By anyone - I mean specifically shops -

I have noticed this trend of half @$$ work quality increasing over the years, but it seems in the last year my experience with auto repair places, stereo shops, etc has gone from not that great to totally unacceptable.

I am not sure why it is like this, but I really have to say as I go through and upgrade my rides that if I can do it, I will. I think that I let my own fear of screwing things up stop me from attempting to fix or repair things, even know I may have instructions or support from this form. What I have learned is that shops always screw something up so, I am thinking that it is always in our (my) best interest to try to DYI first.

Case in point -

This past weekend I took my car to a somewhat reputable stereo shop in Hayward. These folks are pretty big compared to some of the other shops around. My request was pretty simple I thought, install a new head unit and rear speakers (that I supplied) new front speakers (purchased from them) and rewire the system to bypass the fader switch on the console. I also made sure to let them know that I wanted the power antenna to work either when the stereo was on, or if that couldn’t be done than at least make it so the antenna switch on the dash was functional.

First thing I noticed when I picked it up was a non op antenna. Great – now I have to schedule a repair appointment.

Next thing I noticed was that the rear speakers sounded like crap. They basically sound like they are under a couple inches of mud. When I removed the speaker cover I could see that they mis-drilled the holes so in the event it was the speakers that are the culprit for the poor sound quality (I bet not the case), returning them is now out of the question.

And finally the real kicker they totally f---ed up my console window switch for the drivers side window. I noticed this lovely surprise when I was coming into work this morning. The switch basically fell apart on me while I was driving. Fortunately I only had the rear window down – so I was able to use the switch on the door to get it up.

Not only am I ticked off at having to go through the hassle of bringing it back to these hacks, I have to wonder if they will take ownership for their errors and fix the window switch… The other question is will they even know how to do it?

What I am wondering is if this is repairable or if it is shot and a new switch needed. If a new switch is needed who ends up eating the cost for this? I mean they broke it – there is no question about it, but can I prove it? No – I suppose not.

As for the fate of my existing switch – basically the silver trim piece has come loose and the buttons are just kind of floating around in there not making contact or really doing much of anything.

I don’t know what to do at this point. All I know is that with my luck now that I am having window problems I can safely bet that our winter season will be over.

Should I just order a new (used) switch or try and score one from the junkyard or just leave these people to fix it?
If I end up doing (or paying for) the repair, do I just eat the cost? Do I bill them? Do I have any recourse as far as being compensated for my time or expense?
By drilling new holes in the speaker baskets did they screw the speakers up? Are they responsible for replacing them now if it turns out the speakers are bad?

I understand that there are no simple answers to these some of these questions – This thread is as much a rant as it is looking for answers.

I wonder if others here have had similar experiences
a) With shops breaking stuff
b) Getting shops to make good on fixing what they broke, or experiences of using legal means to be compensated from shops.

Any feedback, advice, or answers about my switch question are appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

__________________
1979 Thistle Green 300D 272,xxx miles
1984 Orient Red 300 D 4 spd Euro Import - 189,xxx miles
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lofat Productions
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Pay a visit to Judge Judy if you can't get it resolved. I think shoddy workmanship is usually a sign that the owner isn't present or the people they hire are inexperienced.

Yeah, like I'm going to let a 17 year old kid who's working a summer job at a car stereo shop work on my car. Nah go happin'!

__________________
'94 SL500 Tourmaline Green, 120K miles as of February 27, 2005.

http://home.earthlink.net/~boudreaux...ictures/17.jpg
Updated photo September 2004

lofat:

The problems you describe are not limited to the repair industry, but virtually all industries in the U. S.

Turn out the lights, the party is over.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

Sorry to hear of your misfortune.

About a year ago I installed an Alpine stereo and replaced all four speakers. It was installed to function exactly like you described you wanted yours to function. It works beautifully.

Because I too can find no one capable of doing good work, I did the work myself. Whatever I might lack in knowledge or experience, I make up for BECAUSE I CARE. "Good Enough" is not acceptable. I want it done right; doesn't have to be perfect but has to be right.

It has been years since anyone besides me did any work on my automobiles. Unfortunately, it has gotten like they say, "If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself."

We used to have craftsmen. Now we have hacks. And not just in the auto industry...but everywhere. As the prices continue to rise, the quality continues to fall.

Oh yes, my favorite part is when someone does crappy work and then gets mad because you're not happy with it.

A great slogan for today: "You'll like our work or we'll whip your ass!"

IMHO, of course.

__________________
2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

I think the trend started in the DC area. Its probably because everyone wants their kids to become doctors and business executives. So very few people with talents go into the service industries. What you end up with is the bottom of the barrel, and it shows every time you want something worked on, delivered, cleaned, painted, etc.

I am an optimist though, maybe the new white-collar outsourcing thats going on will make people rethink their career choices and give service jobs a second look.

If I were you, I would just try to fix it all myself. Trace the wiring for the source of the bad sound. Get a used switch and pop it in. I wouldn't trust them to do it right the second time around, unless you actually get to meet the tech who will be working on it.

__________________
1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Sorry to hear about your problems. This is exactly the reasons I try to do my own work. If I can't fix something, then I would let someone else do it.

For "aftermarket" work, I would stay and watch the installation. It's a hassel but I've noticed if you're around watching them work, they'll take that extra step to do things right.

If I were you, I'd take the car back immediately and talk to the manager or owner. Don't take "NO" for an answer. Worst case scenerio take them to small claims court.

BTW, I had a friend who owned a tinting / customs shop. He used to hire HS kids or kids just out of HS. They were somewhat experienced with installing various things, but NONE of them were certified. He hired these kids because they were cheaper to keep on staff.

GL

jrmd01@yahoo.com

__________________
JR
1986 Gold 300E 4Dr automatic

It is indeed getting worse, but it just goes along with the general sociatal decadence we are seeing in this country. Morality and everything that goes along with it is going out the window FAST.

I'm with jrmd. If you want a job done right, you do it yourself. I am at a point in my life where I can afford to have someone else do my car work, but that is not an option because it is too hard to find someone that you can trust and that won't screw it up.

The only person I know that will do it right is my brother in law who is a tech at an MB dealer, but it is about 120 miles away.

Have a great day,

well said!

__________________
1979 Thistle Green 300D 272,xxx miles
1984 Orient Red 300 D 4 spd Euro Import - 189,xxx miles
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lofat Productions
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

After continuous dissatisfaction with numerous shops I do it all myself. I can screw it up as well as the next guy. The shops are trying to get your car out a fast as possibe and they really don't care very much. To some of us, the car is more than a car.

If I break something the shop could break it too. Either way you have to pay. Also, it is practically impossible to prove the shop broke, tore, stained, scratched or damaged anything on your car. I had a shop change an intake manifold gasket on my old Bonniville. They did not use fender pads and scratched up the fenders badly. They denied it. You just never know what they will screw up. Some things, like alignment and tire balance are best left to those with the ewuipment, but even then I am suspect. I found a good shop for those things but te rest is up to me.

__________________
Steve
1985 Mercedes 500SL Euro (Gray market)
1995 BMW 520i Euro (Gray market)
1992 BMW 525it Wagon
1994 Honda Del Sol Si

You can believe this or not, but the primary focus in running our shop is to get the job done right and not have the customer come back because we missed something or screwed something up. Everyone who works for us is on hourly compensation, versus flat rate. A lot of that probably has to do with me being a poor manager, but I never want a tech looking at the clock, worrying that he might be losing money. Alas, it is always me who loses money, but that goes back to my managerial problems. There are a vast majority of people out there who don't know a wheel from a tire who depend on our expertise to safely and competently repair their vehicles, and I take this very seriously. In all honesty we have never, in 22 years, done what you could call a perfect job,,,, but I have never seen the factories make a perfect car either, so if we can do as good as the mega corporations, I can live with it. It is getting harder and harder to make a profit in this business and I am sure everyone is getting squeezed to the breaking point. This leads to shortcuts and incompetent and underpaid help, but I swear I would close my doors before I would ever cheat or shortcut a customer. Just my .02.

__________________
95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

After viewing last night a Japanese website dedicated to SL500 (R129) enthusiasts, I realize that my car is more than just a car. It is a social statement (I'm a thousand-aire), a durable, engineering marvel, and a work of art. Personally, I would pick the R129 body style over the R230.

Right now "Dieter" needs some work done and I am a little sketchy on letting anybody get their hands on him. The indy shop I usually go to takes care of the mechanical side and I take care of the small stuff. I would go berserk if a shop cracked/scratched/chipped the center wood console if they had to replace a window/seat heater/mirror switch. They would probably deny it and still want payment for the repair.

If anybody finds a good indy MB repair shop, stick with 'em.

__________________
'94 SL500 Tourmaline Green, 120K miles as of February 27, 2005.

http://home.earthlink.net/~boudreaux...ictures/17.jpg
Updated photo September 2004

I believe a big problem is that car manufacturers offer such appealing lease terms that at the end of 4 years, the car has been whooped, scheduled maintenance hasn't been done, most mechnical repairs are under warranty and upon return, the leasee is offered a new car to continue the cycle. Of course the dealer will make the car saleable with touch-ups here and there and sells/leases it again with an extended warranty. This is where it leaves indy shops in a bind because they have nothing left to repair except for beaters and the die-hard car owners automobile.

__________________
'94 SL500 Tourmaline Green, 120K miles as of February 27, 2005.

http://home.earthlink.net/~boudreaux...ictures/17.jpg
Updated photo September 2004

In a nutshell what we are all talking about are expectations:

We hire services to perform a requested repair/service and we do so with expectations, often either not communicated or only vaguely at best.

Almost EVERY repair these days, even plumbing is getting more complicated by the year.

I am now being overly communicative when I hire someone for something:

- "In other words, the toilet will stop leaking when you are done"?
- "My car will no longer stall and it will not shake at idle"?

It is amazing what people will tell you when we ask this questions. I have even hear: "Well I can say that this repair will fix your problem at all ...maybe or maybe not". (BTW, I then said after coming off the roof "Well what repair should I pay you for that WILL fix the problem"?

I was told: "You know, I might just not be the shop to do this in the first place". Amen!

We must be specific! If we are not, it means that whatever crappy work someone tries to get away with, then not only do we deserve what we get but it is a passive endorsement of further future crap slinging by the "service" providing individual/company.

We are responsible for our expectations being met and in ultimately solving a service/repair problem.

My $0.02.

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

I would give you a chance, just because of your great attitude. Too bad it's so far to Pennsylvania.

Do you make house calls?

__________________
2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

We take customers home all the time and occasionally go look at a job if the customer seems serious about getting it fixed at the shop. I would never put in the local paper what I said in the previous post as I hate telling everyone how good I think we are, but our reputation speaks for itself as we are swamped right now and a lot of other shops are slow. Hopefully our son will take over the business sooner rather than later, and I am confident that nothing will change as his work ethic is the same as mine and his honesty and attention to detail are unsurpassed.

__________________
95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K