Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

[Dino_V]

Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

Just an FYI for all you other car enthusiasts out there and the typical BS associated with auto manufacturers and dealers.

As you all know, I love buying/collecting cars and I love buying european vehicles. Last month I bought a brand new 2012 Fiat 500 Sport for daily driving to add to the collection. Fiat had a 3 year/36,000 miles "complimentary" maintenance program that covers all maintenance during this time frame. Note, I have quotation marks around the word complimentary.
This program is portrayed as a no cost complimentary incentive to the consumer.
Dictionary.com lists complimentary as:
given free as a gift of courtesy

Dealer (which I won't mention, PM if you really want to know) does not honor internet price because if you want the 3 year/36,000 mile complimentary maintenance program you need to pay $500 extra.
Really? Last time I checked complimentary, no cost means offered at no charge to the consumer. Not factored into vehicle purchase price and try to market it as complimentary.
Dealer again mentions: "there is a $500 rebate given to consumer if they choose to not go with the maintenance program."
I again ask: "How do you offer a rebate on something that is complimentary?"
Dealer's response: "It's complimentary because it is included in the overall vehicle price and you're not paying extra."

As you can see you can only beat a dead horse so many times as to what the word complimentary means.

I call Fiat USA to see if I can shed some light on this false marketing of the complimentary maintenance program.
I get the same response:
Fiat USA: "Yes, it is complimentary."
My response: "Then why do your dealerships offer a $500 rebate if you choose to not want the program?"
Fiat USA: "Because it is already included in the car purchase price."
My response: "If me, the consumer is paying for this, how can you market this as a complimentary incentive?"
Fiat USA: "Because you're not paying extra for it."
My response: "If someone else who buys a fiat and declines the program gets $500 off the purchase price of their car, how is that not paying extra?"
Fiat USA: "Well, we no longer offer that incentive as of January 4, 2012 but people who purchased before that, we will still honor the program."

How ironic? They won't give you a reason as to why they dropped the "complimentary" maintenance program on vehicles purchased after January 4, 2012. Only that they now offer service contracts in lieu of the complimentary maintenance program.

As you can see, Fiat dealers nor Fiat USA will man up and take responsibility on the false marketing of the "complimentary" maintenance program.

Now, this is not about a small sum of $500, it's about false information marketed to consumers. Don't try telling us you're giving us complimentary no cost maintenance programs when we are paying for it.

A famous quote comes to mind:
(Scarface)
"You know what a hasa is? It's a pig and it don't fly straight."

 

[SilentUnicorn]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

nice to know someone considers 500.00 a small sum....


m

 

[Guest]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

They probably dropped the program because the cars are starting to rust out already.3 years to a Fiat is like 3 years to a dog. It equals 21 years to the average car. Did you get the Rusty Jones treatment,too? OOPS! Sorry.

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

Anybody who buys any FIATsco and doesn't get the maintenance package is an id......errr.....is not running on both cylinders.

 

[aerog]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

Sounds like typical car dealer marketing nonsense, ranks right up there with "all credit applications accepted" - regardless if it's nationwide or not.

Other than <span style="font-style: italic">that</span>, how's the car working out?

 

[Dino_V]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

nice to know someone considers 500.00 a small sum....
m

On a new car it's not really a significant amount. Especially when it covers every single part you can think of for maintenance during that timeframe. I am more annoyed of statements made to me that insist it is free and not charged to consumer. Especially when they continue to insist, as if we car enthusiasts are stupid enough to believe it.

They probably dropped the program because the cars are starting to rust out already.3 years to a Fiat is like 3 years to a dog. It equals 21 years to the average car. Did you get the Rusty Jones treatment,too? OOPS! Sorry.

Have you seen rust issues already? I know the first launch edition ones had some paint issues but mine was a October 2011 built date and have not noticed anything wrong. And honestly, it is meant for pure daily driving which it does great. I bought it with the manual (which I think is a must) and I have been averaging 40-45 mpg! It is also a lot more fun to drive than other cars that fuel efficient with exception of the Tesla haha.

Anybody who buys any FIATsco and doesn't get the maintenance package is an id......errr.....is not running on both cylinders.

Exactly! It'll more than pay itself off in the 3 years haha. Fix It Again Tony!

Sounds like typical car dealer marketing nonsense, ranks right up there with "all credit applications accepted" - regardless if it's nationwide or not.

Other than <span style="font-style: italic">that</span>, how's the car working out?

So far in the month that I've owned it, no issues or concerns. It's a peppy fun car to drive everyday while still being fuel efficient. I'll keep you all updated as I put on some more miles and how it does in the winter over here. I'll post up some pics also when I get a chance.

 

[rkep01]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

I rented a Fiat Punto last year when in England. Like you said, nice peppy little car, great fuel milage and a surprisingly large amount of interior room for it's small size. I really enjoyed driving it for the three weeks we had it...except for one thing. The "automatic/manual" gearbox had a mind of its own. You controlled the shift points with the accelerator pedal...sometimes, then sometimes - not. It seemed to work nicely until you really needed it, as when going round a roundabout, then it seemed to always want to be in top gear. :eeek: If you tried to do something the car didn't like, you had to stop the car, shift back into neutral, then back into the bottom gear to get it going again :madder: - could be dicey depending on the traffic conditions. Never really quite got the hang of it. Other than that, I really enjoyed driving it. Going through the streets of St. Ives in anything larger would have been impossible.

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

I rented a Fiat Punto last year when in England. Like you said, nice peppy little car, great fuel milage and a surprisingly large amount of interior room for it's small size. I really enjoyed driving it for the three weeks we had it...except for one thing. The "automatic/manual" gearbox had a mind of its own. You controlled the shift points with the accelerator pedal...sometimes, then sometimes - not. It seemed to work nicely until you really needed it, as when going round a roundabout, then it seemed to always want to be in top gear. :eeek: If you tried to do something the car didn't like, you had to stop the car, shift back into neutral, then back into the bottom gear to get it going again :madder: - could be dicey depending on the traffic conditions. Never really quite got the hang of it. Other than that, I really enjoyed driving it. Going through the streets of St. Ives in anything larger would have been impossible.

Sounds like someone found a place to unload all those old Airbus flight computers that had minds of their own.
Bets are they copied the proven-safe wireless throttle from Toyota.

 

[Guest]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

J Lo called and she wants her car back. Said she needs to be inspired. $500 bucks will do though...

 

[Guest]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

It's the new economy. Due to the down turn words are no longer worth what they once were. Words like: truth, justice, Honor, loyalty, customer serive etc...

You know, the words that really cost you something. Most folks can't even afford to spell the whole words nowadays. Words like delish, phenom and whatnot ( or should I just say what)

Never thought you'd have to pay for the word free though. Just goes to show you how bad things really are.

What they are saying is it's free once you pay for it. They're so generous they won't charge you for it again.

Just for giggles, I'd run a fist full of mokey butter through it and lock it up after they did an oil change.

Git you a comp'entery engine. :wink:

 

[Brosky]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

Don't forget that most marketers think that the buying public will drink their Kool Aid with no problem. We enthusiast are really a small, non vocal minority compared to the markets they are targeting. Comparatively speaking, we are a minor annoyance when we ask questions like these.

 

[Dino_V]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

I rented a Fiat Punto last year when in England. Like you said, nice peppy little car, great fuel milage and a surprisingly large amount of interior room for it's small size. I really enjoyed driving it for the three weeks we had it...except for one thing. The "automatic/manual" gearbox had a mind of its own. You controlled the shift points with the accelerator pedal...sometimes, then sometimes - not. It seemed to work nicely until you really needed it, as when going round a roundabout, then it seemed to always want to be in top gear. :eeek: If you tried to do something the car didn't like, you had to stop the car, shift back into neutral, then back into the bottom gear to get it going again :madder: - could be dicey depending on the traffic conditions. Never really quite got the hang of it. Other than that, I really enjoyed driving it. Going through the streets of St. Ives in anything larger would have been impossible.

Very fun cars, and something that many new fuel efficient cars here in the US lack. Would have been even more fun if they made them rear engine and rear wheel drive like the original 500.

J Lo called and she wants her car back. Said she needs to be inspired. $500 bucks will do though...

You know, that was the wrong route to go with the advertising campaign. The Fiat Abarth commercial is so awesome and then the JLo one is complete 360. Should have just stuck with twisting thru the Italian mountains and tossed in the original 500. That would have been a much better advertise.

It's the new economy. Due to the down turn words are no longer worth what they once were. Words like: truth, justice, Honor, loyalty, customer serive etc...

You know, the words that really cost you something. Most folks can't even afford to spell the whole words nowadays. Words like delish, phenom and whatnot ( or should I just say what)

Never thought you'd have to pay for the word free though. Just goes to show you how bad things really are.

What they are saying is it's free once you pay for it. They're so generous they won't charge you for it again.

Just for giggles, I'd run a fist full of mokey butter through it and lock it up after they did an oil change.

Git you a comp'entery engine. :wink:

Haha makes me wonder if I will run into any issue when it is time for maintenance. "sorry sir, all maintenance included means only whatever we deem appropriate to include." Then we'll have big issues. This is what concerns me, but time will tell.

Don't forget that most marketers think that the buying public will drink their Kool Aid with no problem. We enthusiast are really a small, non vocal minority compared to the markets they are targeting. Comparatively speaking, we are a minor annoyance when we ask questions like these.

Exactly, consumers have become such suckers that they no longer question things. But people like us, don't get fooled as easily. And what a shame because who you think will consider a Fiat Abarth when released? The car enthusiasts who know what it is.

 

[Guest]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

They're going after a younger "hip" crowd w/ J Lo, not older hippies.

I've got a buddy who's a real car guy that bought one. I'm sure it's killing him. I'm waiting for the right momment to bust the J Lo wants her car back line on him. It was definatly a bad marketing move. I'd NEVER own one now that she's the spokesperson for it.

If you pay attention to what's going on, so-called spokes people or "celebutards" are selling a life style shift more than anything.

I mindset if you will.

 

[Silverghost]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

I don't know how accurate these reports are but I read on some Fiat blogs and fan sites that the suspension bushings are squeaking and making odd sounds in a relatively short time span, much shorter than would be considered "normal".

 

[Guest]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

much shorter than would be considered "normal".

For a Fiat or a car?

 

[Dino_V]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

They're going after a younger "hip" crowd w/ J Lo, not older hippies.

I've got a buddy who's a real car guy that bought one. I'm sure it's killing him. I'm waiting for the right momment to bust the J Lo wants her car back line on him. It was definatly a bad marketing move. I'd NEVER own one now that she's the spokesperson for it.

If you pay attention to what's going on, so-called spokes people or "celebutards" are selling a life style shift more than anything.

I mindset if you will.

You know, I just went to test drive one and check it out. I enjoyed it so much I ended up leaving the dealer with one.

I don't know how accurate these reports are but I read on some Fiat blogs and fan sites that the suspension bushings are squeaking and making odd sounds in a relatively short time span, much shorter than would be considered "normal".

much shorter than would be considered "normal".

For a Fiat or a car?

Interesting. I just hit 400 miles on mine. But I'll keep an ear open for anything like that.

 

[aeronca65t]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

I like them and will be interested to hear your reports.
Seems like a decent alterenate to the MINI at a slightly lower price.

My cousin in the UK just bought a 500 Abarth, trading in a 3 year old ~Peugeot RCZ~.
(interestingly, the newest MINIs use the same French engine as the RCZ).
So far, she is very happy with the Abarth.

One of the funny things (to me) is that there was a brand new Hummer dealer we would pass on the way to the beach (Rehoboth Beach, Delaware).
It's a very macho, "military-looking" building, sort of like a giant Quonset hut.
Now that Hummer is gone, it's a FIAT dealer.
Somehow, ironic.

 

[JPSmit]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

Now that Hummer is gone, it's a FIAT dealer.
Somehow, ironic.

Lots more room for Fiats to park than Hummers I'll wager.

 

[Dino_V]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

I like them and will be interested to hear your reports.
Seems like a decent alterenate to the MINI at a slightly lower price.

My cousin in the UK just bought a 500 Abarth, trading in a 3 year old ~Peugeot RCZ~.
(interestingly, the newest MINIs use the same French engine as the RCZ).
So far, she is very happy with the Abarth.

One of the funny things (to me) is that there was a brand new Hummer dealer we would pass on the way to the beach (Rehoboth Beach, Delaware).
It's a very macho, "military-looking" building, sort of like a giant Quonset hut.
Now that Hummer is gone, it's a FIAT dealer.
Somehow, ironic.

I'll keep you all posted.
So far the seats are very comfortable and good support. 7 speaker Bose system and amp sounds good. The manual tranny feels great and the shift knob is very comfortable (feels like you're holding an 8 ball.

Now that Hummer is gone, it's a FIAT dealer.
Somehow, ironic.

Lots more room for Fiats to park than Hummers I'll wager.

Just wait until summer when the gas prices skyrocket again and people start jumping in fuel efficient vehicles again.

 

[61frogeye]

Re: Fiat "complimentary" maintenance program

Wow, all this rude talk about Fiats.....I loved every bit of the 3 Fiats I owned back in the 70's-80's, even when some of the bits fell off. Keeping those babies running properly forced me to learn a lot about auto maintenance........or walk.

I do have fond memories of those Fiats: an X-1/9, a 131 and the very stylish 128 beater station wagon that I bought for $600.00 and drove daily for about 8 years.