(I am a 26-year-old woman. The majority of vehicles I’ve owned have been trucks, and I’m fairly familiar with service requirements and when they are due. I’ve just bought a brand-new truck, and I know it’s overdue for service but not really by much. This exchange happens at the dealership where I purchased it when I bring it in for service.)
Service Manager: “So, I see here that it is overdue.”
Me: “Yes, I’m aware. It’s not that bad, and the mileage over the recommended oil change is essentially pure highway — long clean running.”
Service Manager: “Regardless, we give these kilometer milestones for a reason.”
Me: “I’m aware of that.”
(Keep in mind the dealership-recommended milestone is significantly lower than the manufacturer milestone, which I know.)
Service Manager: “Well, since you said you were driving it up and down the highway, the brake pads are probably caked with dust. We can do a quick blow-off while the oil change is being done. We can also do a flush on some of the fluid systems while it’s up.”
Me: “Is that covered by my service plan?”
Service Manager: *looks me up and down* “If you need to call your boyfriend or husband or whatever to ask him what to do with his truck, it’s okay. I can wait.”
Me: *shocked and irritated* “Thanks for that, but this is actually my vehicle. I’m okay with you doing those extra things, as long as they are covered by my service plan.”
Service Manager: “Sure, we’ll make it work. You know, when you own trucks, it’s really important to take care of these things on time.”
Me: *getting increasingly more frustrated* “This is actually the third truck I’ve owned; I’m well aware of the service schedule. I work out of town, and it is not always convenient for me to bring it in. So, can you please tell me how long it will be before I can come pick it up?”
Service Manager: “Oh, I figure about four hours.”
Me: *knowing there is no way it should take that long, but done arguing* “Fine. I’ll be back then.”
(I come back four and a half hours later.)
Me: “Hi, I’m here to pick up my truck.”
Receptionist: “Did someone call you?”
Me: “No, but they said it would be done in four hours; I’ve actually given you an extra half hour.”
Receptionist: “I can check, but if no one called I can’t guarantee anything.”
(It turns out they are still not done. I wait another forty-five minutes before being able to take the truck and leave. And, after the very rude behavior of the service manager, he has still charged me for the other items. I am able to get a refund later, but what a pain. Fast forward a year, and the same dealership calls me.)
Receptionist: “Hi, this is [Dealership]. Our system indicates that your vehicle is due for a service. When can I schedule you in?”
Me: “Hello. No, I won’t be using your service department for future appointments.”
Receptionist: “Like, ever again?”
Me: “No. Never. Please remove me from your client list.”
Receptionist: *heavy sigh* “Okay.” *mumbles* “There goes another one…” *click*
(Condescending men are why women are often hesitant in these situations. Give us a little credit, silly boys; trucks are for girls!)
