Who has the best service in SoCal? Where do you take your car?

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Jun 16, 2004 | 11:58 PM
  #1  
So many negative issues about dealerships but the bottom line is even after the sale is done we still need them!! So who do you take your car to? I live close to HOI, but have been treated better at Caliber and FJM.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 12:02 AM
  #2  
Caliber has a good service dept.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 12:03 AM
  #3  
i go to Penske in Claremont, and i really like emj. i took my car to Penske in West Covina for awhile. In San Diego area Hoehn has the best service by far. I couldnt get over the slow service and bad loaners cars at MBSD.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 12:18 AM
  #4  
I've been real happy with MB of Laguna Niguel. They have a huge inventory of loaners and always get one (ML320, E320, C320, C240 sedans and station wagons). They don't seem to overcharge when you need stuff done like CD changer install, brakes, tires, etc. They don't push you to pay for extra service items beyond what MB provides in the free maintenance (a friend with a Jag gets pressured into doing more oil changes than what's included). I've never had trouble getting an appointment within 1 or 2 days. Their free car wash is great. Their waiting room is nice with a 50" plasma, seperate work areas with phones and outlets for your laptop and a kids playroom. Their parts/accesory area is larger than others I've seen, nice selection of stuff. Been going there for 3 years and about 2 years when it was Mission Imports.

As for Fletcher, I've purchased 2 cars from Jim Slemons, the previous owner and I took those cars there for about 4 years and thought their service was also great despite the fact that the first one was a lemon and was taken back, no questions asked. I don't know how it is now but know that they have a lot more customers than the other 3 OC dealers and they can get hectic during the early hours. Very nice lobby/waiting room with a capucino bar and hair salon. From what I've heard, they only provide loaners to FJ customers, you may want to ask before you go if this is important to you.

The key to a happy service experience is to find a service advisor you like and always ask for that advisor when you go, that way if there are any issues they know you and will take of you.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 12:46 AM
  #5  
E class loaners? Damn Penske sucks. Nothing but C240s.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 12:48 AM
  #6  
I am happy with Fletcher Jones, but it does get hectic. They have so many HOT women coming in for their Starbucks capucino and free car wash.

Being the largest selling dealership in the world has some advantages.

I have been to AutoStiegler for my bi-xenon install. They did the A service not even asked to. They may have the best technicians out there, but a totally diferent experience from Orange county MBs.

I buy a LOT of parts from Caliber, but no service yet. They have the largest parts department in the USA, so if you need something they will have it.

Caliber is having a Grand Opening of their new parts center, Saturday June 19th 5 -9 PM. Free gift, food and a chance to win a cruise for two.

I can't go, have a Meguiars show presentation at the Kodak Theater that night.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 12:51 AM
  #7  
Quote:
E class loaners? Damn Penske sucks. Nothing but C240s
I agree. I want to test the E 320 CDI, I like the C240 loaners just a little more than a Chevy.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 12:59 AM
  #8  
California does not have E320 CDI =) This great vehicle does not meet the emission requirement in california so it cannot be sold here!

I don't know if Penske stock them to sell to other states? I had a S-class loaner long time ago at Penske. Not sure about now.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 01:15 AM
  #9  
I know
Quote:
California does not have E320 CDI =)
It is FAST, 0-60 in 6.8 seconds, has 201 HP stock, nut 369 ft pounds torque. If it used the same rear end as the E320 would be about 6.3 seconds!!

But the downside is 27/37 MPG, and it cost $1K more. You can get the special diesel fuel in Kalifornia. You should be allowed to buty it if you can get the fuel

Of course the C30CDI AMG is the Coupe with 400 ft pounds of torque, and even faster!
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Jun 17, 2004 | 01:34 AM
  #10  
Quote:
Originally posted by oggle
E class loaners? Damn Penske sucks. Nothing but C240s.
I've had a C320 coupe, 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, ML320 and C240 from Penske. I like Penske service, and never had problems with getting loaners. Make an appt. and now that they have 2 locations it easier. Though you only get loaners if you are Penske Preferred Customer, basically bought your car from a Penske Dealer. Fortunately I bought mine at MBSD which is Penske owned so I still get my loaners there.

When I lived in San Diego I made the extra trip to Hoehn for service. Liked the service advisors and good loaner cars, not as hectic as MBSD, and MBSD always seemed to run own of Mercedes loaners and would loan civics and mazda protgeges. thats why id drive to hoehn. better service and better loaners, and not as hectic.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 11:12 AM
  #11  
I would have to say Caliber Motors... Had a bad experience at Penske West Covina and will never have my car serviced there again...
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Jun 17, 2004 | 01:37 PM
  #12  
I like Econo Lube-N-Tune.

No hot women. cappuchino or loaners but they always have yesterday's sports page laying around.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 02:46 PM
  #13  
Sure, it's better but it's not free.
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Jun 17, 2004 | 08:17 PM
  #14  
Fletcher jones has exellent service. Keyes European has been pretty good to me too. I hear lots of crap from HOI from lots people (other than this board) so avoid them!
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Jun 17, 2004 | 08:33 PM
  #15  
Quote:
Originally posted by jo17jC230
I would have to say Caliber Motors... Had a bad experience at Penske West Covina and will never have my car serviced there again...
what happened at Penske West Covina?
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Jun 18, 2004 | 01:44 AM
  #16  
I am a FJM preferrd member.
Free Starbux and car washes for life.
Also the managers let me have a free loaner when my car was in the paint shop (Not Policy, only service gets loaners)
I have has a few replacement parts given for free.
New Five Point Star (one of mine was crusty)
Free allignment (after a lowering)
Those guys are really good.
Off hours are better and the amount of ***** is crazy.
I met my girl at the dealership..lol
Some high price chick, going for the punk in the BNZ..
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Jun 18, 2004 | 01:47 AM
  #17  
Ive done alright at Fletchy's. Definately some hi-tone broads there.. but oh well. I havent bought my car there and they give me loaners. My friend bought a CL there and they pick his **** up from the airport, store his car, and have it washed before he comes back! thats service..
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Jun 18, 2004 | 02:11 AM
  #18  
Quote:
Originally posted by Brav
Ive done alright at Fletchy's. Definately some hi-tone broads there.. but oh well. I havent bought my car there and they give me loaners. My friend bought a CL there and they pick his **** up from the airport, store his car, and have it washed before he comes back! thats service..
Yup, You drop off your car and get a ride to JWA, then they pick you up, and you get in your clean car!
I have been taken around in the FLM limo too
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Jun 18, 2004 | 11:19 AM
  #19  
I am at Fletcher Jones now. On the way down I thought they should get into the 21st Century with wireless access. Low and behold, they just put it in!
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Jun 18, 2004 | 02:09 PM
  #20  
Thanks for the heads-up, I'll have to talk to the owner about that at MB of Laguna Niguel.... I asked them to do it a year ago but Penny has gotten cheap I guess.
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Jun 18, 2004 | 02:48 PM
  #21  
Quote:
Originally posted by breastroker
I am at Fletcher Jones now. On the way down I thought they should get into the 21st Century with wireless access. Low and behold, they just put it in!
Centrino in the Starbux!, dude lets hang out all day, work out of FJ, drink tons of Starbux, much on those nice little bagettes and rock those bored hot ladies..lol
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