Ziebart

Warning! If you own a pick up truck and are considering going to Ziebart for the rust proofing program, make sure you understand that your warranty is void if you drive “off road”. Off road is defined as driving on dirt roads. Last fall, after purchasing a new Dodge Ram pick up truck, we decided to have the additional rust proofing done by Ziebart. We understood that you had to bring the truck back on the anniversary of the rust proofing for a wash, check up, and fix any nicks or problems for $70 annually. We called and made our appointment. We live two hours away so on our way to Thanksgiving we dropped off the truck on a Wednesday, to pick it up on the following Monday. Later in the day on Wednesday, the Saco branch manager, Josh, called us while we were on the road en route to our Thanksgiving destination. He angrily said that we had delivered our truck in an unacceptable condition, being too dirty for them to wash. We have owned a boat yard and understand the problems with waste disposal. Josh claimed that it would cost us an additional $200 to have the truck washed due to its condition. Our alternative was to come and get the truck, take it home and power wash it, including removal of taillights. Then we would have to drive back (2 hours each way for two people and two vehicles), leave it overnight, and come get it the next day. This had to be done the week after Thanksgiving because our warranty period would be over. It was a surprise to us that the truck was suppose to be delivered “clean”, especially when we were under the impression they were going to wash the truck. Josh was rude and condescending and addressed us in a raised voice re: the condition of our truck. He told us later that the person at the desk has a “script” that is used when the annual check up appointment is made. Part of that script supposedly is that the vehicle must be delivered in a clean condition. This is a “he said she said” situation. We were not told that the truck had to be prewashed when we made the appointment. Something like that would be clear and not misunderstood if stated. It was not told to us when we called. The Monday following Thanksgiving, we went to get the truck. The manager, Josh, came out and went over what we would need to wash in order to be able to have the truck have its annual inspection. When questioned, he pointed at the dry mud/dust under the truck, Josh said, “This is off road”. He showed us the warranty that said the truck could not be driven on dirt roads. We live in Maine; it is a 4-wheel drive pick up. We own it so we can drive down 60 miles of dirt roads to access our camp in northern Maine. Most Mainers with pick up trucks drive on dirt roads. Dirt roads are transportation routes in every county in our state. In contacting the customer service representative, Stephanie, at Ziebart International, we found her to be very helpful. She was polite and sincerely wanted to help. She did the best she could but the final warranty determination lies with the individual franchise they provide the warranty services. We found Ziebart to be deceiving and the manager to be rude. You do not get a copy of the warranty until after you pay $500 to have the Ziebart rust proofing. So, if you plan on driving down dirt roads in your car or truck, don’t think Ziebart rust proofing is going to be a benefit for the longevity of your vehicle.