Vehicles & Servicing Best Posts in Thread: Buying a new car in Dumaguete

I came across an example of what I was so poorly trying to explain. A recent warranty bulletin, with manufacturer information XXXX out, dealing with starting and charging systems.

Unfortunately covered items are only covered if the correct procedures and tools are used. With no reliable long distance tow service I definitely agree with buying local from a dealership I expect to be around for a while. Perhaps good questions to ask before buying are, do you provide towing, road service, how far is covered.

IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION
REF
18-022
Effective
09/01/2018
Release
06/04/2018
SUBJECT
New Essential Tool: AutoMeter Powernet Tester
 New Essential Tool
 Benefits
 Filing Claims
 Ordering Information

In an effort to reduce the complexity of powernet diagnostics, XXXX's Special Tools group, in conjunction with the Tool Joint Application Development (JAD) committee, is introducing an electronic powernet assessment tool. This tool is for the diagnostics of batteries, battery interconnect cables, starters, starter cables, alternators, and alternator cables, collectively called the powernet system.

The tool generates a completed Powernet Assessment Worksheet, which will get wirelessly uploaded to AMPNET, a cloud-based data management service. Test results are always available and never get deleted. For information about how to use the AutoMeter tool, please see Tool Letter XXXXXX.

To be reimbursed for powernet failures, the service network will be required to use AutoMeter’s powernet tester, BCT-460. The requirement will also apply to Customer Performed Warranty Agreement, Customer Performed Part Replacement Agreement, and Limited Customer Performed Part Replacement Agreement participants. The change is projected to take effect for repairs performed on or after September 1, 2018.

The AutoMeter powernet tool will have several benefits:
• Improved diagnostic accuracy and efficiency
• Increased customer uptime by eliminating potential secondary failures within the powernet system
• Single person operation
• Entire powernet system testing capability
• No Defect Found (NDF) chargebacks eliminated and technical appeals reduced
o To be exempt from NDF chargebacks, the AutoMeter powernet tool must be used correctly and completely before claim submission

The AutoMeter tester will replace all previous battery testing equipment. Claims for powernet repairs performed on or after September 1, 2018 (tentatively), must have valid AutoMeter tool test results. XXXX will release a separate Important Warranty Information letter in the future that confirms the effective date and provides claim filing instructions.
Order the AutoMeter powernet tool via XXXX’s Parts Distribution Centers (PDCs). An internet connection is required for device registration and uploading information from the tester to AMPNET.

 

I wouldn't know. My car wouldn't start, and after finding out what the problem was and that it was a covered item under the warranty, the place that sold me the car refused to offer any assistance as to where to take it or how to go about getting it done. Yes, being so far away was not helpful and was probably the biggest factor. I actually purchased the car in Dumaguete, when they were at Robinsons selling their cars. I tried contacting the manufacturer, and they told me to go through the dealership. Nobody wanted to take responsibility. It seems the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing there.

 

I notice that the opening post is about buying a new car "in Dumaguete" but Okiebound mentions buying in Bacolod. It seems there were no dealers in Dumaguete for the chosen vehicle type when it was purchased.

I have seen that kind of behaviour in small cities in other countries too ("If y'all want to buy your car in the big city then you can get it fixed in the big city") so there is a school of thought that suggests we buy local or suffer the consequences of long-distance repairs and maintenance.

 

It means I had to find someone to do the work and I had to pay for it. Since the Bacolod Chevrolet dealership handled everything, they should have been my first line, but after many phone calls of being told "we will call you back", and two months passed with them basically ignoring my many pleas for assistance to file paperwork for warranty claim, I had to handle it the only way I knew how, and that was to do exactly what I did. They accepted it, and I almost recouped my costs.

 

I think some of their tough rules on checking us in and out of stores actually saves money - in some countries 30% of the retail prices can be accounted for to compensate for thefts by customers and staff.

 

We were very diligent about taking our Chevrolet in for the required oil changes every 3 months. Since the dealership is in Bacolod, they would schedule use of Robert Garage for their customers in Dumaguete. Anyway, long story short, when I had a claim the warranty should have covered, they refused to acknowledge my claim or my phone calls. I won in the end....at my next scheuled oil change I let them do the oil change (by the way, these oil changes are exhorbitant!), and when it came time for me to pay, I told them I wasn't paying, and they could take it up with the dealership since they refused to refund my cost of warranty work. Never heard a peep from them........

 

I had a terrible experience getting warranty work from the Chevrolet dealer out of Bacolod. I had to fix the problem myself and submit paperwork, which went ignored for months, even with my multiple follow-up phone calls. So, I finally got them....when it was time for the required oil change by the dealership, which was always overpriced, I took my car, let them do the oil change, then I handed them copies of my warranty work that I had paid for, and I said, "I am not paying for this, I will accept this oil change in exchange for the warranty work you guys refuse to refund me for". I had still paid more for the warranty work than the cost of the oil change, but I was willing to let it go for that. I expected to receive phone calls from Chevrolet, but never did.

 

Part of the problem, and i'm not sure of this, is that perhaps we spend more time and money keeping our cars clean and pretty and not enough spent in regular maintenance ???

 

I call it go with the Flow and if you can't beat them may as well Join them and save the Stress Cos if things don't change they will stay as they are