My wife and I recently purchased a late model, used, diesel, low mileage Ford F350 truck from Big Wyoming GMC in Casper. We were delighted with the condition of the truck as we signed a $24,000 note for it and took possession on July 19 of this year.
Two days before the first payment cleared our bank account, the transmission "died" on Second Avenue. I returned to Big Wyoming and stated the problem and was told: "We'll look at it". As a 20 year, career mechanic, I knew what was wrong with it, and conveyed that to them. Two days later, Big Wyoming's sales manager, Clay Hawthorne called to confirm that the transmission was indeed broken and began dictating to us what was going to be happening.
He informed us that Big Wyoming GMC was going to repair our Ford transmission and would assume half of the parts and labor cost... At $92.00 an hour! At that point, taking into account the tone of his voice, I suddenly felt as though there was a condescending, dictating, and strong arm tactic being used on me... And I didn't like it. At hearing this, I countered the offer and agreed to pay 50% of the parts needed, but no labor and was IMMEDIATELY reminded that we did not purchase a warranty with the vehicle. This is true, but as the fellow making the $550.00 a month payments on a $24,000.00 loan for the next 5 years, I expect the product in question to operate at least until the first payment is made.
In deciding that I was not going to be condescended and/or dictated to, I secured a "worst case scenario" estimate from a local, and respected transmission shop (where I'd rather have the repair done) for $3000.00 for the repair work. I returned this estimate, via telephone, to the Big Wyoming dealership, and was again told, by the sales manager that his shop WAS going to be doing the work for the same dollar amount... Worst case scenario. At that point, I came to the conclusion that we WERE NOT going to be giving that dealership another dime and that our $24,000.00 truck would be better off in our yard as the "negotiating" for the repair progressed.
The day after the truck had been delivered to our home (at the end of a tow truck) we noticed a stream of fluid that had come from the truck and actually run down the gutter. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the transmission drain plug had not been re-installed by the Big Wyoming GM Goodwrench Technician, and the remainder of the transmission fluid was running down the street! Needless to say, I'm having a REALLY HARD TIME with not only allowing a Big Wyoming GM mechanic to repair my Ford transmission, but one that overlooks re-installing the drain plug to boot! Today the truck sits in front of our home with a broken transmission and have been told that unless I submit to the dictation of Big Wyoming GMC, that the truck is going to continue to be broken.
I was also informed by the sales manager that LAST YEAR the transmission was replaced, but he has refused to tell me by who.
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