So I started DoorDashing for fun and profit. Its a good way to earn a few bucks, get some exercise, and get back out into the world after going through some challenging times. If you are not familiar with the company, they started delivering food from various restaurants, and now you can get almost anything delivered for a few bucks.
One of the key things you need to be successful is of course a reliable vehicle. I have a Toyota 4Runner, one of the most reliable cars on the road. The only challenge is that it is a 1996 model, and was not driven for about a two years. Needless to say it needed some basic maintenance, and a few repairs to get it back in the game. Since I am not yet swimming in money, family has been helping me with repairs, as without the SUV, I can't earn any money.
I bought the 4Runner brand new from a dealer in Longview, Texas. This was back when they were hard to keep on the lot, as they were one of the bestselling vehicles on the planet. We (I was married at the time) narrowed it down to the Ford Explorer and the 4Runner. I always preferred Toyota - long story for another day, but I deferred to my ex, as she was scheduled to be the primary driver. After a very thorough comparison, including driving them literally off road, we both agreed on the 4Runner. Now, we had to find someone willing to sell it for a reasonable price. And that is how we ended up in Longview. We found exactly the features/color we wanted, and they met the price we were willing to pay. We drove down that weekend and bought it.
It is a remarkable vehicle. I took it in the divorce. And literally did NOTHING as far as major repairs for the first 15 years. And while there is an occasional hiccup, it is quite reliable. It came with Firestone tires. They survived the first 70k miles without issues. So I replaced them with another set. And then 60k more miles and another set - and so on. Now at over 200k miles, I have the latest set, bought just before the plandemic, so a few years old, but basically very few miles of use. And I always add the road hazard coverage which means they repair or replace the tire, with some conditions obviously.
So driving around the mean streets of Mesquite, hazards abound. And apparently, a nail attacked one of my tires. I noticed one tire looked a little low, and then the next day my Brother-in-Law confirmed it. It was a Sunday, so I found a nearby Firestone open, and popped in to get it fixed.
Now a quick backstory on Firestone and me. I have been a loyal customer for three decades. Bought at least 3 sets of good quality tires from them. They have done some maintenance, and even a few small repairs. I understand they are in the business to make money, but my local Firestone people learned to be honest with me, as I was with them. I do not need an oil & filter change every time I arrive. And I expected all warranties to be honored - why else would I pay for them?
So there I was at a Firestone on Sunday simply wanting my tire fixed, and them to HONOR their warranty that I PAID FOR when I bought my tires. I assumed I would get a little upselling - they did not know me, or the history of the vehicle which just recently had many maintenance items just completed by our preferred neighborhood mechanic Danny's Mesquite Car Car.
One of the worst things you can do in business is LIE to me. After the 3rd one, I was praying for PEACE,
1. The tires are not under warranty - last bought (according to their computer) 2004. No. I retrieved my documentation and asked for complete terms of their road hazard policy, as it was not printed on the receipt. He did not have a copy. While the gentleman was outside, I looked up the terms on my phone, and could see clearly my tires still qualified as it was based on tread depth, not age.
2. They took the tire off and found a nail - to that point we weren't 100% sure. As I was staring at the nail head in the thickest part of the tread he says, "since it is in the sidewall, it can't be repaired." I was older than the "manager" and the "tech" combined. I'm old, but not an idiot. I gave him two attempts to clarify - even asking about a patch or plug in my most ignorant voice. Nope, only option was a new tire. He then points to the "cracking" on the tire as very bad. They are not brand new, but the tread looks hardly used!
3. OK - so if that's the game, what is my prorated cost with the road hazard policy? That throws him off his game momentarily, as I seem to know as much, if not more than he does. Oh wait, they don't HAVE my tires in stock. The most popular SUV size is not in stock, or can't be obtained in 45 minutes from a another nearby store? Are you kidding? So he wants to send me (get rid of me) to another Firestone across town.
Then the best part of the ordeal. They did graciously fill the tire and mount it back on my SUV. During the 30-45 minutes I was there, he managed to find several things that needed to be "fixed" along with replacing all 4 tires - because they are old you see. The services included new wiper blades, oil & filter change, air filter change - all done within the last 90 days. My out-the-door price, which included 4 new tires was just over $1,000 with tax.
I calmed down realizing that I needed to get it fixed. I thought briefly about trying the other Firestone location, but it was getting late. I found a random "tire shop" called Amigos and drove quickly over to their location. I pulled in and there were about 15 car jacks lined up waiting to be used, and a few helpful folks eager to help. In about 15 minutes, the tire was repaired and back on my car for $5. Is this a permanent solution? Probably not. But for a few months I can still drive my car until such time I replace my tires, or buy a new vehicle.
Pretty sure my relationship with Firestone has ended - which is sad. I am a very loyal person until I am screwed. Corporate is likely to blame. They want these stores to be profitable - and often reward folks who do it the wrong way. They made a lot of money from me in tires and maintenance over the years. After this experience, I may be done. They could have repaired the tire, and had a customer for life - Maybe even charge a small fee. Had they been smart, they would have sold me a prorated replacement under the Road Hazard policy. But greed took control. They assumed they had an easy mark, or were under pressure to put numbers on the books. Whatever the reasons, it was dumb.
So thank you Amigos. Three Cheers for the LITTLE GUY!
Remember the good ole days of tire selling?
Appearing now on the streets of Mesquite...
