To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing this letter to inform you of my dissatisfaction with my 2003 Lincoln Aviator. My vehicle was brought in to be serviced on May 26, 2010. It is now August 10, 2010 and I am still without a vehicle. 75 days and counting. I have now made three car payments and have not had this car in my possession. I am an elementary school teacher who looks forward to a summer vacation of traveling and relaxing. Unfortunately, this summer has been far from enjoyable. It has been a time of emotional stress as I’ve been without my vehicle for the entire summer break. I will return to school in less than one week. I guarantee the Ford company in my area will be tremendously affected by my dissatisfaction as everyone in my community knows what I have been through.
I come from a family who have always purchased Ford products. My husband and I have owned several Fords and honestly after this experience I’m not sure I will ever own a Ford product again. I have taken my vehicle now to four different mechanics. The first mechanic we took our Aviator to was Sam Scism Ford in Farmington, MO where it sat for 8 weeks straight.
We were told the problem required 9 hours of labor. There were issues with two coil packs, a burned valve, oil seals, a cam sensor, and timing gears. Our brake pedal sensor had to be replaced as well as our back latch. We also had to replace the Catalytic Converter. All of these things had to be replaced on a vehicle that only has 68,800 miles on it. We have now paid hundreds of dollars out of our pocket and my vehicle is still sitting in the service department.
After Scism said our vehicle was fixed we drove it for approximately 30 miles and the check engine light came back on. It ran worse than when we brought it to them. They told us the issue was with the Catalytic Converter so we took it to S&S Muffler and had that repaired. After about another 30 miles the check engine light came back on. This time the vehicle missed as you accelerated. We took it to an independent mechanic and we were advised to take it to a different Ford mechanic (Not Scism) as the issues were too serious for them to touch. We reluctantly drove our vehicle 45 miles away to the next closest Ford dealership, Festus Ford, where it now resides. On August 5, they called us and said they thought they had the issues resolved. They told us that the coil packs that Scism replaced was part of the problem as well as melted wiring. They informed us that it is was a “wiring mess.” I made it home and the check engine light came right back on. I drove it back up on August 6 to have them look at it again. They replaced parts that we already paid Sam Scism for. We have now paid over 1,200 out of our pocket, not counting what our warranty company has paid out. On August 9, Festus Ford called us back again and said our vehicle was ready to go. This time we were smart and decided to drive it around close to the dealer so that when the check engine light came back on we could take it right back in. As you can see we have little faith in Ford. Sure enough within 10 miles it was back on. It is so hard for me to believe that all of these things could be issues (and I'm certain more to come) with only 68,800 miles. I truly believe this is a Lincoln issue. I believe we were sold a lemon. Unfortunately, we were not the first owner of this vehicle or I'm sure we would qualify under the Lemon Law. We had planned on trading this vehicle in on a new Ford Edge. However, after this incident we may never buy a Ford product again.
To this date, Festus Ford has not figured out what the issue is. It is frightening to my husband and I what they may call and tell us the “real” problem is. We have no idea what is in store for us financially with this vehicle. All we have done this summer is put money into it and it still isn't running properly. As you can see we are beyond frustrated. I'm completely stressed out. This is our primary vehicle. I've had to borrow my father's primary vehicle most of this time. This has not only affected me directly but also my entire family.
My point in writing this letter is to try to get this issue resolved in one way or another. I believe I have a great case with all of the documentation I have. I have always loved Ford products. Up until this emotionally, stressful ordeal I’ve believed in Ford products. I am begging that someone change my mind about Ford. I want to be a longtime customer. In this industry, I think it is vital to keep customers satisfied, as the market is extremely competitive. Unfortunately, if something is not done, I will never purchase another Ford product again and my attorney will be contacted. I do not want to take it that far.
Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
Krista Wilson
Fall Family
The Wilson's
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
...and the pool clears :)
Jake comes from a HUGE family. He has five brothers and sisters. All together there are 18 grandchildren between all of them. Crazy big!! We all went to Salem for the funeral services for Jake's grandmother. We decided it would be better for all of us if we stayed in a hotel since we had visitation on Sunday evening and funeral on Monday. All six "Wilson kids" and their families stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Salem. Between all of us we had 11 children. At times 11 children can be overwhelming...embarrassing, loud, and obnoxious!! But, lastnight I got a little enjoyment out of having such a huge family.
Jake, Halle and I were enjoying the hot tub with Jake's sister and her boyfriend. The pool area was pretty small and there were at least 6 boys playing pretty rough in the pool while there mothers were all sitting enjoying their alcholoic beverages. Everything was fine until Halle decided she was finished with the hot tub. She wanted to walk around. The boys were throwing balls at eachother and getting really close to Halle. They could have turned their game the other direction to keep it safe for her...but they kept on. And their Mothers were not paying a bit of attention to what was going on.
So, I told Jake's sister how it would be hilarious once our crew made it down to the pool. I was pretty certain we could run anybody out of ANYPLACE! Ha ha...so his sister says, "I'll go tell them to hurry up and get down here." So, she does...and about 2 minutes later the first kid entered the pool area. He took off running and jumped right in the middle of the pool...totally cleared the rope!! Soon after the rest of them trickled in...It wasn't 10 seconds...literally...and we cleared the entire pool area! I couldn't help but get a little enjoyment out of it...
Big families may be a bit overwhelming at times...but in times like these they come in awful handy!! ;)
Jake, Halle and I were enjoying the hot tub with Jake's sister and her boyfriend. The pool area was pretty small and there were at least 6 boys playing pretty rough in the pool while there mothers were all sitting enjoying their alcholoic beverages. Everything was fine until Halle decided she was finished with the hot tub. She wanted to walk around. The boys were throwing balls at eachother and getting really close to Halle. They could have turned their game the other direction to keep it safe for her...but they kept on. And their Mothers were not paying a bit of attention to what was going on.
So, I told Jake's sister how it would be hilarious once our crew made it down to the pool. I was pretty certain we could run anybody out of ANYPLACE! Ha ha...so his sister says, "I'll go tell them to hurry up and get down here." So, she does...and about 2 minutes later the first kid entered the pool area. He took off running and jumped right in the middle of the pool...totally cleared the rope!! Soon after the rest of them trickled in...It wasn't 10 seconds...literally...and we cleared the entire pool area! I couldn't help but get a little enjoyment out of it...
Big families may be a bit overwhelming at times...but in times like these they come in awful handy!! ;)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Hanging by a moment
Today has been a rough day...
My mother-in-law called this morning and told me that Grandma Wilson was not responding and they had made the decision to stop her pacemaker.
We went to see her last night. She was sitting up and talking. She told of us of her visions she had of a naked man running around in a field.:) Aunt Barbara, Grandma's sister, has been staying with her since she found out the cancer was back. Barbara was telling me a story, a few feet away and very quietly, about how Grandma said she didn't have any underwear. Grandma overheard Aunt Barbara telling me this and she said, "You can borrow mine if you want...I won't be needing them." :) She was a funny lady. Someone who ALWAYS spoke her mind...and I loved her for it. She was kind, honest and loving. She was a real Grandma. The kind of Grandma that picks up her grandkids 70 miles away and keeps them ALL weekend. The kind of Grandma that raises her grandchildren. She loved all of her grandchildren. But, I think there was a special place in her heart for Jake. Jake went to live with her around the age of 12. I know this is especially hard on him.
Today was just surreal to me. I have never witnessed someone slipping into the "other life." It was exactly how I think she would have wanted it. She was surrounded by her grandchildren. Everybody that she loved was right by her side. It was painful and there were lots of tears. Halle asked me, "Why are you sad, Momma?" I told her that Grandma was sick. She suggested to get a doctor. Children are so cute. But, I explained that Grandma was going to live with Jesus. I think they understand more than we think.
Through all the pain that we feel now...it is amazing to know that she is dancing in heaven with NO polio! She doesn't have that nasty colostomy bag! She can breathe on her own with no machines. She is with Grandpa Wilson and better yet she is with Jesus!! I can't imagine all of the sights she is seeing now!! It is so awesome that we have the promise of heaven. A place that I can not even fathom!! We have the promise of seeing Grandma again!!
Please keep the Wilson family in your thoughts and prayers. Life will not be the same without Grandma Wilson.
And still..
Fighting the fight until I see His face...
My mother-in-law called this morning and told me that Grandma Wilson was not responding and they had made the decision to stop her pacemaker.
We went to see her last night. She was sitting up and talking. She told of us of her visions she had of a naked man running around in a field.:) Aunt Barbara, Grandma's sister, has been staying with her since she found out the cancer was back. Barbara was telling me a story, a few feet away and very quietly, about how Grandma said she didn't have any underwear. Grandma overheard Aunt Barbara telling me this and she said, "You can borrow mine if you want...I won't be needing them." :) She was a funny lady. Someone who ALWAYS spoke her mind...and I loved her for it. She was kind, honest and loving. She was a real Grandma. The kind of Grandma that picks up her grandkids 70 miles away and keeps them ALL weekend. The kind of Grandma that raises her grandchildren. She loved all of her grandchildren. But, I think there was a special place in her heart for Jake. Jake went to live with her around the age of 12. I know this is especially hard on him.
Today was just surreal to me. I have never witnessed someone slipping into the "other life." It was exactly how I think she would have wanted it. She was surrounded by her grandchildren. Everybody that she loved was right by her side. It was painful and there were lots of tears. Halle asked me, "Why are you sad, Momma?" I told her that Grandma was sick. She suggested to get a doctor. Children are so cute. But, I explained that Grandma was going to live with Jesus. I think they understand more than we think.
Through all the pain that we feel now...it is amazing to know that she is dancing in heaven with NO polio! She doesn't have that nasty colostomy bag! She can breathe on her own with no machines. She is with Grandpa Wilson and better yet she is with Jesus!! I can't imagine all of the sights she is seeing now!! It is so awesome that we have the promise of heaven. A place that I can not even fathom!! We have the promise of seeing Grandma again!!
Please keep the Wilson family in your thoughts and prayers. Life will not be the same without Grandma Wilson.
And still..
Fighting the fight until I see His face...
Potty Training Saga
I hate to admit failure anytime. But, I especially hate to admit failure with Halle. This potty training thing was a cinch...the first six weeks! I wasn't afraid to go anywhere without a diaper. We went to the Zoo and Six Flags diaper free!! Literally she was accident free for six weeks straight. Now we are back to our old ways. She wakes up wet again...where before she woke up dry for six weeks solid. She does o.k. with the #2, which is great for me! But, the trouble is the wetting. It's like she gets so busy with what she is doing and forgets to tell me.
I need suggestions. I know there are a lot of parents who read my blogs. If you have any suggestions, hints, tricks...whatever it takes...I'm all ears!!
I'm so ready to pay less at daycare. That was my summertime goal!! $40 less a month...plus no diaper expense!!
I need suggestions. I know there are a lot of parents who read my blogs. If you have any suggestions, hints, tricks...whatever it takes...I'm all ears!!
I'm so ready to pay less at daycare. That was my summertime goal!! $40 less a month...plus no diaper expense!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
My Terrbile, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day...:)
I know the Elementary teachers out there saw the title and recognized it as a book that we read to our students. I always read this book to my class. It is about a boy name Alexander and he has a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Mostly because he has to go to the dentist and he doesn't get a toy in his cereal box. But, to a kid that is an awful day!!
I kind of had one of those days. I would just call it a "No Good" day though...I had been anticipating all weekend taking my stupid car back into Scism. Every time I thought about it I got this sick feeling in my stomach. My mom called it a "God" thing. And she might be right. But, I didn't like how they treated us at Scism and eventhough I truly feel they messed something up I hated the thought of taking it back to the people who had it for 8 weeks!! So, I called "James", with that sick feeling in my stomach, and he says, "We can't look at it until tomorrow. All of our techs are at a class in St. Louis." I wanted to say, "GOOD that is exactly where they need to be!" But, I refrained myself.
Immediately I got mad...really mad...I felt like they should make my car a priority...when I get that mad I usually cry. If you know me at all..you know I am NOT a "cryer." There are very few things that can make me cry. Too much stress is a definite crying moment...but it takes a lot! :) My husband...he can push the crying button...but not often...And being in the presence of the Lord...that gets me everytime. :)
Anyway, I got off the phone and called my Warranty guy, Justin. He has been very helpful. He told me that if it is a warranty issue (which most likely it will be...because Scism isn't going to take responsibility for anything) he will not be able to deal with Scism. Whew...that was a relief. I didn't want to take it there anyway but he just reassured me that unless we wanted to pay out of pocket it would be better if we took it somewhere else.
So, I got on the phone with a mechanic that was recommended to us. I told them that my brother-in-law said they were very honest and did good work...and do you know what the lady said? "God bless your brother-in-law" Ah! What a sign of relief! She blessed my B.I.L.!
I decided I needed to go do some "retail therapy." Unfortunately, my shopping buddy (mom) was at the hospital with her dad. My grandma called and said her and my cousin were going to the city to pick out a stroller/car seat for baby Jozlyn. So, I tagged along...me and the brat...I mean, Halle! :) But first I had to drop my car off at this mechanic. So, as I was trying to get Halle's car seat out of Dad's car (God bless my dad for letting me use his car) I locked the keys into it...with her seat. Which I needed out in order to leave my house in my broken car. About 40 minutes later, I was rescued by my dad and we were on our way...Finally!
Halle was good in the car. But, terrible everywhere else! Seriously I've never seen her act like she did in those stores. We only went to Target and Babies R Us. It was awful...she wanted out of the cart and preceeded to go through the clothes saying, "This is cute..I like this one." I know, it sounds cute but when you are on a mission and have your own agenda...it is not cute at all!! Poor Grandma and Amy.
That was my day. See, it wasn't too bad. :)
I guess Jake could tell it wasn't a good day because he actually helped me with the dishes lastnight. Bless that boy!
I kind of had one of those days. I would just call it a "No Good" day though...I had been anticipating all weekend taking my stupid car back into Scism. Every time I thought about it I got this sick feeling in my stomach. My mom called it a "God" thing. And she might be right. But, I didn't like how they treated us at Scism and eventhough I truly feel they messed something up I hated the thought of taking it back to the people who had it for 8 weeks!! So, I called "James", with that sick feeling in my stomach, and he says, "We can't look at it until tomorrow. All of our techs are at a class in St. Louis." I wanted to say, "GOOD that is exactly where they need to be!" But, I refrained myself.
Immediately I got mad...really mad...I felt like they should make my car a priority...when I get that mad I usually cry. If you know me at all..you know I am NOT a "cryer." There are very few things that can make me cry. Too much stress is a definite crying moment...but it takes a lot! :) My husband...he can push the crying button...but not often...And being in the presence of the Lord...that gets me everytime. :)
Anyway, I got off the phone and called my Warranty guy, Justin. He has been very helpful. He told me that if it is a warranty issue (which most likely it will be...because Scism isn't going to take responsibility for anything) he will not be able to deal with Scism. Whew...that was a relief. I didn't want to take it there anyway but he just reassured me that unless we wanted to pay out of pocket it would be better if we took it somewhere else.
So, I got on the phone with a mechanic that was recommended to us. I told them that my brother-in-law said they were very honest and did good work...and do you know what the lady said? "God bless your brother-in-law" Ah! What a sign of relief! She blessed my B.I.L.!
I decided I needed to go do some "retail therapy." Unfortunately, my shopping buddy (mom) was at the hospital with her dad. My grandma called and said her and my cousin were going to the city to pick out a stroller/car seat for baby Jozlyn. So, I tagged along...me and the brat...I mean, Halle! :) But first I had to drop my car off at this mechanic. So, as I was trying to get Halle's car seat out of Dad's car (God bless my dad for letting me use his car) I locked the keys into it...with her seat. Which I needed out in order to leave my house in my broken car. About 40 minutes later, I was rescued by my dad and we were on our way...Finally!
Halle was good in the car. But, terrible everywhere else! Seriously I've never seen her act like she did in those stores. We only went to Target and Babies R Us. It was awful...she wanted out of the cart and preceeded to go through the clothes saying, "This is cute..I like this one." I know, it sounds cute but when you are on a mission and have your own agenda...it is not cute at all!! Poor Grandma and Amy.
That was my day. See, it wasn't too bad. :)
I guess Jake could tell it wasn't a good day because he actually helped me with the dishes lastnight. Bless that boy!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Stop the INSANITY!! :)
Over the last few weeks I have found myself quite overwhelmed! I feel like everything is finally CRASHING DOWN ON ME!! After leaving Wal-Mart this evening the following thoughts crossed my mind...bare with me. My body is screaming at me, "STOP PUSHING ME SO HARD!"(I literally pushed my body to the limit this week in workouts. Burning on average 800 calories a day.) My car is screaming at me, "SLOW DOWN...I'm STILL not fixed." (Seriously, after taking it in today to get what we thought could have been the problem...it is still running terrible and the check engine light...yeah, still on!!)My cash flow is screaming at me, "GO BACK TO SCHOOL...THIS HAS BEEN AN EXPENSIVE SUMMER!!" (Ex: $1100 A/C unit, $798 Rental Car, $980 Refrigerator, $700 car repairs) Seriously, we could have went on a HECK of a vacation this summer for that price!! Halle is screaming at me, "I wanna watch Dowa, Dwagon Tales, Calliou, Ber Bears...etc, etc, etc...I want Apple Juice, I want cheetos, I need to go poop, I need to go pee pee, I want Daddy!" (AHHH...This is exactly why I am not a stay at home mom!! I love my daughter and I cherish my time with her...but I NEED to go to work...for myself!! Plus I love my job!! :))My house is screaming at me, "NO MORE TOYS!!" And then, to top it all off my husband is screaming at me..."You are ALWAYS in such a BAD mood." "Hateful" he refers to me...Seriously? GRRRRR...
I need to get away!! Seriously!!
On another note...I've taken on a huge job with getting this class reunion together. All I can say is "Thank God for Facebook." Today I spent a few hours with Court labeling envelopes...140 envelopes...with 3 labels each plus a stamp...GEEZ it was a lot of work!! (Thanks, Court for all your help!!) I mailed 70 invitations out today...and I'm hoping everyone will be responsible and send their money back soon!! Six of us are paying for everything out of our pockets!! Yikes!!
One more thing...while I am on my gripe session...I'm tired of being told that something is going to be done on a certain day...and it NOT be!! Ahem...Brockmiller Construction...you are about to tick off a bunch of Elementary Teachers if you don't turn on our electricity!! We just need lights and air conditioner...That's all!! :)
I know I sound like a huge BABY!! :) But, I felt the need to get it off my chest...and now I feel better!!
Happy Friday!!
I need to get away!! Seriously!!
On another note...I've taken on a huge job with getting this class reunion together. All I can say is "Thank God for Facebook." Today I spent a few hours with Court labeling envelopes...140 envelopes...with 3 labels each plus a stamp...GEEZ it was a lot of work!! (Thanks, Court for all your help!!) I mailed 70 invitations out today...and I'm hoping everyone will be responsible and send their money back soon!! Six of us are paying for everything out of our pockets!! Yikes!!
One more thing...while I am on my gripe session...I'm tired of being told that something is going to be done on a certain day...and it NOT be!! Ahem...Brockmiller Construction...you are about to tick off a bunch of Elementary Teachers if you don't turn on our electricity!! We just need lights and air conditioner...That's all!! :)
I know I sound like a huge BABY!! :) But, I felt the need to get it off my chest...and now I feel better!!
Happy Friday!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tomorrow, Please Come!!
My car went into Sam Scism Ford on May 26. It has been nearly 8 weeks since I left it there. I am beyond frustrated and I feel like I've done all that I can to get the issues resolved. I contacted BBB, Attorney General and Ford Motor Co. I also emailed FOX 2 news my story today. I don't know what else to do.
I am supposed to get it back tomorrow. But, I'm pretty sure I've heard that before...about 12 times AT LEAST!! Seriously. I've even heard them say "We want this car out of here TOMORROW!" or "We promise it will be finished TOMORROW!" "First thing TOMORROW it will be finished!" I am SOOO sick of it!!
Today, Jake called on his lunch and they told him that it was up and running and once they get payment from the warranty company it will be ready to go. Then, I call the warranty company because I wanted to make sure they had been contacted. Justin and I are on first name basis! He told me that Scism had to replace the catalytic converter which is not covered under warranty. Then, Scism called Jake and told him...$1900 is what we owe them. Uh, I don't think so...I REFUSE to pay it...
So long story short...ha ha...they took the new catalytic converter off and put the old one back on...and everything is working fine? Really? We'll see. All I know is that I am not going to be stuck with this $1900 bill! So, now all we are waiting on is payment from the warranty company. Please pray that all goes well and payment is received and I can get my car back TOMORROW!!
The saying "Tomorrow never comes" could not be more real to me!! Seriously!
I am supposed to get it back tomorrow. But, I'm pretty sure I've heard that before...about 12 times AT LEAST!! Seriously. I've even heard them say "We want this car out of here TOMORROW!" or "We promise it will be finished TOMORROW!" "First thing TOMORROW it will be finished!" I am SOOO sick of it!!
Today, Jake called on his lunch and they told him that it was up and running and once they get payment from the warranty company it will be ready to go. Then, I call the warranty company because I wanted to make sure they had been contacted. Justin and I are on first name basis! He told me that Scism had to replace the catalytic converter which is not covered under warranty. Then, Scism called Jake and told him...$1900 is what we owe them. Uh, I don't think so...I REFUSE to pay it...
So long story short...ha ha...they took the new catalytic converter off and put the old one back on...and everything is working fine? Really? We'll see. All I know is that I am not going to be stuck with this $1900 bill! So, now all we are waiting on is payment from the warranty company. Please pray that all goes well and payment is received and I can get my car back TOMORROW!!
The saying "Tomorrow never comes" could not be more real to me!! Seriously!
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