| Author | Message | ||
     CJ SZPILA (Crash05) Member Username: Crash05 Post Number: 140 Registered: 11-2002 |
I ordered a set of rubber mats and the cargo mat the middle of April and supposedly they would be in, in two weeks, so I waited and waited and nothing I called, I e-mailed, I called and e-mailed, left messages but I never heard back. So once June started I called and asked for them to just give me an answer. You know they had the nerve to leave me a message that they weren't sure when they were getting my set in, but if I wanted a set right away, he could get them for me, but that they would be more expensive, then the original price. The only good thing was I was never charged for them but still that is one of the worst things I have had some one try to do. | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 409 Registered: 08-2002 |
Doesn't sound like any big deal to me, the only thing that they did was leave you in the dark about delivery date. I think that there are a lot more "worst" things that could happen when dealing with mail order merchandise of any kind. | ||
| Tripp Westbrook (Tripp) Member Username: Tripp Post Number: 152 Registered: 08-2002 |
Agreed. It's actually nice to see that someone didn't get charged for the priveledge of being in the dark about delivery dates. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 513 Registered: 09-2002 |
Yea there's a lot worse but if you order something and the vendor acknowledges the order, then it's not unreasonable to expect semi-quick delivery and if not, at least correspondence detailing why, especially if the customer is inquiring. That's just good customer service. Ignoring customer inquiries is the same as saying, "you'll get it when you get it, now go away". You have to agree that that's not the best way to handle things and probably a good way to lose repeat business. Vendor may not care but eventually bad word of mouth gets around and that's even worse. | ||
| CJ SZPILA (Crash05) Member Username: Crash05 Post Number: 141 Registered: 11-2002 |
Well keeping me in the dark was frustrating, but the thing that really got me was "my set" of mats didn't come in yet, but if I wanted he could get me a set imediatly but at a higher price. Why wasn't I told about this other set when I first placed my order. It just seems a little fishy. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 515 Registered: 09-2002 |
Could be a legit reason but the way it was presented probably wasn't the best way to do it. | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 945 Registered: 09-2002 |
He probably has a source that is out of stock right now but to help you with your pinch he probably was going to have to buy them retail (and will have to pay additional shipping). I think it is good business to offer you an alternative although he should have kept you up to speed on the delivery time from the beginning. | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 121 Registered: 10-2002 |
Customer Service should be priority. Don't give me that crap "Doesn't sound like any big deal to me, the only thing that they did was leave you in the dark about delivery date." If your paying for it, you have every right to hunt down your purchase and not deal with the pettiness. | ||
| Daniel Covaciu (Danielcovaciu) Member Username: Danielcovaciu Post Number: 243 Registered: 10-2002 |
Andy is sometimes hard to get ahold of. Keep in mind that this is a business that andy and his wife run basiclly out of their living room. I've been trying to get my replica adventure rack for months now. I gave andy my card number to hold my order but he never charged me. He will charge the card when he can deleiver the rack. I can live with that deal if it means I get a rack for $500. I think that as his business grows andy will get his act together more. In the mean time it dosent sound to me like anyone got ripped off. Dan | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 122 Registered: 10-2002 |
Lesson learned: Don't buy from Mom & Pop operations | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 946 Registered: 09-2002 |
Erik, Why wouldn't you buy from a small operation? They all start small in the beggining....I try to support the small new companies as much as possible becasue I know how hard it is to get a business going. The small operations are nice becasue you can talk to the owner and you can work with an individual instead of a company. You need to cut them some slack and I would be willing to bet lots of money that this same kind of think could happen to any company regaurdless of how ig they are and it might be even more difficult to get things done. did you notice that he was not charged yet for the stuff he ordeered? So in otherwords Northwest is fronting the bill out of his own pocket before taking payment. He is taking the risk that the customer will not change his mind and stick him with the product. Maybe you should stick with the bigger companies like Safari Gard. See how much customer service you get from them. | ||
| ken knebusch (Charlotterover) Member Username: Charlotterover Post Number: 153 Registered: 02-2002 |
I agree, customer service and communication is the most important thing here. I don't think the problem is Mom and Pop operation...good for them. The problem is look at the time period here that he is talking about. April to June and no response. We are all busy but a quick response to an email or call could have been done in that period and more than likely eased CJ's mind. That's just simple and basic customer service! Brian, I agree with your post totally. But if he doesn't acknowledge a potential customer or update him, then he may have the customer walk out on him too. Ken | ||
| Jim H. (Victor_mature) Member Username: Victor_mature Post Number: 58 Registered: 02-2003 |
Eric, I hope you don't mean that. Mom and pop operations are our last hope. When those go away our options will be Land Rover dealers, Walmart Big-Box stores and TGI-Fridays. Maybe these guys are a little lacking in the customer service area but you've got a better chance of getting good service from a company that depends on your business than from some hi-volume outlet that couldn't care less about a single customer because they've got a few thousand others queued up at the door. If Crash05 lets northwestparts.com know that he's posted this warning on this board I'll bet he'll get some results. Try doing that with Pep Boys and see how far you get. My .02 Jim | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 518 Registered: 09-2002 |
Everyone makes good points but I think the fundamental point, and some of you have mentioned it, is just keeping the customer in the loop. It's good "consumer" business not to charge the customer until you can deliver but at the same time realize that the customer does have in his mind that his order is taken care of so he/she does have a certain level of expectation as far as communication goes. When the customer feels like he/she is being ignored or that their inquiries are falling on deaf ears, then problems arise and the situation can get blown out of proportion. Big companies are worse for this type of behaviour than the little guys but it's just a matter of caring for the customer a bit more. | ||
| Daniel Covaciu (Danielcovaciu) Member Username: Danielcovaciu Post Number: 245 Registered: 10-2002 |
I have already sent NWP an email with a link to this thread. Personaly I am really trying to support NWP as much as possible. They are based in Portland OR where I live. We dont have much of anything out here devoted to Land Rover other than the dealer so I hope they stick around. Hopefully Andy will chime in and offer a response. By the way Andy, are the racks done yet? Dan | ||
| ken knebusch (Charlotterover) Member Username: Charlotterover Post Number: 154 Registered: 02-2002 |
I have been keeping my eye on the outcome of those racks too! Ken | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 123 Registered: 10-2002 |
I didn't mean it that way. I've worked for a large consumer product company and I've worked with large accounts such as Walmart, Kmart, Target, etc etc. To tell you the truth, I cherish the small guys. The big accounts suck! But if the small guy wants to stay competitive, then he/she needs to respond or else the Wal-Mart's of the world will kill their competition, period. CJ doesn't need people to make up excuses for northwestparts, northwestparts make up their own excuses. CJ, I would have asked for my money back after the 30th day. It's a competitive world out there and if they don't want your business, then give it to another small company like northwestpart. Simple as that. Look out for yourself. | ||
| Daniel Covaciu (Danielcovaciu) Member Username: Danielcovaciu Post Number: 246 Registered: 10-2002 |
Yeah, they have been long in coming. Kind of like those floor mats. I guess they only got a guy to start welding on them a couple of weeks ago. Dan | ||
| Jess Alvarez (Jester) Member Username: Jester Post Number: 184 Registered: 11-2002 |
Daniel, I agree (even though you have no balls ;)) I ordered some stuff from Andy, and as with most businesses just starting out, had a small amount of issues, but he was very helpful, quick and honest about taking care of the problem. Granted, communication could have been better in your case, CJ, but all in all, you got what you wanted, and gratis, for that matter. If the lack of communication and delays in inventorying your product were causing you undue frustration, why not just cancel the order instead of waiting to get the items and then posting a negative thread about the company on this board? You probably got them for a smokin' price, and didnt want to pay more elsewhere, I would guess. I would definitely buy from NWP again, and I do advise most of my friends to do the same. Andy has always done right by me, and that is worth a lot in todays business world. Sorry you had a bad experience, CJ. Jess | ||
| Andy Nix (Andy) Member Username: Andy Post Number: 186 Registered: 02-2002 |
Whatever dude. "Mom and Pop" shops are actually pretty cool, but sometimes things get lost (like 150 emails a day and 30 voicemails a day). On my message that I left you, I pointed out that you could go wherever you wanted for the mats, and from our initial conversation you didn't care how long you had to wait as the price I gave you was awesome. BTW the racks are ready. I'm putting a pic on the website right now.....also, who's going wheelin' this weekend? Nobody's perfect. Andy | ||
| Mark Devereux (Groupw) Member Username: Groupw Post Number: 54 Registered: 12-2002 |
Sorry to add fuel to the NWP fire, (and believe me I admire anyone starting up - that actually added to my decision to go with them), but my experience with them hasn't been too positive on the customer service end. First, the springs I ordered took over 3 weeks to deliver - I was told 3 days. Second, the front 3 inch springs delivered only 2 inches of lift. When I talked to Andy about the problem he said that he would warranty the springs. That was almost 3 weeks ago, and no springs yet. Not even an e-mail. | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 677 Registered: 10-2002 |
Andy, just looked at the racks on your site. Look great. Are they a bear to ship? | ||
| Refuse Badminton (Nobadminton) New Member Username: Nobadminton Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2003 |
Well, since people are throwing gas then water then gas on this fire, I'll throw in my bucket of water. I busted the passenger side mirror on my RRC and decided to find something less that the $300 a dealer wanted. I can't remember if I found Andy through eBay or directly, but I picked up a used mirror from him for something like $50 (my memory is fuzzy). He had a supplier send a used one to him and then he to me within about 10 days or so. So far I'm happy. Except when I put it on. Come to find out the mirror was epoxied onto its mount so it would not move (at first it wouldn't move at all and it wouldn't just pop off like it should, so I took a chance and busted it off, only to find lots of gray stuff where it shouldn't be). At this point I emailed Andy about what had happened. Sight unseen he said he'd order me another used one and send it right to me. I told him I'd be glad to take some photos so he could verify I wasn't making it up. He had already order the replacement before I sent him pictures, which he said he didn't really need. I asked if he wanted the epoxied one back an he said I could keep it, for which I now have a handy mirror to check those hard to see places.  The next mirror arrived and all was well with the world. Andy never charged me more than the original quote and remedied the situation as well as I'd expect an owner/operator to. He was prompt with emails, always responding the same day, or in the morning if I emailed late at night. It seems running a normal job and trying to make everyone happy isn't the easiest of things. But my experience with Andy, wrought with potential to suck ass and for me to be complaining today, would be rated an 8. Not perfect since the part I got was busted, but he more than made up for it with correcting the problem in a timely manner. | ||
| Andy Nix (Andy) Member Username: Andy Post Number: 187 Registered: 02-2002 |
Mark, your springs ship Monday along with everyone elses.. You haven't been forgotten. See your inbox. Atleast you don't have to deal with OME springs!!! John, they're a bear, yes. Email for specifics. Andy | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 952 Registered: 09-2002 |
Hey no Badminton, what's wrong with badminton? | ||
| Andy Nix (Andy) Member Username: Andy Post Number: 188 Registered: 02-2002 |
I DIDN'T CHARGE CJ FOR THE FLOORMATS!!! Andy www.northwestparts.com | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 244 Registered: 03-2002 |
well, considering andy gets questions like this: "Hi Andy, How many lifts of springs do I need if I want to get 15" travel at 4 corners with 35" tires.The extended length of shock is 36" and collapsed length is 21". Thanks. " i am not sure if i would read my e-mail either... mike | ||
| Andy Nix (Andy) Member Username: Andy Post Number: 189 Registered: 02-2002 |
LOL | ||
| Refuse Badminton (Nobadminton) New Member Username: Nobadminton Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2003 |
Brian, I've found many things to be wrong with Badminton, including playing it. | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 953 Registered: 09-2002 |
Sooo...what is the answere to that question? | ||
| CJ SZPILA (Crash05) Member Username: Crash05 Post Number: 143 Registered: 11-2002 |
The reason I did order them was because they are a small "Mom & Pop" shop, and a figured I could wait the 2 weeks, for them to come in. But after like the 5 call and e-mail going unanswered I got fed up. | ||
| ken knebusch (Charlotterover) Member Username: Charlotterover Post Number: 155 Registered: 02-2002 |
that was good michael | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 126 Registered: 10-2002 |
www.xls.com a small operation?? I just ordered a ton of brake supplies. | ||
| Kirk Thibault (Kirkt) Member Username: Kirkt Post Number: 86 Registered: 11-2002 |
One of the few advantages a "mom and pop" operation, especially a new start-up operation, has over the giant mega-shops is individualized customer service. If you blow this, word gets out and you do not grow. Period. | ||
| Jess Alvarez (Jester) Member Username: Jester Post Number: 188 Registered: 11-2002 |
Erik, You ordered brake supplies from a place that makes spreadsheets? | ||
| Joe M. (Little_joe) Member Username: Little_joe Post Number: 115 Registered: 11-2002 |
All of this over floor mats. Unreal.  joe | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 127 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jess, were you trying to be funny? | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 679 Registered: 10-2002 |
Erik, try the link you posted. Seems funny to me! | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 128 Registered: 10-2002 |
Get to work you slackers! | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 129 Registered: 10-2002 |
Oh, my bad. www.xks.com | ||
| R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 587 Registered: 07-2002 |
I did my best to run a small business here in Portland. I would have done a lot better at it if I had as many people trying to talk to me as Andy has. But I would have had a whole new set of problems too. It's not like he makes these springs and roof racks in his garage (the IIa takes up all the room anyway right Andy?) From what I understand he has hunted down people in the area who can manufacture these things for him to his, and his customers' specifications. It's a small operation, dealing with big operation communications (brought on by the internet,) and they are taking on the likes of OME and Safety Devices at a lower price. It seems like there may be a problem with customer communications, but has anyone actually been dissatisfied with anything they have bought from him in the end? I like my springs. http://landrover.mrbaileyshistory.net/discovery_photos.html | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 130 Registered: 10-2002 |
Andy, pay me $60k and I'll take care of your logistics and help you gain market share | ||
| Jess Alvarez (Jester) Member Username: Jester Post Number: 191 Registered: 11-2002 |
I wasnt trying to be funny, Erik. You made it funny by posting a link to a spreadsheet company. Were you TRYING to be funny with your 60k offer to Andy? Helluva guy, you are. Everything I have purchased from NWP has come in, exactly as promised, and any issues were taken care of immediately. I agree with R.B. He doesnt just make up these springs and other items (racks, for instance). He acts as a connection point to them. Sometimes a retailer's suppliers have problems getting the product to the retailer, and thus to the customer. It happens. It is business. And, not to mention that his prices are very very fair and reasonable. Like I said, I agree that the communication could have been better, but CJ is the consumer. He had the power. He could have just as easily canceled his order and moved on, instead of waiting to get them for free and then posting a warning to Dweb. A more appropriate heading for this thread would have been: WARNING.....I GOT MY FLOORMATS LATE, BUT FOR FREE FROM NORTHWEST PARTS. USE CAUTION. | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 955 Registered: 09-2002 |
That is very good customer service. I just now caught that he sent them for no charge. All business will make mistakes....it doesn't sound to me like there was a real mistake here.....but it is how a company takes care of those mistakes that make them good. Andy will have a strong business. | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 131 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ya ya ya... xls vs. xks, joke on me. And no, I wasn't trying to be funny. $60k for someone to run such logistic services is dirt cheap! Hey, I live in Taxachusetts and the cost of living is nothing to laugh about. | ||
| Jess Alvarez (Jester) Member Username: Jester Post Number: 192 Registered: 11-2002 |
Don't blame your choice of residence on anybody but yourself. Nobody was talking about cost of living. NWP is a startup business (read: not able to pay some 'logistics' professional 60k per year to handle what he is already doing just fine). So...to me, 60k per year IS funny for a guy who is from the Northeast, trying to help the logistics of a STARTUP company from the NorthWEST come up with a logistics plan. NWP did right by the guy. Period. Jess | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 99 Registered: 11-2002 |
Move to California then come talk to me about the cost of living. | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 956 Registered: 09-2002 |
Right on Jess, I was thinking the same thing. Erik, what makes you think you are worth 60k anyway? | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 132 Registered: 10-2002 |
My resume and my paycheck tells me that I'm worth it. Christ, I'll work for product if you want me to put something together for you Andy. Help you with your inventory issues and would be glad to shoot you my resume. $60k is pocket change in this neck of the woods and those that live in MA would agree. Gaining market share is the name of the game my nonbusiness friends. And please, the only place in CA that has higher cost of living then MA, is San Fran. Look, Im not bashing the guy. As I stated above, I cherish the small companies. | ||
| Jess Alvarez (Jester) Member Username: Jester Post Number: 194 Registered: 11-2002 |
Whatever. | ||
| Axel Haakonsen (Axel) Moderator Username: Axel Post Number: 106 Registered: 02-2003 |
Peter Carey, are you still here? Damn... Very clever disguise by the way, better than "Sabine Dawn" and "Rainbowrover". What was the deal with posing as a woman anyway? Never mind, I don't want to know, that mental image is just too disturbing.... - Axel | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 957 Registered: 09-2002 |
"Lesson learned: Don't buy from Mom & Pop operations" You cherish small companies? Market share is not the only name of the game. There has to be a few other elements in place before you even need to bother with market share. Catch market share with out the resources to keep it up and you are doomed. It would be absolutly silly to hire someone for 60k to develop market share at this stage of the business. of course that is my opinion. | ||
| John E. King, Jr. (Cadet007) New Member Username: Cadet007 Post Number: 10 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hello, I've emailed Andy a million times about stuff and haven't bought anything, yet he continues to email me back in a quick and courteous manner. I told him I'm getting the roof rack and I'm standing by my word, no matter how long it takes. He sound like a good guy to me. Oh yeah, the cost of living? Try Alaska, boys. John | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 133 Registered: 10-2002 |
The lesson learn part was for CJ. whatever, this issue has been beaten to death. Andy, keep your head chin up! John E King - What is the guy girl ratio up there? | ||
| R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 594 Registered: 07-2002 |
Try teaching a badminton P.E. unit to a bunch of 7th graders - tournaments and all. Then you will hate badminton with the best of them. | ||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 312 Registered: 11-2002 |
Its his buisness and you dont own a damn thing untill he "sells" it to you. Since no cash changed hands there was no sale. Its a set of mats , had it been a broken down truck that was awaiting a part and he did that I could see your gripe. But that isnt the case. Dont bash the guys for simply not having what you wanted. If its that bad simply move on and get your mats from somewhere else.... Carey ?? Are you a woman ? Man thats some bizzarre shit to send all those mails and rant about not coming back and then us having to ban you like 15 times under different names cause you cant stay away... Freaky... Kyle "Blow me" | ||
| John Moore (Jmoore) Senior Member Username: Jmoore Post Number: 681 Registered: 10-2002 |
This thread has the potential to get weird. | ||
| Erik Geagan (Geagan) Member Username: Geagan Post Number: 134 Registered: 10-2002 |
RB - my buddy is a P.E. teacher (grade school) and I got the chance to hang with him during his classes. We played Dr. Spy all day. That game rocks! | ||
| Jeffry Scott (Jeffry) Member Username: Jeffry Post Number: 102 Registered: 12-2002 |
potential? | ||
| John E. King, Jr. (Cadet007) New Member Username: Cadet007 Post Number: 11 Registered: 02-2003 |
I'm kind of lost here. To the above poster, the guy-girl ratio up here, especially in Fairbanks, is terrible. Besides, most of us here would prefer to go fishing or hunting (or on our rigs) than blowing our money on a girl. IMHO John | ||
| Andy Thoma (Andythoma) Senior Member Username: Andythoma Post Number: 267 Registered: 01-2003 |
So how is wheeling in AK? My wife and I want to move from Utah to Alaska when she's done with her medical degree. We took a long trip all through Ak last year and it felt like home. Now we want to move. Because of her degree we think it will put us near of anchorage. I was personally hoping for the Seward area, or any where near turnagain bay so I can get the touring kayak out more than here in Utah. I think having the ablity to buy Alaska Amber is enough for me to fall in love with the state. Besides, winter is our favorite season for both of us. | ||
| Andy Thoma (Andythoma) Senior Member Username: Andythoma Post Number: 268 Registered: 01-2003 |
Sorry, my last post was really off topic. But people said this thread was weird already, for crying out loud, its for floor mats! | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 960 Registered: 09-2002 |
My brother in law is from Bethel. He is half Eskimo. Just thought I'd share. | ||
| Paul Long (Humveewannabe) Member Username: Humveewannabe Post Number: 47 Registered: 03-2003 |
On a serious note, and in line with this thread; I'm not sure what to do. My 99 DII died May 3rd. I e-mailed Nathan at Discount Rovers for a crankshaft position sensor. The initial response was that his suppliers in the states didn't have one, so it was coming from the UK, and that it "should" be in by next week. When I didn't recieve it that following week, I waited another week to see if it would show, since "should be" is a loose term he has to use when something is out of his control. Understood. About 1 message per week went out to him to keep tabs on the part I need. Yesterday, I got the message I was waiting for that he picked it up at customs and would send it. However, since it took so long, he wants to send it no charge. I wanted to send payment for it, but all he asked me for is my address. This morning I sent him my address, since I still have to fix it, and should see the part early next week. He won't give me a price on it, and for all the time responding and trouble getting it, I want to give him something for it. This sensor shuts the engine down, no fuel, no spark, no limp home mode. Just cranks. So we've been surviving with one vehicle since yesterday, when I found a heavy duty 250 Ford pick-up. Never again will I be waiting parts over a month to get a vehicle back on the road. This sensor comes in, this truck is history. Word of caution to DII owners. This is a good part to have in your glove box. I would not go on a trip without one. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Senior Member Username: Blue Post Number: 102 Registered: 04-2003 |
and that Humvee will just run all day long, all year long, trouble free | ||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 313 Registered: 11-2002 |
Whats very informative about these threads is that by reading them you can tell who the land rover enthusiats are and who the "car owners" are. I thank my Disco every day when it gets me to the destination. I also plan every day on it not making it. Just one of those love hate things that only a few will deal with for the greater joy the vehicles will bring you. The summit shot at the end of Dusi Ershim alone is worth quite a few break downs in my every day hum drum life. And I certainly aint gonna sweat the floor mats........Sell that truck hummer guy so that maybe someone can really use/enjoy it. Kyle "Blow me" | ||
| R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 596 Registered: 07-2002 |
Amen Kyle. | ||
| Todd Rooker (Tryrook) Member Username: Tryrook Post Number: 70 Registered: 12-2002 |
After reading this thread, I was LMAO on the way home today when I saw not one, but TWO broken down Bummers (H1 and H2) getting loaded onto tow trucks. Seems they are the Soccer Mom vehicle of choice in North Scottsdale. | ||
| Paul Long (Humveewannabe) Member Username: Humveewannabe Post Number: 48 Registered: 03-2003 |
You're right Kyle. I never claimed to be an off roader for enjoyment. Tired of getting stuck or not being able to get where I needed to go. I needed a vehicle to take trips with the family without buying an extended cab. Something to get around slippery PA winter roads, or an occasional no heat emergency call to remote areas where my regular service truck would not go. It did all this very well. But more importantly I wanted something I didn't have to work on constantly. Now I know that's the trade off owning a Rover. Maybe that's the lesser of all evils. I have two Ford service trucks for my service business to keep going. That's enough to work on. Trouble is, these trucks have utility bodies with the weight of tools and stuff you just don't want to haul around all the time. This was my personal vehicle, but actually not truck enough for what I do. My hobby is steam engines. In the 2 years I've owned this vehicle it has been used for pulling a trailer to nearby states for engine parts, antique tractors, lathes, milling machines..... I don't consider myself a "car owner". Hell, my shopping trips are throwing a 3 phase 5 hp motor in the back with a pile of machine tooling. Um, Blue... Just 'cuz I want one doesn't make me dumb enough to buy one | ||
| Keith Kreutzer (Revor) Member Username: Revor Post Number: 199 Registered: 11-2002 |
Wow!!! This is bizarre... Hey Andy is that my rack on the website? Keith | ||
| Carter Simcoe (Carter) Senior Member Username: Carter Post Number: 594 Registered: 04-2002 |
Wait lets back up a minute here..... So "Sabine Dawn" has really been Peter Carey taking on some sort of twisted femenine alter-ego???? Thats just pathetic, scary, and pathetic. | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Senior Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 504 Registered: 05-2002 |
Paul, From what you said, you are right. Something like a Tudra or F250 would suit your needs better. Mind you, I would not trade my D2 out for anything like this. However, I have a trailer for my hauling needs - which are light at best. | ||
| Paul Long (Humveewannabe) Member Username: Humveewannabe Post Number: 49 Registered: 03-2003 |
Yeah, I'm not looking for an argument here. I'm also an older one here, pushing 46. Owned vehicles before I could legally drive when I was in auto mechanics in vo-tech. That's 29 years experience with shit going wrong. Now as I compare what I used to work on, 60's Ramblers, 70's Chevys, in the 80's I was a VW tech, I got into the Propane business to get away from the aggravation of newer vehicles in '89. Been on my own ever since. Put thousands of miles on pick-ups through the 90's without a hitch. 1 mechanical fuel pump and 1 ignition control module is all I remember leaving me set a few hours 'till replaced and drive on. This is the newest vehicle I've owned by far, learned right away that I needed the micro fiche set and factory manuals. Soon needed laptop and OBDII. There's $1000 of diagnostic shit. This is not the first time this vehicle has been down so long. Got it April of 01 needing brakes and front rotors. Thought no big deal. Over 1 month to obtain rotors back then. That was my first taste of the waiting game. New truck (to me) that I spent $26,000 on and couldn't drive it 'till I found rotors! Once it was on the road, radiator leak, engine tap, taken care of under warranty, but dealer had radiators back ordered. Dealer diagnosed rocker arms, had to order. Another wait. Got it back in about 2 weeks. 2000 miles later, just out of warranty; valves stick. No way was I doing a top end on my own engine with only 50,000 miles on it. Cleaned the shit out of it changing oil twice as often as required and ingesting cleaners through the intake. Pretty much took care of that. 20,000 miles later the radiator is leaking in the same spot as the original did! Steam traction engines I play with go 18 to 20,000 in decent shape, up to 75,000 in pristine condition. I want one of my own, I'm ready to buy. Twice while this thing has been down, an engine has come up for sale that I really needed to get down south to check. I'm back to my daily driver beat around truck for the trip anyway. Now the wife is spoiled with the DII so it looks like I'm doomed to keep the work in progress going anyhow..... She wants no part of driving anything else. She may be up for grabs soon too, I'll post pics Yes bizarre, never know what you might find on Dweb. She's a '58 model year. Average mileage, no leaks, reproductive system unused. (includes Rover) Does windows and whole lot more. | ||
| Kyle Van Tassel (Kyle) Moderator Username: Kyle Post Number: 316 Registered: 11-2002 |
LOL , god damn... You got a bad year Paul. The DII would probably leave a bad taste in my mouth as well.. Get rid of that shit and get a nice 99 D1.. I see them for sale pretty cheap now and then with low miles...The 94-5s are easier to work on.. Kyle "Blow me" | ||
| Gabriel Guay (Gearhead) Member Username: Gearhead Post Number: 51 Registered: 04-2002 |
Dam, I see all these people complain about all sorts of problems. I'm also older person here on this site and I average 25K miles per year. Used to be more like 35K per year but I'm older now. I'v had ford trucks, GM cars, Chevy trucks and one Dodge, all of them broke. They all did all the same things I read about on these threads. In fact I feel the Disco has been the least costly to operate and has had no leave it stuck at the side of the road episodes. It's real simple, if you don't maintain these things, they will let you down. The only thing I agree with is leaks. Seems there is always one gasket or seal leaking somewhere. Once that one is fixed, another one starts. Other than that, I can say it's been a good experience. Re-did hubs and brakes and really wasn't that expensive. The key is learn to do your own work, buy good tools and replace expendible parts before they are so worn out it brakes. Just an example, I guy I know has been driving his s blazer with sqweeling bearing for two months. Idler bearing locked up and the belt broke the water pump shaft, took out the radiator and alterantor. Now he's bitching the truck is a piece of shit. Learn to read noises and take car of shit before it becomes nightmare. Same is true of the disco only you can't get parts at walmart. Sorry, just had to vent a little. 99 D1 120000 miles no major issues. No dealer work allowed on my truck, maybe thats the key. Gabe | ||
| Paul Long (Humveewannabe) Member Username: Humveewannabe Post Number: 50 Registered: 03-2003 |
Gabe; "The key is learn to do your own work, buy good tools and replace expendible parts before they are so worn out it brakes." That's my point. That's me. I do all my own service work. I'm still a licensed PA inspection mechanic. I also carry all the ASE certifications to be considered "master mechanic". That don't mean shit. I do keep it in top notch condition. Purchased at 40,000 mi. changed all the fluids, went over the vehicle and had dealer take care of warranty work. Thought I had something to put 50,000 on without anything major. The crank sensor failure was the first and only time the vehicle was disabled on the road. That can happen to anything. My point is the time it takes to get it back on the road. Nothing you can do to make a sensor fail, or radiator leak with 20,000 miles on it. (short of running into a wall) On the other hand, GM puts the crank sensor INSIDE the oil pan where it's a real PIA to replace. But at least you can have one in your hand, locally, today. Got two roll away tool chests with Snap-on / Craftsman mix. Only buy lifetime warranteed tools. The quality of your tools will reflect in everthing you do. With my luck, I've done everthing for the next guy to drive 100,000 with no problems. You never know... I have a neighbor with a Ford Ranger that sounds like a shock or exhaust tail pipe is clunking away as he comes down the road for the last month. He'll bitch when he needs a convertor that tears off the header pipe. I'm the only one on the block that mikes my rotors to replace before they're worn out, they drive with pads grinding and just replace pads. I'm the one broken down, Go figure. | ||
| Axel Haakonsen (Axel) Moderator Username: Axel Post Number: 108 Registered: 02-2003 |
That is correct, Carter. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?  - Axel | ||
| Gabriel Guay (Gearhead) Member Username: Gearhead Post Number: 52 Registered: 04-2002 |
paul, All I'm saying is, these trucks arent any worse to keep running than anyother truck. In fact I think they are easier to work on than same year GM product. The only drawback is parts need to be mail ordered. That's the price you pay as an enthusiats. It's like a Harley, sure the new jap look alike bikes are nice but the Harley has something speacial about it. Something about all my favorite vehicles have leaks. Wonder if theres a trend there. Gabe | ||
| Brian Friend (Brianfriend) Senior Member Username: Brianfriend Post Number: 962 Registered: 09-2002 |
spidey is cool | ||
| Carter Simcoe (Carter) Senior Member Username: Carter Post Number: 599 Registered: 04-2002 |
Hey Ax, "IT PUTS THE LOTION ON IT'S BODY!!!!!!" Yes, freaky stuff for sure. |
