Picked up my PE and some tips for all.

[sjmst]

5*(10)^2 wrote

Boy...is the ball rolling fast.

Someone from Chrysler HQ called me. They are very concerned about the situation. My local dealer has been contacted.

1 notch of confidence level gained.

If Laura Soave got involved I'd imagine people will jump.

[5*(10)^2]

sjmst wrote

If Laura Soave got involved I'd imagine people will jump.

On Fiat's side, I'd rather they took their time to build the car, perform a more thorough QC at the plant, at the distribution point and at the dealership. Some manufacturing processes can't be rushed, ie paint curing in this case. Chrysler HQ did apologize and mention the PEs are part of the first batch production. So there might be some kinks to be sorted out. We are unfortunately caught in this.

On the dealer's side, I actually gave the dealer a good 10 days to check my car after it arrived. But it seemed like they left the car on the lot for 9.986 days and only washed it 20mins before I arrived. This is a lack of commitment from the dealer's side. Could have been an internal communication issue as well. Who knows.

Interestingly enough, I found a production check list sheet in my car the other day. Has my VIN, time stamp, 20 boxes where one checks off. On top of this sheet it says "Quality Policy: To Be the Premiere Manufacturing Company in the World".

[Mike S]

"Quality Policy: To Be the Premiere Manufacturing Company in the World".

I hope that was in Spanish.

[Giallo Edizione]

5*(10)^2 wrote

sjmst wrote

If Laura Soave got involved I'd imagine people will jump.

On Fiat's side, I'd rather they took their time to build the car, perform a more thorough QC at the plant, at the distribution point and at the dealership. Some manufacturing processes can't be rushed, ie paint curing in this case. Chrysler HQ did apologize and mention the PEs are part of the first batch production. So there might be some kinks to be sorted out. We are unfortunately caught in this.

On the dealer's side, I actually gave the dealer a good 10 days to check my car after it arrived. But it seemed like they left the car on the lot for 9.986 days and only washed it 20mins before I arrived. This is a lack of commitment from the dealer's side. Could have been an internal communication issue as well. Who knows.

Interestingly enough, I found a production check list sheet in my car the other day. Has my VIN, time stamp, 20 boxes where one checks off. On top of this sheet it says "Quality Policy: To Be the Premiere Manufacturing Company in the World".

I made darned sure I told the dealer in advance to have tech go through my car with a fine tooth comb because it was a new model and because others had problems, and recommended they do so for all cars till things settled out. They seemed to have responded. I recommend all buyers here on the site do that, and don't accept delivery until the dealer assures you they have done so-look the car over very very carefully before signing the purchase docs, even if its not yet fully prepped.

That these are new cars coming down the assembly line is lame excuse. They are being made by the same workers who build Journeys and previously PT Cruisers and have been building cars in that plant since 1968. Perhaps a panel might not fit perfectly as they shake out, but bad paint, scrapes, holes in the stripes, interior moldings not installed properly, upside down badges have no excuse other than shoddy rushed workmanship. It is not becuase its a new model. They were under pressure to deliver the PE's and they dropped the ball at upstream factory level quality control and decided to let the customer find the problems and bring it back-just like the '70's. Bad move Laura. OTOH mine is not a PE and other than the drift to the left that became obvious driving distance today, so far it seems pretty good for a Mexican build car - not quite on par with my other Chrylser product, but that one was built in Canada during the Mercedes-Benz golden ownership period.

[Welshy]

Took my car in to get the problems fixed....left it Monday morning. No one called to tell me anything all day. I called them at 5.45pm that evening to be told that the part would not be in until the following afternoon. Night/morning went by, called around midday to get an ETA, but deflated when they said the parts wont be here until next Tuesday afternoon (possibly). Now patience on the car is wearing slim.

FIAT should have sorted these cars out long before they left the factory, or maybe they think we all harked for the return of the old Fiat ways too (and as a former FIAT X1/9 owner can say without prejudice) - rust buckets and poor workmanship and constantly in workshops....The number of problems we're all facing with these cars, they should call them Prima Scherzo !!!
Phew, vented enough. Still love the car though...

[prima 109]

I'm with you gallo, I bought a 06 PT Cruier in March of 06 and there were none of these issues with it and as everyone knows was built at this very plant.  These problems are the result of piss poor QC both from Fiat and the dealers.  I told my selling dealer about # 315's issues, he was shocked, I said he'rs isn't the only one from that Stuio to have problems.  I assurred me mine is perfect and I said I want it gone over again in light of all the other's issues.  I'm tentatively picking mine up on the 31st, so we'll see.

[5*(10)^2]

Thanks all for the replies.

I have an update today.

Chrysler HQ contacted my dealer and has assigned a service advisor to me. This SA will be contacting me. Chances are I will have to bring the car in. The SA will write up a full report on the defects and send to Chrysler HQ.

I have already mentioned that I want the parts to be REPLACED not REPAIRED.

Thanks for reading.

[5*(10)^2]

Service manager from dealership called. Dropped by dealership. He noted the parts to be replaced (not repaired). Parts (inc bumpers) to be ordered today. I thought the first batch of parts were ordered already. Apparently not. Now they will order all the parts include the rear bumper.

Received a software update too. Code 11-030. No details what is it for.

[5*(10)^2]

No news yet.

[PE#454]

5*(10)^2 wrote

<snip>

I hope to pass on some tips to all those who are waiting for their PEs....

1. Before you sign anything, have them wash the car and bring it to a place where you can see the car up close.

2. Inspect thoroughly for blemishes. I found a deep scratch on the front hood, residual protective film (the car came in a film. the porters didn't do a good job of removing all of them), a slightly worn luggage truck cover, a scratch up stripe on driver's front and a "hole" on stripe for passenger's front.

3. Check engine oil level/coolant level/brake fluid level. Mine are all ok.

4. Look for paint chips or blemishes on painted brake calipers. Mine are ok. Though I heard one PE owner later complained that there were paint chips on the calipers.

5. Make sure you bring a CD or MP3 player. Plug them in to test the stereo. Mine ok.

6. Check A/C, all forward/reverse gears, sunroof (if you order one), turn signals, fold down seats, door locks etc...

And the list goes on....

I know you said it's tedious, but can you (anyone) tell me what else I should be inspecting when I take delivery? Is there a standard checklist somewhere that I can use, or do I have to rely on the dealer checklist? I just know I will be overly excited when the day comes, and I don't want to overlook anything.

[Mikecrml]

I picked up my PE#493 at a Chrysler dealer in N Cal, as the Fiat store in Fremont was not open. I went up with a friend to get his PE 5 days before getting mine and did a serious inspection. I found no faults, and was amazed at the paint quality for an inexpensive car (Grigio) No issues with Blue tooth, I-pod or stripes. The paint on the rear spoiler was dull- a quick buff at home fixed that.The salesman was totaly panicked because he was delivering 12 in one day. I've been very happy and already trying to get more power. Rick at FIATSPEED.com is rushing to give us the bits we want. My only gripe- Getting out of the car my pant leg caught the seat up and down adjuster and it snapped right off. Just like Fiats of old! Gotta love the little things............

[5*(10)^2]

Hi PE#454,

Well, I am trying to think of a way to make this less tedious. Going the extra mile to make sure every switch/button/lever works will take a lot of time. Good thing is since this car is new, any electrical or mechanical problems should be covered under warranty.

So I would focus more on the cosmetic defects and list some electrical items. First thing first, bring a camera. Take pictures of any unusual findings.

Exterior:

1. No dings, dents around the body panels.
2. No paint uneven-ness on the panels. Someone on FB posted that he/her PE has wavy surface on the rear quarter panel.
3. No scratches. Car should be scratch free. It's the dealer that has to make sure the car is delivered as new.
4. No blemishes on the PE logo on A pillars. We paid for a PE, these badges have to be perfect.
5. Open engine hood, trunk, both doors, close all of them. Make sure everything function well.

Interior:

1. Stains on the seats are not acceptable. Remember, PE seats are cloth on the center. They do get stained easily.
2. No blemishes on any of the trims, ie shift knob, the bezel, scratches on any interior panels. The door handle on the inside gets scratched easily. Take note of that.
3. No blemishes on the PE logo on the seats. We paid for a PE, these badges have to be perfect.
4. Nothing should be dangling or installed incorrectly. I found a piece of hanging adhesive tape in my trunk.
5. No fraying stitching. I had my PE examined by a leather craftsman. He reckons the red stitching used for our PE seats, steering wheel and gear shift boot are extremely thin and fragile. The sewing work is not as "tight". Hence fraying might occur more readily.
6. Report strange odor. That's right. Did you see that Seinfeld episode? Yup.

Engine bay:

1. Check coolant level (there is a mark for a min and one for max ).
2. Check oil level (there is a mark for a min and one for max ).
3. Check brake fluid level (there is a mark for a min and one for max ).

Electrical:

1. Alarm.
2. Horn.
3. Turn signals, brake lights, headlights. One you notice a busted bulb, they have to replace it.
4. Windows go up/down.
5. Radio/CD/AC/Sunroof.
6. If you can, pop in a CD or listen to radio. All speakers must work!

Misc:

1. The 500 floor mats.
2. Owner's manual.
3. All documents need to have the same VIN. Had an instance where the dealer typed "I" instead of "1".
4. Remember to deduct the $500 deposit.

Hope this help.

PE#454 wrote

I know you said it's tedious, but can you (anyone) tell me what else I should be inspecting when I take delivery? Is there a standard checklist somewhere that I can use, or do I have to rely on the dealer checklist? I just know I will be overly excited when the day comes, and I don't want to overlook anything.

[PE#454]

Yes, I'm sure it will help a lot! Thank you for taking the time to itemize for me.

[prima 109]

Also, make sure you check under the driver's seat for your tire kit.  Mine's not there, I discovered it yesterday.  I don't know why I didn't check for that but the dealer is ordering me one and having it shipped to me.  i'm 100 miles away.

[5*(10)^2]

Called Chrysler HQ. They called my dealership and someone called me. Parts have to be priced first before ordering them? It has been a week since they "ordered" the parts.

No good.

[5*(10)^2]

Update: Communication issue. Parts were actually ordered and due to arrive on Apr 22. The ball rolls again!

[Hoicho]

Thank you for your advice. Just ordered my Giallo Sport yesterday, 6 more weeks to wait...

[PE#454]

I'm supposed to be getting my car today--my birthday.

I have combined all of the suggestions into a master checksheet and will take it with me to the dealership. I'll let y'all know how it went.

P.S. I'm fatter than Oprah and have no problems fitting!

[Welshy]

Happy Birthday.....my fingers are crossed that the car is perfect for you. Safe motoring....

[PE#454]

Perfect so far! The truck didn't roll in until almost closing. He had passed right by the dealership and one of the sales guys shouted, "There goes your car!" I jumped in my MINI and chased the guy several miles before he turned around and I led him back. (Wish I had a video of that.) I have to take it back tomorrow for P(ost)DI and cleaning and paperwork.

Thanks for the birthday wishes--it was ideal that I got my car today!