Disappointment @ Heninger

[jreid]

I wasted 2+ hours today at Heninger. Two weeks ago, I booked an appointment for a winter tire install, specifically requesting 245/75R16 Michelin X-Ice. I waited until the 13th to take advantage of Michelin's winter MIR promo.

Today, I showed up as promised, prior to my 7:30AM appointment. I sat around until almost 9AM (waiting for a shuttle. This I can forgive since today has brought exceptionally bad conditions). They tell me around 9AM that they can't get said tires in, they are not in stock anywhere in the city.

They had two weeks to determine this and either notify me or source a reasonable alternative tire. Instead, they prefer to have me drive around more than I have to on an already terrible day of calgary traffic.

The time I lost this morning is unfortunate but would have been fine had i actually received winter tires. What gets me is that Heninger could have discerned this days or even weeks ago and given me the opportunity to purchase the tires I require elsewhere. *expletive deleted*, I could have sourced them myself and had them shipped to my door for cheaper but I chose to give them the business.

The first and last time I ever attempt service of any kind at Heninger.

Anybody have a tire source/shop they would recommend? With the recent snow, I know I'll be fighting steep competition for their time and attention.

I'm ready to order tires and install them myself at UWrench.

[Jacked Up]

crappy to hear you had a bad service appt with Henniger, I do agree that they should have aquired the tires back when you booked the appt. They could have at ;east extended the courtesy to call you and inform they couldn't get or find the tires you needed.

I will recommend Fountian Tire (Blackfoot and Glenmore) I know the new ower there, Earl, he'll look after you.

[Cold Flame]

Sorry to hear that; I've had multiple large disappointments with Heninger as well so I can relate.

I can't speak for their "busy-ness", but Costco usually has great prices on tires (including Michelin X-Ice series). If you want a business that's close to Heninger whom I recommend to all my friends, it's Option Import (http://www.option-import.com/). They're located in the strip mall beside the Back Alley & Hooters. They're a great bunch to deal with and their rates are reasonable... I've sent multiple people their way and they've all come back happy. Just a thought to try... and it's still reasonably close to the c-train line to get a ride back out if necessary (which likely is).

[jreid]

crappy to hear you had a bad service appt with Henniger, I do agree that they should have aquired the tires back when you booked the appt. They could have at ;east extended the courtesy to call you and inform they couldn't get or find the tires you needed.

I will recommend Fountian Tire (Blackfoot and Glenmore) I know the new ower there, Earl, he'll look after you.


Funny you should mention them. I have been there before for a flat repair and they were extremely accommodating and friendly. Especially the shop guy. I don't particularly care for the tires they sell but the service was exceptionally good.

I think you are right to recommend them. I'm getting the tires I want shipped to me and I'll look into having them swap them on for me.

As an added bonus, that place is just about walking distance from my office.

[Dante's Taco]

They could have at ;east extended the courtesy to call you and inform they couldn't get or find the tires you needed.



That's the part that gets me. These places have high overhead, so they can pay receptionists to answer phone, service "writers" to do ??, managers, parts guys, and then techs. ( I have no problem with techs, just to be clear)

But with all those people, they couldn't call you ahead of time???

FWIW I go to Kal, at least I know the guy & haven't been jerked around like that. But it's here in R.D. so doesn't help you..

[jreid]

Sorry to hear that; I've had multiple large disappointments with Heninger as well so I can relate.

I can't speak for their "busy-ness", but Costco usually has great prices on tires (including Michelin X-Ice series). If you want a business that's close to Heninger whom I recommend to all my friends, it's Option Import (http://www.option-import.com/). They're located in the strip mall beside the Back Alley & Hooters. They're a great bunch to deal with and their rates are reasonable... I've sent multiple people their way and they've all come back happy. Just a thought to try... and it's still reasonably close to the c-train line to get a ride back out if necessary (which likely is).

I gave up on costco after trying to line up twice. People i spoke to in line claimed to have been there 3-4 hours prior to opening, if I recall.

I may be wrong but I actually found costco's per-tire price about the same as the dealer. Where you save was the install.

Costco up north managed to break two wheel studs off a a family car, while reinstalling tires a year back. Then they had the gall to blame it on overtightening of the lugs and demand my grandmother flatbed the car out of their shop, since after they finished with it, it was un-driveable. After much argument the manager paid for new studs installed by a different mechanic.

edit: I should add that I have no idea the state of the lugs on the vehicle prior to when it was dropped off. But a tire shop not being able to replace a broken stud and demanding their customer flatbed the car out of their shop was what really got me.

[Cold Flame]

I gave up on costco after trying to line up twice. People i spoke to in line claimed to have been there 3-4 hours prior to opening, if I recall.

I may be wrong but I actually found costco's per-tire price about the same as the dealer. Where you save was the install.

Costco up north managed to break two wheel studs off a a family car, while reinstalling tires a year back. Then they had the gall to blame it on overtightening of the lugs and demand my grandmother flatbed the car out of their shop, since after they finished with it, it was un-driveable. After much argument the manager paid for new studs installed by a different mechanic.

edit: I should add that I have no idea the state of the lugs on the vehicle prior to when it was dropped off. But a tire shop not being able to replace a broken stud and demanding their customer flatbed the car out of their shop was what really got me.

Fair enough then. It's usually their BFG prices that are better than anyone elses. I couldn't honestly speak for their Michelin prices as I've not actually inquired. But yes, I know their install is cheaper and the tire price includes the "service plan" which is usually an addition $50-$100 elsewhere. Try Option Import, but I suspect due to their small shop size they won't have a stock of tires and would likely source from suppliers in the city which are all tapped out at the moment. Perhaps that Fountain Tire will do you better!

[freeze]

Did you speak to the manager of the service department regarding this issue at Heninger?

As it is their responsibility to make it right if their customer is unsatisfied.

The one thing about getting your tires done is the alignment afterwards. Especially if your Toyota is "a little" modified in the suspension department. I've had the Tacoma in for alignment if a few places and it's either not able to get the caster right or the cams on the cambolts were rotated too much and the guides were bent out of the way. So far the dealership has been the only place that have done it right even with the Long Travel!

From what I remember from Costco is they never provide a quote over the phone, you have to go in and see them as their prices are supposed to better than the competition.

Kal here in town I've had my issues with them but every time I've had to speak to the manager to make it right.

[jreid]

I didn't bother speaking with the manager. I was so frustrated at them not having the tires I just headed for the door, while my service advisor was on the phone assisting another customer. I was ready to take it out on the advisor but I know it wasn't their fault and they probably were going to deal with plenty of frustrated customers today anyways.

I'm positive they could have provided an alternate brand or size tire and had it on my truck today. I knew a shuttle to take me to work was still a long ways away and I simply took the easy route out.

I am just upset I waited two weeks, knowing snow was coming, with the expectation that Heninger had ordered or would procure the tires I requested.

Instead, I'm left waiting another 8-10 business days for tires to ship to me from B.C. I fully accept the dealer could do better than 8-10 days for me but they had their chance and blew it. I'd rather give my business to somebody else.

[S/C '03 taco]

you know as a member of the club and a toyota technician ( country hills), if you bring your vehicles to my shop and request me to work on it specifically i can more then accomadate you with all your needs as i am one of the used car dept tech's and am kinda slow at this time in the year so they would have now issues with getting you in to see me and i can promise your tires and wheels will be done %100 proper with no issues....ask nathan(freeze) or david w(doc mccoy) as they i am sure will reassure you that you'll be happy with my work

[jreid]

You definitely come highly recommended! I have heard stellar things about not just you but country hills in general from numerous club members.

In fact, Country Hills is where my Taco was sold to its first owner, I believe. I don't have much in the way of records on it.

My initial choice of Heninger was motivated simply by proximity to my office. I work in the SE near Trail Appliances, and live in west hillhurst so Heninger seems like a logical choice.

I have a set of tires ordered from 1010tires, who has been offering free shipping. Were it not for the free shipping, dealership pricing on most wheels ends up about on par with them though, at least in my experience.

Perhaps Country Hills is where I'll arrange for them to be mounted :)

[S/C '03 taco]

well if you do end up bringing it there ask for me to do it for you ...
my name is chris forrest

[874runnersr5]

well if you do end up bringing it there ask for me to do it for you ...
my name is chris forrest

Ive herd good things about this chris fellow... i think i may have met him today
:lol:

[Andyl]

I'm pretty sure that Matt D. Guy up there (not sure - think he's new side) is a pretty darn good wrench too :) Y'all probably will remember his yota - black rockguard with flourescent green accents (can't forget the folgers can fart pipe out the side of the bed) - used to work for modern & that place beside modern for a long time :D

[S/C '03 taco]

yeah matt's on the newcar side and does mostly accessories but is an awesome tech aswell...
and antonia ,yes you did meet me at work on tuesday, but you hve also met me at so many coffee nights....black supercharged 2003 d-cab tacoma....thats me,lol

only thing is matt is a VW guy,lol......he's no longer a yota guy :( lol
still a great tech though

well i talked to shop foreman and your all more then welcome to bring your trucks and request for me to work on them...he's not very friendly when it comes to CT4WDA members because of issues that came up when nathan(freeze) brought his truck in...long story.
to make it short he does'nt like or want the club trucks in our shop, well modified ones anyways even though we lift showroom trucks and stuff....but if you ask specifically for me then he won;t be a :):):):):):) about it and i would love to do your wrenching for you and if it's mnot mount/balance or an alignment i am sure we could work something out were i can do it in my garage at home, the only things i can't do at home ar tires and alignments as i do not have those machines at home but anything else feel free to ask and i am sure i could figure a way out to accomadate your needs....unless david w(doc mccoy) decides to do his SAS then my gargae will be full for the winter...hint hint wink wink david.......

[freeze]

I think the polite term would be "hates" CT4WD members or modified Toyota trucks

I've never been lied to and yelled at like that by anyone in my life. I've been yelled at and lied to in my life, but not at the same time like this..!

If it wasn't for Chris being honest about the situation before hand, I would have been a recipient of a cover up and a scam which I fear that has happened to others in the past as he was able to look me straight in the eye and lie.

Which may not be completely his fault when it comes to modified Toyota's as I'm sure there have been quite a few come in with mud caked on the underside with issues that come from mis-use and not properly looking after a 4WD in the past.

Which it is my and our responsibility to have our trucks spotless underside and out when it goes in to the dealership for work (which I am a stickler about with my Toyota's) and to make sure that we're not spinning the tires up in mud so that it cakes it into all the small areas that the Toyota mechanics have to get into. It is a stereotype that CT4WD and it's Members are changing and changing the peoples perspectives on the driver's that 4WD.

I remained calm and level through the whole incident, although it was serious enough to provoke a major reaction on my side. We have work to do with all the dealerships and the vision that we have is much larger than this issue so these are bridges that I won't burn for the members of CT4WD just because of one incident with Country Hills.

Next day after the incident I still went up to him and said Hi.. How are you.. Just because he was in a snit doesn't mean we need to do so in return. (I say we because it is We I represent when We're near Toyota anything)

[S/C '03 taco]

i asked him today if it was cool about getting some of the club members in for tires and things like that and was told and i qoute "if it's only tires and stuff of that nature then sure, but other then that after (nathans) truck he does'nt want club members/modified trucks in his shop"...

oh well, some people just don't like money i guess.....

[Andyl]

yeah matt's on the newcar side and does mostly accessories but is an awesome tech aswell...

only thing is matt is a VW guy,lol......he's no longer a yota guy :( lol
still a great tech though



Oh I dunno - I'm gonna suck him back into toyotas yet :D He keeps talking about rebuilding the old truck - bet once mine is vw diesel powered - he'll be in there like a dirty shirt :)

I find him one of those annoying techs - he's got a brain like a dictionary sometimes... just starts spouting out torque specs and stuff when you're working on something - drives me up the wall with that. Mostly because I'm a "that feels about right" wrencher (except for engine rebuilds, then I'll pull out the torque wrench)

It's fun to put pics like this in front of him - then he gets jones'in to go wheeling (Yup I was getting the strap - bald arse 33s)
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/SpringThaw07/May2-07195.jpg

[S/C '03 taco]

yeah he was telling me today that the turbo on his slow as VW was actually yours,lol

[874runnersr5]

es you did meet me at work on tuesday, but you hve also met me at so many coffee nights....black supercharged 2003 d-cab tacoma....thats me,lol



ah i hate how you cant see sarcasm on the internet..
anywho, i knew it was you haha.

[Tacorossa]

he's not very friendly when it comes to CT4WDA members because of issues that came up when nathan(freeze) brought his truck in...long story.
to make it short he does'nt like or want the club trucks in our shop, well modified ones anyways

I'd like to hear the long story... sound like a good one. Hard to believe Nathan would lose his cool!

[dragon]

x2

[Hounddog]

..."if it's only tires and stuff of that nature then sure, but other then that after (nathans) truck he does'nt want club members/modified trucks in his shop"...

Yikes-a-rooney!! I bought my '08 Matrix and '08 Tacoma from Country Hills Toyota. I was thrilled that they're only a 10 minute drive from my house. (works really well with the "free" oil changes) I was also very happy with the buying process too!

Am I understanding this correctly? Your shop foreman is telling me that I'm not a valued customer or welcome in his shop with my Tacoma?

(...just outta curiosity, is shop foreman dude's attitude indicative to managements views as well?...)

Holy Moly, put me at ease!

[freeze]

It's mostly the shop foreman's views and not the management. It's something we will work with in due time.

If you wish to hear the story I can tell the story in person. If I were to write it on the forum it may leave too much room for mis-understanding.

[S/C '03 taco]

it's mostly the shop foreman's views and not the management. It's something we will work with in due time.

If you wish to hear the story i can tell the story in person. If i were to write it on the forum it may leave too much room for mis-understanding.

and you might just get me fired if you post it where everyone can read it nathan.... Remember he all ready wanted to fire me over your truck, just cause i knew you,lol

and it is actually his view that the other managers have just conformed with as they think it is easier then having to deal with him and his horrible attitude...
He has no interest in any of the club members bringing in their trucks and his reason is because of the issues that arrose with nathans(freeze) truck....
But like i said aside from tires and alignments i am set up at home well enough to accomadate most services and upgrades and would be more then happy to help out any club member in need of a good toyota tech all you have to do is private message me........and the story of nathans truck cqn be told if you ask me in person aswell.....

[Tacorossa]

If you wish to hear the story I can tell the story in person. If I were to write it on the forum it may leave too much room for mis-understanding.


That's fair. Thanks Nathan. See you next wednesday... hehehe...

[Andyl]

yeah he was telling me today that the turbo on his slow as VW was actually yours,lol
When ya see him next; give him a little nudge and mention that turbo; and timing on some ricey veedub :D Boy is as forgetful as I am :)