BajaNomad

Has anyone else had a problem getting a US car serviced at a dealer in BCS?

RFClark - 8-31-2022 at 09:31 PM

We Had an interesting car problem getting a broken windshield replaced down here (BCS). I went to both the Kia dealers and was told that they couldn’t work on the car because my vin wasn’t in the Mexican system. This wasn’t warranty work. This was cash service.

Anyone else encounter this problem before?

AKgringo - 9-1-2022 at 06:44 AM

That is odd! Are there any non-dealer-based replacement shops in the area?

Even if they have to go through a dealer to get the glass, they may be able to pull it off.

mtgoat666 - 9-1-2022 at 07:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
We Had an interesting car problem getting a broken windshield replaced down here (BCS). I went to both the Kia dealers and was told that they couldn’t work on the car because my vin wasn’t in the Mexican system. This wasn’t warranty work. This was cash service.

Anyone else encounter this problem before?


If their computers and parts dept is set up for Kia work in Mexico, it may be a PITA for them to deal with identifying and ordering parts for VINs that are not in “the system.” I can see where they find it too much non-std work to deal with, so decline the work.



chippy - 9-1-2022 at 08:07 AM

Find the parabrisas/cristales places the insurance co. use.

RFClark - 9-1-2022 at 09:07 AM

The reason I went to the Dealer is there’s an electronic realignment required after the replacement for the auto driving system. I had the kia part numbers for the glass and seal required.

I wondered if it had anything to do with the stolen vehicle from the US problem in Mexico.

AKgringo - 9-1-2022 at 09:13 AM

Does anyone besides me have a problem with cars that are so smart, that they need therapy?

All I want is a simple, tough, ranch ready rig that even a competent shade tree mechanic can work on!

RFClark - 9-1-2022 at 09:20 AM

AK,

I’ve driven for a long time! I drove a stick most of that time. After a few million miles I like the car doing more of the driving! That said the Kia is not my ‘64 Dodge 4X4!

Bajazly - 9-1-2022 at 09:27 AM

I bought some CV boots from Toyota last year and while talking to them something else came up and they said they couldn't touch my truck because it was a US vehicle.

RFClark - 9-1-2022 at 09:38 AM

I plan to have a talk with Kia when we’re back there next week. I’ll post more here.

4x4abc - 9-1-2022 at 10:16 AM

had a US Ford Ranger serviced at Ford last year - no problem

but I agree - dealers are evil

had a problem many years ago with one of my G-Wagons in L.A.
dealer would not touch it - because it was European
But Mercedes promises service worldwide "wherever you travel"
made some calls to Stuttgart Mercedes friends
next day:
North America rep called to apologize
dealer called to apologize
service rep called to apologize
brought the car back
service rep said: "What did you do? We never work on these cars."

so, is it corruption, if you know who to call?

pacificobob - 9-1-2022 at 10:31 AM

I had my sprinter serviced at the Benz dealership in san lucas for years.
Maybe they just don't want your business.

RFClark - 9-1-2022 at 10:49 AM

Hard to say. Perhaps I shouldn’t have worn my Make America Great Again in 2024 “T” Shirt. (Joke, I don’t have one)

Bob and Susan - 9-1-2022 at 11:09 AM

sometimes NEW cars need a software update to replace a windshield

you cant just take out the old one and install a new one

lots of computer electronics nowdays

JDCanuck - 9-1-2022 at 11:38 AM

Try calling Servicio Tecnico Del Cabo. Insurer sent me there for repairs, good work and very decent price. Dealers are...well, dealers.

SFandH - 9-1-2022 at 12:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
The reason I went to the Dealer is there’s an electronic realignment required after the replacement for the auto driving system. I had the kia part numbers for the glass and seal required.


It could be they don't have access to the specs they need without the VIN.

Do they sell the model and accessories you have in Mexico?

Why Many New Vehicles Need ADAS Windshield Repair Specialists

"an aftermarket OEM windshield will run anywhere from $250 to $500 depending on the features, and the calibration afterward can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 if completed by a dealer."

https://inspectorsauto.com/windshield-repair-adas-calibratio...



[Edited on 9-1-2022 by SFandH]

RFClark - 9-1-2022 at 05:28 PM

SF&H,

Replacement windshield with calibration is $500 at safelight auto glass. The other $500 is covered by insurance. Mexican insurance is the same $500 deductible.

JDCanuck - 9-1-2022 at 10:31 PM

According to my Autobody shop friend, there is a lot of liability tied into any repairs once you factor in the newest safety features. He retired early as he watched others get sued into bankruptcy for improper programming or alignment claims on what used to be minor fender benders easily repaired.

mjs - 9-2-2022 at 01:44 AM

Another possibility.

I don't know about Kia specifically but it is not uncommon for the dealership computer to be directly linked to the manufacturer servers. The dealership computer won't accept an unauthorized VIN and allow the dealer to do the work.

I know from my bmw experience that it used to be the dealer had the service equipment and would do software updates locally. That changed about 10 (?) years ago and now the dealer only has a terminal connected to the mothership.

To my knowledge this has become sop in the industry. I'd be interested in learning if this was the case.

SFandH - 9-2-2022 at 06:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
"an aftermarket OEM windshield will run anywhere from $250 to $500 depending on the features, and the calibration afterward can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 if completed by a dealer."

Wow. Another reason not to rush into the latest and greatest. I've had to replace my current car's windshield about every three years, and it's just glass, not even wiper heaters.

Makes for a cheap and easy replacement. :light:


Yes, I didn't know about "smart windshields" until I did some googling. It makes me think that manufacturers might be wise to offer a "dumb" model that minimizes computerized systems and the costs associated with them. Introducing the Chevy Analog! Easily maintained by mechanics in a garage, computer scientists and calibration laboratories are not required.

mtgoat666 - 9-2-2022 at 07:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
"an aftermarket OEM windshield will run anywhere from $250 to $500 depending on the features, and the calibration afterward can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 if completed by a dealer."

Wow. Another reason not to rush into the latest and greatest. I've had to replace my current car's windshield about every three years, and it's just glass, not even wiper heaters.

Makes for a cheap and easy replacement. :light:


Yes, I didn't know about "smart windshields" until I did some googling. It makes me think that manufacturers might be wise to offer a "dumb" model that minimizes computerized systems and the costs associated with them. Introducing the Chevy Analog! Easily maintained by mechanics in a garage, computer scientists and calibration laboratories are not required.


I like all those gizmos. The sensors and warning systems make newer cars much safer to drive.
And modern cars are 1000X better than the 60s and 70s vehicles I drove when I was younger…
Modern cars are quite reliable, will rarely (almost never) need a trip to shop if you treat them well.

SFandH - 9-2-2022 at 07:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

Modern cars are quite reliable, will rarely (almost never) need a trip to shop if you treat them well.


Or if the vehicle in front of you doesn't throw a stone that cracks your windshield. I've had two windshield replacements over the years.

But, I drove a friend's older car the other day that didn't have an LCD and backup camera and missed the camera display, a definite improvement.

bajatrailrider - 9-2-2022 at 08:48 AM

After 50 years in auto work and dealers sub work to me. All dealers US and Mexico rip offs any way they can. Avoid them at any cost new cars with all there hype. More recalls now then ever

RFClark - 9-2-2022 at 10:10 AM

I’ve done “Latest and Greatest” since before transistors replaced vacuum tubes (electron valves in Canada) Usually Latest was better sometimes not, but always with new holes to step into. That said finding and fixing the holes earned me a good living. So very few complaints!

PaulW - 9-2-2022 at 11:17 AM

For a US car in Baja contact a US independent glass source and order it.
The US glass supplier can deal with a US VIN.
Have it shipped to your location and installed by a local glass guy.
If your car has radar and camera that looks thru the windshield you will have a warning light because the calibration equipment to re-align the thing is usually not available in Mexico.
Of course you can always drive to the US and get a replacement.

SFandH - 9-2-2022 at 05:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by RFClark  
I’ve done “Latest and Greatest” since before transistors replaced vacuum tubes (electron valves in Canada)


They still let you drive? I suppose you need all the digital assistance you can get. ;)

[Edited on 9-3-2022 by SFandH]

RFClark - 9-2-2022 at 05:32 PM

I have a license from a Red state! My eyes are still good enough to shoot ground squirrels at a couple hundred feet!