Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I loaned my 5 year old Husqvarna 136 chainsaw to one of my area managers at work as he had just moved into town from Michigan, and need to cut down a few trees.  He had the saw for a while and admitted to abusing it a bit, but stated he would pay for the damage he did to it.  I took it to a local dealer in Chardon, Ohio and their quote to fix the saw was $10 less than what it costs new.  My wife feels that this guy owes me the entire amount necessary to fix or replace the saw;  I said that since it's a mechanical object with a certain lifespan, that I would be kind and take the depreciation on it and only ask for around $100 to put towards a new saw.

Am I being too easy on this guy, or should I make him pay for 100% of the repair/replacement cost?  I can see my wife's point, why should I have to pay any money when I started the entire interaction with a completely good chainsaw.

Thanks

PaulR, if you don't mind me asking, what was the repair needed on your truck?  I know the transmission seems to be a hot repair item on those. 

I try not to borrow things if I can avoid it...which is why I have a basement and garage full of stuff I've used very little but when I do, I try to return it in as good or better (i.e. cleaner or with a full tank of gas) than when I borrowed it.  Why anyone would borrow something and abuse it (then admit to abusing it) is beyond me.  If it was working when he received it, it should be returned in the same shape.  If you need to get it fixed, he should be responsible for the cost of the repair (or equivalent contribution to a new saw).  Exceptions:  Broken belts, adjustments, unforseen accidents, etc.  IMHO

LL

Ajace,  The dealer installed a PDC(?) and front control module and did not charge me any labor.  I am a DaimlerChrysler Employee and received the parts at a discount (15% instead of 25% if I would have ordered the parts ahead of time...but who knew).  I also had some power steering lines replaced that I was charged labor for (same 15% parts discount).  All in all, I am happy with my dealer (Aurora Chrysler in NE Ohio) but not very happy with the quality of the vehicle my corporation put out.  It is a 2002 Dodge Ram (DR - new body style) and was built very early (Feb 02) after, or even during, the launch of this new platform.   The thing that torques me off is that I doubt Toyota/Honda has these early build quality problems.  I talked with the corporate customer service rep today about my $545.50 bill and they have advised me to send a letter to Auburn Hills with all the details (they were able to pull up all  of my service visits based on VIN#).  The CSR eluded to, but did not come out and say, that It would be a good idea to request that DaimlerChrysler reimburse me for some of/all of the expenses incurred.  If you have had problems with any brand of vehicle, shortly after the warranty runs out, I suggest that you check that brands website for customer service help.  I feel that these types of issues should not happen in a $31,000.00 vehicle, no matter how early in the new model build stage it was assembled.  I know a few people that have had some of their service bills reimbursed after taking this route, hopefully I will be able to experience the pen being mightier than the sword.  If anyone is in the market for a new Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep (even after reading this far) please don't hesitate to contact me as I can offer a limited number of "friends and family" discounts which are 1% below dealer invoice and you get all available rebates too.  If it makes you feel any better, my wife's Dodge Grand Caravan has been trouble free.  38,000 miles and all I've had to do was put new front brakes on it and change the oil.

Chainsaw update....I spoke with "the boss" (he runs 2nd shift operations) and he is going to give me $100.00 after he gets paid at the end of the month.  It seemed to be a moderately fair deal, and I had that idea backed up by many of the postings on this great web site. 

I'm a GM/Dodge guy.  It's just great to hear that DaimlerChrysler is being soo good to you.  That sounds like a good company.  It'd be real nice if I can get that 1%, rebates, and 0% financing.  That would sell me.  I keep wondering if Ford's built for the road ahead theme is really making better quality vehicles.  Anybody know?  Keep on 'em, they'll cave in.