L.B. Smith Ford Service Department Ripped Me Off, General Manager defends Ripping Off People Lemoyne Pennsylvania

It is hard to believe I am faced with writing this on here, I have been a good customer of L.B. Smith Ford for nearly 10 years. I bought my current vehicle there, and thousands of dollars of parts there for all of our Ford products over the years. Unfortunately, the management of L.B. Smith Ford cannot admit to a mistake and do the right thing.

I took my vehicle to L.B. Smith Ford in November 2008 for a repair. I knew what the issue was, and reported this to the service Advisor. The vehicle had 254,371 mile on it at this time.

The service department knew it was a relativly major problem, however neglected to say anything about not repairing high mileage engines. They took it in and proceeded to "diagnose" the problem, (which they had already been informed of the exact nature of the problem). Then charge me $248.00 to tell me they "would not fix it". The service write up has the mileage listed on it. Why didn't they call me, or inform me when I dropped it off that they would not fix it with that much mileage?

When Steve Vancena, service manager was confronted as to why I was ripped off, I was spoken down to as if I were a child without a clue as to the complex operation of an engine (This is not the case as I preformed the repair for which I took the vehicle them, about two years and 100,000+ miles previous).

I then took the issue to Homer Hetrick the President of L.B. Smith Ford. He made me a token gift offer of returning fifty percent of my money, which he finally did, however, it took him nearly a month to actually get me a check (I paid cash when I picked up the vehicle).

A second issue on the same visit involves the craftsmanship of a Ford Motors Company Recall. The work was preformed, however, extremely poor craftsmanship does not do justice for the work done. It looked as if a shade tree mechanic cobbled it together. If this is Fords idea of quality, I can see why they are suffering economically.

I guess since they know I am capable of my own repairs, and they rarely get any work from me (Except the annual inspection/emissions and parts, for both of which they will never get my business again). They felt it necessary to find a method to get money out of my pocket.

I have since made the repair myself, that they refused to make, and put about 30,000 miles on it without any further problem.

The issue has been reported to the Better Business Bureau, and is currently an open complaint.

L.B. Smith Ford used to be a good company to deal with. It appears they no longer wish to maintain this standard of professionalism. Greed and typical shade tree auto mechanic excuses rule the day now.

Andrew
Manchester, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.