RIP Mr. Goodwrench

[Ridge K.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

Good point, Paul...

[Edward S.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

It's too bad that Mr. Goodwrench lived to such a ripe old age, he cost me a business. I had worked for a GM & Fomoco distributor while in high school. In 1975 the owner called me to let me know he was going to retire and move to Florida and wondered if I would like to buy the business. Since I still knew most of the customers and always wanted to run my own business I jumped at the opportunity. Most of my best customers were large GM dealerships across New Jersey - toward the end 75 I started to hear rumors about the up-coming "Mr. Goodwrench" program. In checking with the parts managers I dealt with, I remember being told not to worry, everytime GM started a program it soon went into the tank.
In order to prevent dealers ordering from Companies like mine, GM started to make dealers, who did not purchase from the local GM warehouse, start having a great deal of trouble getting warranty work approved. Needless to say within a year I was not making enough to stay in business. I liquidated my inventory and went back into the food business

While were talking about prices of parts I bought a new Malibu last year - ran alittle over $26,000. While we were writing up the order I found that the car came with heated front seats and a remote starter - two things I had never ordered if I had to pay for them. I was really happy - until I was told that if I wanted a spare tire (donut) I would have to come up with another $100.00 or I would get a can of instant tire rolling around in the trunk. I think it will be the last regular Chevy I will ever buy.

[Terry M.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

While were talking about prices of parts I bought a new Malibu last year - ran alittle over $26,000. While we were writing up the order I found that the car came with heated front seats and a remote starter - two things I had never ordered if I had to pay for them. I was really happy - until I was told that if I wanted a spare tire (donut) I would have to come up with another $100.00 or I would get a can of instant tire rolling around in the trunk. I think it will be the last regular Chevy I will ever buy.

That is retro. Back in the 1950s (for those of us old enough to remember) the spare was optional on full size Chevrolets. At least you could get a spare. No chance on a new Corvette.

[Paul L.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

JR,

Looks like I had better trade in my Impala at the end of its five-year warranty period before the $960 replacement exhaust system goes bad after another three-year period in year 6.

[Page C.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

There must be $300,00 worth of C6 exhaust systems in a pile on the ground after Corvette Carlisle.
Regards,
Page Campbell

[Dan D.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

They took the lug nuts too. Found one half way down the driveway. Just bought some for my Dodge truck @$8.00 each. The Chevys sound like a deal. Ridiculous. -Dan-

[Dennis O.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

Michael Moore was right... and probably still is.

[Dan T.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

I really enjoyed the Dale Earnheart line, I agree with that gentleman that he was Mr. Goodwrench. Only thing is that Dale was the real deal and Mr. Goodwrench the actor was a fake . Just my thoughts. Dan

[Richard G.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

I noticed some anger here.
And my assumption is everyone here owns at least one Chevrolet, a Corvette. Like most large companies they get the big stuff correct and fall flat on their face when needing to get customer service correct. Anyone purchasing stock at the IPO? Listening to this bunch I wouldn't think so. I have a Silverado truck and would consider purchasing another. It has been a great truck, its a 2000. How they messed so badly on the seat is beyond me. That was my only issue till I replaced them with 2003 buckets. Other than that it has been a great vehicle. The factory paint is even still on it.~
Rick

[Chuck S.]

Re: RIP Mr. Goodwrench

I noticed some anger here.
And my assumption is everyone here owns at least one Chevrolet, a Corvette. Like most large companies they get the big stuff correct and fall flat on their face when needing to get customer service correct. Anyone purchasing stock at the IPO? Listening to this bunch I wouldn't think so. I have a Silverado truck and would consider purchasing another. It has been a great truck, its a 2000. How they messed so badly on the seat is beyond me. That was my only issue till I replaced them with 2003 buckets. Other than that it has been a great vehicle. The factory paint is even still on it...

Buying the stock SHOULD have little to do with any impressions that the small investor could have about the present product line strengths and weaknesses.

Past issues with products that resulted in anger and bitterness should have absolutely no impact, unless you are smart enough to see that problems remain and have not been addresssed.

In betting, you are required to put your bet down before kick-off or starting gun. For "investing", you would be better off to bet on an unknown team after the first half or at least the first quarter. The key word in this analogy is BET, and that's why I don't play in the stock market any more...it's populated by big players who know the inside dope and/or can move the market in the direction of their bet. Return of small investors after the last shenanigans has been very slow; the ones that are returning are very good at the "game" or they're true gamblers.

I presently own three GM products and one Toyota 4Runner. One of the GM products is from the past (70 Corvette), and two from the present day (2006 Corvette and 2008 Malibu). If I was angry and bitter in the past, I have clearly changed my mind based on current circumstances.

For younger uninitiated GM buyers, those GM products effectively bracket the years when some of the worst stuff was turned out of US auto plants. If my old 86 Toyota expires before I do, I'll probably replace it with a new Chevy pickup...assuming I can still drive. BUT...only IF GM continues to build efficient, quality, trouble-free, cost-effective vehicles.