[pacsk07]

Hello Guys,

This is my first time buying a car in US and had a question regarding servicing. Suppose, if I buy a new pacifica 200 miles away from house and if I start noticing any issues in the initial few days, can I take my Pacifica to the nearest dealer as it would be covered under warranty? Will the service quality that I receive be of lower standard just because I brought a new pacifica from a different dealer. I read on forum some cars owners have noticed initial issues after bringing the car to home and I was worried if the nearby delaers will promptly address these issues as I would not have brought from them.

Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[ljnelson109]

Wow! I am surprised that no one has taken this one on. The official answer is that any FCA dealer must provide warranty support. That said, the first thing that every service advisor in my area asks is..... "Did you buy the car here?" There is definitely a bias towards existing customers. However, in my experience, it is very different from dealer to dealer and service advisor to service advisor. I have bought locally (Chrysler) to be able to answer that question with a yes, only to have horrible service experiences and get absolutely no love from the service department. They often operate as completely separate entities.

In this scenario, there is one more factor. If you are buying hybrid, I am sure that there will be dealers who are better equipped to service a hybrid than others who may be barely equipped. At a minimum, they are supposed to have 1 tech at each dealer. What if he is sick? I am very interested in a Pacifica Hybrid, but honestly, I am struggling with your exact question. Do I find the vehicle I want and go buy it where it sits or do I go to my local dealer and have them DX or order what I want?

One more nuance, our local dealers often have service programs for buyers. Sometimes it is free car washes and loaner cars. Other times it is "dealership for life" programs (which in my opinion are a scam). If these things may sway you, they can be factors in your decision. I have gone both ways and can't say I have done better in either case. Honestly, it comes down to how reliable the vehicle turns out to be. And, quite frankly, right now the hybrid is looking to be a problem out of the gate.

Lee

 

[DRZ]

I've never had any issues with any dealership doing service work for me, even though I didn't purchase the vehicle from them. The service departments are profit generators for the dealerships, so they should be happy to service your vehicle because they are being paid by either you or the factory for the repairs/maintenance. Finding a dealership with qualified and properly trained technicians would probably be more of a concern, than finding one willing to attempt the repair or maintenance. If you did have any issues, I would just look for another dealer to service your vehicle, or if that's not an option, call Chrysler Customer Service for assistance.

I also find that most dealerships have at least a couple of different teams that work on the vehicles. If things go well with your service, remember which team serviced your car and request them next time you call to set up an appointment. I will also tip a good service manager ten or twenty bucks for good service... he or she will remember you the next time. Conversely, if things aren't to your satisfaction, try another team.

 

[pacsk07]

Thanks ljnelson109 and DRZ for your response. Glad to know that any dealer is responsible to honour the initial warranty issues. I am planning to buy touring L+ and was going to explore if I can get a good deal outskirts of DFW area