My Father retired as an engineer from GM Tech Center after 40 yrs and then worked for Ford Research facilities until he retired 2 years ago. My Dad's GM company cars which he purchased have been service by GM Fressard since 696 closed the GM Woodward Avenue dealership across from the Detroit Zoo in the 1960's/70's.
Every experience I have had on my Father's behalf at Jim Fressard has been high priced, mediocre service requiring multiple trips back to correct warranty or repair problems.
My spouse and I recently took my Dad's Pontiac Grand Am in on Ladies Day. The treatment we received is representative of every encounter I have had with this dealership. I drove in to the Service Writer's entrance at 2 pm with 3 service writers present and no other customers in site. All service writers remained seated at their desks reading personal non-work related articles such as the Detroit Free Press and did not bother to glance up from their reading. After about 5 minutes of standing next to their desks waiting for assistance my spouse and I requested assistance. Grudgingly 1 service writer stopped reading long enough to say parts were available from the parts counter. We asked the price to install 2 side markers light bulbs on the front of the car next to the 2 turn signal bulbs which had burned out. The service writer shrugged and said maybe parts can help you. I then left for the parts counter. My spouse stayed to discuss installation price with the lazy, unfriendly service writers.
The parts clerk quickly looked up the parts on the computer. I explained we usually get the employee discount. The other parts clerk reached in the drawer and pulled out the 2 amber bulbs. The parts clerk whistled as he said I have to give you the employee discount as the 2 light bulbs cost about $5 a piece. He also said these are a b__ch to replace...you have to remove the headlights and other front end pieces to get the lense covers off to replace the bulbs! I said you don't mean it! He said yes and I said can I see the schematic of the parts on your computer? He said yes I'll print it out for you.
I paid for the 2 amber side marker light bulbs at the Cashier's window and returned to my spouse. The Service Manager had walked over to discuss the fact that they charge $40 labor PER bulb ie $80 to install the 2 light bulbs because the front end must be taken apart to install the side marker bulbs. All service writers are still sitting on their stools never budging, reading their newspapers. It is 2pm in the afternoon on Ladies/Seniors Day.
I again realize why we buy Toyota's and do not do business with GM Dealers anymore. My Dad the engineer says what fool designer let this design flaw through---our Toyota turn signal lense covers come off in less than 5 minutes! No wonder why GM is loosing it's foothold on car sales!
I am always the one to change air filters, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc on all of our vehicles. My usual experience with the Toyota Dealers is friendly, helpful Service Writers and Parts Counter Assistance. My experience at Jim Fressard is always extremely unfriendly service with extremely high prices and a frustrating negative experience. Reason enough to never buy a car from them or return to Jim Fressard for service. I go in open minded and again find they still have the same poor service: sign of bad management. I will be very glad when my Dad sells the Grand Am! I would try any other GM Service Department in the area before using Jim Fressard in Royal Oak. Directly across the street is Billings which offers the best sales and service for lawn equipment I have found in the U.S. possibly the Billings owner needs to train the Jim Fressard Staff: a fine example of how management leadership sets the tone for a business.
http://www.judysbook.com/members/38735/posts/2006/9/451778/
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