Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

I have little experience with dealers and recalls and what's appropriate to ask. About 2 1/2 weeks ago my transfer case locked up in Minneapolis. It was on the maiden voyage after installing my new engine so I was pissed and thought it might have been something related to my work at first so I had it towed from Minneapolis where I was to my Aunt and Uncles in St. Paul (closest people who would let me park it there long term if necessary). I pulled the x-case plug and found the thing bone dry with metal shavings in it so I had it towed to Chrysler in Roseville.

2 1/2 weeks later after being told based on 3 visual inspections that it was not the x-fer case and not a warranty issue I told them I was sure it was (politely). They finally pulled it into the garage and checked the fluid level (empty) and have now told me it's warrantied and they are ordering a new x-fer case which should be here weds or thurs. So they are covering the transfer case, labor and the tow from St. Paul to their garage. I haven't brought up the first tow with them, but I'm not sure if it's something fair to ask for? I probably would have pulled the plug and checked and sent it straight to the dealer, but I was in the middle of Penn ave at 394 and the police told me I needed to get out of the road quickly or it would be impounded so I just had it sent the first place I could be sure of. What ya'll tink?

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

I would just go ask them. Be like well I had to get it towed to my house first because the dealer was closed and see what they say. Never hurts to ask.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

I don't think you'll get it cause you didn't go to the dealer first. And if they are already covering everything else now I'd let it go unless it creates a bind $$$ wise for ya.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

It's not a huge bill. It was something like $135. Me being a broke college student and all every bit counts but I don't want to ask if it wouldn't be considered appropriate. Aside from the techs half-assing the fist inspections I think they've treated me fairly well. I don't want to be one of those demanding jack-asses if I can help it.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

Just ask them in a nice way, If they deny you dont fight it and I feel that will be ok to do. If you are rude and try and fight with them thats when you turn into the demanding jack-ass.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

True enough. I'm pretty friendly with the guy I've been dealing with over there so I'll just ask if that's something he would cover and see what he says.

Here's to hoping my baby is back on the road soon. :)

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

I wouldn't expect them to pay for the first tow since they are covering the tow to the dealership.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

I agree with every one else. Just let the first tow go. They are paying for the second and the repair. Be happy for that. But another side it wont hurt to ask. But do it in a nice way. good luck man

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

Just a funny side note. The recall was done in 98. Their main reason for saying it wasn't going to be the recall was the main tranny tech said it's almost always the case that the seals go bad within the first week or two and that's when the transfer case gets damaged. Since it was done in 98 that's obviously longer than the usual 2 weeks to failure. I was sitting there thinking the whole time 'if that's the case why did it have to be done in 98 on my 91 talon?' No logic at all.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

Yea, I wouldn't expect them to pay for the first tow...might be best to just cough up for that one and let them take care of the rest.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

Never hurt to ask!

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

I think it would be like sending back a steak that's undercooked at a restaurant. Although it probably wouldn't happen, I'd be nervous about the cook (or mechanic in your case) messing with it somehow. If it were me I'd just leave well enough alone.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

It sounds like a near concensus that I shouldn't expect anything so I don't plan to get my hopes up. I'll ask just in case, but that will be after the work is done when I go to pick up the car.

My understanding is that the mechanics that do recall work are paid by the job and not the hour and they all jump at the chance if they get it. Hopefully they would be respectable enough to treat my car well.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

But that all comes down to how you ask. I work in a restaurant and if someone is being nice about it I have NO problem giving it back to the cooks and telling them to make it right. but if someone is being a dickhead then that just pisses me off. But at the restaurant I work at we dont mess with peoples food which I think is a good thing.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

You could turn it in to your insurance company and they will cover the tow. If you get them the reciept.(No it doesn't increase your premiums)
If you have full coverage it should be covered.

Re: Should the dealer pay for tow?
 

Good timing, I was just about to update this thread. Apparently I owe them for the tow to the dealer so I'm definitely not going to ask about the first one, lol. They originally told me it would be covered, but I'm thinking the actual recall work is paid for by corporate, but the tow is paid for by the dealer.

I like the insurance idea. I don't have full coverage, but I do have $50 tow reimbursement and I can't seem to find my original receipt. I'll just submit the second one. That will drop my total cost of a new transfer case to under $200. Pretty damn cheap however you slice it.