Northstar Ford Calgary

Average Service - Cost An Issue Can't give more than average rating as I had some minor “beefs” and probably more importantly I don't agree with Ford and/or Dealership and/or Ford cu Can't give more than average rating as I had some minor “beefs” and probably more importantly I don't agree with Ford and/or Dealership and/or Ford current policy/policies re charges for service. Although I am generally reluctant to respond to these requests unless I can say I am completely satisfied, in this case I think it is necessary to pass on my reasons in some detail. These reasons are as follows: 1. Invoice for service notes "Check both batteries passed but both terminals corroded" and later on the invoice "Recommend service both battery terminals 1.0 hr ..". Had I been advised by Service Advisor this was needed (I wasn't) I would have declined as I don't believe paying 1 hour labour would be appropriate for a 5 minute or less task. This type of "service" should be complimentary (as it was most certainly in the past). This is a small issue and fortunately I can correct the problem myself but I find it troubling that Ford has adopted this rapacious approach to charges for service. 2. Another “minor” beef but worthy of mention – in the recent past I have received a copy of inspection report on vehicle showing tire tread wear indication, brake pad condition, etc. Not received this time – makes it hard to judge when I need to plan for future maintenance. 3. I can’t verify as I did not receive a copy of the inspection report (item 2 above) but I’m sure (not 100% certain of course) engine coolant was checked. In many, many years of having cars and trucks serviced at dealers I’m sure the coolant level was always checked and topped up to the minimum mark on the reservoir if needed – this didn’t happen this time and it makes one wonder if there would be an hour labour charge for this as well! Also not a good indication that a thorough inspection/service was performed. 3. Major beef – I reported potential serious issue with the mechanical condition of engine (intermittent white smoke from exhaust). I was advised that I would have to agree to something like a cost of $160 or $170 to have this issue checked out with no guarantee of finding and/or fixing anything. As I have experienced in recent past (at this particular Dealership & same vehicle) the same approach with respect to an issue with radio system that I paid large cost for conclusion nothing wrong could be found – incidentally problem still persists. The potentially more serious problem with engine is more concerning and I would have thought Ford service personnel would be aware of possible causes (per internet this issue is fairly common). However, given that Ford service can’t speculate what possible problems might be manifested by the condition I am observing and Ford service would/will not guarantee they can fix the problem (if there is one) I do not feel I should gamble the required $170 to get it checked out. I can get this issue checked out by non-dealer engine service providers (“specialists”) for 25% to 30% per hour less than Ford. 4. I was advised that at mileage on my truck that transmission and differential service should be done. When I asked I was told this was essentially only changing transmission, differential, etc. fluid and would cost over $1,000. I have checked with outside suppliers of transmission, etc. service and this service can be obtained for 50% to 55% less. Conclusion – in essence I have always been willing to have my vehicles serviced at Dealership service departments albeit at a somewhat cost premium because there was confidence that what was needed would be done without addition cost (i.e. items 1, 2 and 3) and the Dealership had intimate knowledge of the vehicle and would know of potential issues and be able to resolve without the customer having to finance the solutions. It is only recently (in reality - the last couple of services on my truck) that I have become aware of the need to risk a fairly high cost to have a problem looked at. Bottom line is based on Dealership’s reduction in level of service that was available in the past it does not make sense to pay the premium in cost for service and/or repair that can be obtained or exceeded elsewhere. More

Warranty issue with new Ford F-150 Customer service outstanding with Service Rep (Cassandra); however less than satisfied with actual repairs. Brand new truck (less than 2 months old), Customer service outstanding with Service Rep (Cassandra); however less than satisfied with actual repairs. Brand new truck (less than 2 months old), Parking sensors continue to not work. Have brought truck in 3x already, sensors and modules replaced, same problem. Not sure if this will ever be fixed at this point More