Reason #41,782 why stealerships suck

[Vandelay Industries]

I need a new lower door hinge for my Grand Cherokee so I figured I'd see if any of the local dealers had one on the shelf.

Parts guy at Jeep dealer 1: "What's the VIN? I can't look anything up without a VIN."

Seriously? :skia: I don't have it memorized, I'll have to call you back.

Parts guy at Jeep dealer 2: Just kidding, no parts guy answered...it went to voice mail.:spdchk:

Less than 3 minutes later after checking Rock Auto and Mopar sites I had a part number and found the hinge on Amazon for the same price with free shipping.:dance:

So glad I wasted time trying to do business locally. :funnier:

#stealerships (https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=stealerships) suck
#thread (https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=thread) of the year

[ptindall]

If you keep an insurance card in your wallet, it has the VIN.

Amazon is the way I'm buying most car parts these days. I would prefer to buy local, but the price difference is too much to ignore.

[DJ_Critterus]

If you keep an insurance card in your wallet, it has the VIN.

Amazon is the way I'm buying most car parts these days. I would prefer to buy local, but the price difference is too much to ignore.

How's the quality? Is it cheap chinese made crap or is it really cheap chinese made crap?

[Egnalf]

FYI, some/many jeep latches or hinges are made by Southco or Fairchild. If you know what you want, sometimes you can find them on zoro or other online stores for cheap.

[Vandelay Industries]

If you keep an insurance card in your wallet, it has the VIN.

Amazon is the way I'm buying most car parts these days. I would prefer to buy local, but the price difference is too much to ignore.

We don't have ins cards in MA, so no go there. a while later I realized I coul've pulled the vehicle file from the cabinet next to my desk and the VIN would be in there. But WTF is up with needing it for all lookups?

[Vandelay Industries]

How's the quality? Is it cheap chinese made crap or is it really cheap chinese made crap?

The part I ordered is genuine MOPAR, so it's guaranteed to be crap. :yesnod:

[Vandelay Industries]

FYI, some/many jeep latches or hinges are made by Southco or Fairchild. If you know what you want, sometimes you can find them on zoro or other online stores for cheap.

Gonna check them out.

[Egnalf]

Gonna check them out.

I only know this as a friend was in charge of global manufacturing for southco, and also a jeep lover/owner. He used to love talking about how he was in charge of making parts for his jeeps.

[ptindall]

How's the quality? Is it cheap chinese made crap or is it really cheap chinese made crap?

Just depends I guess. Latest things I've ordered were MOOG steering parts. I assume those are at least as good as the Duralast parts that literally cost twice as much at Autozone. Sometimes you can find quality OEM parts or name brand parts on Amazon. Other times not.

[MikeB]

How's the quality? Is it cheap chinese made crap or is it really cheap chinese made crap?

I bought a vacuum check valve for my '76 off of Amazon.
It was sold by and shipped by Corvette Central.
OEM replacement part, same as all the Corvette/Hot Rod shops have.
Napa/Auto Zone/Advance Parts don't carry the part.
Doesn't say on the package where its made, but its an officially GM Licensed OEM product.

Amazon price was $3.00 less than Corvette Central, and included free shipping (Prime acct).
Corvette Central wanted $8.50 for shipping. :slap:
Why any company does this stuff is crazy (cheaper prices at Amazon).

Also got my radio cheaper from Jegs, than I could have got it from the manufacturer (US made) Free shipping too.

[Rodnok1]

I have no problem paying a premium of reasonable amount(percentage) to keep local parts stores open.. However when I can get 50% off or more buying off Amazon or Rock I buy there.
For the same or cheaper that local place gets for knockoff whitebox junk you get quality online. Money is money. Plus since local places stock virtually nothing and I have to order everything by going to the store... What's the point. I save gas money and time of 2 trips to the store.

[markids77]

We don't have ins cards in MA, so no go there. a while later I realized I coul've pulled the vehicle file from the cabinet next to my desk and the VIN would be in there. But WTF is up with needing it for all lookups?

True story... I work parts at a large equipment dealership, and I looked up parts for an asphalt roller today where the serial number group on this particular machine was only 4 machines in total. Above or below those 4 units required a different parts book.

Another tidbit... In this age of rapidly changing emissions policies combined with manufacturers sourcing parts wherever they happen to be available as production progresses our major product line recommends inputting the entire machine serial number to the part software instead of a simple model designation... SUPPOSEDLY... this will bring me to only the portion of the catalog which deals with that specific unit; so the Jeep guy was possibly telling the truth about getting no info from his software without the VIN.

[outrunm]

The local BMW parts dept does the same shit. They wouldn't sell me weathertech floormats for my daughter's car without the VIN.

[LATB]

The local BMW parts dept does the same shit. They wouldn't sell me weathertech floormats for my daughter's car without the VIN.

Www.Weathertech.com

[markids77]

The local BMW parts dept does the same shit. They wouldn't sell me weathertech floormats for my daughter's car without the VIN.

That's probably a different deal... they likely track customer purchases that way so they can fine tune their inventory, and also so they can recommend other accessories on later service tickets.

[Vandelay Industries]

True story... I work parts at a large equipment dealership, and I looked up parts for an asphalt roller today where the serial number group on this particular machine was only 4 machines in total. Above or below those 4 units required a different parts book.

Another tidbit... In this age of rapidly changing emissions policies combined with manufacturers sourcing parts wherever they happen to be available as production progresses our major product line recommends inputting the entire machine serial number to the part software instead of a simple model designation... SUPPOSEDLY... this will bring me to only the portion of the catalog which deals with that specific unit; so the Jeep guy was possibly telling the truth about getting no info from his software without the VIN.

I don't doubt that the dealer's parts software would require it, but it seems like a solution in search of a problem.

My Jeep is a 2015, and there looks to be one part number for multiple years. In my opinion it's :bs: to make the customer jump through unnecessary hoops just to initiate a lookup.

[markids77]

I don't doubt that the dealer's parts software would require it, but it seems like a solution in search of a problem.

My Jeep is a 2015, and there looks to be one part number for multiple years. In my opinion it's :bs: to make the customer jump through unnecessary hoops just to initiate a lookup.

Actually it is the solution to the problem. The VIN is the "fingerprint" or birth certificate for your vehicle. Having the VIN makes the parts guy's life simpler so it is much more likely you will get the correct part the first time, and isn't that what's really important to you as a customer? I have parts catalogs where there are as many as 9 or 10 different engine build specifications over the life of a model. I would much rather "inconvenience" you with telling me exactly what machine you have than deal with pissing you off if you happen to get the wrong part because I guessed "they are all the same". 30 years selling this manufacturer's parts... even back then they were not "all the same".

[Vandelay Industries]

Actually it is the solution to the problem. The VIN is the "fingerprint" or birth certificate for your vehicle. Having the VIN makes the parts guy's life simpler so it is much more likely you will get the correct part the first time, and isn't that what's really important to you as a customer? I have parts catalogs where there are as many as 9 or 10 different engine build specifications over the life of a model. I would much rather "inconvenience" you with telling me exactly what machine you have than deal with pissing you off if you happen to get the wrong part because I guessed "they are all the same". 30 years selling this manufacturer's parts... even back then they were not "all the same".

Huh? Nobody's asking for a guess. If there is an item that varies by VIN or SN, you ask for additional info. The vast majority of parts don't require it.:island14:

It reminds me of the meme of a guy answering the phone at Auto Zone. "You need an air freshener? For what car?":D

[markids77]

[QUOTE=Vandelay Industries;1973223]Huh? Nobody's asking for a guess. If there is an item that varies by VIN or SN, you ask for additional info. The vast majority of parts don't require it.:island14:

It reminds me of the meme of a guy answering the phone at Auto Zone. "You need an air freshener? For what car?":D[

We're too far apart in terminology to continue to discuss. I do strongly suggest if you need something like spark plugs, a muffler or perhaps even a cabin filter for that Jeep you have the VIN available to avoid disappointment. Peace, out.

[Vandelay Industries]

[QUOTE=Vandelay Industries;1973223]Huh? Nobody's asking for a guess. If there is an item that varies by VIN or SN, you ask for additional info. The vast majority of parts don't require it.:island14:

It reminds me of the meme of a guy answering the phone at Auto Zone. "You need an air freshener? For what car?":D[

We're too far apart in terminology to continue to discuss. I do strongly suggest if you need something like spark plugs, a muffler or perhaps even a cabin filter for that Jeep you have the VIN available to avoid disappointment. Peace, out.

I've spent my share of time behind parts counters. :cert:

[dvarapala]

I need a new lower door hinge for my Grand Cherokee

How the hell do you **** up a door hinge??!??!?!?! :popcorns:

[dvarapala]

I don't doubt that the dealer's parts software would require it, but it seems like a solution in search of a problem.

My Jeep is a 2015, and there looks to be one part number for multiple years. In my opinion it's :bs: to make the customer jump through unnecessary hoops just to initiate a lookup.

Look at it from their point of view. They must get hundreds of shade tree mechanics calling up and ordering the wrong parts. When the ****tard customers return those parts they probably sit in the stealership's inventory forevermore. By getting the VIN they have the exact information about the car and can avoid ordering the wrong parts.

It's just another example of stupid people dumbing the whole world down and ruining it for the rest of us. :yesnod:

[6spdC6]

How the hell do you **** up a door hinge??!??!?!?! :popcorns:

I had to replace 2. Back in 1964 I was going to a bar with this girl as a first date. I was backing into a parking spot and the bimbo oped the door right into a parking meter post(2 1/2 pipe) door got pulled forward and broke the hinges.

Also put quite a big dent in the edge area of the fender by the door. Car was a POS but I needed wheels, got the hinge straps and fixed the car enough to drive. Figured that busted in fender added character.:D

[Vandelay Industries]

How the hell do you **** up a door hinge??!??!?!?! :popcorns:

Apparently just opening and closing it multiple times over the years will do it. Never shoulda done that. :Jeff '79:

Look at it from their point of view. They must get hundreds of shade tree mechanics calling up and ordering the wrong parts. When the ****tard customers return those parts they probably sit in the stealership's inventory forevermore. By getting the VIN they have the exact information about the car and can avoid ordering the wrong parts.

It's just another example of stupid people dumbing the whole world down and ruining it for the rest of us. :yesnod:

No doubt. :yesnod::funnier:

Of course...dealers can run their business any way they want...I don't really GAF because for the most part I only buy from them when I can't get what I need elsewhere. :island14:

[6spdC6]

Apparently just opening and closing it multiple times over the years will do it. Never shoulda done that. :Jeff '79:



No doubt. :yesnod::funnier:

Of course...dealers can run their business any way they want...I don't really GAF because for the most part I only buy from them when I can't get what I need elsewhere. :island14:

Those hinge straps I got came from a friendly junk yard my buddies garage bought a lot of stuff from. My cost was I had to pull them myself.:D

[Vandelay Industries]

Those hinge straps I got came from a friendly junk yard my buddies garage bought a lot of stuff from. My cost was I had to pull them myself.:D

Did you check the VIN?

You're lucky they fit. :leaving:

[dvarapala]

I had to replace 2. Back in 1964 I was going to a bar with this girl as a first date. I was backing into a parking spot and the bimbo oped the door right into a parking meter post(2 1/2 pipe) door got pulled forward and broke the hinges.


Well at least you got laid. :lol:

[6spdC6]

Well at least you got laid. :lol:

Yeah, she had a reputation as being very "guy friendly" thats why I was taking her out Like said the car was a POS and I handled it decent I did not get mad and told her no big deal I can fix it. I was going to get rid of it in about a month anyway.

As far as needing a vin for getting parts:D those same hinges fit Chevy, Pontiac, Olds and Buick's of the same frame size. Piece of cake!

[Vandelay Industries]

Yeah, she had a reputation as being very "guy friendly" thats why I was taking her out Like said the car was a POS and I handled it decent I did not get mad and told her no big deal I can fix it. I was going to get rid of it in about a month anyway.

As far as needing a vin for getting parts:D those same hinges fit Chevy, Pontiac, Olds and Buick's of the same frame size. Piece of cake!

Pics?:leaving:

[6spdC6]

Pics?:leaving:


Yeah right from that far back we were still using daguerreotypes.:D

She did have a very nice pair of DDs and in that era they were real.(I checked them over real close!):hurray:

[Vandelay Industries]

It's a miracle!

I looked the number up without a VIN, and somehow still managed to receive the correct part! :D

67983

[86RAG]

It's a miracle!

I looked the number up without a VIN, and somehow still managed to receive the correct part! :D

67983

Nope, not the same, one is red :D

[Vandelay Industries]

Nope, not the same, one is red :D

Dammit! :banghead:

[Onebadcad]

I have ZERO confidence and even less satisfaction when interacting with stealerships.
I have sued three in the past ten years in Small Claims, all three settled with me prior to case.
Amazing that GM and Ford fail to understand the value in consumers rating stealerships, this is a huge reason for disloyalty with the big three, I am certain other brands also have terrible stealerships, but doubt any are as bad as GM and Ford based on my experiences.

My C8Z will have the price of the 3/36 built in, I should get a discount off MSRP, as I can think of no reason why I would allow those aholes to touch the car, as I cannot trust them to competently check the tire pressure.

RANT OVER!!

[Yadkin]

I need a new lower door hinge for my Grand Cherokee so I figured I'd see if any of the local dealers had one on the shelf.

Parts guy at Jeep dealer 1: "What's the VIN? I can't look anything up without a VIN."

Seriously? :skia: I don't have it memorized, I'll have to call you back.

Parts guy at Jeep dealer 2: Just kidding, no parts guy answered...it went to voice mail.:spdchk:

Less than 3 minutes later after checking Rock Auto and Mopar sites I had a part number and found the hinge on Amazon for the same price with free shipping.:dance:

So glad I wasted time trying to do business locally. :funnier:

#stealerships (https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=stealerships) suck
#thread (https://www.thevettebarn.com/forums/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=thread) of the year
You sound like a lazy whiner. :kick:

[Vandelay Industries]

You sound like a lazy whiner. :kick:

Oh, the burn. :yawn:

[BADRACR1]

The VIN helps identify the correct part. Sometimes there are changes in the middle of a model year and there may be more than one option for a particular part based on the production date. The VIN also provides color, model, trim, engine, transmission, and option specs. If your particular model ran say a ten-year life cycle then with no VIN you would get ten years' worth of choices to pick from. Instead of a lot of questions the VIN usually eliminates the useless information. Same as calling about parts for a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, stove, fridge, etc.
Also one may be surprised to find out how many people don't know the correct year or model of their vehicle, let alone the trim package.
I've worked in a dealership the last twenty five years and parts stores for eight years before that. The ignorance of the public never ceases to amaze me.:BADRACR1:

[Yadkin]

Oh, the burn. :yawn:

Buy your husband some hinge grease and instruct him where to apply it.:Jeff '79:

[Yadkin]

How the hell do you **** up a door hinge??!??!?!?! :popcorns:

Lack of maintenance.:waiting:

[Vandelay Industries]

The VIN helps identify the correct part. Sometimes there are changes in the middle of a model year and there may be more than one option for a particular part based on the production date. The VIN also provides color, model, trim, engine, transmission, and option specs. If your particular model ran say a ten-year life cycle then with no VIN you would get ten years' worth of choices to pick from. Instead of a lot of questions the VIN usually eliminates the useless information. Same as calling about parts for a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, stove, fridge, etc.
Also one may be surprised to find out how many people don't know the correct year or model of their vehicle, let alone the trim package.
I've worked in a dealership the last twenty five years and parts stores for eight years before that. The ignorance of the public never ceases to amaze me.:BADRACR1:

Believe me, I'm aware of all of that.

My gripe was with the refusal/inability to even initiate a lookup without the VIN.

That attitude would not fly at an indy parts store, and for me it's just another reason to avoid the dealer whenever possible.:yesnod:

[Yadkin]

Clutch your pearls harder.:Jeff '79:

[GTOguy]

I had to replace 2. Back in 1964 I was going to a bar with this girl as a first date. I was backing into a parking spot and the bimbo oped the door right into a parking meter post(2 1/2 pipe) door got pulled forward and broke the hinges.

Also put quite a big dent in the edge area of the fender by the door. Car was a POS but I needed wheels, got the hinge straps and fixed the car enough to drive. Figured that busted in fender added character.:D

In 1964, my car of choice was a brand new Murray Fireball 500 pedal car. I was 3 years old and 3 years away from being able to ride a bicycle.

[6spdC6]

In 1964, my car of choice was a brand new Murray Fireball 500 pedal car. I was 3 years old and 3 years away from being able to ride a bicycle.

Yes a age difference but that age put me solid into the serious street racer scene of the muscle car era.:hurray:Had 2 good cars from graduation time till I got married to hit the streets.(and legitimate drag strips, we had 3 in the area)

Had a 383 4BBL Polara that did OK and then got a 67 Dodge RT 440 and hopped it up good. As I have said before I worked at my buddies speed shop garage so all parts were cost and I had a great place to work on my car. Got rid of it when I got married and bought 350 Nova 4spd as my slow down married mans car.:D