Dealer Service from dealer you didn't buy from?

[carrerascott]

Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

I'm correct in assuming that if I have a Kubota, I can take it to any dealer to be serviced under warranty, correct? Not just the selling dealer?

I ask because I am looking to buy out of state as the price is significantly less. I called one of the local dealers to see if he could come down in price, to which he eventually responded something to the tune of "if you buy from him, good luck getting service." Sounded like a threat to me -- and I was going to buy from this guy if the price was close, even if I paid $1k or so more locally. But with an attitude like that...? Sure he's a sales guy, not a service guy, but if they think a threat is the way to make a sale...

So, my question is, if I buy from one dealer, I should have no problem getting it service by another, correct? (There are 3 dealers within 30 minutes of me, so I have a choice of local dealers to get it serviced).

Thanks...

 

[Golfgar4]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

I believe that any authorized dealer is required to perform warranty work, regardless of whether the tractor was purchased there or not.

However, they are not required to perform that work in any particular order. In other words, don't be surprised if your tractor that was NOT purchased from the dealer sits waiting for the repairs while the tractors of the customers that DID purchase from him get serviced first. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

I like buying from a local dealer, but I also refuse to overpay. Since you have 3 local choices, I would think that one of them will probably treat you right on the service issue if you treat him right.

I buy Kubota oil & Kubota filters for the Kubota from my local guy. I buy NH oil & NH filters for the NH from the local guy. It keeps my face in their store, it keeps my name around, and it does it in a positive way. They see that I am supporting them. It makes it easier for them to support me. Same with implements, I try to buy local, if they have the brand I want then I will get it from them.

Now if you go and save 50-cents on a filter that you buy twice a year by shopping at NAPA, or save a whole whopping $1 bill per gallon by getting your oil from the discount store instead of the dealer, then you might find that you end up on the bottom of the service list because the dealer is bending over backwards to provide service to a customer like me. My point is, if you buy far away, there are still ways to prove to your dealer of choice that you are willing to support him.

Also, if you buy far away, peel the decals of the dealership off your tractor before it has to go in for any service. The guys in the service bay may not realize that there is a 'foreign' tractor in the shop!?!

 

[carrerascott]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

Just making sure. If the different was $1k or so I would buy local, but I'm looking at over $3k savings, including delivery, buying elsewhere. Thanks for the info. Good ideas on buying maintenance items and accessories local.

 

[bczoom]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

As I understand it, it is not unusual for the dealership doing the service to eat some labor charges. If you don't buy from them, they don't like loosing money on servicing it.

 

[jhb]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

Other than the dealer sticker (already removed), can they find out where you bought it?

I am going to service locally, and I bough it out of state. Saved too much money to ignore... I have two dealers near me and if it comes up, I figured I just say I had crummy service experiance from their competitor.

I really do not think it will come up though.

 

[carrerascott]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

I'm assuming its pretty much like cars where the service dept is seperate from sales -- service wants your business -- with warranty work, Kubota pays them. So, it shouldn't matter where you bought it -- I was just making sure since the sales guy was giving me attitude.

 

[equipman]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

Have you read your Kubota Warranty Booklet? The warranty is spelled out there for you.
Lewis

 

[carrerascott]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

I don't own a Kubota yet so I don't own a Kubota warranty booklet yet...

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Re: Service from dealer you didn\'t buy from?

The warrenty states that Kubota dealers will fix your tractor, but it does not state that they will put your warrenty work in front of their paying customer's work. Nor does it state that they will have a cheery disposition when you show up. So while you are covered for warrenty work, it is in your best interest to try to develop some sort of a friendly relationship with one of the dealers just in case there is a problem. In all likelyhood there will not be a problem, but you just never know about these things so if I was you, I would talk to your 3 local dealers and see which one you like the best. I would cut a deal on an implement or two from him. And I'd be looking to him for the fluids and filters. Get to know the parts guys. Have them introduce you to the service guys.