Pinellas County Florida Service Departments

rooster2005 · #1 02-14-2006, 09:38 AM

I have used Karl Flammer's service department twice. The first time I had perhaps 3k miles on my 2005 5.4l 4x2 Scab. It was pulling to the right. They took all day and it stayed all that night. When I picked it up, they had not done anything noticable to the alignment - it still pulled to the right.

I pumped a little car in the butt in September or October. Karl Flammer fixed my front bumper and some bumper brackets. The car was uninjured!

Just yesterday I finally went back to the same dealer and reported the steering was pulling to the right - worse than the first time. I dropped it off before 9am and after 4pm they called and asked me if the truck had been in an accident. I told them the truth ("fender bender a few months ago) and the service rep then said something about me having it repaired in October. Was I just a little pissed at that very instant? You betcha!!! This guy was interrogating me trying to catch me in a lie!

I was then told the alignment would not be covered under warranty because of the accident. I did not say so at the time but if the alignment was out of whack because of the accident would that not be part of the accident repair? I certainly think so.

He mentioned that a pothole could knock the alignment out. I began thinking: "What exactly in hell is Ford Tough?". Hopefully, this ain't it...

I was quite irked by now and told them (in less gentle words) their customer service isn't very conducive to attracting buyers.

The service rep said he'd talk to the service manager and call me back.

30-45 mins later he called and stated the alignment would be covered. I thanked him. I have no idea how a service department works. Dealers probably take warranty work imbursement in the shorts - dunno! Perhaps they are encouraged to disallow warranty covereage whenever possible to keep the cash flow on the up and up. Dunno!

He did notice the sidewall of my left front main mount had a gash/gouge in it and recommended a new tire. Maybe I am glad I took the tire warranty when buying.

So, is there a Ford Dealer Service Department in Pinellas County someone can recommend? One that doesn't seem to make you feel like the enemy or one of them.

Thanks,
Rooster

Kool Aid · #2 02-14-2006, 01:58 PM

I have yet to find one. In fact, I purchased my truck in Tampa, because I can't stand any of these local dealers.

I hate taking my truck into the stealership, for anything.

I was thinking about trying that Lincoln dealer on Gulf-To-Bay Blvd.

Any experience with them?

rooster2005 · #3 02-15-2006, 10:31 AM

I appreciate the sharing, Mr Aid. I have not used any Dealer except Karl Flammer but that will likely change soon. I don't want to blindly go to one that is just as not great or even worse, though!

I was hoping to find one with a service department that isn't an whole *** when it comes to after market products and mods.

Have you modded your Lariat?

Have a good one.

Red05stx · #4 02-17-2006, 09:37 PM

I use Freedom Ford countryside, since I live in Dunedin. This truck only oil changes and rotor replacements.
But on my 2000 F150 I took it in for warranty work on a leaking Transmission seal. When I got it back at the end of the day they informed me my rear end seal was also leaking so they went ahead and replaced that also. Got more than I expected and all done the same day.
I dont know of any dealers that overlook mods though.

Red05stx · #5 02-17-2006, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kool Aid

I have yet to find one. In fact, I purchased my truck in Tampa, because I can't stand any of these local dealers.

I hate taking my truck into the stealership, for anything.

I was thinking about trying that Lincoln dealer on Gulf-To-Bay Blvd.

Any experience with them?

I used to take my 85 Mustang Gt to the gulf to bay lincoln dealer. They were always good, and the only ones with Saturday hours at the time

rooster2005 · #6 03-01-2006, 11:18 AM

I took my '05 f150 back to Karl Flammer yesterday for a tire problem. The tire sidewall was gouged by something I must have run over in the road. Tire was replaced with no problem.

While waiting I roamed over to the new Mustang pasture to watch them graze.

A salesman walked over (of course!) and we chatted for a while. I played completely ignorant (no much acting necessary) about improving my trucks get up and go. He immediately mentioned chips and tuners. He said they are looking into doing a chip and some other things to one of the '06 Mustangs they have on display in front of the main showroom beside US 19.

I should go talk to him a little more if he is not busy; he said sales were quite slow. Wouldn't it be cool if an XCal2 or Edge or... would become Ford sanctioned/authorized/blessed/approved modifications that in no way impacted a vehicles warranty. I am not sure why Ford doesn't do that now on their own. I mean, some of these cars come with a horrible firmware controlling the trannie shifting and other parameters. I know my truck is taking a beating with the p.o.s. firmware from the factory. It doesn't downshift for crap and O/D goes from 4th to 3rd just way too much! Ford should consider banning Ford firmware!!!