I need a good mechanic! I have a '08 Jeep Commander & the engine seized up. Any

[dave s]

referrals in metro Detroit? My 2008 Jeep Commander has 25,000 mile and the engine seized up. I get my oil changed at Jiffy Lube. When I had the Commander towed to the dealership they said that the original factory installed oil filter is still on the Jeep. They claimed that this is not an isolated issue with Jiffy Lube. But the bottom line is that if this is the case and the engine seized up because the oil was changed but not the oil filter then the warranty is void. Jiffy Lube is claiming that they don't have records on their system that are older then 6 months. Long story short...I'm going to end up fighting with Chrysler Headquarters and Jiffy Lube HQ and both are going to point the finger at each other meaning I'm going to have to pay for this. Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in the metro Detroit area? I'm not sure what the full extent of the damage is as of yet but I'm going to assume worst case scenario is that the entire engine will have to be replaced...

 

[rfmbjr]

Do you have your receipts from Jiffy Lube?
If so, that's who you go after. Doesn't sound like it's Chrysler's fault.

 

[Kimberlee]

First I would find a good lawyer - this is an issue that would and could get very bad. One thing I am questioning is the length of time that JL is claiming they keep records on file. That does not sound legal. I am certain a lawyer could tell you what the time frame for mandatory recordkeeping is in a service station - The DMV might also be able to tell you. I am assuming that you don't have all your receipts for the LOF's you have had done at JL, or you wouldn't be asking them for your records.

Also, unfortunately I have to tell you also, that the best place to have your vehicle worked on is the dealership. Jeep and Chrysler spend Millions of dollars every year to make sure that their technicians are certified to work on their product. So my advice to you is that even if they are saying your warranty is void, they are still the best to work on your car. They know them, they are farmiliar with the vehicles, their motors, their problems, and they would know best what it is going to take to fix your car right the first time. The problem with taking the vehicle to an independent shop is that they are not certified for one make or model - and if they are, what are the chances they were recertified last year by The Chrysler Corporation? Car manufacturers are making these vehicles more and more complex as time goes by. These cars have no less than 10 computers in them now, compared to 10 years ago.
Sorry for the lengthy answer, but I truly believe you would be served best by going to someone that knows what they are doing. The saying you get what you pay for stands true here. You were trying to save money by going to Jiffy Lube and look where that got you? Sorry if that seems rude, it is not intended to be. Good luck.