Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Over the past decade or two, I have either leased high-end vehicles or purchased one outright, depending upon whether I could use the tax right-offs. I am not sure I can make any sound arguments as to why I chose to drive either a Cadillac or Lincoln, but those were what I decided to choose between, either a sedan or a SUV vehicle. I refuse to drive a foreign vehicle.

Since my primary clientele and prospects are executives and other wealthy Houston and Texas prospects, most of which drove luxury sedans or SUV’s, I wanted to swim in the same stream, so to speak. Since I was paying my own way, I chose U.S. made luxury vehicles, never anything foreign.

Over the last couple of decades, first I drove a number of Chevrolet Suburban’s then Cadillac Escalades because of the need to have the extra power to pull a boat. After I disposed of my last boat, I no longer chose to have such a large, gas-guzzling vehicle. For a long time, I had one of my favorites, a Lincoln! But eventually, even though I was retired now and not driving as much, the vehicle was requiring more replacement parts and upkeep, so I sold it and purchased a Lincoln MKX.

Now, the method by which I have come to judge dealerships by is this. When my vehicle needs service or by chance a manufacturer’s recall notice, I am particularly sensitive on the promptness and service I receive when I go to the service department for that service. First, for all the time I drove a Cadillac, there was an immediate response. When I pulled into the receiving area, a service technician would meet me with his clip board promptly to see what I needed.

Now, when I take my Lincoln MKX in for service, nothing similar happens. I am often left waiting for 15 to 20 minutes, before a service tech approaches. What I observe is other customers leaving their vehicles and going in to ‘collar’ a service technician. Now, I may be wrong, but if you purchase a premium vehicle, aren’t you wrong to expect premium service? Well, right or wrong, I do!

Within the past week, I had a recall notice that is now over two years old! My wife and I have both taken this vehicle in to the dealership more than twice to rectify this notice. On this recent visit, only one of the two notices could be fixed, the other part had not been sent by the factory! Now I checked the time when I delivered the vehicle to the service technician. It is exactly two hours before the vehicle is moved. It was almost exactly another hour before the work was completed. In my opinion, the Ford Motor Company wants Lincoln to be considered a luxury brand, but their service is definitely Ford, or a used car dealership! Just Sayin…RJS

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Sad thing is Ford/ Lincoln/ Mercury are all foreign made now. Look at the parts stamps. Lots of them made in China, Main factories in Mexico. There’s really nothing that isn’t foreign made now and if you have any parts replaced, genuine parts, check out where they come from. I just replaced the turbo charger in my pickup. Ordered it straight from Chevrolet. “Product of U.S. made in China”. New brakes from Chevrolet dealer? “Product of U.S made in China”. My Ford, one ton crew cab? “Manufactured in Mexico”. 🤨

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Sad

Ken Bauer Loc: Sherwood Ohio

RJ
I worked for factories which supplied auto parts to the big 3 when I started 30 years ago. After a couple companies went out of business I realized only the Japanese companies were wanting to do business with us. Honda and Toyota were our biggest customers thru their sub suppliers. Being in Ohio Honda was much easier to work with when a problem would arise. I know it will ruffle some feathers but I started looking at the best vehicle for my purpose rather than a label. Sort of like politicians these days. Don't tell me how great you are I want to see results or out you go.

Just Say in

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

RJ: part of the problem pulling into a Lincoln dealer with a luxury vehicle might be is that all the cars are in the 'luxury' class, no?

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well, probably the majority, I did see a few other models. The problem is how the service personnel handle things. Why can't they handle the customers in the order they arrived. My vehicle sat there for 2 full hours before it was even moved from where I parked. Just Sayin...RJS

Ugly fish Loc: W Penn

We own two autos with the tri-star emblem. Neither were purchased new but with between 33 and 60k miles. Every time I or my wife visited a dealer for anything we were treated as if we were their sole customer. Problem fixed, car washed, remaining needs fully explained and an honest timeline as to how soon it was needed. This experience was nationwide. So maybe it’s the brand enforcing its image on the dealers.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Ugly fish: That was exactly the service we received at Cadillac, but not at Lincoln. Just Sayin...RJS