Nicole Dobbs | Page 15

Took my ’09 Ford Escape Hybrid to Elder Ford in Tampa because the power steering assist had gone out, a common failing on that model. The tech said the power assist motor had gone bad, necessitating repl because the power steering assist had gone out, a common failing on that model. The tech said the power assist motor had gone bad, necessitating replacement of the lower half of the steering column (which houses the motor and the “power steering control module”), but that the part was on “permanent backorder”—they could not say when, or even if, the repair part would ever be available. But if/when the part was available, they said, the repair charge would be $3,200. I also had some brake work done, and when I picked up the car, I noticed the bill for the brake work was about $200 higher than the estimate I had been given over the phone. They explained that since I had “declined” the steering repair, I had to pay $189 for the diagnosis. I replied that I had “declined” nothing—the repair part was unavailable. How can you decline a repair that cannot be done? But Elder Ford stood firm, and I paid. I’m fairly handy, and at this point having no other option, I determined that I could probably do the job myself with a salvage part. I ordered the part, but as a best practice, I checked the fuses first. There was an 80 amp MIDI fuse under the hood for the power steering. It did not look burned or broken, exactly, but it looked a little melted, so I replaced it. I immediately started my car and my power steering worked, and has worked since, with no steering column replacement. Elder Ford wanted $3,200 for a repair that required nothing but a $9.99 fuse, and charged me $189 to pay a diagnostic tech who apparently never bothered to check the fuses. They say “stealership” for a reason. Never again. More

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Nicole was excellent. She went above and beyond to make sure I knew exactly what had to be done and had an exceptional experience. She went above and beyond to make sure I knew exactly what had to be done and had an exceptional experience. More

by GenesisG90 Verified Customer Verified Customer

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The staff and techs are always courteous and express the truth about your repair or service even if it is bad news. They attempt to adjust the cost a bit if you ask. They are always trying to do right by yo truth about your repair or service even if it is bad news. They attempt to adjust the cost a bit if you ask. They are always trying to do right by you. It shows. More

by RIPJUJU2 Verified Customer Verified Customer

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Service was beyond nice. Amazing mechanics and advisors. Wouldn’t trust anyone else with my Mustang. Amazing mechanics and advisors. Wouldn’t trust anyone else with my Mustang. More

by dodgechick11 Verified Customer Verified Customer

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