Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

fezo

And, of course the other saying,
What could possibly go wrong?

Had the 5 to Mazda because my mechanic said a rear shock was leaking. Mazda says it's perfect. Don't know but it's fine.

stickguy

you are on record with it. just monitor.

oldfarmer50

roadburner said:

I looked at a CPO Mustang GT today, I wasn't all that impressed with the car(read the gory details in my CCBA post), but I'd have to give the salesman that I dealt with some extremely high marks. Knowledgeable and pleasant- not at all pushy or aggressive. If I decide to go with a Focus RS I have his card...

You might be happier with the Focus since as mako1a said the 5.0 Mustang isn't as tossable as you might like. Mine with all-season tires, while better than the Eclipse, isn't as mind blowing in the corners as I had hoped. I might dump the P-zeros for some summer tires.

Anyhoo, the lighter Focus only comes in manual shift which you should like and I understand it's specifically set up to handle well.

graphicguy

CTS still in the dealer's shop. Knocking on the door of two weeks now (this most recent time).

nyccarguy

graphicguy said:

CTS still in the dealer's shop. Knocking on the door of two weeks now (this most recent time).

I know it doesn't amount to much, but you've still got their loaner.

driver100

graphicguy said:

CTS still in the dealer's shop. Knocking on the door of two weeks now (this most recent time).

I think it means something if you can't fix a brand new car in 2 weeks.

Hope you can get these technician/mechanics into the courtroom, it would be fun to hear what they have been doing for 2 weeks. They've spent more on shop time than it would have cost to give you a new car.

graphicguy

Driver....if they turn down my request to buy the car back at this juncture, that tells me all I need to know about Cadillac....none of it is good.

I should have known better. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me....etc, etc, etc!!!!!!!

driver100

graphicguy said:

Driver....if they turn down my request to buy the car back at this juncture, that tells me all I need to know about Cadillac....none of it is good.

I should have known better. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me....etc, etc, etc!!!!!!!

GG, You can't blame yourself or think you made a mistake. Many people have bought new Cadillacs and from the reviews I have read they seem to like them and the reliability is within the normal range.

Yours is a lemon, a real lemon, and no one expects to buy a lemon these days. For one thing, robots don't have Monday and Friday issues, and if there are humans they are monitored a lot more carefully than they used to be.

I can see a faulty part being used, but they should have found out where the problem originates by now. They should have flown their chief engineer in to diagnose this problem. I am thinking a faulty computer that doesn't send out the right signal, but, they could have replaced that by now....though that could be costly and they would lose any profit they have made on the car.

I wonder if the dealer is fighting GM to get paid for fixing it. That was part of the problem with our Audi. I think the dealer knew we weren't at fault but head office didn't want to pay for the repair, so they wouldn't reimburse the dealer.

Maybe the car is in limbo while they sort that one out.

I do believe your case is getting stronger by the minute.

abacomike

graphicguy said:

Driver....if they turn down my request to buy the car back at this juncture, that tells me all I need to know about Cadillac....none of it is good. I should have known better. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me....etc, etc, etc!!!!!!!

When you contact the dealer's service dept., do they at least concede that they have been able to duplicate the issues you reported or do they ignore your inquiry by saying, "...we're still working on it..."?

abacomike

Painter just arrived.  Now the "fun" begins!

abacomike

As I mentioned recently, I updated my operating system on my HP PC to Windows 10. There have been some truly "remarkable" improvements in the performance of my computer (which is 6 years old).

Several weeks ago, prior to my installing Windows 10, it would take between 3-5 minutes for the computer to start-up so I could start browsing or using the internet or even update my Norton Anti-Virus Program. Now, with Windows 10, the start-up is less than a minute and I can immediately use the internet without and delay. It used to run so slowly I was seriously considering buying a new PC. But now, the speed with which it changes from one program to another and the response time are truly superior to even when I first bought this computer.

Getting used to the settings does not take an inordinate amount of time investment. One of the new features is to the bottom left of the screen, all you need to do is put in a search perameter, whether it is to open a feature in the computer like files, communication letters, settings OR even a search perameter for a website, and the operating system immediately opens a page with information about the settings or the website.

Best thing I ever did was install Windows 10 - a truly remarkable Operating System for a not-so-new computer.

qbrozen

GG - how does the lemon law read in your state? In NJ, it is 20 total days out of service for the same problem.

oldfarmer50

graphicguy said:

CTS still in the dealer's shop. Knocking on the door of two weeks now (this most recent time).

Isn't there a time limit for out of service without a fix before Lemon Laws kick in? Can't remember exactly but I thought it was something like 30 days.

I see Q asked the same thing. Looked it up in Ohio it is indeed 30 days.

fezo

30 days - so you're close to halfway home from the latest incident. I'd like to say light at the end of the tunnel but assume nothing.

stick - that was my take. If I read their whole checksheet I'd question how well they were checking things but I didn't see it until I got home. It's a whole car inspection and one of the items was the windshield which the marked as perfect with no cracks or chips, but it has a badly repaired starburst on there with a small crack moving from it. Not a big deal, not noticeable unless you're looking for it and certainly not their fault but what the heck kind of an inspection is that?

robr2

Hmmmm....maybe, just maybe the dealer is keeping the car out of service in order to reach "lemon" status. I presume they couldn't tell gg this as then GM wouldn't go for it.

dino001

abacomike said:

As I mentioned recently, I updated my operating system on my HP PC to Windows 10. There have been some truly "remarkable" improvements in the performance of my computer (which is 6 years old).

Several weeks ago, prior to my installing Windows 10, it would take between 3-5 minutes for the computer to start-up so I could start browsing or using the internet or even update my Norton Anti-Virus Program. Now, with Windows 10, the start-up is less than a minute and I can immediately use the internet without and delay. It used to run so slowly I was seriously considering buying a new PC. But now, the speed with which it changes from one program to another and the response time are truly superior to even when I first bought this computer.

Getting used to the settings does not take an inordinate amount of time investment. One of the new features is to the bottom left of the screen, all you need to do is put in a search perameter, whether it is to open a feature in the computer like files, communication letters, settings OR even a search perameter for a website, and the operating system immediately opens a page with information about the settings or the website.

Best thing I ever did was install Windows 10 - a truly remarkable Operating System for a not-so-new computer.

Mike, if you reinstalled the old OS, you might see similar improvements. Windows biggest weakness has always been bloat due to every program/device/driver installing "update" feature launched at the machine start. It could be removed, if you know how, but an average user would see significant sluggishness due to that. Also, multiple updates, failed registries and other issues would also plague it over time. However, I have to admit, I had these problems with XP - Windows 7 didn't experience such a dramatic drop in performance between brand new and "aged and bruised" system. Something must have have really gone wrong with your machine. The Windows 10 improvement over W7 or W8 may be real, but the relative perception may be impacted by some issues with your particular machine with the old system.

abacomike

robr2 said:

Hmmmm....maybe, just maybe the dealer is keeping the car out of service in order to reach "lemon" status. I presume they couldn't tell gg this as then GM wouldn't go for it.

Anything is possible, robr, but if they have kept the car for 2 weeks, I would assume they would have to document that the issues/problems with the car have been documented but they were unable to generate a "fix". It would be much better for GM and Cadillac Division to merely offer a replacement vehicle (a 2016 model) rather than to go through the Lemon Law process. That way, they would not have to report the issues to the Federal Government. That is what most manufacturers do. They prefer to replace the car voluntarily rather than be forced to do so which causes them more grief.

I know that GG wants his money back, however if GM offered him a brand new 2016 model, GG would probably consider that.

Who knows what's going on with Cadillac and/or GM? Maybe it's as simple as you suggest. On the other hand, there may be something else going on. Your guess is as good as any.

abacomike

dino001 said:

abacomike said:

As I mentioned recently, I updated my operating system on my HP PC to Windows 10. There have been some truly "remarkable" improvements in the performance of my computer (which is 6 years old).

Several weeks ago, prior to my installing Windows 10, it would take between 3-5 minutes for the computer to start-up so I could start browsing or using the internet or even update my Norton Anti-Virus Program. Now, with Windows 10, the start-up is less than a minute and I can immediately use the internet without and delay. It used to run so slowly I was seriously considering buying a new PC. But now, the speed with which it changes from one program to another and the response time are truly superior to even when I first bought this computer.

Getting used to the settings does not take an inordinate amount of time investment. One of the new features is to the bottom left of the screen, all you need to do is put in a search perameter, whether it is to open a feature in the computer like files, communication letters, settings OR even a search perameter for a website, and the operating system immediately opens a page with information about the settings or the website.

Best thing I ever did was install Windows 10 - a truly remarkable Operating System for a not-so-new computer.

Mike, if you reinstalled the old OS, you might see similar improvements. Windows biggest weakness has always been bloat due to every program/device/driver installing "update" feature launched at the machine start. It could be removed, if you know how, but an average user would see significant sluggishness due to that. Also, multiple updates, failed registries and other issues would also plague it over time. However, I have to admit, I had these problems with XP - Windows 7 didn't experience such a dramatic drop in performance between brand new and "aged and bruised" system. Something must have have really gone wrong with your machine. The Windows 10 improvement over W7 or W8 may be real, but the relative perception may be impacted by some issues with your particular machine with the old system.

You might be correct. If you consider I've had this HP computer for 6 years now and there must have been hundreds of security updates during that time which cause the computer to work harder searching on the hard drive through all those updates. Now that I am running Windows 10, there have only been a few updates which allows the computer to run more efficiently and faster since it does not have to search the "maze" of updates I had on Windows 7.

driver100

robr2 said:

Hmmmm....maybe, just maybe the dealer is keeping the car out of service in order to reach "lemon" status. I presume they couldn't tell gg this as then GM wouldn't go for it.

Good theory though.

GM tells the dealer to fix it and dealer will lose even more money spending time on it. The only way for the dealer to win with GM would be to make them responsible. It seems that dealers can get pushed around a lot and H.O. holds all the cards....but, that could be a loophole.

carnaught

Michaell said:

abacomike said:

As of this morning, wife now wants to heat the tile on the main floor. Added expense and maybe a bit of extra labor involved.
What's that saying? Oh yeah...
"Happy wife, happy life"

My saying for the added expense is, "it's a one-shot deal" (wife hates when I say that.)

nyccarguy

explorerx4 said:

@nyc, We just got new kitchen counter top/appliances. I had the dishwasher installed but put in the microwave and stove myself. The stove was harder than I thought. The anti-tip bracket took a while to install(fit) and had to level the stove after that. Needed to drill new upper mounting holes for the micro, although I reused the rear mounting bracket(different brands).

The beauty of my kitchen renovation is that the only physical labor I am doing is writing checks and helping move things to and from the basement.

thebean

abacomike said:

.,,I know that GG wants his money back, however if GM offered him a brand new 2016 model, GG would probably consider that..,,

I have never met GG, but I would be beyond shocked if he ever comes near another Caddy (even a little diecast one) for the rest of his time here on Earth after this disaster is over.

dino001

It may be easier to take a new one and sell/trade it immediately than get the money back. There is a potential loss, but considering he got the current one with super steep discount, it may work better than continuing the fight. The financial hit may be even less, if the money back offer has some mileage allowance and new car offer is straight up swap.Are there any tax implications on such a move, I don't know. "Consult your accountant".

bwia

Gas prices may not be falling quickly but I was surprised to see my electricity bill fall. Although my July-Aug consumption was up both the generation and distribution parts of my bill fell.

Don't know but perhaps it might have something to do with our town's 5.6-megawatt solar farm that is finally payoff dividends.

robr2

Does your town have municipal electricity or are you Eversource?

I was surprised at my gas bill. I used 5 therms in July which is about 1/3 of what I used last July. A couple of days later I got a call from the gas company to change the meter. I wonder if the low usage was prompted by that low bill?

explorerx4

Here in CT, Eversource dropped the rate quite a bit starting July 1. A few months after I replaced my HVAC system late last fall, the gas company came out check on my meter. I know, because I saw the footprints in the snow.

bwia

robr2 said:

Does your town have municipal electricity or are you Eversource? I was surprised at my gas bill. I used 5 therms in July which is about 1/3 of what I used last July. A couple of days later I got a call from the gas company to change the meter. I wonder if the low usage was prompted by that low bill?

No, it's Eversource. I would have to assume that our solar energy is sold directly to the utility company. 

abacomike

robr2 said:

Does your town have municipal electricity or are you Eversource? I was surprised at my gas bill. I used 5 therms in July which is about 1/3 of what I used last July. A couple of days later I got a call from the gas company to change the meter. I wonder if the low usage was prompted by that low bill?

No wonders about your hypothesis - plain as day.  I wonder how many other households will be facing the same "gas meter caper?"

abacomike

explorerx4 said:

Here in CT, Eversource dropped the rate quite a bit starting July 1. A few months after I replaced my HVAC system late last fall, the gas company came out check on my meter. I know, because I saw the footprints in the snow.

Those were Santa's footprints!  

robr2

abacomike said:

robr2 said:

Does your town have municipal electricity or are you Eversource?

I was surprised at my gas bill. I used 5 therms in July which is about 1/3 of what I used last July. A couple of days later I got a call from the gas company to change the meter. I wonder if the low usage was prompted by that low bill?

No wonders about your hypothesis - plain as day.  I wonder how many other households will be facing the same "gas meter caper?"

I really think it's a coincidence. They change the meters every few years as the transmitters in them die. We shall see next month's bill.

As for the electric, the "generation" portion of the bill went from $0.15/kw to $0.10 per kw effectively going back to the rate before the big jump in February. It'll be back in 6 months if we have a cold winter.

imidazol97

Windows 10 does seem to run faster on one of my HP laptops that had Win 7 on it. It was still a fairly clean and new copy of Win 7 Home Premium since I had recovered it from a damaged recovery partition when friends of mine had trouble with the computer. But an older copy of a Windows OS can be speeded up by clearing lots of junk that gets left behind as well as running programs to remove malware, such as Malwarebytes and SpyBotSD. In the past most techs recommended reinstalling your operating system every year or so as a clean copy and then reloading the programs and data that you use from your backup copies.

We did that when my son's desktop Win 7 Pro game machine bombed. It was much faster after 3.5 years of college use.

Computers and new operating system copies are like tires on a car. As the tires wear, the noise level increases and traction feel deteriorates. People buy a new set of a different brand and they feel great because they are new and fresh with deep treads. So they are critical of the original tires because the worn originals aren't nearly as good as the replacements. But in reality the originals were just as good when they were new.

abacomike

The painter just left.  He finished the living room, dining room and my bedroom.  Tomorrow he does the master bedroom suite and my bathroom and the kitchen and dinette area.  On Thursday, he will do the 4 closets and the pantry and 4 doors and jambs.  He did not have to do any ceilings because they are popcorn plaster board.  Personally, I am exhausted.  Can't wait until this is over with.

graphicguy

Try to answer all questions at the same time.


-This was the 4th trip to two dealers for the power steering issue. Once they said that the power steering going out was normal (this after a light on the dash said the power steering faulted and take it in for service). Once they said they said "no code, no problem". Third time a fault code was thrown and the fix was to replace the power steering unit and some other bits. 4th time they said no code, so no problem. This time they said they found a code and it said to update some software as fix. I consider this a safety item, so there if they can't fix it the first time, lemon law goes into effect. GM doesn't consider it a safety item.

-Stalling...1st time they said no code, no problem. 2nd time (different dealer) said no code, no problem. Third time (now) they apparently found something and they were able to duplicate. At first they said "bad gas". Now, they say they're looking at injectors, fuel rails, ECM, and probably some other things I'm forgetting. I cosider this a safety item, too. Not sure about what Cadillac thinks.

-CUE...all of a sudden won't recognize voice commands, This is recent. It can't read my iPhone, even though it did before. GPS isn't even remotely close when tracking the car. Dealer says it's working as designed.

12 days in the shop the first time. 13 days this time (with no end in sight).

None of this includes service visits for minor things like sqeaks, rattles, etc. don't know the tally on those...maybe 2 or 3 visits?

If the dealer is keeping it in order to have clear cut lemon law backing, I appreciate their efforts. Don't see them doing that, given I didn't even buy the car from their dealership. More likely, they have experienced some of what I experienced and are tearing into it given my complaints to Cadillac. I surmise Cadillac is paying them for the loaner and the repair costs. I don't know this as fact.

And no, I don't want a replacement.....this is the last Cadillac that will ever grace my garage.

The Cadillac Customer Service reps who reached out to me here at Edmunds were worthless. They didn't escalate my issues. They did little more than to say..."sorry, we've done all we can do"...which was nothing.

BBB said I should work through the dealer to resolve my issues (what the hell do they think I've been doing). They've stalled BBB, the lawyer and me. In short, they couldn't care less.

Yes I'll continue fighting them, and do it vocally, whenever I can, here and elsewhere, until they buy the car back.

Unless you guys don't want to hear any more about it, then I'll cease.

abacomike

graphicguy said:

Try to answer all questions at the same time. -This was the 4th trip to two dealers for the power steering issue. Once they said that the power steering going out was normal (this after a light on the dash said the power steering faulted and take it in for service). Once they said they said "no code, no problem". Third time a fault code was thrown and the fix was to replace the power steering unit and some other bits. 4th time they said no code, so no problem. This time they said they found a code and it said to update some software as fix. I consider this a safety item, so there if they can't fix it the first time, lemon law goes into effect. GM doesn't consider it a safety item. -Stalling...1st time they said no code, no problem. 2nd time (different dealer) said no code, no problem. Third time (now) they apparently found something and they were able to duplicate. At first they said "bad gas". Now, they say they're looking at injectors, fuel rails, ECM, and probably some other things I'm forgetting. I cosider this a safety item, too. Not sure about what Cadillac thinks. -CUE...all of a sudden won't recognize voice commands, This is recent. It can't read my iPhone, even though it did before. GPS isn't even remotely close when tracking the car. Dealer says it's working as designed. 12 days in the shop the first time. 13 days this time (with no end in sight). If the dealer is keeping it in order to have clear cut lemon law backing, I appreciate their efforts. Don't see them doing that, given I didn't even buy the car from their dealership. More likely, they have experienced some of what I experienced and are tearing into it given my complaints to Cadillac. I surmise Cadillac is paying them for the loaner and the repair costs. I don't know this as fact. And no, I don't want a replacement.....this is the last Cadillac that will ever grace my garage. The Cadillac Customer Service reps who reached out to me here at Edmunds were worthless. They didn't escalate my issues. They did little more than to say..."sorry, we've done all we can do"...which was nothing. BBB said I should work through the dealer to resolve my issues (what the hell do they think I've been doing). They've stalled BBB, the lawyer and me. In short, they couldn't care less. Yes I'll continue fighting them, and do it vocally, whenever I can, here and elsewhere, until they buy the car back. Unless you guys don't want to hear any more about it, then I'll cease.

No, GG.  Keep posting.  It's the most excitement I've had in a long time.  Much like a serial on old TV or in the movies.  

I think you are correct in your assumption that Cadillac Division said to the dealer - FIX THE DARN THING AND GET THIS CUSTOMER OUT OF OUR HAIR!  So they are probably tearing the car apart to find the cause(s) of the malfunctions.  I also agree that most, if not all, of the malfunctions are safety issues.  Stalling, loss of power steering and Cue issues.

As for not wanting a new car and insisting on Cadillac refunding your purchase price, they will first deduct for mileage on the car (which is what they did on my 2000 Bonneville) and GM did not refund the taxes I paid either.  They just refunded the purchase price less 15 cents a mile.  They did not refund my dealer fees either.

It may vary State by State, GG.

ab348

graphicguy said:

Try to answer all questions at the same time.
The Cadillac Customer Service reps who reached out to me here at Edmunds were worthless. They didn't escalate my issues. They did little more than to say..."sorry, we've done all we can do"...which was nothing.
.

I suspect the minute you uttered the word "buyback", they had indeed done all they could do. No way are they getting into anything then.

driver100

GG, keep us informed. Information helps, and one of us or an acquaintance may have the same problem one day.
I consider it a learning experience, and would like to see where it goes from here.

carnaught

driver100 said:

GG, keep us informed. Information helps, and one of us or an acquaintance may have the same problem one day.
I consider it a learning experience, and would like to see where it goes from here.

Agreed, well said.

oldfarmer50

GG said:


"Unless you guys don't want to hear any more about it, then I'll cease."

Are you kidding? This is better drama than a daytime soap.

imidazol97

graphicguy said:

The Cadillac Customer Service reps who reached out to me here at Edmunds were worthless. They didn't escalate my issues. They did little more than to say..."sorry, we've done all we can do"...which was nothing.

That seems to be the pattern with them here and elsewhere on the car sites on the web. toyota used to have someone someone following posts here on Edmunds long ago. Around the time of the sludging image problem, IIRC. Those too disappeared.

As for your car, I would think Cadillac would want it back to reverse engineer at a facility with knowledgeable people there to do the work. I recall Honda had problems with their Accord design at the time I was shopping for my new car. The stories went that Honda bought back cars so they could tear them down to find what was causing the popping sound when the car's were flexed.

I just don't understand all that has gone on. It could have been handled so much easier.

My neighbor has a used Mercedes that he bought cheap thinking he'd keep it for a while rather than flushing it through and reselling it. It's sitting on blocks in his garage because of the various many problems it has. Previous owner had spent some money on repairs when the suspension collapsed along with other things that have happened. His wife made him sell it because of the many problems showing up. Current problem is with the brake pad wear sensors. E500. Neighbor buys and sells many cars through the year. Mostly at the bottom feeding level of pricing. He can repair almost anything.

Back to GM cars, my Malibu has been perfect. Drives great on any road surface with the heritage the chassis has. It's a little rougher than my Cadillac-based leSabre ride and seats. Great gas mileage--above the EPA guesstimates. As with any car, I always have my fingers crossed. At least I know the dealer's techs will work to correct anything that pops up. Even though the store has been bought by another dealer (no not Joseph), the same folks were there when I went in for my free service last week.

dino001

To want the defective car back you need to have a culture striving for self improvement and introspection to better yourself. Cadillac never gave me that impression, not even in their commercials.

abacomike

You guys were discussing electric bills recently.  I got my first bill yesterday since I put all the utilities in my name since Dad's passing.  It was a 31 day bill cycle and it ran $49.34 including all the adjustments.  That was $4.00 more than last month.  The electric bill in past months used to average $75 - $80 a month in the summer.  I know the new refrigerator reduced the electric use but I can't believe that much.  This is one of the hottest summers we've had in a long time so the A/C has been running more.  Dad did't use much electricity because he always stayed with me in my room all day - I guess for security reasons.

But several electric bills in a row (6 to be exact dating back to March) have all been under $50 - since buying the new fridge.  I wonder if the 25 year old fridge used $20+ dollars worth of electricity over and above what the new one uses.

in any case, I sure can't complain about the cost of my electricity.

ab348

dino001 said:

To want the defective car back you need to have a culture striving for self improvement and introspection to better yourself. Cadillac never gave me that impression, not even in their commercials.

Puh-leeze.

ab348

abacomike said:

You guys were discussing electric bills recently.  I got my first bill yesterday since I put all the utilities in my name since Dad's passing.  It was a 31 day bill cycle and it ran $49.34 including all the adjustments.  That was $4.00 more than last month.  The electric bill in past months used to average $75 - $80 a month in the summer.  I know the new refrigerator reduced the electric use but I can't believe that much.  This is one of the hottest summers we've had in a long time so the A/C has been running more.  Dad did't use much electricity because he always stayed with me in my room all day - I guess for security reasons.

But several electric bills in a row (6 to be exact dating back to March) have all been under $50 - since buying the new fridge.  I wonder if the 25 year old fridge used $20+ dollars worth of electricity over and above what the new one uses.

in any case, I sure can't complain about the cost of my electricity.

Mike, for some perspective: my electric bill here in Nova Scotia is pretty consistent at about Cdn. $100/mo. I have an electric hot water heater but no electric heating or A/C. The rates here are high. I did notice a drop when I ditched a second basement refrigerator. Those things use a lot of juice.

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

You guys were discussing electric bills recently.  I got my first bill yesterday since I put all the utilities in my name since Dad's passing.  It was a 31 day bill cycle and it ran $49.34 including all the adjustments.  That was $4.00 more than last month.  The electric bill in past months used to average $75 - $80 a month in the summer.  I know the new refrigerator reduced the electric use but I can't believe that much.  This is one of the hottest summers we've had in a long time so the A/C has been running more.  Dad did't use much electricity because he always stayed with me in my room all day - I guess for security reasons.

But several electric bills in a row (6 to be exact dating back to March) have all been under $50 - since buying the new fridge.  I wonder if the 25 year old fridge used $20+ dollars worth of electricity over and above what the new one uses.

in any case, I sure can't complain about the cost of my electricity.

I once calculated how much it cost to run one of those cheap Walmart box fans I use to circulate air in the greenhouse. Came out to $30 a month at our rates.

driver100

ab348 said:

dino001 said:

To want the defective car back you need to have a culture striving for self improvement and introspection to better yourself. Cadillac never gave me that impression, not even in their commercials.

Dino said: To want the defective car back you need to have a culture striving for self improvement and introspection to better yourself.

Puh-leeze.

IMHO the very best companies do take pride in their workmanship and take pride in the products they make. They aren't satisfied unless the customer is.

I have seen nothing that GM/Cadillac has done to try to make GG a satisfied customer.

At least Audi met me in the middle, but I think that was because they didn't want to go to arbitration, so I don't see that as any kind of pride.

The old GM was only concerned with the bottom line, and the bean counters were in charge. Just an observation but I think they got past that as far as the manufacturing of cars, not so sure they got past it on the customer service aspect of the business. They promise a lot and have delivered almost nothing.

So far I get treated like a king when I get service or ask questions at my Mercedes dealer.....even better than at BMW. I see service reps come out, kneel down next to clients, explain in great detail what they have found out about their cars, explain what they can do, and often finish by saying something like, and of course, there will be no charge for this service.

I wanted a storage tray removed and they quoted me $300 because of the labor involved. They removed it and found it took less time than they anticipated and charged $80. They could have charged $300 and I would never have known.

another example below......

driver100

When I took the car in for the 12k mile service I said the steering wheel clunks a bit when I start the car and the steering wheel comes down into position....just check see if it needs oil or something.

They reported that it was working exactly as it should and it is a ratchet thing. I said I was sorry to make them check out something that was working properly. The service manager said no problem at all, we are happy to make sure it runs perfectly.

My sales consultant answers all emails immediately, and is always willing to demonstrate or set up anything I need for the car. Has said he would come to the house to set up homelink and things like that.

Hope these aren't famous last words but the people who work at MB believe they make the best cars possible - they actually say that, and I get the impression, they will do what they can to keep me a satisfied customer. I could be wrong if there is ever a big problem, but, so far they make me feel I would only shop for another vehicle if there was some other car way more superior to another MB - and I doubt that will happen.

It is so simple and yet so smart, satisfy the customer completely, so that they have no reason to go to another brand.

bwia

Do you think GG will find this funny? If not, my apologies.

ab348

driver100 said:

ab348 said:

dino001 said:

To want the defective car back you need to have a culture striving for self improvement and introspection to better yourself. Cadillac never gave me that impression, not even in their commercials.

Dino said: To want the defective car back you need to have a culture striving for self improvement and introspection to better yourself.

Puh-leeze.

FWIW, my comment was related to the part you snipped off, that being Dino's conclusions based on ads.

driver100 said:

IMHO the very best companies do take pride in their workmanship and take pride in the products they make. They aren't satisfied unless the customer is.

I have seen nothing that GM/Cadillac has done to try to make GG a satisfied customer.

I am not commenting any further on this saga since it will only get me in trouble.

qbrozen

bwia said:

Do you think GG will find this funny? If not, my apologies.

I keep staring at it, but I'm not figuring out what is going on in that pic. Did she hand him a bag of potatoes? No idea.

stever

Doesn't work for me either. A giant strawberry?

Where are the great cartoons, like Cow Tools?