Back to Stock...For Now

MADDOG` · 04-20-2007, 08:05 PM

I was having some major problems with the aftermarket wheels and tires the dealer had installed prior to my finding the car and purchasing it.

To read what those woes were, go here:

Oh Man! What the Dealer Did !!!

For the third time, the dealer's affiliated shop, that installed the wheels and tires, checked them out. The car had been in for the LoJack and 3M Clear Bra installs. On the second day it was there, the service writer called me and told me that they wanted to check out the suspension + the wheels and tires again. I said, "Go ahead. But, if this doesn't work out I want those wheels and tires removed and stock ones put on it with some reimbursement for the difference." She said she would see what she could do.

This afternoon the service writer called and said that they were all done. They had had the car for 3 freakin' days. The aftermarket wheels and tires were still on it and the affiliated shop manager wanted to talk with me. So, I went down.

I found out that the dealer tech, who was checking out the wheels/tires/suspension had put a stock set on the car and ran it up to 80 with no steering oscillation or wheel vibration. They apparently were trying to see what they could work out with the shop manager and he wanted to independently verify there was a problem.

I met up with the affiliated shop manager at the dealer and we took a ride. As we made our way to the freeway he told me, "I took it up to 90 and it didn't vibrate." As I merged onto the highway, I accelerated and as I hit 70, the vibration and oscillation began. He said, "Well, under hard acceleration with low profile tires, these cars will do that as they are very sensitive to a change in the tire profile and width. Plus, you are on the crown of the road and the tires won't track well there."

I kept my mouth shut, held it at 70 and moved off the crown of the road to the right. No change. Still vibrating and oscillating. So, he got on his cel, called the Service Manager at the dealer, said he agrees, these wheels and tires have to come off and to find a chromed set of stock wheels. There just so happened to be a set in the service lounge. When we got back, they took the car, swapped out the TPIS sensors from the aftermarket wheels to the stock wheels and sent my on my way. Before I left I talked with the Sales and Service Manager about reimbursement for the aftermarket wheels and tires. They huddled a bit and offered up an amount that almost covers my new 20' TIS 07 wheels and Toyo Proxes 4 tires that are on order.

This affiliated shop manager kept asking me if I wanted to lower the car and put an exhaust on it. I said, "Yes, I do." He said he had springs and exhaust available at a good price so I should call him.

Now when do you think that's gonna happen, hmmmm...? Not In My Lifetime!

Anyway, good news and bad news on the tire/wheel front. The tireshop owner called me today and the tires are in but the wheels are on backorder for 2 - 3 more weeks.

I'm keeping the stockers for winter wheels, as you may well imagine.

That's it for now. I'll post pics of the new shoes when they are here and mounted.

MADDOG` · 04-20-2007, 08:18 PM

thanks...but I was beginning to think I was going to get it in the "End"!!!

USMCSGT · 04-21-2007, 08:45 PM

Way to go!! Be firm with those guys, they love YOUR money!!

MADDOG` · 04-21-2007, 10:11 PM

I love it MORE!!!! lolololol

pipsmom · 04-21-2007, 10:23 PM

Well it looks like you went through a pretty trying time there. Sorry to hear about it..
Here's to wishing you much better luck on your next run!

MADDOG` · 04-21-2007, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pipsmom

Well it looks like you went through a pretty trying time there. Sorry to hear about it..
Here's to wishing you much better luck on your next run!

Thanks, pipsmom. They just tried to wear me down, both in time and in foolish observations, but I'm tough and beginning to think I know a heck of a lot more about tires and wheels than they do!

Besides, they were just trying to avoid having to pay me back some money for the difference between the junk they put on the car and the stockers. They hate doing that! And I know it.

So, I held my ground and insisted they make it right. Now...if them new wheels would only get here!!!