Joe Marconi

We have been using Identifix for years and find it very helpfull. We also have IATN, along with Mitchell and Alldata. I find that you cannot rely on one source.

We have seen a lot of new people come to us due the closing of so many new car dealers. Many of them are used to loaner cars. I don't want to loose this customer base. I think for me, it's worth the try.

We live in a society where we have, "throw the net out policy". How can everyone be accountable for everyone's action? I had a car stolen from my lot a few years back and the first thing the police and insurance company asked was; "Were the keys left in the car". I told them what difference does that make, the keys in the car gives someone the right to steal??? I did not answer the question.

This is a problem we encounter in our area too. Just yesterday I had someone come to us asking to reset the check engine light so he can pass the NY State Inspection. When I explained to him why I could not, he told me that he has been doing this for years!! He then went on to tell me that he was new to the area and first went to the Valvoline Quick Lube down the block from me and they told him that they don’t work on check engine lights. I explained to him that we would need to diagnose the problem before he could pass the state’s inspection test. He looked at me with a smirk and walked out in a huff. If other shops are resetting check engine lights out there, they need to stop. Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy.

What a week! Glad to back online. Thanks to Alex for all his hard work and diligence.

I think catering to women is a great marketing idea. Making your facility clean, neat and comfortable is not only appealing to women, but to men also. The look of you customer service area has a lot to do with your ability to sell and attract the “right” customer. When we built our new facility we designed the customer area more like a professional office. We also took some design ideas from luxury hotel lobbies. Our customer bathroom has plants, art work on the wall, automatic towel dispenser, a hook on the wall for a women's bag or coat and we too have a baby changing station. Our clean-up people check the bathrooms throughout the day.

Nice site! Great looking shop. I like the tool rental idea...I may start that. Thanks!

In an effort to compete with the dealers we are considering loaner cars. We already sell used cars, so converting one or two of our cars into loaners would not be any great cost. I would like to know if there are any experiences and tips from those shop owners who have a loaner program or just if anyone has an opinion, I would greatly appreciate it.

Great video! I laughed and sighed at the same time. It’s funny and disturbing, but I guess the truth is at times.

Yes, it helps me. Thanks. It is so confusing these days with all the scanners out there. Every bit of information is a great help to us all.

How is the Autoenginuity with Euro, Volvo in particular.

How in the world did they do that?

The loss of time by not having a effective working program can kill productivity. Your analogy is correct with an employee, you may need to make a drastic move to get some action. You need to look at the long term affects.

Just to let you know, I already made plans with the local service stations dealers association to get more involved politically. I am asking that all shop owners please log their complaints in AutoShopOwner so I can take these cases and forward them to the committees involved with Right to Repair.

I wonder how much of this Bait and Switch goes on with other national chains???? what do you think???

You’re right, I am mad as hell. And why is it that a certain automotive “organization” says that we don’t need a Right to Repair Act. I’m not saying that an act of law is the total answer, but to say that the car makers are in total compliant and not attempting to create a monopoly is false. The entire aftermarket needs to be on the same page with this one.

I'm right with you. I will log this complaint with the NASTF

I will, I'll buy two. It's worth it. I may come by your shop to have you sign one for me. ok?

There must be a conspiracy by the car makers to get customers back to the dealer. Here’s the story: We had a 2004 Saab 9.3 last week with a problem with the wipers; most of the time they would not shut off. We diagnosed a failed wiper switch. The first problem we encountered was that the wiper switch, headlight switch, air bag clock spring, signal switch and key security module are all incorporated within one module that sits just below the steering wheel in the steering column. The labor to R&R is not too bad. I called the dealer and they had the part in stock ($647.00). When the part arrived we installed it and found that the ignition key would not turn. We plugged the old part in and all ok. We called the dealer and he said that it not only needs to be programmed, you need to first access the security ID from Saab to remove the old part and then get the security ID to add the new part. AND, after that you need to go thru a re-learn process to properly get all the modules to work together. I WANTED TO KILL SOMEONE! The car had to go back to the dealer. If this is what the industry is coming too, we definitely need to support the Right to Repair Act. How can a car maker get away with creating a legal monopoly?

Great funny story! This convinced me...I'm ordering the book

Service and program stabilty are key. Crashes are not acceptable. I have to say that I have Mitchell on a network wtih 8 work stations and no problems.

We have the Launch Diagun, its wireless, which is a real nice feature. It's great with Asian, most Euro, not too good with Volvo or Saab. The Snap-On Solis is great with domestic, Asian and fairly good with Euro. The Solis does not do Volvo or Saab that well. The scanner issue is a major problem these days. We are constantly looking at different scan tools. Hopes this helps.

I got to tell, this tops it all!!! I just stopped work to share this with my techs. This is too much. Again, thanks for the laugh!

That's funny! You have a talent of bringing a lighter side to a very tough day. THANKS! Joe

I love the term “False Leaders”, because that’s exactly what that form of advertising is…False. I am in total agreement that this bait and switch hurts the industry. The public cannot see the difference and in many cases the conusmer ends up questioning the honest shops that are upfront with their charges. This has been a lifelong battle for me and I know for all shop owners out there.