MEGO: My Eyes Glaze Over

My Car Troubles – Not as Bad as it May Seem

Jun 1, 2010 Customer Service

Last Thursday was one of those days I wished was over at least 10 times. It started out pleasant-  the weather was nice for a trip into the big city for a video shoot – and traffic was nothing unusual for big city travel. The video shoot went smoothly and I was even able to leave the city before 5PM.  It was a scorcher so I drove- windows down when I was keeping a good click.

Then the first sign the day was going to turn happened. Urgent work call to ruin my highway sing-song.

Then as I am driving down the highway I make for the pass because other drivers are terribly slow. Eek. The steering wheel seems to have locked up. It takes Herculean effort to turn the wheel just slightly to move into the left lane.  Of course I am also on a conference call so I stay on – not saying a word – although I desperately want to ask someone for assistance. But, I think…I bet I have done this.  I probably forgot to do some regular piece of maintenance and I will get laughed at and later informed I am unprofessional for interrupting an important call.

I continue on driving and talking on the call. The highway is straight. Getting off at my exit had me in a bit of a freak out, so I finally said “I have to jump off the call, having a bit of car trouble.”  Pulled over I call Mazda road side assistance, explain the situation. Tow truck on its way.  I turn car back on to move the car into a parking space in the lot. Steering works! Who knew a car is just like a computer. Reboot!

I call road side assistance and insist I am hunky-dory. They insist they have to get my car, unless I can get to a dealer without going back on highway.  I can’t. They agreed to let me go home where the tow truck would get me. When the tow arrives the pleasant driver tells me he has picked up at least three other Mazda’s with the very same condition. Virus?

After he leaves with my 1 year old vehicle, I call the dealership prepared to beg and plead for a loaner. The receptionist says – sorry we don’t have any loaners. I explain that my car is under warranty and that my power steering is out. She immediately puts me through to service. Odd. Service says no problem we will rent you car. I didn’t need to cry, scream, beg? They tell me they will arrange it all the very next day.

8 am, the dealership calls ME to let me know that they have contacted Enterprise Rent-a-Car. He also gives us a heads-up that they have 15 cars on the lot with the same issue as my car. Pandemic! They have parts arriving on Wednesday, but aren’t sure how many. I guess this is his way of saying- we don’t know how long you will have a rental.  I arrive at the rental place assuming I will need to explain my situation again, but I am in and out of the shop in five minutes.

Thursday ended badly. But, Friday morning the customer service I had from the Mazda Dealership and the Enterprise Rent-a-Car gave me hope for a better day.  I expected the worst (don’t we all, when it comes to service?) and was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t need to pester, harass or plead for what I deserved. Good job Mazda, and Enterprise for playing along as well.

Popularity: 1% [?]

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.