Hi. My new 2004 model Subaru Outback was due for its first service. Without much hesitation I took it to my local Subaru dealer (Subaru Mentone). After all who would take a better care of my car than my local Subaru dealer! Well few hours later I went to pickup my car up after the service manager called me to say that it was ready. As the service manager drove the car out, I noticed on the front right hand guard two large scratches (5cm and 3 cm long). The scratches are fairly deep and obviously caused by someone working on the car from the side or someone's "don't care" attitude.
To say that I was upset would be an understatement. The first response I got was: "The scratches must have been there before!" (Absolute lie) But they looked so fresh that the service manager couldn't argue with me! Anyway, he tried cleaning them out with some cleaning agent, which did nothing. To his credit, he offered me to come back the next morning to have his detailer fix (if possible) the damage. So back I went only to be told that the detailer "called in sick". I wasn't going to take no for an answer. The "preferred" panel shop down the road got most of the scratches out. I was also offered a new paint job which I refused. I don't want my 2,000km old car to be stripped, repainted and most likely ill-assembled!
I know that accidents like that do happen. But what really bothers me is the "don't care attitude". I will never go to Subaru Mentone ever again, but where do I take my car for its next service? Can anyone recommend Subaru dealer in Melbourne that cares for their customer's vehicle?
Funny enough, this morning I had a follow up call from Subaru Australia, to see if I was happy with my first service. (routine call). Well I told them all that happened and got absolutely no response. The person on the phone also didn't care.....
This time I was not surprised!