michael833
New member
Sorry to hear that, man. However this does solve my "Magnaflow or Flowmaster" dilemma!
Horrible Experience with MagnaFlow
- Thread starter ChildrenOfBodom
- Start date
BrianSD_42
New member
well ive had both and dont think that flowmaster is twice as good. maybe a little better, that is all.
Duhockey
Senior Member
I will keep that in mind, my exhaust system is creeping up the board now and I was going to go with either magnaflow or flowmaster.
I will not go with Magnaflow now.
thanks for the feedback. I had a similar issue with a Sealy mattress that caved in less than a year and a half into the 4 year warranty. They came by to look at it and saw a little spot on it, that I could have cleaned up with a paper towel and a few drops of water and said that it was "liquid damaged" and they are not responsible for beds caving in to that. I wish I still had the pics. I wanted to strangle someone. We basically had a worthless bed that we couldnt get a warranty from sealy even though it was maintained per their warranty requirements! So if anyone reads this dont believe Sealy will back their crap ass product. go get a sleep number bed or memory foam, heard both are the best!
anyways, a little off topic, but Im with you COB!!
I will not go with Magnaflow now.
thanks for the feedback. I had a similar issue with a Sealy mattress that caved in less than a year and a half into the 4 year warranty. They came by to look at it and saw a little spot on it, that I could have cleaned up with a paper towel and a few drops of water and said that it was "liquid damaged" and they are not responsible for beds caving in to that. I wish I still had the pics. I wanted to strangle someone. We basically had a worthless bed that we couldnt get a warranty from sealy even though it was maintained per their warranty requirements! So if anyone reads this dont believe Sealy will back their crap ass product. go get a sleep number bed or memory foam, heard both are the best!
anyways, a little off topic, but Im with you COB!!
Atreyus
New member
If they truly valued their customers they would've stepped up and replaced everything FULLY, because you had to go through so much trouble. Personally I would get things straight if I were the owner, one bad experience for a customer could end up losing thousands, or hundred of thousands of revenue for a company. I will never consider magnaflow just based on your experience and what you had to go through. I'm just glad forums exist if it wasn't for this site I probably wouldn't have learned of this issue and any other problems I've had with my 4runner. Hopefully everything works out, and don't give up man, I'd contact one of your political leaders in your area. My dad is in politics was a case worker/field representative for a state senator. It's amazing what a few calls and letters can do for the average person.
which flow master model did you go with?
just curious
I might just stay cheap that flows a wee bit more than stock, but not louder. since its not like you get a Major enhancement of performance with any of them (from what I have read)
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Disappointing and pathetic. Sorry about your story, I went on your thread. Companies think that since they're large, they do need to provide good service. Look at Amazon.com, a HUGE company, still provides way better service than any of these lame companies that easily have people on site...
Sure have. Good idea! You should go on there and like it
Please do. The muffler sounds great... for a few months til it breaks.
Never a fan of flowmaster... Personally, I found it to be really just an American V8 muffler company. If you like it, though, go for it! Probably won't fall apart!
I'm sleeping on a Novaform mattress from Costco, much like a Tempurpedic. Very happy with it and it's 20 year warranty. Sucks, we've all had woes from companies without morals!
Again, like I said with the others, I really don't think Flowmaster is a good choice for our vehicles. I would look around some more, but if you like it, it's your truck.
Exactly! I had to make 5 trips to RSM, deal with the embarrassing rattles of the muffler, wait to have them switched out, and have my money practically stolen! What jerks! Trust me, if they don't plan on resolving this with me, then I will raise hell! Do yourself a favor, and don't buy Magnaflow!
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
I've posted what's called an eBay Guide.
It appears when people search for specific items within a category.
For example, if someone searches for muffler, magnaflow, catalytic converter, exhaust, or catback, they would have the option to view guides related to their search. One will be my guide, as to why you should avoid MagnaFlow products.
It appears when people search for specific items within a category.
For example, if someone searches for muffler, magnaflow, catalytic converter, exhaust, or catback, they would have the option to view guides related to their search. One will be my guide, as to why you should avoid MagnaFlow products.
96743runner
New member
Wow sorry to hear about your problems with Magnaflow.
So disappointing to hear about such sh*tty customer service from a popular aftermarket exhaust company like them. Thanks for sharing your experience though...I was actually still debating on which exhaust system to get and I was seriously considering the Magnaflow but definitely gonna go with the TRD option now.
So disappointing to hear about such sh*tty customer service from a popular aftermarket exhaust company like them. Thanks for sharing your experience though...I was actually still debating on which exhaust system to get and I was seriously considering the Magnaflow but definitely gonna go with the TRD option now.
quicksilvr
New member
I've always been a Magnaflow customer myself, and so has my dad. He currently has 3 full stainless Magnaflow exhaust's on his vehicles (two Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7's, and one Dodge Dakota 4.7). I have a muffler on my 4runner, and have had Magnaflow's in the past as well.
I've never experienced a single problem. As a VERY large corporation, Magnaflow really has it's hands tied when it comes to reimbursing every single customer who comes to them with a faulty muffler. Like already mentioned, your "$1000" worth of business to them is like me finding a penny on the sidewalk.
The problem I see in your whole situation COB is NOT that they did not reimburse you. The problem is that Mr. Norris (who has a lot on his plate and is working a high stress job) did not handle your concern more professionally, or at least show any sympathy. You already said that everyone you dealt with at Magnaflow was great, and nice to you. It was only Mr. Norris. So because one person at a HUGE company didn't treat you the greatest....you are bashing the whole company.
WHen you look online, do you see tons of negative reviews for magnaflow? If not, then they're still a good company...and you (1 out of their MILLIONS of customers) had a bad experience with ONE person.
Sorry if it seems like I'm taking Magnaflow's side, but as a business person, I see a lot of flaws in your case, and don't see a ton that Magnaflow could have done differently (besides having a friendlier person in Mr. Norris's position)
I've never experienced a single problem. As a VERY large corporation, Magnaflow really has it's hands tied when it comes to reimbursing every single customer who comes to them with a faulty muffler. Like already mentioned, your "$1000" worth of business to them is like me finding a penny on the sidewalk.
The problem I see in your whole situation COB is NOT that they did not reimburse you. The problem is that Mr. Norris (who has a lot on his plate and is working a high stress job) did not handle your concern more professionally, or at least show any sympathy. You already said that everyone you dealt with at Magnaflow was great, and nice to you. It was only Mr. Norris. So because one person at a HUGE company didn't treat you the greatest....you are bashing the whole company.
WHen you look online, do you see tons of negative reviews for magnaflow? If not, then they're still a good company...and you (1 out of their MILLIONS of customers) had a bad experience with ONE person.
Sorry if it seems like I'm taking Magnaflow's side, but as a business person, I see a lot of flaws in your case, and don't see a ton that Magnaflow could have done differently (besides having a friendlier person in Mr. Norris's position)
JohnsD90
New member
Then $75 would be like nothing to them and they should have had no problem to refund him it.
4ShoreRunner
New member
I second whoever mentioned emailing someone higher than the VP of Sales.
If you can get someone in the companies email address its usually pretty easy to figure out anyone else in the companies email.
I'd seriously email the President/CEO...if you know their emails are first initial, last name, i.e. [email protected] and know the Owner's name you can put together a few combos in your "to" line and see if it gets there.
Be polite, but firm, and explain that you wouldn't have bought the muffler for the 3rd time if you hadn't been instructed to by one of his employees. And just my .02, don't play the poor college student card. It shouldn't matter who you are or how much money you have - you are (read: were) a loyal customer.
If you can get someone in the companies email address its usually pretty easy to figure out anyone else in the companies email.
I'd seriously email the President/CEO...if you know their emails are first initial, last name, i.e. [email protected] and know the Owner's name you can put together a few combos in your "to" line and see if it gets there.
Be polite, but firm, and explain that you wouldn't have bought the muffler for the 3rd time if you hadn't been instructed to by one of his employees. And just my .02, don't play the poor college student card. It shouldn't matter who you are or how much money you have - you are (read: were) a loyal customer.
CobraSpdRH
New member
I would have to disagree with this post. While I'm sure they pay little attention to "your exahust sucks" or reviews similar to that showing little evidence or intelligence when someone presents, in person mind you, a very compelling case with evidence and documentation they deserve to be treated with respect. "Have a good experience you tell 1 or 2 people, have a bad experience you tell 10" has always rung true and as a sales maanger this person at Magnaflow should have realized that and taken the necessary steps.
His claim denial is extremely suspect given the evidence shown (including the original person saying it would be reimbursed). Car guys are very loyal to their brands, I can't fathom why this guy would ruin the loyalty of a customer over >$100. That being said, good riddance, just tell your story to as many people in as many places as you can, it will hurt them more than they know. Also continue to include his name so he can read it later plastered all over the interwebs :thumb3:
bertsch911
New member
sorry to hear about your loss of money and all the time waisted on your POS muffler. goes to show you that they dont really care about their customers, just about making money
quicksilvr
New member
I was not saying that COB didn't deserve to be treated with respect, or that Magnaflow doesn't care about reviews or customer feedback, problems, etc. Not sure how it came across that way...?
Mr. Norris failed at his job, yes. COB should have been at least granted a detailed and respectable reason for NOT being reimbursed....or else they should have reimbursed him.
All I was trying to say is this: Magnaflow, as a company, is much bigger and greater than one a**hole who lost a good customer because it wouldn't give him 1 minute of his time to fix or attempt to fix the situation. You can bash Magnaflow all you want, and yes, I might too if I was in your situation. But your specific situation does not make Magnaflow this horrible company that makes crap exhaust and has awful customer service.
CobraSpdRH
New member
Agreed, in theory you can't put the reputation of an entire company on one person or one muffler, however that person and that muffler represents the entire corporation to that customer, and you are only as good as your weakest link. Obviously these things happen and you would hope they would do right, but I guess that isn't always the case.
jksmyers
New member
Hey, it worked on me. I've been trying to decide between a Magnaflow 18" and a Cherry Bomb Vortex. Chery Bomb, here I come. I think I like the sound better anyway...
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Oh man, if I could find the TRD exhaust, I would rip off the magnaflow SO fast... let us know when you get it!!
You're right, even if I was a millionaire, the point that they don't treat me like a loyal customer is bad enough. You make an excellent point, though, I am a poor college student.. lol. I will try emailing in a week or so. I am still trying to see if they will send something to me first.
Yes, yes, yes! Hit the nail on the head! I will spread my story for this reason.
A sad reality. I guess they will be missing some business for this.
Remember when I PM'ed you oh so long ago, asking for your control number to replace mine? I ended up finding mine and using it, and that was the first time it went bad. Imagine dealing with that, repetitively, on your 4Runner. Each time, you have to pay $75 for installation. I went to quite a few people at Magnaflow, and I do agree with CobraSpdRH that the company is only as good as the weakest link, this being who represents them.
And while I think you're an awesome dude, I will disagree with the last line, because clearly (for me and my situation), they make crap exhaust and have awful customer service, indeed.
Absolutely, I agree 100%.
I will try my best to spread the story. There are blogs out there who have revenue from Magnaflow as a sponsor who have declined putting my story online, such as CarDomain.com/Autoholics.com. I will try Jalopnik and others.
I was thinking about that, too, before he told me to get another one. The Cherry Bomb sounds great, but I have heard that the glass pack mufflers eventually melt and change sound. I wouldn't know, though.
TheeMikeB
New member
This is exactly right, you should continue your fight, a few emails can go a long way. I would also send a link to this thread in your email to let them know that other people are watching and that $75 dollars they didn't spend is losing much more in customers as more read this thread.
It's common business sense and anyone that has taken business 101 knows that it costs 5 times more to get a new customer than it does to keep a new one. So already $75x5 = $375 for each cusomter X25 posts here is like $9375. This number can and will grow exponentially so you get the idea.
FYI I looked on the Magnaflow website and found the president's name is
Jerry Paolone.
MagnaFlow Exhaust - How MagnaFlow Dyno's a Vehicle
so if you do know the email naming scheme it wouldn't hurt to send a few emails to the name (J.Paolone@magnflow, JPaolone@maganaflow.. etc...)
There is also a 'submit your comments' under customer testimonals directly on the Magnaflow website. I would submit yours for sure.
MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust - Customer Comments
BrianSD_42
New member
Agreed.
The VP of sales isn't the guy you want to talk with anyways. Most sales guys only care about making the sale not customer support. In fact the VP of sales is probably the least sympathetic VP you could talk with, unless you are a large purchaser considering the switch to Magnaflow. Since you are just a single consumer I doubt he gives a sh$t.
I would send a very polite letter asking for the $80 dollars back. Make it clear that all you want is the $80 and don't expect to be reimbursed for the miscellaneous costs. Don't ask for more than is fair. Explain that you provided all the receipts.
Also mention that you have started a fierce online campaign because of how you have been treated. Mention that your thread already has XXXX views on one of the most popular 4Runner sites. I bet if just 5 people buy a flowmaster because of your thread you will have cost them the $80.
As of this posting 10:42am May 4th this thread has 897 views.
Those are 897 people in Magnaflow's target audience.
They could easily advertise to 10,000 members of the general public and not get 897 viewers who are interested in aftermarket exhaust systems for trucks and SUVs. Good job Magnaflow!
As far as guessing names/emails go, try this:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] (really important guys sometimes have exclusive emails like this)
(repeat, replacing . with _)
.
The VP of sales isn't the guy you want to talk with anyways. Most sales guys only care about making the sale not customer support. In fact the VP of sales is probably the least sympathetic VP you could talk with, unless you are a large purchaser considering the switch to Magnaflow. Since you are just a single consumer I doubt he gives a sh$t.
I would send a very polite letter asking for the $80 dollars back. Make it clear that all you want is the $80 and don't expect to be reimbursed for the miscellaneous costs. Don't ask for more than is fair. Explain that you provided all the receipts.
Also mention that you have started a fierce online campaign because of how you have been treated. Mention that your thread already has XXXX views on one of the most popular 4Runner sites. I bet if just 5 people buy a flowmaster because of your thread you will have cost them the $80.
As of this posting 10:42am May 4th this thread has 897 views.
Those are 897 people in Magnaflow's target audience.
They could easily advertise to 10,000 members of the general public and not get 897 viewers who are interested in aftermarket exhaust systems for trucks and SUVs. Good job Magnaflow!
As far as guessing names/emails go, try this:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] (really important guys sometimes have exclusive emails like this)
(repeat, replacing . with _)
.
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SkylineGTRracer
New member
Man COB I feel for ya. Customer service just isn't the top priority anymore with big businesses. I had a bad (well ok I have ALWAYS had) experience with best buy and geek squad. Whats more surprising is the position they put you in. Had they reimbursed you, you would have had a new magnaflow on and call it a day (hopefully) However since they didn't it's not the end of the world either. Aftermarket exhaust is one of the biggest businesses in the automotive aftermarket so its not like you don't have any other options, hell, you could build your own too. At the end of the day all you can do is notify others about your experience and also remain in contact by phone, email, whatever with magnaflow and still tell them about your experience. To some $1,000 doesn't sound like alot but think of it like this. You get another car or truck and want a exhaust system, but you'll more than likely avoid magnaflow so that might amount to $2,000 and so forth and so on. Also when your story floats in the mind of others it'll give them some second thoughts or at least a second opinion, they tell their friends and family and might look for something else, you know like a ripple affect. All I can say is good luck to ya for looking for something else and hopefully some help from magnaflow corporate as well. T4R has your back.
