Well, my 2008 F-350 began leaking coolant several weeks ago and I was perplexed by this. It's just over three years old but only has 20,800 miles on it. Naturally it occurs right after the 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty ran out. However something like this just should not happen. After all how can a radiator wear out at only 20,800 miles. I went to the dealer where the truck was purchased and asked if there was anything Ford could do since the truck has such low miles. I was told that since I didn't buy the extended warranty there wasn't much they could do. He told me "in the old days" Ford would provide dealers with money to 'assist' good customers with situations like this but things are different today. Ford has cut off funds to dealers to cover issues like this. All he could do was check the problem and "IF" it is related to/caused by an engine issue then it would be covered under the engine 5 yr/100,000 warranty. Otherwise I would have to pay the $1200 for a new radiator (parts & labor). I politely bowed out stating I couldn't afford that at Christmas time.
The next day I went to another Ford dealer where I used to deal many years ago. The place has changed hands and I had heard bad things about the new management. But, remaining open minded, I stopped by and spoke with their head service guy. I told him up front that my truck was out of warranty. I explained that the truck is cared for 'by the book' and garage kept. In my opinion there was no excuse for a radiator to fail like this at such low mileage. To my surprise he agreed and stated "I think we can help you on this". I made an appointment to have it checked out. Today they did my truck. They did a diagnostic exam and determined it definitely was the radiator and the job would normally cost $1257 total. However, Ford wanted to participate by covering 2/3 of the repair. My cost would be $450. Now I would have loved to have Ford cover it all but I knew that would not happen. I figured if they went half on it I was doing well. But they covered 2/3 and I covered 1/3 of the cost. All things considered I think they were more than fair with me. They had the truck in the shop for just over three hours. I left there with a new radiator and a complete cooling system flush and fill.....just in time for winter.
So, if someone tells you the manufacturers won't stand by their products, well try another dealer. You have to do the leg work to get ahead. I felt I had a reasonable request for help on this problem and they agreed. The other dealer didn't want to work with me so I found one who would. And guess what, when my wife and I go looking for that new Mustang next year, guess where I'm going?!
