Vent: Repair Frustrations

[Kamuelaflyer]

Finally got an update from the dealer. Turns out, they can't figure out how to get it onto the rack to inspect. Something wrong with the wheels and their system. So it's been sitting there for three weeks just on their lot while they figure it out.

?‍?‍?‍

WTAF?!

Sponsored

 

[milepost1]

Thought i would add a vent. Had minor accident, ran over raccoon. Dealer quoted almost 7k. Insurance says 2k. Asked to have it broken down by parts and labor. Was told they "cant" do that. However he did tell me the condenser was $800. On thier web site it is listed for $245. Asked dealer to work with insurance. After 2 weeks finally told me Safeco wanted to fix it on the cheap. But when i look at everything the $1500 from Safeco is more than generous. Collision center is doing it for $1900. Asked are you using OEM parts? Yes as only place you can get them. They are ordering the parts of the dealers web site. Safeco said no problem will send a check for another $400 I think a 5k mark up is a bit excessive. And called them everyday they told me they were working with insurance. Safeco said if hidden damage just let them know. I will be changing dealers for sure. I cant beleive they can not break the cost down or explain why their estimate is 5k more.

 

[DJJeffT]

Finally got an update from the dealer. Turns out, they can't figure out how to get it onto the rack to inspect. Something wrong with the wheels and their system. So it's been sitting there for three weeks just on their lot while they figure it out.

?‍?‍?‍

Maybe @Ford Motor Company can help here?

 

[jeremykraft]

Maybe @Ford Motor Company can help here?

I would accept any help here.

It's a little frustrating that a Ford dealership in an area with a pretty high saturation of electric vehicles (a stunning car like the Mach-E should be a hit in the Seattle area) can't figure out how to diagnosis a damaged vehicle. Even tried a nice tweet out to Jim Farley on Twitter with no luck.

It's this kinda thing that's going to be a barrier to mass market EV adoption beyond bleeding edge adopters.

 

[DYohn]

The only thing I would add to this (besides my sincere hope that no one was injured) is I'd be calling my insurance agent or adjuster every other day. Be a pest with the insurance company. The Ford dealer is being paid by them, not you, and it's the insurance company with the biggest stake in this besides yourself. They would be blocking my phone number by now if this had happened to my car - or approving a total and new car ASAP.

 

[jeremykraft]

The only thing I would add to this (besides my sincere hope that no one was injured) is I'd be calling my insurance agent or adjuster every other day. Be a pest with the insurance company. The Ford dealer is being paid by them, not you, and it's the insurance company with the biggest stake in this besides yourself. They would be blocking my phone number by now if this had happened to my car - or approving a total and new car ASAP.

Good advice. I've already escalated to my rep's manager and he's been texting me but yeah, there's a lack of urgency from all involved.

What was frustrating was when I asked the dealership about how they were going to figure out how to get the car on a lift, he was like "I don't know. Gonna need to get creative." Which is not an inspiring response.

And no one was hurt. The Mach-E is built like tank.

 

[blue92lx]

I can only imagine this is going to take forever to repair. There was an old thread where someone was quoted like 6 months wait just for a front or rear bumper cover. Pandemic and all, but I just hope I don't get hit, that's for sure. Some dealers don't even have a rental available and you're on your own. It's crazy.

 

[jeremykraft]

Update: dealership is stating they can't safely repair the car and recommended that my insurance call it a total loss. Waiting on the approvals from GEICO and then I'll start looking for another one (hopefully, find one on a lot somewhere).

 

[HuntingPudel]

Update: dealership is stating they can't safely repair the car and recommended that my insurance call it a total loss. Waiting on the approvals from GEICO and then I'll start looking for another one (hopefully, find one on a lot somewhere).

Oh, man. So sad. Especially after all this time. Dealer did you no favor and the insurance company let it slide too long. So sorry.

 

[ARK]

Update: dealership is stating they can't safely repair the car and recommended that my insurance call it a total loss. Waiting on the approvals from GEICO and then I'll start looking for another one (hopefully, find one on a lot somewhere).

That's really unfortunate. Any chance you can post pictures to show us how bad of an accident it was?

Also, I wonder if you might be able to try and get another dealer to look at it, maybe if your insurance company would be willing to try and tow it?

On the other hand, if it is a borderline case, I'm not sure I would want a vehicle that was that extensively damaged repaired and given back to me, so maybe this isn't the worse thing if the choice is between totaling the car and cashing you out (at pretty close to MSRP given used car prices), and doing major repairs (except for the difficulty you will face in finding a replacement).

 

[exact33]

Update: dealership is stating they can't safely repair the car and recommended that my insurance call it a total loss. Waiting on the approvals from GEICO and then I'll start looking for another one (hopefully, find one on a lot somewhere).

Sorry to hear the news. Get a GT!!

I had a minor fender bender and it took several weeks to get a new bumper but took less than a week to install and repaint.

 

[jeremykraft]

That's really unfortunate. Any chance you can post pictures to show us how bad of an accident it was?

Also, I wonder if you might be able to try and get another dealer to look at it, maybe if your insurance company would be willing to try and tow it?

On the other hand, if it is a borderline case, I'm not sure I would want a vehicle that was that extensively damaged repaired and given back to me, so maybe this isn't the worse thing if the choice is between totaling the car and cashing you out (at pretty close to MSRP given used car prices), and doing major repairs (except for the difficulty you will face in finding a replacement).

.

See the photo. Body shop quoted $15K for the body work but Ford said that given the damage to the battery pack, it wasn't safe to repair.

I'm OK with a total loss assuming I get a fair value from GEICO. I've seen a number of used Mach-Es with a couple thousand miles on them that are good fit.

 

[jeremykraft]

Updated photo from the collusion center today.

 

[Kabish]

Update: dealership is stating they can't safely repair the car and recommended that my insurance call it a total loss.

Whhhhuuut!?!?!

The dealership seems to already be incompetent from what you have said. I don't know how much worth them saying "whelp sorry bud it can't be "safely" repaired". I read that as, "Sorry we have no idea what we are doing and too scared to die from this battery". Totaling a car is no small decision, their incompetence or lack of knowledge is not a reason.

If you make it out even from GEICO, I would say its a wash and who cares if the total it. If GEICO won't pay off the car, I'd raise hell or have that dealership send the car to another dealership that knows what they are doing.

I'll go back to my original recommendation, even more now, get a lawyer..

 

[jeremykraft]

Whhhhuuut!?!?!

The dealership seems to already be incompetent from what you have said. I don't know how much worth them saying "whelp sorry bud it can't be "safely" repaired". I read that as, "Sorry we have no idea what we are doing and too scared to die from this battery". Totaling a car is no small decision, their incompetence or lack of knowledge is not a reason.

If you make it out even from GEICO, I would say its a wash and who cares if the total it. If GEICO won't pay off the car, I'd raise hell or have that dealership send the car to another dealership that knows what they are doing.

I'll go back to my original recommendation, even more now, get a lawyer..

Dealership was AutoNation Bellevue. Given the popularity of EVs in the Puget Sound area, I would hope they'd have some experience with battery packs. Still no word back from GEICO; waiting on manager approval.

Sponsored