What a freaking week!!!!!

My hubby works in a service department. If at all possible, dont' raise hell.  They don't like it and then they won't like you and then they won't help you. Trust me, they don't want your truck longer than necessary.

Question - is it a GM?  If so, the ONLY thing that really matters is if you are "completely satisfied." Service advisors are rated heavily on this and if you tell them you are not completely satisfied with the current senario, they will help you.  (Being only "satisfied" is a knock against the advisor, as is anything less than satisfied). Also, I believe some GMs cover rentals that are in the shop for factory warranty work (not aftermarket warranty work). If nothing else, ask for a truck to get your pig roaster that you can then promptly return. Or, they should cover the rental cost of a truck for you for that one measley day.

If you service advisor is not helping you, go to the service manager.  Be reasonable and somewhat flexible to what your needs are. If reasonable and flexible aren't helping things, go to your sales guy (assuming that you are working with the same dealership here) and raise hell with him and his manager. Demand a rental for the whole period that is comprable to your vehicle that is in the shop.

This is precisely why I refuse to purchase American made cars, they hardly measure up to the quality of other makes.  I'm about as patriotic as you can get, but I stop short where it concerns a $40k purchase.  We own two vehicles, both 1998's and purchased new.  The Chrysler breaks down frequently and is constantly under recalls.  The Lexus, aside from brakes, a battery, oil changes, and air in the tires, has never seen the inside of a shop.

In addition to questionable quality, the Chrysler dealership where we purchased the vehicle (was Troncalli Chrysler, now is Nally Chrysler in Roswell, Ga) treated us in a very dishonest manner.  It is my guess that the mechanics are paid on commission.  We took the car into the shop in response to a "Free Oil Change" coupon.  Well, they found $1,300 of absolutely bogus repairs.  I'm something of a weekend mechanic and checked out all the recommendations myself, only to find they were fabricating the issues.  We've had a very poor history with that dealership, that event being the last straw.

Sorry for the hijack, but this is an area of "American Industry" that really gets under my skin.

Hey Motivated, I can totally understand your frustration.  I bought my first American car 3 years ago (Chevy Malibu), partially because I do a lot of driving for work, we knew I could do that and get something else down the road.  I had Toyotas before. My hubby, who works in a GM service dept (not Chevy) has a VW...pretty funny if you ask me.  I've been lucky.  My car has had zero major problems, just standard maintenance.  The US really needs to step up on more reliable cars.  Not everyone with a Malibu has had my good experience, which is sad because I love it and I would look at it again when I am in the market.

Not all dealerships are created equal, which is something I have to remind my friend all the time. If you don't like your Chrysler dealership because you can't trust them, find another. This friend hates his Chevy dealership and hasn't done a thing to find another. They are easy to find. Or, once out of warranty, find a trustworthy private shop (hubby would kill me... ). If in warrant tho, its easier to get those warranty jobs done if you get your regular maintenance done there too.  Also, past records are available to look at to approve warranty work.

Ok, back to my real expertise, public health, not car service.

Sorry for the bummer week - the dealer should set you up with a loaner.