time. Beating on slow cars is kinda fun.