Dealer smashed into a curb. What do I need to check

Thanks everyone. My short test drive was literally around the parking lot and maybe 1/4 mile before I brought it back. The service adviser drove it and noticed how badly the alignment was off. I have plenty more pictures and they were made fully aware of the issue. I just emailed and left a voicemail for the service manager as well since they are closed. I probably should have raised more hell there but after being there for 4 hours I was already late for an appointment and ready to get out of there.

 

Four hours for an oil change? That is a terrible dealership...

 

exactly

 

I would've flipped out, that's what you should've done. They need to pay to fix all the damage they caused. I think your first mistake was not saying anything. Hopefully they'll still fix it for free because you took pictures.

 

When I was an advisor... I would've brought the situation up to you, not wait for you to say something and drive it off pulling and possibly unsafe. I would've then asked if you wanted a free rental so we could keep your vehicle and assess the situation with no rush. Accidents happen- I've seen some minor, major, and everywhere in between when I was in that position. What I learned early on was to be proactive. It's not that it happened, it's how it's handled after that makes the difference. And that tech would be lucky to keep his job. Because I'd be wondering how many times he's driven like a tool and caused issues without saying a word.

 

If alignment was off that means something got bent. Dealer may have masked problem for now by doing an alignment , but underlying problem is going to come back to hunt you later. Your truck needs new parts and dealer should pay for them.

 

I just took my 7 month old, 6500mi. Tacoma in for a clutch master cylinder replacement. They said, "you missed your 1st maintenance". I said, I prefer to do my own oil changes. They said, "why, it's free for the 1st 5 oil changes". I simply said, it's not worth my time.

...this is precisely why I never want to go to the dealer, "free" oil changes turns into this bullshit.

Best wishes to you OP

 

new tire for sure.

check for bent tie rods and cam tabs. The alignment had to move some how..

I would of fucking FLIPPED MY SHIT if i saw that. This is why i just dont take my truck to the dealers.

Check your oil level too.... and from now on do your own oil changes!

 

I hope they bent the frame. Have seen many low speed curb encounters that tweeked the farm. That equals a new truck.

Curb contacts with the front at an angle can diamond shape the frame. Please have an independent frame shop check this when you get it back from the dealer. A good alignment man can hide a diamond shaped frame.

 

I drive by my local Honda dealer on the way home every day, I'm a customer there as well.

I saw a detail-boy flying out of the service way, can hear the tires squealing with my windows up, and slam on the brakes before going into another building. Then spinning tire to enter.

I called and left a voicemail on the service manager's phone describing this and stating I was a customer as well. I asked, "can I expect my vehicle to be treated this way when I buy/service my vehicle at your dealership"... he called back and left me a voicemail apologizing... blah blah blah

 

I would have had some labor pains for the birth of the baby I would have had right in the service dept!!!

 

I just received an email from the GM saying they will be reviewing the tapes and I can expect a call first thing Monday morning. I got the " this is not how our dealer behaves blah blah. Kind of surprised he responded at 9pm on a Saturday night.

 

OP, I am humbled by your zen. I feel like I should be wearing a Karate gi and be called grasshopper while reading this.
Shit like that makes me want to climb into a bell tower.
+1

 

Wow. I would have had the GM, Service Mgr, and the car jockey on the carpet on the spot. I wouldn't have waited 4 hours for an oil change either.

 

I would have gone apeshit and made sure every other customer in there heard me and How they treated the truck.

 

I think the old saying goes... easier to attract more flies with honey, than vinegar...

 

2 years ago due to snow I did a slow 5 mph slide into the curb with my Nissan, the alignment was off a bit so I did a "dirty" alignment and noticed that I now had a slightly bent tie rod.

To shorten the story, I drove the car for 10 months without any issues and then one day the tie rod broke while I was driving (luckily only at 30mph)

Have them replace the tie rods if they even have the slightest hint of damage. (look for distorted or cracking paint)

 

OP, the Pope called. Your canonization is next Thursday.

I think it's time to guilt card. Summon the collective power of grandmothers, nuns, school nurses, and Vince Lombardi. You've been cool thus far, make it icy now. When my dad was yelling at me, I knew all was right in the world. When he was calm and quiet, I knew I was cooked.

Everyone's recommendations are great. An extended warranty is another good demand, and dealerships can give those.

If I was that GM, I'd demand a personal apology delivered in front of the rest of the service staff from the tech who did it - if one felt it was okay you know others have done it too.

Best of luck with the dealership, and I hope your truck ends up well taken care of.

 

I agree with the OP he did the right thing he caught them in a trick and has the proof screaming and yelling is not going to get the truck fixed any faster. Any problems down the line will require the dealership to bend over backwards to accommodate him, if someone goes ballistic people have a tendency to become more defensive and less helpful.