Comment On My Front End/Block Heater/Batteries

[OneTonHillBilly]

1. Ford Dealer #1 told me that I needed tie rods & all ball joints to a tune of $2398. Ford Dealer #2 put a tie rod on and front end alignment for $326 and the truck drives like new.
2. Dealer #1 told me my block heater cord was bad again for the 3rd time and a bad block heater is causing it. $365 installed. I followed the wire to the connector/coupler behind the radiator and found water in it. 10 minutes of work and some DiElectric Grease that I already had. $0
3. Dealer # 1 AGAIN! Tested my Batteries and Alternator. They said the batteries are perfect and the alternator needed replaced at $600. I took it to my local auto parts. The alternator was at 11.8 V. Bad, replaced with 135 amp lifetime warranty for $153 and had 1 bad battery so replaced both with Exide 1000 CCA Each to a tune of $212 for both.

Now, my point is, HOW THE HECK CAN DEALER #1 SURVIVE? IDIOTS!

[OT]

D.#1 couldn't survive if everyone like you? (I know what you mean) If D1 been in business long time they must be doing something right. My guess is most would say..go ahead & fix it. Did you ask D1 about what D2 did? Certainly BIG diff. between dealer/tec. opinions + batt. test. But, no I'm not surprised. Anyhow...

Good you got lifetime warr. on alt. especially if its small case G6. Sounds like alls well now. Good luck!

[OneTonHillBilly]

Originally Posted by OT

D.#1 couldn't survive if everyone like you? (I know what you mean) If D1 been in business long time they must be doing something right. My guess is most would say..go ahead & fix it. Did you ask D1 about what D2 did? Certainly BIG diff. between dealer/tec. opinions + batt. test. But, no I'm not surprised. Anyhow...

Good you got lifetime warr. on alt. especially if its small case G6. Sounds like alls well now. Good luck!

D#1 used to be a great dealership! I think the loss of so many car sales has prompted them to Up Sell too much!

[Chiroguyf250]

Glad you got it all worked out but one ? why keep going to dealer 1 if dealer 2 was cheaper with the first fix? is it closer or does it have a better reputation? just wondering glad you got her fixed tho and a lot cheaper than what dealer one wanted to charge

Chiroguyf250

[speedrcr78]

They survive by people taking them at their word and saying just go ahead and do it. It always feels good to save money.

[OneTonHillBilly]

Originally Posted by Chiroguyf250

Glad you got it all worked out but one ? why keep going to dealer 1 if dealer 2 was cheaper with the first fix? is it closer or does it have a better reputation? just wondering glad you got her fixed tho and a lot cheaper than what dealer one wanted to charge

Chiroguyf250

They used to be good plus a lot closer. FUNNY THING, the price isn't the issue except for the $600 alternator install. They aren't any higher at #1 than #2. #2 just diagnoses the problem correctly. #1 just guesses. I mean, I am not a tech and I knew the ball joints weren't bad. That's the whole reason I changed places. The block heater cord took the cake though. I know electrical and that tweaked me.