Issues with Kramer Mazda

[Jonrox]

I am a long-time Kramer customer - I bought my first car from them in 2002 when they were still at the Macleod location by Chinook Mall. At the time service was great. Their problems started after they moved to the new location.

Basically Kramer went from being an average sized Mazda dealership to one of the biggest in Canada almost overnight (they had one month shortly after the move where they were the #3 dealershipin sales in North America). Kramer grew too fast too quick, and the service department couldn't keep up. They self-admittedly couldn't handle the increased volume effectively.

I went through these growing pains with them (I've now bought 4 cars from Kramer over the past 9 years - periods of which I thought I'd never go back) and can now say that I would recommend this dealership to anyone. They implemented a number of changes, especially over the past year that have made a huge improvement. They expanded the hours the service department is open and have hired several new service advisors - and these guys actually seem like they care.

Mazda makes great cars and the Kramer service department is what will keep me going back.

[MJM]

Originally Posted by Jonrox

I am a long-time Kramer customer - I bought my first car from them in 2002 when they were still at the Macleod location by Chinook Mall. At the time service was great. Their problems started after they moved to the new location.

Basically Kramer went from being an average sized Mazda dealership to one of the biggest in Canada almost overnight (they had one month shortly after the move where they were the #3 dealershipin sales in North America). Kramer grew too fast too quick, and the service department couldn't keep up. They self-admittedly couldn't handle the increased volume effectively.

I went through these growing pains with them (I've now bought 4 cars from Kramer over the past 9 years - periods of which I thought I'd never go back) and can now say that I would recommend this dealership to anyone. They implemented a number of changes, especially over the past year that have made a huge improvement. They expanded the hours the service department is open and have hired several new service advisors - and these guys actually seem like they care.

Mazda makes great cars and the Kramer service department is what will keep me going back.

The majority of my problems came a couple of years ago. It would appear they have gotten way better given their response today.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Very old thread, however, the title is fitting. Resurrected!

I had engine problems, CEL, running poorly, blowing smoke out of the exhaust about 2 weeks ago. I had my car towed to Kramer Mazda to have it diagnosed and repaired.

The diagnosis was a blow 4th rod bearing and that the engine would have to be replaced. No problem, I bought an extended warranty with the car and all would be covered. The confirmation came from the warranty company and they agreed to cover $3000, $1600 for the engine and $1400.00 for the labour. The book rates the removal and re-install at about 8-9 hours.

I give the go ahead to have the engine replaced. I get a call last Friday telling me that the technician broke the alternator, and that I would have to buy a new alternator (not covered by the warranty), BS! Appartently, the connection was broken, and it was rusted I would need a new alternator soon regardless. I give the go ahead to put in a $200 rebuilt alternator. The next day, Saturday, I get a call telling me that the car is ready to go, just needs a shakedown to make sure all is working well. 20 minutes later another call telling me that the transmission is having issues and will not engage, they need some more time.

That brings me to today, the service advisor calls and tells me that there is no line pressure in the transmission and I am going to have to get a new transmission!!

The car drove into the shop, and onto the hoist!! The transmission was fine.

What recourse do I have, will AMVIC help in this situation?


Thank you for your help.

[algernon]

My Girl bought her Mazada 3 there.
The salesman's name was Mohammed.

I told her he was only in it for the profit.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by GreatWhiteEbola

Very old thread, however, the title is fitting. Resurrected!

I had engine problems, CEL, running poorly, blowing smoke out of the exhaust about 2 weeks ago. I had my car towed to Kramer Mazda to have it diagnosed and repaired.

The diagnosis was a blow 4th rod bearing and that the engine would have to be replaced. No problem, I bought an extened warranty with the car and all would be covered. The confirmation came from the warranty company and they agreed to cover $3000, $1600 for the engine and $1400.00 for the labour. The book rates the removal and re-install at about 8-9 hours.

I give the go ahead to have the engine replaced. I get a call last Friday telling me that the technician broke the alternator, and that I would have to buy a new alternator (not covered by the warranty), BS! Appartently, the connection was broken, and it was rusted I would need a new alternator soon regardless. I give the go ahead to put in a $200 rebuilt alternator. The next day, Saturday, I get a call telling me that the car is ready to go, just needs a shakedown to make sure all is working well. 20 minutes later another call telling me that the transmission is having issues and will not engage, they need some more time.

That brings me to today, the service advisor calls and tells me that there is no line pressure in the transmission and I am going to have to get a new transmission!!

The car drove into the shop, and onto the hoist!! The transmission was fine.

What recourse do I have, will AMVIC help in this situation?


Thank you for your help.

Do they expect you to pay for the replacement of the transmission? Also what year is this car, for my own curiousity?

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Do they expect you to pay for the replacement of the transmission? Also what year is this car, for my own curiousity?

The implication was that I pay for the transmission, nothing definative. The service advisor said they will be calling me back.

The car is 2004 and not a Mazda. I went to Kramer on the advice of a relative. I was told they were honest and good at what they do...

[Huntingwhale]

I bought my car at Kramer Mazda. Sure, sometimes they don't answer the phone, or return a call, but that's to be expected. I have had nohting but excellent service from them.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

I bought my car at Kramer Mazda. Sure, sometimes they don't answer the phone, or return a call, but that's to be expected. I have had nohting but excellent service from them.

The exact statements are what have me in my current situation.

[Tyler]

Getting an automatic car starter installed there next Friday. Here's hoping nothing goes wrong! Those who have had 1-way starters installed at Kramer... anything I should know about?

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Originally Posted by Tyler

Getting an automatic car starter installed there next Friday. Here's hoping nothing goes wrong! Those who have had 1-way starters installed at Kramer... anything I should know about?

Honestly, they are probably no different then the rest. They have been alright to deal with, other then never answering the phone and possibly ripping me off.

I just want to know if I am forced, would AMVIC have jurisdiction in this matter.

Just got a message; "We are pulling out the transmission, to determine if it is something we did wrong". Well it worked before you pulled the engine and transmission...my money is on, yes you did something wrong.

[Pinner]

Poked a hole in the torque converter during re & re ? That would do it. nm just guessing.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

More information coming to light...

The engine the warranty company sent was from a manual transmission car, and had to be "modified" to accept the automatic.

I doubt they will claim that the issues with the transmission were pre-existing. I will be shocked if they do.

[Pinner]

Good for you,

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by GreatWhiteEbola

More information coming to light...

The engine the warranty company sent was from a manual transmission car, and had to be "modified" to accept the automatic.

I doubt they will claim that the issues with the transmission were pre-existing. I will be shocked if they do.

They gave you an engine out of another car instead of a crate engine, and then the shop butchered the block to make the transmission match up???



Run.

[Calgary '89]

Guys,

As much as we all use CP to vent a little, this isn't the best way to make ourselves heard about something a business has done to piss us off. Use the google or yellowpages reviews, those things are so powerful.

Just take a look at Tripadvisor or expedia hotel reviews, as soon as something bad is posted, the company has a chance to make it better for you and stop looking like idiots.

[algernon]

Originally Posted by Calgary '89

Guys,

As much as we all use CP to vent a little, this isn't the best way to make ourselves heard about something a business has done to piss us off. Use the google or yellowpages reviews, those things are so powerful.

Just take a look at Tripadvisor or expedia hotel reviews, as soon as something bad is posted, the company has a chance to make it better for you and stop looking like idiots.

I don't get it.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

They gave you an engine out of another car instead of a crate engine, and then the shop butchered the block to make the transmission match up???



Run.

"Modifications" was their term, a crate engine would have been thousands of dollars, the warranty company approved $3000 for the R&R.

Most likely the only modification made was exchanging the flywheel and some other components from the non-functional engine to the newer engine. Minor in the whole scope of things.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Originally Posted by Calgary '89

Guys,

As much as we all use CP to vent a little, this isn't the best way to make ourselves heard about something a business has done to piss us off. Use the google or yellowpages reviews, those things are so powerful.

Just take a look at Tripadvisor or expedia hotel reviews, as soon as something bad is posted, the company has a chance to make it better for you and stop looking like idiots.

Originally Posted by algernon

I don't get it.

Me neither. I am seeking advice about AMVIC, which will be my next step if a resolution isn't forth-coming.

[Southside]

Is this a Calgary thing? At 40 years old, I've owned 8 new vehicles in 3 provinces, 1 Ford the rest Chevys. Always let the dealer that sold me the vehicle service it, until now. Never had a problem with a dealer until the last purchase here in Calgary. Bottomline, I'll never spend a dime at Southgate Chev again in my life. I'll also never likely buy domestic again at anyrate.

[Calgary '89]

Originally Posted by GreatWhiteEbola

Me neither. I am seeking advice about AMVIC, which will be my next step if a resolution isn't forth-coming.

The point is, if you want to be heard or want something done about it, post in the review section on websites that 1000's of people look at. Google and Yellow Pages.