Chinese crap!

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only a couple of months old.

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"made in China".
Need I say more?

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...more (NEW BALANCE) Chinese crap...

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slow learner, aren't I?
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TomTom

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(reads from bottom to top)

Customer Ray Koenig 24/10/2010 04.45 PM

Jade,

It's unfortunate that you are unable to solve the problem. Communicating by phone rarely solves the problem. There's the problem of communicating in general (language). Also, written communication not only provides (written) clarity, but it also provides a "paper trail" that communicating by phone does not.

Earlier in this "communication history" you wrote: "Note: If the incident is not updated within 72 hours, the incident will move to 'Solved' status to reflect that the provided resolution has been successful for you. The incident will automatically get closed."

Needless to say, given your last response, there is no need for me to update this "incident" any longer. Even though it "will be moved to 'solved' status to reflect that the provided resolution has been successful...and will be automatically closed",

Ray

Response ST Jade 24/10/2010 02.32 PM

Dear Ray,

Thank you for updating the incident.

I understand that you are unable to plan a route through the 4 possible access points. Please rest assured that I will do my best to resolve the issue.

It may be best for you to speak with us directly. Speaking with us over the phone will allow us to work through any issues that may arise. Please call us directly at 866-486-6866. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM EST and Saturday, 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM EST.

I apologize if you feel that I am passing you off to another team. My goal at this point is to ensure that the issue is taken care for you. Thank you for your understanding.

To update your TomTom question (incident) or to reply to this email:
Please log in to your TomTom account using the following link:
http://www.tomtom.com/myTomTom/login.php
-Now Click on 'Support'
-Select 'My Questions History'
-Click on the title of your question then click on 'Update Question'

Thank you for choosing TomTom for your navigation needs. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to email or call us at 866-486-6866 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST Saturday:9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. Thanks again for writing. At TomTom, we believe in showing you the way, the easy way.

With Best Regards,

Jade
TomTom Customer Support

Customer Ray Koenig 23/10/2010 06.49 PM

Jade,

When I click on "update" in TomTom Home, a window appears that says that a problem has occurred. It also says "Thank you for reporting errors to TomTom automatically. Report incident ID: 28721501." It also says "No items available" in the "updates" window.

the "items on device" tab shows:
applications: "TomTom application for One...., no description available, Version 8.010. 12.1 MB"
maps: "USA and Canada, Version 710.1575, 862 MB"

Ray

Customer Ray Koenig 23/10/2010 05.02 PM

Jade,
I update my TomTom regularly. I updated it within the past 24 hours. It still does not work correctly.

Let's re-cap: I've had my TomTom for several years. I've lived at 58 Redtail Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909, for 6+ years. While the streets in my development show up on my screen, TomTom takes roads that do not exist going from my home EVERY time that I use it. It has me going west from my home (there are no exits to the west from my gated development), on roads that do not exist (Striker Road, unnamed road), and then it has me coming back east to the intersection of US 278 (Fording Island Road) and Sun City Blvd. to where the maingate to my development is located. Basically, it has me going around in circles. 9+ miles to go 3 miles (through my development). 30+ minutes for what takes 10 minutes through my development.

What do I tell my friends when they say: "Your TomTom can't even direct you out of your development! It's 3 miles; it takes 10 minutes. But, your TomTom says that it's 9+ miles and takes 30+ minutes. As a result, your TomTom adds approximately 6 miles and 30 minutes to EVERY trip! What good is that?"

I trust that you will do your best to resolve this issue, knowledgeably, correctly, and without further ado.
Ray

Response ST Jade 23/10/2010 02.57 PM

Dear Ray,

Thank you for updating the incident.

I understand that you are unable to plan a route through the 4 possible access points. Please rest assured that I will do my best to resolve the issue.

Please rest assured that I will do my best to resolve this issue.

I would like to inform you that such issue might happen if the map on the device is not updated. It is estimated that 10-15% of the road network changes every year. There is also inevitably some human error/subjectivity in the creation of a digital map. All of which means that maps must be constantly maintained to keep the level of map errors as low as possible. Tele Atlas has extensive survey teams constantly surveying new roads, changed roads, POI positioning and accuracy, map errors, etc. Each change and fix is then checked before being built into the next map release.

Please make sure you have the latest map version installed on the device. The latest map version is 8.55, which was released on August 31st, 2010. In order to determine which map version you have, please feel free to follow the instructions found on our website at:

http://us.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6166

If the map installed on the device is not of the version 8.55, then update the map by using the steps given on this link: http://us.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10541

If you already have the new 8.55 map, we ask you to uninstall and reinstall TomTom application from your device. Here is the link that has the steps to do it:

http://us.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9091

Later we also request you perform a soft reset on the device. Please perform the steps mentioned in the following link: http://us.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7134

It was a pleasure assisting you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you. The above information will help us to resolve the issue. In case the issue persists, please reply and let us know the status of the issue. We want you to know that, we will be there for you and we do value you as a customer.

To update your TomTom question (incident) or to reply to this email:
Please log in to your TomTom account using the following link:
http://www.tomtom.com/myTomTom/login.php
-Now Click on 'Support'
-Select 'My Questions History'
-Click on the title of your question then click on 'Update Question'

Note: If the incident is not updated within 72 hours, the incident will move to 'Solved' status to reflect that the provided resolution has been successful for you. The incident will automatically get closed.

Thank you for choosing TomTom for your navigation needs. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to email or call us at 866-486-6866 Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM EST or Saturday, 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM EST. Thanks again for writing. At TomTom, we believe in showing you the way, the easy way.

With Best Regards,

Jade
TomTom Customer Support

Customer Ray Koenig 22/10/2010 10.43 PM

Jade,

I reset it. It still doesn't work correctly.

To go from my address (58 Redtail Drive, Bluffton, SC) to the main gate of our development (Sun City Blvd. & US 278, Fording Island Rd.):

Redtail Drive is a cul-de-sac in one direction.
Take the other direction to left at the intersection with Thomas Heyward Drive.
left at the intersection with Sun City Blvd.
The main gate is at the intersection of Sun City Blvd. & US 278 (Fording Island Rd.)
It's about 3 miles and 10 minutes.

Using the fastest route, my TomTom goes west (there are no gates to the west). It says:
Striker Rd.
Unnamed road
Unnamed road
Unnamed road
US 278 SC 141 John Smith Rd.
US 278 SC 141 John Smith Rd.
US 278 Sun City Blvd. - Fording Island Rd.
9.4 miles; 36 minutes.

All of my trips are at least 7 miles and 30 minutes longer than they should be.
Ray

Response ST Jade 22/10/2010 09.09 PM

Dear Ray,

Thank you for taking the time to contact TomTom Customer Support. My name is Jade and we are always happy to help.

I understand that you are unable to plan a route through the 4 possible access points. Please rest assured that I will do my best to resolve the issue.

Ray, we request you perform a soft reset on the device.

Please perform the steps mentioned in the following link: http://us.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7134

Once you have done this then please plan a route and select the fastest route so as to get the fastest route to reach the destination.

We hope you find this information useful. Your satisfaction with the TomTom product is our prime concern.

To update your TomTom question (incident) or to reply to this email:
Please log in to your TomTom account using the following link:
http://www.tomtom.com/myTomTom/login.php
-Now Click on 'Support'
-Select 'My Questions History'
-Click on the title of your question then click on 'Update Question'

Note: If the incident is not updated within 72 hours, the incident will move to 'Solved' status to reflect that the provided resolution has been successful for you. The incident will automatically get closed.

Thank you for choosing TomTom for your navigation needs. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to email or call us at 866-486-6866 Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM EST or Saturday, 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM EST. Thanks again for writing. At TomTom, we believe in showing you the way, the easy way.

With Best Regards,

Jade
TomTom Customer Support

Auto-Response 22/10/2010 01.47 PM

Title: Map zones
Link: http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/12185

Title: Compass options
Link: http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3554

Title: What's new in your latest application for navigation devices?
Link: http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6141

Title: Why do I sometimes find map errors?
Link: http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/32

Title: Missing zones
Link: http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/12352

Customer Ray Koenig 22/10/2010 01.47 PM

I live at 58 Redtail Drive, Bluffton, SC, 29909 (aka Okatie). I live in a gated community that has 2 access points to US 278 (Fording Island Road) and 2 to SC 170. My TomTom does not route me through these existing 4 access points, but rather takes me west by unnamed roads to Pritchardville, even for destinations to the east, north or south. This adds 30 minutes or more to all travel times. How do I fix this?

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I HATE doing business with car dealers

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A few weeks ago we got a mailing from Chatham Parkway Toyota in Savannah, GA announcing "an additional $1,000 for your trade-in". We bit.

We bought our 2005 Tacoma new from Chatham 5+ years ago--hence, the mailing.

We picked out a 2011 Camry. When Chatham wrote it up, they offered $2,000 trade-in for our 1999 Avalon (which was in excellent condition). Blue book value (fair condition) is $2,500. With the additional $1,000 promised by their promotional, and for fair condition (not excellent condition), the trade-in SHOULD have been AT LEAST $3,500.

So, this is how Chatham Parkway Toyota in Savannah, GA treats its customers? Where has honesty and fair treatment gone? the Golden Rule? Needless to say, we won't EVER do business with Chatham again.

BTW, we couldn't figure out the bill of sale when we got home--the numbers didn't add up. Three weeks later we got a check in the mail from Chatham for the difference. And, they waited two weeks before submitting our tag transfer paperwork. The temporary paper tag expired before we got our new registration.

I HATE doing business with car dealers. Our LAST experience with Chatham Parkway Toyota in Savannah, GA PERFECTLY explains why.
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Hewlett-Packard

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Now's the Time to Break Up Hewlett-Packard

http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/investing/hp-after-hurd-just-break-the-bloated-beast-up/19587207/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl9|link1|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2Fstory%2Finvesting%2Fhp-after-hurd-just-break-the-bloated-beast-up%2F19587207%2F

Tawdry scandal aside, the real secret is that HP has become a sprawling and ungainly technology conglomerate.

I'm currently in the middle of my own issue with HP involving my new laptop, Customer Service, and Technical Support. I will elaborate soon.
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Pulte Group, aka Pulte Homes, Centex, Del Webb

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The Court of Public Opinion decides MANY matters. Unlike traditional court, in the CPO, "innocent until proven guilty", "beyond a reasonable doubt", “inadmissible evidence”, etc. don’t apply. Matters are decided based on history, experiences, impressions, etc.

Pulte Group (aka Pulte Homes, Del Webb, and Centex) and community manager Wentworth (with STRONG business ties to Pulte) have records of shoddy construction and shabby treatment of their customers. Any company, or community association, including the Sun City Hilton Head Community Association, with poor records that operate in secrecy, with gag agreements, loyalty oaths, propaganda, censorship, etc., can be expected to be viewed poorly in the CPO.

http://www.poorlybuiltbypulte.info/
http://peretired.blogspot.com/
http://citizensrevoltagainstpulte.blogspot.com/
http://peretired.blogspot.com/2009/03/testimonials.html
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Time Warner Cable

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Here's what me and my neighbors have to say about Time Warner Cable:

Neighbor 1:
We have had Time-Warner TV service since it became available in SCHH, but it has become way too expensive.

My question is: does anyone have Hargray TV service and, if so, how do you like it? We have found TW to be very dependable and their 'Help Line' is very good and available 24/7.

We have Hargray Internet Service and are pleased with it.

Thanks,

Neighbor 2:

Posted - 06/29/2010 : 4:19:02 PM

Speaking of TW, my cable tv is down; internet works. Anyone else experiencing a problem with their TW cable tv right now? Been trying to call their help line for the last 45 minutes but nothing but a busy signal. I have all the bells and whistles for the cable tv - HD, digital, movie channels, cable box and when it works it's great but every few days it's down for one reason or another. Anyone else experiencing problems like this with TW?

Neighbor 3:
HARGRAY has a new bundle package....i started with it two weeks ago...includes...TV.basic about 62 channels...NO HD...have 3 tv's hooked up...internet mid-speed...and telephone..UNLIMITED LONG DISTANCED and LOCAL calls....all for $100 bucks a month +tax...my contract had expired with them and pricing went up to over $150.00 per month so i called said i was quiting and they come up with the package i just explained...if you want HD its roughly ten bucks more.the reason for staying was for the NFL NETWERK...TW refuses to carry NFL NET.

Neighbor 4:
We just switched to TW from Hargray. They have a package for $115.00 per month before taxes. The final total will be $124.00. This includes HD, DVR, Nationwide calling and high speed internet.
There is a Time Warner office on Okatie Maintenance Road which is the road to the RV storage area. It is at the far end of that road on the right. Melissa is the person who works there and she took good care of us.
We recently received a letter from Hargray that our Package was expiring and that the cost will be raised from $92.50 to $159.99. As you probably have noticed with all the Hargray trucks driving all over Sun City they do have some big problems with the service they provide.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Me:
1. Too many service outages. If you pay FULL fee, then you should get FULL service. Too frequently there's NO service, half (of the channels) service, no sound, poor picture, etc.
2. Why the SAME, OLD, TIRED movies EVERY night? Why not Pay Per View for basic subscribers?

8/5
I LOVE IT!
TWC Help doesn't get my emails, but I get TWC's! The subject of today's is "Switch and Save".
I'm thinking of switching and saving. Switch to Direct TV or DISH, and save the frustration.


Subject: Re: TWC Service Issues (KMM2365063I11650L0KM)
Date: 8/6/2010 2:23:11 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
From: Rkoenigsc@aol.com
Reply To:

To: TWCable.Help@twcable.com

Brien.

I appreciate your email response.

If there are WIDESPREAD systematic problems (loss of signal, poor reception, poor video, poor sound, etc.) that affect MANY houses/customers, then I don't see how a service call to MY house will resolve these WIDESPREAD systemic problems. However, if TWC wishes to send a technician to my residence AT TWC's EXPENSE, then I have no objection to TWC doing so.

I understand your explanation regarding pay movies. From 2000 to 2004 we had BASIC DISH TV in northern Virginia. We were able to order pay per view movies by telephone. Why doesn't TWC offer this service? We believe that we should be able to order pay movies without upgrading from BASIC. If TWC wants to put a box in our house that allows to do so, AT TWC's EXPENSE, then we are amenable to TWC doing so.

Thanks again for your email.
Ray Koenig

In a message dated 8/6/2010 2:00:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, TWCable.Help@twcable.com writes:

Mr. Koenig,

I've just seen your response to my comment on your blog. I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

I can understand your frustration and desire to be credited, but if there are systematic problems affecting your cable service, the first step has to be getting a technician out to your residence. They can then find the source of the issues and remedy them. Please let us know if you would like us to schedule a service call, and we will get back to you with the appointment availability.

I'd like to clarify my explanation of pay movies. With basic cable (i.e. coax cable connected directly to your TV), you have a one way flow of signal. Signal goes from our cable system to your TV. Pay movies require you to make a movie selection, and that selection needs to be sent back into our system so that the movie can be authorized for you to watch it. In other words, two-way signal, from our cable system to your TV, and from your TV to our cable system. This two way signal requires a cable box. Again, if you would like, I can inquire with the local TWC office to see if they offer cables boxes seperate from upgraded cable service.

Thanks,
Brien H
Social Media Representative - Time Warner Cable
Twitter - TWCableBrienH
TWCable.Help@twcable.com

Service call Monday. TWC will get back to me on PPV. I will update.


8/9

TWC's service technician was here this morning. Nice fella.My cable connection checked out, as I suspected. Brien, poor cable service here is WIDESPREAD. These are WIDESPREAD service/system issues--NOT individual user issues.

Before I retired I was in consulting engineering. We had many big projects, with one or more subconsultants. When the owner had a problem, the problem was OURS, even though the specific services causing the problem came from the subconsultant's work. (The owner contracted with us, not with our subconsultants.)

For TWC to blame others for our poor cable service is CLEARLY passing the buck. We pay approximately $45 per month to TWC for basic cable TV. With frequent service outages, poor video, poor sound, etc., and the SAME tired, old movies night after night after night, we are NOT getting what we are paying for. THE PROBLEM IS TWC's. NOBODY ELSE'S.

TWC's SOP for dealing with service issues is to get the customer to pay more $$$$:

• upgrade cable TV from basic--more $$$$
  
• faster internet connection--more $$$$$

TWC, why would we pay you more $$$$ when the service is poor for the $$$$ that we're paying you now????

wood flooring

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from http://schhresidents.forumco.com/

"We had Bruce manufactured wood floors put down in several rooms earlier this year and they looked beautiful when first installed but the finish is already deteriorating. We talked to the Bruce distributer about our problems and got nowhere. Our installer has been in and taken new moisture meter readings and tells us the readings are in the high end of acceptable for the product but based on the readings, moisture should not be the cause of the problems. Has anyone else encountered similar problems? We are paying to bring in an inspector who specializes in flooring issues. We will know more after his inspection, but was interested to see if anyone else had problems with Bruce flooring products and if so how were they dealt with.Thanks."

Ray Koenig Posted - 07/17/2010 : 3:49:37 PM

All wood flooring manufacturers that I’m aware of have very specific instructions regarding allowable moisture levels, slab preparation, and vapor barrier installation. These are typically printed on each carton and on a separate sheet inside each carton. The instructions can also be found on the manufacturer’s website.

• Were moisture readings taken BEFORE the floor was installed, as manufactures’ recommend?


• Did you observe the installation?


• Was the concrete slab cracked?


• Was there water, or evidence of water, coming from the crack(s)?


• Were cracks filled with an epoxy as manufacturers recommend?


• Was a vapor barrier installed as manufacturers recommend?


• Were edges sealed?

To those contemplating wood floors, follow the manufacturers’ instructions explicitly, or make sure that your installer follows manufacturer instructions explicitly. This includes manufacturer instructions regarding acceptable moisture levels. Manufacturers are quite clear that their product should NOT be installed if moisture levels exceed the recommended maximum.

In January 2009 we bought some Pergo wood flooring on sale at Lowe’s and installed it in our den. Detailed instructions regarding allowable moisture, surface preparation, and vapor barrier installation were on each box (roughly 15 or so boxes), in each box, and on Pergo’s website. When I took up the rug and padding there was a HUGE crack that ran from wall to wall. The vapor barrier, that is SUPPOSED TO BE UNDER THE SLAB when it is poured, came through the crack. SHODDY CONSTRUCTION BY PULTE.

http://peretired.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-is-this.html

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.The slab is VERY uneven (up and down). MORE SHODDY CONSTRUCTION BY PULTE. Fortunately, the slab was not wet, nor did it appear that water had come through the crack. I filled the crack with epoxy and installed a vapor barrier per Pergo instructions. Except for the uneven floor (which has nothing to do with the flooring), the Pergo flooring looks as good today as the day that I installed it (according to Pergo’s instructions).

I encourage anyone with a bad experience with products/vendors to post on my blogsite, http://customertalk.blogspot.com/. SPEAKING UP and SPEAKING OUT PUBLICLY is the way that that we seniors can fight incompetent and unscrupulous companies.

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do NOTHING." Edmund Burke
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Havertys

Subject: Re: Your Feedback
Date: 7/2/2010 12:54:34 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
From: Rkoenigsc@aol.com
Reply To:
To: MEllison@havertys.com

Matthew,

Thank you for your reply. A clarification: my loading dock experience was one of the most positive in our purchase. Your loading dock staff was both prompt and helpful in getting our furniture.

Sincerely,
Ray Koenig

In a message dated 7/2/2010 12:30:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, MEllison@havertys.com writes:
Mr. Koenig, Just wanted to take some time to Thank You for your business at Havertys. I have reviewed your feedback and will use it as a training tool with our sales staff. I have also removed your from our advertising database. Typically we do not offer customer pick up as an option as we do not have the staffing in our store to assist. (NOTE: Both the flyer that we were handed at checkout AND the email that we received from Haverty's on the day of our purchase are CLEAR that CUSTOMER PICK UP IS AN OPTION.) I'm glad we could accommodate your request for customer pick up in this instance. As far as the back of the tall chest - it most likely did come off in transit. You seem to have fixed the issue, but please let us know if you would like a technician to take a look at it. To reach our store locally, you can dial the number on the business card and press option "4" for the Bluffton store. If you press "0" for the operator sometimes you do end up with customer service in either Atlanta or Dallas. We do appreciate your business and I apologize our interaction with you went further than business. Thanks.

Matthew Ellison
Assistant Manager
Havertys - Hilton Head
2 Buckingham Plantation DriveBluffton, SC 29910
843-837-5500


Subject: Re: Havertys Requests Your Assistance
Date: 7/2/2010 8:57:31 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
From: Rkoenigsc@aol.com
Reply To:
To: clientservices@havertys.com

I'm not interested in being part of your advertising, but, I do have a few things to say about our recent purchase:

1. Salespersons:
A. I'm there to buy furniture. You asked me: "Do you live here? ... Where? ... Where did you come from?..." I'm not interested in small talk, or in new BFFs. I'm here to buy furniture.
B. You neglected to tell me that I could pick my furniture up (in lieu of delivery). That's IMPORTANT information to me. I have a pickup truck, which I drove to your store.

2. Responding to customers' calls:
I called the number on the card that you gave me. I got somebody in Texas who assured me that they would have someone get back to me right away. After 4+ hours I faxed the number on the card. The store manager called me and said that he had just been contacted by the person in Texas. ?????

3. The furniture
A. All the furniture was boxed. Good. The back of the tall dresser was half off. Was it that way when in what boxed in China? or did it come off in transit? In any event, I fixed it.
B. We like the furniture.

Ray Koenig
58 Redtail Drive
Bluffton, SC 29909
843 705-6049

In a message dated 7/2/2010 4:46:20 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, clientservices@mail1.service.havertys.com writes:clientservices@havertys.com

Goodyear Tire

I went to Goodyear Tire in Okatie, SC for an oil change. They said that I needed new tires. I bought 4 new tires. A week later I went back because the tires were not balanced correctly. About a week after that I noticed that one of my wheel caps was missing. I called the store and told them what happened. They said that they didn't have it. Finally, the store manager said that I could buy a replacement wheel cap and that they would pay for it.

Goodyear Tire broke and/or lost my wheel cap. Why should I have to get a replacement? Goodyear Tire should get the wheel cap that they lost or broke.

Stokes Brown Toyota

The following is a “success” story. It shows the value of this message board and more importantly, the value of good neighbors.

On Thursday, June 6 we dropped our 1999 Toyota Avalon off at Stokes Brown Toyota (on US 278 one mile or so from Sun City’s main gate) for a routine oil change. We bought the Avalon brand new in 1999 and we’ve changed the oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months. We’ve never had a problem with the engine and it’s never leaked oil.

On Friday, June 7 we picked up the car from SB, drove it home, and parked it in the garage, where it stayed until Thursday, June 12 when Jenny drove it for the first time since the oil change. When she returned home she found oil all over the garage floor, down the driveway, and down Redtail Drive.

We checked the oil level. It was OK, so we drove it back to SB. They kept it for about an hour, said that they checked it all out, and “everything is OK”. We drove it home and parked it in the garage.

On Friday, June 13 Jenny drove it again. When she came back she saw TWO oil tracks and more oil on the garage floor.

We checked the oil level. It was low. We called SB and they towed it in. We told them to keep it until they figured out what was wrong.

On Monday, June 16, not having heard from SB, we called them. They told us that it needed crankcase seals, timing belt, cam seals, and valve cover gaskets—estimated “ballpark” cost $1,265 plus tax. When we asked them how this could happen so suddenly, with no prior problems, after a routine oil change, they cited the age of the car and mileage (approx. 113,000 miles) and said that it was “a coincidence”. Coincidence?

Here’s where the success story comes in. On Tuesday, June 17 my buddy suggested: “why don’t you put a message on the message board and see if anyone knows a good auto mechanic who you can take it to for second opinion”. I did, and within a few minutes, a reply came back to contact Thornton Butler, Butler Service Center, Highway 17, Hardeeville. I did, and made arrangements for his tow truck to meet me at SB the following morning. (I decided that it would be best for me to remove the original post after I received the information that I needed.)

On Wednesday morning, June 18 I got the keys from SB and called for the tow truck Before Butler’s man loaded the car on the truck, he checked the oil level. It was OK. “That’s odd”, I thought, “it was low when they towed it from our house to SB last Friday”.

After examining the car Mr. Butler’s first question to me was: “Did SB do anything to the car after it was towed back to their shop on Friday”. “I don’t know”, I said, “but when your man checked the oil this morning, it was OK; but, it was low when they towed it on Friday.”

Mr. Butler told me that oil is not leaking from the crankcase, cam, or valve covers. We don’t need the repairs (“ballpark” cost $1265 + tax) that SB said that we needed.
Mr. Butler speculates that maybe the new oil filter was either improperly installed or defective and that SB may have found this and corrected it the second time that they had it after the oil change. It appears that they did add oil. (On Monday, after hearing the "bad news" we got some prices from SB for getting a new car.)

Mr. Butler changed the oil filter and kept the car overnight to make certain that it didn’t leak oil again. We picked it up on Thursday, June 19. Guess what? No leaks.
We may never know what happened at SB, but we DO know this: if they figured out the problem and corrected it, they didn’t tell us. They didn’t tell us that we didn’t need the repairs that they said would cost “ballpark” $1,265. Did they know and didn’t tell? Or did they just not know? Either way, it isn’t good.

Why is this a “success” story? Because Ross Glatzer answered my post on the message board and told me about Thornton Butler, a good mechanic. Neighbor looking out for neighbor.
Thanks, Bucky, for the suggestion. Thanks, Ross, for telling me about Thornton Butler. And, thanks to Bucky, Ross, AND the message board for a good end to this story.

Mr. Butler speculates that maybe the new oil filter was either improperly installed or defective and that SB found it and corrected it the second time that they had it after the oil change.

Mr. Butler changed the oil filter and kept the car overnight to make certain that it didn’t leak oil again. We picked it up on Thursday, June 19. Guess what? No leaks.

We may never know what happened at SB, but we DO know this: if they figured out the problem and corrected it, they didn’t tell us. They didn’t tell us that we didn’t need the repairs that they said would cost “ballpark” $1,265. Did they know and didn’t tell? Or did they just not know? Either way, it isn’t good.

Why is this a “success” story? Because Ross Glatzer answered my post on the message board and told me about Thornton Butler, a good mechanic. Neighbor looking out for neighbor.

Thanks, Bucky, for the suggestion. Thanks, Ross, for telling me about Thornton Butler. And, thanks to Bucky, Ross, AND the message board for a good end to this story.