Dealer Servicing

[SteveS]

Hendy Ford in Eastleigh did a free oil and filter change and checkover on my EB auto today, and also fixed the emergency interior boot release that had come apart. Took them just over an hour. Very courteous, and although I can't check what they did it was a good experience.

Encouraging, thanks.

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[Kristian87]

Wow. That would have pi55ed me off to no end. Unbelievable really some of these "Ford Stores". The couple of times I have been back to my dealers I have walked away being unimpressed. What hacks me off is just the general lack of interest the staff have, I'm not expecting to be treated any better than someone that has taken a Fiesta in but just to be treated well - with enthusiasm and just a little decorum.

I don't think I mentioned this before but now I feel the need to rant too...my dealership offered a free 1000 "health check" (just a visual check sort of thing). After a long wait in the dealership I was finally handed the keys by an old woman, the kind who would have possibly burst into flames if she had to smile. Anyway, I obviously asked if all was ok with the check to which she replied "I don't know, all of the technicians have gone home now". What am I supposed to do with that?! I just said thank you & walked out. I did manage to get an update & a pdf report but I had to ask for it.

When I went to get my puddle lamp fixed last week, the place was heaving - the guy I handed my keys to had no idea how long it would take, just a case of "it will be done when it can be done" kind of answer when I asked.

I think it's fair to say that the good Mustang dealerships, providing the level of service we expect are few & far between. What are the options re a service? Do they have to be completed at a Ford Store or can we take to a specialist? Or even do it ourselves?

 

[Jimboy2]

Wow. That would have pi55ed me off to no end. Unbelievable really some of these "Ford Stores". The couple of times I have been back to my dealers I have walked away being unimpressed. What hacks me off is just the general lack of interest the staff have, I'm not expecting to be treated any better than someone that has taken a Fiesta in but just to be treated well - with enthusiasm and just a little decorum.

I don't think I mentioned this before but now I feel the need to rant too...my dealership offered a free 1000 "health check" (just a visual check sort of thing). After a long wait in the dealership I was finally handed the keys by an old woman, the kind who would have possibly burst into flames if she had to smile. Anyway, I obviously asked if all was ok with the check to which she replied "I don't know, all of the technicians have gone home now". What am I supposed to do with that?! I just said thank you & walked out. I did manage to get an update & a pdf report but I had to ask for it.

When I went to get my puddle lamp fixed last week, the place was heaving - the guy I handed my keys to had no idea how long it would take, just a case of "it will be done when it can be done" kind of answer when I asked.

I think it's fair to say that the good Mustang dealerships, providing the level of service we expect are few & far between. What are the options re a service? Do they have to be completed at a Ford Store or can we take to a specialist? Or even do it ourselves?

To keep warranty valid it needs to be serviced by a VAT registered garage. Doesn't need to be ford.
Nothing stopping you doing the oil changes yourself between services if you feel like it but just get the annual/mileage services stamped.

 

[slowhand99]

Wow. That would have pi55ed me off to no end. Unbelievable really some of these "Ford Stores". The couple of times I have been back to my dealers I have walked away being unimpressed. What hacks me off is just the general lack of interest the staff have, I'm not expecting to be treated any better than someone that has taken a Fiesta in but just to be treated well - with enthusiasm and just a little decorum.

I don't think I mentioned this before but now I feel the need to rant too...my dealership offered a free 1000 "health check" (just a visual check sort of thing). After a long wait in the dealership I was finally handed the keys by an old woman, the kind who would have possibly burst into flames if she had to smile. Anyway, I obviously asked if all was ok with the check to which she replied "I don't know, all of the technicians have gone home now". What am I supposed to do with that?! I just said thank you & walked out. I did manage to get an update & a pdf report but I had to ask for it.

When I went to get my puddle lamp fixed last week, the place was heaving - the guy I handed my keys to had no idea how long it would take, just a case of "it will be done when it can be done" kind of answer when I asked.

I think it's fair to say that the good Mustang dealerships, providing the level of service we expect are few & far between. What are the options re a service? Do they have to be completed at a Ford Store or can we take to a specialist? Or even do it ourselves?

Go to a different dealer. I haven't taken my Mustang in (only got it today and still grinning) but my experience of Think Ford, Guildford (not where I bought my Mustang) servicing my Mondeo is excellent. It includes a commentated video of the inspection which is emailed and posted online for you to view before any remedial work is authorised or undertaken. What impressed me most is that they extended the same good service and respect to my youngest daughter and her 6 year old Fiesta that doesn't have a Ford service history. This included giving the free 12 month roadside and recovery service after she had just one service.

 

[vernonator]

You pay 150 POUNDS for an oil change? Here in the US I can pre-buy 3 changes from the dealer for $130 US (that's what 90 pounds)? Gahhhh and then your gas is 3x ours as well....how do you afford to drive there? Sounds like you have idiot dealers there as well though - its hard to find a good one and when you do you need to make it a relationship. I am lucky to have a good dealer near by with a Service Advisor that knows me, knows my vehicles and that I actually trust.

 

[Beachfun]

Hendy Ford in Eastleigh did a free oil and filter change and checkover on my EB auto today, and also fixed the emergency interior boot release that had come apart. Took them just over an hour. Very courteous, and although I can't check what they did it was a good experience.

Are you sure that they changed the oil and filter?
I was told nothing about the free check over when I picked up the car! (Same dealer)
Only found out about it when I booked it in for some warranty work .. Steering column rattle,boot light, bonnet dip, scratched door card, boot lid miss alignment, asked about oil and filter they said £135 so I asked which oil would they use - they said wot ever they have in at the time - oil and filter cancelled!

 

[avocet]

Can any Ford mustang centre do warranty work or do I have to go back to where I bought the car from because kent Mustang is closer and Dunton are :thumbdown:

 

[marks]

You pay 150 POUNDS for an oil change? Here in the US I can pre-buy 3 changes from the dealer for $130 US (that's what 90 pounds)? Gahhhh and then your gas is 3x ours as well....how do you afford to drive there? Sounds like you have idiot dealers there as well though - its hard to find a good one and when you do you need to make it a relationship. I am lucky to have a good dealer near by with a Service Advisor that knows me, knows my vehicles and that I actually trust.

Not forgetting our 20% sales tax (vat) and then road tax of about 500 pounds a year!

 

[marks]

Is it a case that Ford pays its dealership employees much less than other car manufacturers like BMW say? I dont know but pay peanuts and all that.
I thought only certain dealerships could service the Mustang and they were to give a more premium experience? Doesn't seem to be the case from above.

 

[Jimboy2]

They would like you to think your getting a better experience.

I know a M car mechanic. Works at a BMW dealer. He has been on loads of courses on working in M cars.

Have ford sent their techs on any training courses to work on the GT? Or the Eco boost engine which is the same engine as the RS right? Or are they learning on the job?

 

[marks]

By the sounds of it they are all learning on the job

 

[Monty]

I recall it mentioned that the 'ford store' guys have had some sort of training with the Mustang. Plus, other than a Mustang specialist the ford dealer is going to have more experience than anyone. However, I'd have thought an oil change wouldn't present a problem for any mechanic.

For me it's just a case of finding somewhere where care is taken with the car (oil on seats, marks, scratches, damage etc.), more than the competency to do a basic service. As a general rule, main dealers don't have a great reputation in this area. Been lied to so many times at main dealers (charged for parts that haven't been changed, told I need a new XXX when I don't etc.), that I'm not sure I'd trust them to even put the right oil in.

 

[SteveS]

Can someone who knows a bit about engines tell me what's so different about the Coyote from what they stick in Mondeos? Genuine question; I have no idea. Due to not being totally useless and possessing blind optimism I used to "service" my own cars 20 years ago but if this car is so radically different then I'm definitely finding a reputable place, Ford or otherwise to do everything on the Stang. Distance no object.

 

[slowhand99]

Can someone who knows a bit about engines tell me what's so different about the Coyote from what they stick in Mondeos? Genuine question; I have no idea. Due to not being totally useless and possessing blind optimism I used to "service" my own cars 20 years ago but if this car is so radically different then I'm definitely finding a reputable place, Ford or otherwise to do everything on the Stang. Distance no object.

Only the quantity of oil. The spec is the same between petrol Mondeos and Mustangs. The filter mounts haven't changed either.

 

[djone101]

The filter doesn't fit anything else in the European Ford range. I'm sure dealers will get up to speed eventually.

We keep the filters in stock and use Millers oils which specifically meet the Ford standards.

Oil and filter change would be £125 including VAT with us. (No charge for staring at the Ford GTs in the shop though)

Dave


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