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Chris Roper

The Good, the Bad and the Jeep

2008-08-27 08:43

Chris Roper

The real problem with service standards in South Africa is that they're often so useless, they can't even be consistently bad. If you think about it, getting good or bad service is easy to deal with - in the one case, you become a loyal customer, in the other you never frequent that store, restaurant or business again.

Where it gets really frustrating is when you get a hybrid of good and bad service, from different people in the same company. I had that recently with Daimler Chrysler in Canal Walk.

Five times, in around a month, a customer relations woman phoned me with a "courtesy call" to see if I was satisfied with the service I'd received. You'd think that by the fifth time, she'd have figured out that since I had to take my car back five times, the answer would be, "No, your service is shockingly bad." In fact, three out of the five times - and I must admit I found this funny - the answer was, I don't know, nobody's bothered giving my car back yet.

And the service was appalling, but not appalling enough. Here's the story. I take my Jeep in for a service, and ask them to check the steering, which is a bit stiff. Someone phones me back and tells me it's going to cost me R9 000 to replace my steering pump. That's a lot of money, but what can you do. I tell him go ahead, and spend the night wondering how I'm going to eat that month.

The next day he phones back, and says, "Sorry, it's only R3 500, I had my finger on the wrong line." Is that bad service, or good service? Either way, I'm relieved. I get the car back, and discover that the steering is much worse. It gives out entirely every now and then. So I take it back to Jeep.

To make a long, sad story unrealistically short, I'm currently on my sixth or seventh time of taking my car back, and they've replaced the pump twice. Only on the sixth time do I get offered a courtesy vehicle, and in the meantime the mechanics have put in excess of 500km on my car, trying to find the problem.

No problem!

But none of this would bother me, if it wasn't for the fact that the Jeep mechanics thrice sent my car back without doing any work on it at all, telling me that they "can't find a problem".

It's insane. Do they think I'm some kind of crazy person, who gets my kicks from desperately trying to get a mechanic to listen to my problems? Do they think I'm deliberately sending my car back because I have a fear of being able to drive to work?

Daimler Chrysler, ask yourself - why would a man tell you his Jeep's steering doesn't work, if it wasn't true? He wants to spend money at Jeep because he feels sorry for car salesmen?

The final straw that broke this Jeep owner's suspension was when, around the fourth or fifth time of me insisting they take the car back, someone phoned me to say, "Wow, we put your car on the test system, and the dials were way off the charts! We had to bleed the whole system!"

I'm no mechanic, but come on - why couldn't you have checked your stupid dials before, instead of telling me that I was imagining the problem? What possible reason can there be for treating a customer like an idiot?

I see that Wheels24 asked Chrysler "Why are staff not knowledgeable enough to fix problems on Jeeps?" The answer was, "Chrysler South Africa has a very robust technical training program in place to ensure all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge technicians are suitably qualified on maintenance, systems and diagnostic levels." Yes, that's lovely, well done. But will any of them actually graduate from this program any time soon, because I'd like my Jeep fixed?

Free ride

Anyway... Eventually, I get an SMS saying I'm booked in for a service. On a day when I'm catching a 06:30 flight. I phone, they tell me "No problem, just leave your Jeep at Katanga Valet Parking, we'll pick it up there." Okay. Does mean I'll have to catch a taxi from the airport when I return, but okay.

I'm in Joburg, when I get a call. "Sir, we have a problem at the airport. You didn't pay for your parking." Regular readers of the occasional consumer columns I write will know that I'm a mild-mannered man. I'll always give people the chance to rectify mistakes, but this is going too far. I tell the guy to bill me for the damn parking, and that it would help if he'd told me I had to pay for parking.

"Our customers understand that these things aren't free, sir," he tells me. Ha ha! Our rapidly decreasing customers, I'm sure. Although in the end, I see he didn't bill me.

Oh, I could go on. They gave me a PT Cruiser convertible as a loan car, which in itself is a calculated insult. When they brought my Jeep back last week, they told me, again, that they couldn't find the problem. So now I have an untrustworthy Jeep that I'm not inclined to take into the bush, which means I might as well have a BMW X5 or some other piece of crap disguised as an off-road vehicle.

The funny thing is, I've written about Jeep's service levels before. When I tried to buy a Jeep, the service was so bad in Cape Town, I actually had to go buy it in Joburg. Do I need to drive my Jeep to Joburg to get it serviced? I hope not, and I trust a knowledgeable reader will point me to a place where I can get my services done, preferable a place that's not officially approved by Jeep.

Ah well, I thought, as I got into my returned Jeep. Jeep's service levels have now sunk as low as they can go. Not so, it turns out. When I turned on the car, the fuel light was on. Thanks for using all my diesel, guys. When I went to fill up, and tried to check the oil, the bonnet fell on my head. The hydraulics have mysteriously disappeared.

Amazing. Jeep have perfected After Sales Bad Service, a heretofore unknown branch of motor mechanics. As much as it breaks my heart, I might have to buy a Land Rover. At least there, you know the service will be consistently bad, and that I can live with.

  • Chris Roper once spent a year writing pro-Jeep columns for Drive Out magazine. He wishes to apologise to anyone who bought a Jeep because of his foolishness.

    Send your comments to Chris.

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    Syllable 8/27/2008 9:01:08 AM
    You could actually be driving an X5. BeemerBoy, although not driving an X5 got his car's steering rack replaced six times in 18 months. And only once was due to reckless driving. Obviously concussion suffered from bonnet not too bad - great read ;)
    Petra 8/27/2008 9:01:12 AM
    I have a similar history with VW. It's not "bad" service, it's no service at all. I won't be buying another VW because of it.
    AJ 8/27/2008 9:02:49 AM
    I have heard to many stories (especially Landrover related) to know well enough to stay away from them! My 12 year old Honda (which I treat like a company car) is reliable and paid off and refuses to break after 240 000km.
    turbo_superboss 8/27/2008 9:03:59 AM
    if you have problems with your car, take it to "auto wizards" in paarden island, they are very good and you will see for yourself by the cars parked in their workshop. Tell them "D BOSS of -WP" recommended you, they will know who you talking about.
    Dean 8/27/2008 9:09:16 AM
    that test drives customers Jeeps at 230km/h on the N1.. Take the bath a get an X5
    LRob 8/27/2008 9:12:36 AM
    I am relieved to see I am not the only person suffering from car service issues. My story is similar in that I returned my car twice after a service for a problem they charged to fix in the service. They then charged me for the same fix again! The service manager could not have cared less and the irritating phone calls to inquire about their customer service were a joke. PS It was a BMW so I would avoid the X5 if I were you.
    anon 8/27/2008 9:13:29 AM
    You own a Jeep? I always had the impression you were smart. :-/ Funny how everything Ford buys turns to crap...
    Greg 8/27/2008 9:14:27 AM
    Chris, having owned and driven 6 different makes of vehicle, i can say without a doubt that the worst are the french and the best is Toyota (i do not work for or have any other association other than owning one) anything american has problem with parts availablity...
    Greg 8/27/2008 9:14:49 AM
    HAHAHA... Sorry... couldn't help but laugh. I've had the same problem with Renault Cape Town. My Scenic has an rough idle, and last week, after spending the night so they could make sure it was fixed, the service manager had the audacity to tell me that it's normal. Car servicing in South Africa is PATHETIC!
    celery 8/27/2008 9:19:58 AM
    They're all shocking actually. If you're a private owner and not fleet, you're relegated to the back of the queue. I've had similar issues with the VW (formerly Barons) in Claremont, Cape Town. I now take my car to a family run business and get honest good service.
    H 8/27/2008 9:21:20 AM
    I've had the same courtesy call farce happen to me three times with Canal Walk Chrysler. And they still owe me a gift for a referral I made which lead to a sale - it's been 20 months now. These days I go to Rola in Somerset West. They are officially recognized by Jeep and are excellent. I would never recommend Canal Walk ever again.
    Rish 8/27/2008 9:21:54 AM
    I know exact wat u mean. I took my car in to a repair centre to change the sump seal and my steering rack. At the end of it all, it seemed fine but as soon as I took to the road I, all hell broke loose. There was a knocking sound everytime a change gears, I could not turn all the way to the left or will get another sound and worst of all, the oil was now pouring out. After numerous returns to their workshop with no results, I had to go to another mechanic.
    Indeedio 8/27/2008 9:22:44 AM
    Buy a Defender , no worries.It has no problems and there are a couple of very good 4x4 Service centres around.Pity its in Pta...
    Giles 8/27/2008 9:23:02 AM
    My former boss had a Jeep Cherokee, and the thing seemed to spend more time at the garage than on the road. He once broke down somewhere in the Karoo and had to have the car towed a zillion miles because there were no Jeep garages anywhere between Jhb & CT. He finally flogged the wretched thing and bought a Merc. Not very helpful to you, but take comfort from the fact that you are not alone. He still blanches visibly when you mention the word "Jeep"!
    gummibear 8/27/2008 9:24:36 AM
    Although Chris is venting his frustration based on DC service, it does not mean Jeep, Merc, Dodge or even BMW vehicles are bad products. It is the human factor that is bad. It goes for any product whether it be cellphones, electronic equipment, airlines, etc. The question I ask is, "How can we improve our service levels in this country, to keep up with the quality products we sell?" My answer is, "Education and training. Lead by example. Shake the tree and let the dead wood fall."
    Slick 8/27/2008 9:25:12 AM
    I've actually had good service from Daimler-Chrysler Canal Walk. But don't get me started on their friends at Culmemborg Orbit. Unfortunately I live in town, so on the two occasions I've had problems with the Merc, it's had to go to Culemborg. One repair job took eight weeks - thanks to having to wait for parts from Germany - did the parts walk from Europe? And no offer of a courtesy car until I played the 'single chick, living alone who needs her car for work' card.
    HC 8/27/2008 9:26:42 AM
    Buy a Toyota, I have been driving Toyota 4x4's for the past 22 years without any problems not even minor (not talking about serious vehicle abuse, which in most cases should not be a problem for a Toyota, ask BBC Top Gear). The only problem you will experience is you will have nothing bad to write about since it is the only news selling in good old SA nowdays. Good luck with your choice.
    Erik Sutcliffe 8/27/2008 9:27:36 AM
    Sorry for what you have endured. Do what I did to my Landrover Defender, I put a M3 motor in my landy with a turbo. It now goes like hell and is great off road too. I am looking for a M5 motor to upgragde.
    David Knott 8/27/2008 9:28:07 AM
    I too have taken my Jeep to the same service center to have the steering sorted. Despite many Rands paid and two pumps the power steering is no better. I'm trying to learn to live with the fault.They say "bring it back if there are any problems" ~ I don't have the time to be inconvenienced constantly.
    NoMoreJeep 8/27/2008 9:28:36 AM
    Years ago I sold my BMW and bought a Jeep at the same dealer. After two years of the same shocking service from the same dealership (previously in N1 City) I tried to sell my Jeep, but the highest offer was R80 000! I parked it in the garage and use it now to ferry my dogs to the beach and back. It is perfect as a "dorpskruiwa". I now drive a BMW again, and ever since, sheer driving pleasure! No more worries, and loan vehicles of the same standard, whenever I need one. When you replace your Jeep, buy the X5 from Max at Paarlberg BWM, and you will experience the service BMW is renowned for, in style!
    mo 8/27/2008 9:29:18 AM
    Great column as always. Not sure why, maybe to defend all those car people out there, but there are opposing stories. My mates turbo blew last week on his polo and his warranty had run out. They told him it would cost upwards of 20g's which he in no way could afford. So faced with having to trade his car in for a cheaper one VW phoned him back and said dont worry the part is free you just pay for the labour. He even got a discount on that! there are some good ones out there.
    Mark T 8/27/2008 9:30:28 AM
    Here is a great example. I asked for product A- was sold product B, which was disguised as product A. I paid for 2 services that were covered, but I was told they were not. When the cover had almost expired, I found out I had been covered all alone- but being told I was not. To get what I was told I has bought initially I had to for out R4 000 extra. The service was ghastly. And I was made out as the liar. Seems bad service is covered far and wide in SA.
    Dean 8/27/2008 9:30:29 AM
    Ford have never owned Jeep. They just built them under licence in WW2.
    Avril 8/27/2008 9:32:41 AM
    Why do you HAVE to have a JEEP Chris? Other car manufacturers make off-road cars too. Probably with much better service. That is what I would do but then I am not a guy.
    Know da feelin 8/27/2008 9:32:46 AM
    If anyone needs panelbeating, whatever you do avoid M and L Panelbeaters in Parow like the plauge. I had a 2 week story turn into 5 months with hundreds of rands spent on petrol and airtime tryin to get my car back. with not so much a returned phonecall the entire time.
    Kal-El 8/27/2008 9:35:02 AM
    Chris, you have to expect that you run a higher risk of experiencing bad service and component failures when you buy a Jeep. What I fail to understand is that people still buy cars with below average quality survey results. Many people still write letters in magazines after buying the likes of Tata, Chery, GWM, Land Rover, Jeep etc. Check JD Power (local AND international) and Synnovate results before you buy a car and you will not end up in a mess like this. That is why I bought a Honda. They top the quality charts worldwide. It gives me great pleasure to reward a company which provides the highest quality product rather than the most macho image or coolest brand name. Therefore, it is the buyer?s responsibility to do their homework and make sure their hard earned cash goes to a company that deserves it.
    Nick 8/27/2008 9:35:55 AM
    Chris, I feel your pain. I too have a Jeep and have a long history of these type's of issues with my Daimler Chrysler dealer in Joburg. So unfortunately the problem's with their service are not limited to Cape Town!
    Dave Robbins 8/27/2008 9:36:09 AM
    I suppose this all didn't come jeep?
    Brian 8/27/2008 9:36:19 AM
    Chris, I've learnt that in order to get any form of service from bad service companies, you have to be a nuisance, badger, hound, bully, and harass the staff. Scream, shout, throw your toys out the cot and you'll soon get the problems sorted out.
    Rich 8/27/2008 9:36:41 AM
    Chris I feel your pain, I've had an extremely bad experience with Daimler Chrysler to the extent that I'm sought legal advice and investigating ways to go public with what I've discovered in the ensuing months since. I would really like to warn future customers of some of the things that happen in the back ground that could cost a significant amount of money.
    Desparate 8/27/2008 9:39:07 AM
    I also think it is not the product. It is the attitude of certain car dealers. Once they have their money stuff the client. We are on our own. I'll never, never buy a Ford again. Very dissapointed.
    Wragler owner 8/27/2008 9:39:51 AM
    We have 2 Jeeps in our family. Our son has a Cherokee and we have a Wrangler. Allthough we have had some break problems, the trouble lies not with the car but with the dealers! As we own a new C280 Mercedes as well we know! Does the trouble not start with service plans where they try to spend as little money on the car till the plan runs out! There is no rival for Stucky Motors in Volksrust they are the best but a bit pricey given the fuel to get there! We do buy only from them though!
    Craig 8/27/2008 9:41:13 AM
    I'll tell you how bad the motor industry has got in SA, after having my vehicles serviced and repaired in SA on numerous occassions, at the dealers, Nissan and GM, I now have them serviced privately at half the cost in Maputo, because at least I know I'll get the job done.
    turbo_superboss 8/27/2008 9:43:34 AM
    I don't know where you get that figure from when aftermarket turbos which are superior in every aspect cost in the region of 8k, and thats a turbonetics turbo. I bought a generic T61 turbo for 5k, and that turbo is probably bigger than the polo engine.
    U.MK 8/27/2008 9:44:33 AM
    They'll always quote you a higher price when a)they can't fix it or b)don't have parts. Ask me I know not so long ago I was quoted R10 000 for a gearbox problem at VW. After telling the Service guy that he belonged in a looney bin if he expected me to pay 10g's he then took me aside and told me to visit some place in Parow that cost me R2000 for the same problem. Moral: When they first quoted you R9000, it wasnt a mistake, they were subtly saying we can't fix it - go elsewhere...
    - jeep avoider 8/27/2008 9:44:35 AM
    Yes! There is definately something wrong with Jeep as Canal Walk. I was shopping for a Jeep a few months ago and walked around the showroom floor for about 20 mins, the sales staff blatently ignored me! And they were not busy, I was the only one in the shop! I then drove to the Newlands branch and at least got to test drive one of them juice guzzlers.
    George 8/27/2008 9:44:38 AM
    Sorry to hear about your woes. As a Defender driver, I know all about poor service from the agents. So I can feel your pain.
    Marika 8/27/2008 9:45:18 AM
    WOW, I must say this article perfectly personifies what I am currently going through with my HONDA Ballade. In the last two years I have been finding out that most places have no cooking clue what they are doing. No one has picked up until now that my power stearing pully is faulty and hence damaging my cv joints. Mind you this part has been faulty for nearly three years now as a result of an accident my brother was in with my car, along with a ball bearing in the wheel which only just got picked up.
    OverDaJeep 8/27/2008 9:45:34 AM
    It is so funny reading this article, yesterday I also received a 'courtesy' call (Daimler Chrysler Randburg). The guy on the other side of the line asked me if i was happy with my vehicle/service... You see the problem is that they still have my freakin vehicle. All i could do is laugh
    Marika 8/27/2008 9:45:52 AM
    No, instead they just keep replacing the cv joints when the problem is bigger than that. The guy that fixed my engine after my cylinder head cracked (as a result of someone elses shoddy repair mind you), screwed up my timing to the point where the cam belt was three teeth off and I've taken my car in to get my speedometer reparied six times already in the last three months.
    Marika 8/27/2008 9:46:19 AM
    Please note, I am now driving something along the lines of 360km per hour in my drive way as the needle is now UNDER my pin. That's where the needle ended up after taking it to HONDA and they are telling me it wasn't them even though it wasn't there before I took it to them. My car also picked up a strange noise after I took it to HONDA which turned out to be a loose bolt in my engine. Lets not even go there, shall we? I'm reacing the point where I just might consider buying the book that tells me how my car is built and fixing it myself.
    Karen 8/27/2008 9:49:29 AM
    I have actually had very polite service from VW Claremont but their mechanics must be useless because after many visits (lost count) and thousands of rands the problem was never fixed. I sold the car and bought from Porters in Paarden Eiland and there the salesman was wonderful, but even the service consultants there are useless. I am a woman and they tried to insinuate that I haven't a clue what I'm talking about when I reported cv joint problems 6 moonths after buying the car. After going back a couple times and insisting thre was problem and it was cv joints they tried to tell me that cv joints could go at any time - I beg your pardon!? Electricals I can sort of understand, but cv joints? I also told them that there must be some underlying cause to make wear the cv joints down so quickly so they must investigate. I told them it was both, they insisted it was only one and only ordered one. Then discovered that it was in fact both so I had to wait another week so they could order the other one. They ignored my insistence of an underlying problem so 3 months later I was back with the cv joints worn down again. All this while enduring the arrogant, smurkiness of a salesman that seemed to thing woman know nothing about cars and will believe rubbish a man mutters. It was time for a service so I took the car and told them that the cv joints we on their way out again. When I fetched the car, miraculously the problem was gone and they swear they didn't do anything!! A year later and its still fine, I guess they had egg on their face. When the mechani
    Sandelk 8/27/2008 9:49:58 AM
    Try Williams Hunt Delta in Durban - they fought 2 weeks with me telling me the reason my car was breaking down was the battety, depsite evidence ot the contrary from a battery expert and then once I'm forced to pay for a ew battery it breaks down again only for them to say - oh it wasn't the battery after all... But they won't apologise or pay me back for my expense. Ridiculous.
    Only_Me 8/27/2008 9:51:14 AM
    Worst possible service is from Jeep,been there done that,never again! Feel sorry for you Chris but if you want a great product buy a Toyota 4x4 and a Lexus sedan,you wont go wrong. I dont work for either company just learnt from experience whats best :)
    tim 8/27/2008 9:53:22 AM
    I was actually considering buying a Jeep but after reading all the bad reviews on various forums I decided not to. Instead I bought a Pajero...an absolute dream :)...Had it for 4 months...no problems and as tough as you can get. Service is always perfect. Anyone considering buying a Jeep..DON"T...Buy Pajero!!
    arrogance 8/27/2008 9:53:24 AM
    after complaining to consolodated auto(mazda)about bad service their response was rude and complaining about I was told they will talk to me anyway they please. I am selling my Mazda. Henri
    GuviJ 8/27/2008 9:56:45 AM
    I just find it odd that people complain about their choice of vehicles down the line. Call me a member of the herd, but when it comes to off roading in nowhere, I stick with
    Theresa 8/27/2008 9:58:10 AM
    Jeepers Creepers!
    Karl 8/27/2008 10:00:03 AM
    My pathfinder's clutch packed up towing a caravan to the Kruger Park. WE got there then Nissan organised a loan Hardbody Double Cab to be brought all the the way to Kruger from Witbank. Then when it's gearbox failed (catastrophically) as we were leaving on the Sunday. They then send a Nissan PAtrol on a low bed to replace it and paid for anoghts accommodation at the nearest decent venue to Klaserie. Although the cars were problematic the Human Factor (good customer care) came through.
    turbo_superboss 8/27/2008 10:01:30 AM
    Marika thats exactly what I did, after my car's engine failed, I was not prepared to pay someone to fix my car. so I bought a cheap car of R3000 to get me around and fixed my car myself. I took the engine out, stripped it, had the motor engineered, then I assembled the motor and then in the process I did a turbo conversion on my car. My car is driving like a dream and any problem I have with it I simply fix it myself. Take into consideration, I knew nothing about cars before mine broke.
    Pajero Man 8/27/2008 10:03:18 AM
    If you looking for great service.. youre in the wrong country !! Bad service is the norm for all companies in Africa. If you want your Jeep fixed, I suggest you send it to Europe or the states !!
    niels 8/27/2008 10:07:19 AM
    Well you're the idiot for buying the jeep in the first place. No sympathy from these quarters. However, having bought a mitsubishi two years ago, I can guarentee that i will not be buying anything ever again from the Daimler Benz Chrysler Mitsubishi stable EVER AGAIN.
    Kobus 8/27/2008 10:09:21 AM
    VW eventually stopped giving me these courtesy calls after I asked them what they actually DO with the feedback they receive. The lady could not give me an answer, as none of my previous comments were ever commented or acted on. As far as mechanics are concerned - there is no such thing anymore; they are all parts replacers who will continue swopping out different parts (usually at your cost) until the problem (or you) goes away.
    Neil 8/27/2008 10:10:50 AM
    I've owned my Jeep for five years and have never had any problems, maybe because I service it at Jeep in Peter Place (William Nicol)in Jo'burg. Maybe Jo'burg mechanics smoke less doobie than their Kaapie counterparts?
    Oom_Kosie 8/27/2008 10:12:01 AM
    Jeep are always at the bottom of quality and satisfaction surveys - don't buy them! I don't understand why you bought the vehicle after you had such big problems (as detailed in your previous article). Volkswagen's service is also appalling! Just buy Japanese. The cars may be boring (although that is changing with some models), but they are definately more reliable. Service has always been good for me too.
    OverDaJeep 8/27/2008 10:12:11 AM
    I was just ranting about the fact that they called me yesterday (see previous post) So guess who just called me again!!! Same question, asking me if i am happy with my vehicle!!! WTF!?!
    Deon 8/27/2008 10:12:49 AM
    Chris, I too own a Jeep (2006 model) and it is the worst buy I have ever done. I have a knocking noise when braking to a halt and accelerating again. I have taken it into Jeep 4 times, and their mechanics are unable to rectify the problem. I'm just sick and tired of taking the vehicle in all the time, so I have just learned to live with it. Trying to sell the vehicle now, but of course no one wants to buy a damn Jeep. Never, ever again would I possibly buy one - rather ride a bicycle.
    Nguruve the Bushpig 8/27/2008 10:14:49 AM
    Cressida 3.0 I / 7MGE engine,intermittent misfire on one cylinder. Toyota Pinetown diagnosed sticking or broken valve,bent camshaft,head gasket blown,cracked cylinder head,burnt valve,kaput fuel injector system - all in one diagnosis. Nissan Delmas found the problem...loose wire on one of the injector solenoids. Toyota estimated cost R15 000.00 upwards. Nissan cost..zip zero and a courtesy smile.
    Oom_Kosie 8/27/2008 10:15:55 AM
    Jeep are always at the bottom of quality and satisfaction surveys - don't buy them! I don't understand why you bought the vehicle after you had such big problems (as detailed in your previous article). Volkswagen's service is also appalling! Just buy Japanese. The cars may be boring (although that is changing with some models), but they are definately more reliable. Service has always been good for me too.
    John Murray 8/27/2008 10:20:57 AM
    Man oh man, do I have empathy with you! There are so many stories to tell but let me start by saying my Jeep GC, HEMI was an awesome vehicle. WAS, yes - finally got rid of it. My favourite story is when my wife took the vehicle in to complain about wind noise in the roof. Jeep got every specialist they knew to check it out and finally concluded that I?d overloaded the roof rack, bent the roof and hence the noise, so no maintenance plan, cover. Anyway shortly after, I took the roofrack off and the noise went away, go figure!
    LoudP 8/27/2008 10:23:30 AM
    I had similar troubles with my Volvo. They can't fix anything anymore but have to replace everything. Alway pluggin' the friggin car into the computer to find out what's wrong with it, even though the gears are scrathing and clanging. Then try selling the thing afterwards (like your Jeep) it has no value and nobody wants it in any case.
    Gilbert 8/27/2008 10:25:21 AM
    I once owned a Jeep Cherokee. Fantastic off road for the first 50 000kms. Being American it is a commodity and needed throwing away (no one would trade it in). I also own a Merc and the combination of DC for service is a monumental joke. Now own an X5 and what a dream. I mainly use it to tow my Superbikes to the racing and have not had one days trouble and their service is top class. Go X5.
    Herman 8/27/2008 10:28:45 AM
    Jeep is a wonderful vehicle, and I love my Cherokee. But I do not take it to Chrysler near Century City any more for service. The service levels are bad and the last time they lowered a Mercedes onto my car's door. Was without a car for about 2 weeks. I now have mine serviced at Clive Wurz in Durbanville. Services are much more affordable, better service, and they use real Jeep parts.
    AJ 8/27/2008 10:30:01 AM
    Problem people have is they HAVE to take them to delaership for service (warranty etc), if you have a reliable old car you can take it anywhere to be serviced and some of teh non-dealership aligned guys know their stuff and have a much more vested interest in keeping you happy. Dealerships know you have to be back in 20 000 KM again. New cars - captive markets!
    Petro 8/27/2008 10:30:07 AM
    I had a similar experience with McCarthy's Arcadia, they phoned to hear if I am happy while I was still waiting for them to fix A-class merc. Needless to say, I immediately sold the MB and is now a happy Honda driver. Did the homework, now have best car.
    Happy Jeep Owner 8/27/2008 10:32:07 AM
    I'm thinking Chris doesn't own a Wrangler, but some other "Jeep". If it's not a Wrangler, it's not a Jeep, at least in my eyes. Have had my Wrangler for 2 and a half very very happy years. Thank you dankie. Go buy a Landy, already looking forward to the moan-columns ! :))
    Gilbert 8/27/2008 10:32:15 AM
    I once owned a Jeep Cherokee. Fantastic off road for the first 50 000kms. Being American it is a commodity and needed throwing away (no one would trade it in). I also own a Merc and the combination of DC for service is a monumental joke. Now own an X5 and what a dream. I mainly use it to tow my Superbikes to the racing and have not had one days trouble and their service is top class. Go X5.
    Disgusted With FIAT 8/27/2008 10:32:22 AM
    Guys, guys, guys, if you want to really experience bad , terrible, horrible service, go to FIAT Atlantis Motors in Centurion. They are the most arrogant and break grounds when it come to poor customer service. Typical poorly trained people in jobs that they are not held accountable for what they do. Must say that service from Fiat has been dismal from day on, so has the car. Even their regional manager spoke to me as if I was inferior.Never again.
    Avril 8/27/2008 10:35:05 AM
    Jeep, Toyota, BM, whatever! The bottom line is that the service that us South Africans put up with is our own faults! We are nice guys like Chris who don't want to make a fuss. My new tactic is to complain about anything I think is not worth the money I am paying (or intend paying). My new big mate is Peter. Hello!
    tori 8/27/2008 10:37:53 AM
    well at least we now know where Jeep is getting the SIX MONTHS FREE PETROL WHEN YOU BUY A JEEP that they've been advertising
    Ernst 8/27/2008 10:38:20 AM
    Hey Chris, Cut your losses and get rid of that piece of yankee crap! Buy yourself a Toyota Land Cruiser instead... service not much better but at least the things hardly ever break!
    Avril 8/27/2008 10:38:35 AM
    Good one !!!!! Giggle of the day!! :-D
    Rossmc 8/27/2008 10:39:31 AM
    Your interpretation is incorrect as a VW workshop tried to pull the exact con on me. In my case they removed a fuse to wreck my Jetta's computer, and then quoted me a huge number to have the carb replaced. I had only taken it in for a service and previously the engine was running perfectly. Needless to say when I freaked out I was also taken aside and recommended somewhere else and cheaper. Not cause they couldn't fix it, the mechanic was trying to make a quick couple of grand!
    TB 8/27/2008 10:40:18 AM
    Dent on the front fender, bumper & broken headlight: Two weeks to fix at R11 000. Got car back: Central locking all of a sudden not working, back seat totally loose, car door cover clips broken. What the hell did they do under or on the back seat?
    Danie 8/27/2008 10:41:03 AM
    I love my Jeep - its a nice looking vehicle with all the capabilities I need for living in Zululand with so much to do in the outdoors. Sadly I have had only mediocre servive from the dealer in Empangeni (that is when you finally get a booking to do your service). Very dissapointing
    Silo's 8/27/2008 10:41:57 AM
    if we could look @ how services is rendered at the customers is very terrible,t doesn't matter which service you asked it will putuin a drain for sure been in customers services field,i unnderstand what Chris went through,way forward is for the entities to improve their service standards which we not eve sure of it.
    Syllable 8/27/2008 10:43:14 AM
    On behalf of your avid readers I am just inquiring whether you are finding our response satisfactory. Are you happy with the quality of comments? How would you rate the average comment on a scale from one to five, five being excellent? Thank you for your participation. Please call again!
    Niki 8/27/2008 10:46:14 AM
    I drive the most awesome modified jeep wrangler and as good as it is, every time i take it for its maintenance checks, the service by Jeep in the UAE is shocking and so costly! R5000 minimum just to change oil, filters etc!
    Joe Soap 8/27/2008 10:48:15 AM
    Jeeps were exceptionally light on fuel and tyres. That's because they were always standing in the workshop. Sadly, they can't even live up to that reputation anymore. I'm proud to say I drive a car that's worth nothing and its 10 years' worth of maintenance has cost me the equivalent of one installment on a Jeep. (Literally!)
    Matrix 8/27/2008 10:48:45 AM
    Pathetic service experienced. Also, Honda in Bellville, now GWM dealer, just as bad. If possible they should be avoided like the plague. Bcause of bad service & problems, I switched from Landrover to Toyota Landcruiser 2nd hand diesel, bought from Honda. Number of issues they refused to fix. These deakers & mechanics deserve the flak they are getting. I say, boikot them if possible. Hurt them where it is hurting us as consumers of their products. Requesting SA Motoring Ass also does not help.
    Rudolf 8/27/2008 10:52:09 AM
    I've got a Cherokee. Rola Motors in Somerset West is very good at replacing things that are not really broken. Replaced the rear A-frame (R3800) after the mechanic told me that the suspension can collapse if I don't replace it. Had a look at my old part and took it to a suspension guy for a 2nd opinion. He said I was ripped off, there's nothing wrong with it! Now that car sales are down, they nail us on servicing!
    cvz 8/27/2008 10:52:16 AM
    Buy a BMW! No hassles, no fuss, just sheer driving pleasure!
    Grey 8/27/2008 10:53:23 AM
    It is because of such poor service and quality that you can pick up a one year old Cherokee for 30-33% off the new price. Obviously a lot of people give up on them quickly. Try buying a 1 year old Prado, Fortuner or Cruiser that is one year old and see how much better it retains its value.
    Mojojo 8/27/2008 11:04:09 AM
    I've read the article and this service is brilliant compared to what you can expect from AWH Motors in Goodwood. They sold us an unroadworthy car, Bad service, lies, false promises and the list goes on and on. Never ever again will I even look through a window at that place.
    sudika 8/27/2008 11:08:05 AM
    They sent unqualified idiots 3 times to check the machine, these people refused to even open it saying they have to hear whats wrong with it to fix it. They admitted they have no qulaifications. Called Samsung head office, they promised me a new contractor. The 4th time, the same idiots call back, i told them not to come. I have now decided to let the machine break and i am sure it will before the 24month guarantee, as Samsung doesnt care! They can replace it.
    SW 8/27/2008 11:11:58 AM
    I drive my Audi to Windhoek where there are still "German" mechanics that knows something about cars.
    Ryan 8/27/2008 11:15:43 AM
    At Desparate, Did you buy your Ford from AWH by any chance, because then I can understad your frustration. I bought a Fiesta from Porters Rondebosch. Great service. I have it serviced at Porters, Cape Town, once again great service. My GF bought her Fiesta From AWH. Well, all I can say is that immoral and unethical are words that come to mind. Nevermind the state we recieved the car in.
    Werner 8/27/2008 11:21:00 AM
    Chris, there is no such thing as a ?Mechanic? working for these dealerships (Agents). They are actually called Fitters and therefore only replace parts without any diagnostic knowledge. You will find better service at an independent workshop like SAC (Steve?s auto clinic).
    Matrix 8/27/2008 11:22:14 AM
    My experience is ALL the main vehicle dealers do a wonderfull job as sales people, then over charge all of us for services / fix problems & make us the consumers out to be idiots when explaining to them what is wrong. Take all my vehicles (after gaurantee expires) to non-dealer mechanics. They DO THEIR BEST to keep you happy. One of them is Sentra Motor Repairs in Stikland, another is Landrover club Midrand (not a dealer but 2nd hand vehicle mechanic specialising in Landy, Jeep, any 4x4).
    Bruce 8/27/2008 11:22:26 AM
    Isnt this one a beaut. Had to have my Jeep disc pads replaced. The cost quoted was astronomical. The response by the Jeep service manager was. Sir we work out of a lifestyle centre, which you need to pay for!!!!!!!
    James 8/27/2008 11:27:03 AM
    Hey Chris, all I can say is STAY AWAY from that whole area at Canal Walk, Jeep, Merc ..... all those dealer there are the same. I wanted to buy a Merc and was shocked at how I was treated. I thin had a look at Jeep and was shocked even more so I ran like hell ........ When you buy your next car have a good look at your dealer. Be strong and don't take their crap, put your foot down and give them HELL .... :-)
    Silo's 8/27/2008 11:28:13 AM
    If you looking for a good services in SA go to S.A Brewery or the S A parliament.
    selan chetty 8/27/2008 11:39:32 AM
    Poor service levels is experienced across all dealers. I bought a brand new Jetta 5. From day 1, the most awful smell permeatedthe vehicle. Complaints fell on deaf ears...eventually after 2 yrs they changed the seats. 6 months later the smell is so bad that I am physically sick. I have a chest that just tightens up. My kids are even reluctant to get into the car.I took the car to lindsay Saker Midrand last week. They tinkered with the aircon and filter, but its actually worse now.My poor chest!
    Francois 8/27/2008 11:40:55 AM
    This is a perfect example of how bad service is in SA. You`ll find this in all spheres of business. South Africans are clueless when it comes to customer service and you only realise how bad when you visit other countries. We can learn so much from the States but then again, we won`t.
    havoc 8/27/2008 11:41:42 AM
    My Discovery has done just over 670000KM (mostly rough terrain) with no problems. I do all my own servicing - won't ever use the dealers. The worst car I've ever had was a Toyota Corolla. I had endless problems with the car and with the dealer service. I was only too glad to be rid of that pile of junk a year after I bought it brand new.
    Cynthia 8/27/2008 11:41:58 AM
    We had a Toyota Carolla that had 348 000km on the clock that had nothing wrong with it, till my dad wrote it of, that is. Buy one, you wont regret it.
    Marinda 8/27/2008 11:46:47 AM
    I have a VW story longer than my arm of absolutely abysmal service. The brand new Golf (my 3rd VW) I drove was more at the workshop than it was with me. Now drive a Honda Civic - have had great service and I am sure it's a sin to like a car this much! I will never drive a VW again.
    Gary 8/27/2008 11:54:32 AM
    Makes me smile everytime I read an article like this and knowing that my 14 year old Honda Ballade downstairs will probably sell for more second hand in a few years than your JEEP. 4X4 and all wheel steering and and and and is all needed to todays commute to work you know? ROTFLMAO!!!!!!

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