What to do about car dealer ? (*** see Post 27 *** )

[Greyman50]

Santa Fe has a recall for some issue with a wiring harness under back seat. Tried to make appointment and get a free loaner vehicle. Took a month as they thought I was going to sit there for how many hours? Don't think they liked it but I really don't care. I'll go to St Simons Island while they do the " inspection" and eat at " The Half Shell" and check out the village and pier.

 

[glenwolde]

Took the old civic into the dealer because the washer pump died. Before that the right side quit because the check-valve got plugged on that side. I replaced it. $14. The pump for the windshield washer was a different story. You have to take the whole front body parts off the car to get at it. I ain't doing that. $340.

They wanted $3500 for struts/shocks. That's more than the car is worth. Those look easier than the water pump but probably a bit much for me.

The only other thing it needed was a cabin air filter. $90. They're $10 at Walmart and the video on how to replace it is less than 2 minutes long. No tools. C'mon.

 

[arjay]

I just go to a local mechanic.Hank was great, but he died at 95 (his son did the work)so then I went to Walt's until he got a whopper of an offer for his shop (It's being converted to another microbrewery.) I have to walk two blocks further to my new guy and they seem honest too. Hank was a gas.He opened his shop in the 50s selling recapped tires and at one time was the local mayor

 

[steelslaver]

My brother in law has a tire shop in a small town north of here. He is also the mayor. He is currently running for county commissioner and I think he will get it.

 

[pasound]

If you still have the receipt for the magnetic plug, at least a petty theft warrant could be possible. I doubt they replaced it with a factory one.

 

[Narragansett]

Pete,
I think if you haven't changed the timing belt on that 2015 Jetta, you should focus on that before it breaks and destroys your engine. An engine replacement will be more than the value of the car.

No timing belt. Timing chain. Serpentine belt replaced at 75K, 20 K ago

 

[444 Magnum]

No timing belt. Timing chain.

Good. Some of those models are still using belts.

 

[Grayfox]

Stuff like posted here is the reason I spent my 42 years turning wrenches working in fleets.

 

[bobsguns]

Went back and showed them that THEY were the only place that changed my oil.

They then offered to drop the repair cost. I declined and fixed it myself. Never went back.

As for changing your own oil, it's no brainer to have someone else do it. It's not worth my time.

You admit they stripped out your drain plug. Yet, you claim it's "not worth your time" to do it yourself.

I guess we have different ideas about what is worth "our time". You want a $10/hr monkey doing critical maintenance on your personal vehicle?

 

[bobsguns]

I am not a fan of CAR DEALERS - sales or service! I think (with a rare exception) all go to the same school.

Salesmen are not a problem, IMO. You either agree to a price or you don't. Pretty simple.

If they promise something, get it in writing. Pretty simple.

 

[bobsguns]

I put Bat-Signal valve stem caps on all my tires. If those end up in anyone's pocket there will be a conversation at the local magistrate's office.

Your local magistrate will laugh you right out of the office & keep laughing after you leave.

Caps are what, $5? $10 at most?

Seriously?

 

[lihpster]

Your local magistrate will laugh you right out of the office & keep laughing after you leave.

Caps are what, $5? $10 at most?

Seriously?

Well, he's an attorney and probably knows the local magistrate and his views on thieves.

 

[bobsguns]

Well, he's an attorney and probably knows the local magistrate and his views on thieves.

Perhaps he can tolerate some lawyer jokes then?

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I will never trust those. Especially a "cheap" set. What an oxymoron.

The good ones are not that expensive. I've used the same set for 20 years or so...........So do it your way spend more $$$.

 

[Kanewpadle]

The good ones are not that expensive. I've used the same set for 20 years or so...........So do it your way spend more $$$.

Thanks. I will. It's not always about the money.

 

[Kanewpadle]

You admit they stripped out your drain plug. Yet, you claim it's "not worth your time" to do it yourself.

I guess we have different ideas about what is worth "our time". You want a $10/hr monkey doing critical maintenance on your personal vehicle?

I can see you're going to be a problem. Good thing there is an ignore button.

 

[bobsguns]

I can see you're going to be a problem. Good thing there is an ignore button.

Don't list your bad logic if you don't like criticism.

Letting a $10/hr monkey change one's oil, setting it up for potential engine damage due to a bad oil drain plug or not putting enough oil in it (or any at all, I've seen that myself) or the wrong oil just to save 30-45 minutes is not a good idea.

Why not take it to an independent shop, let a real mechanic do it for a couple $$ more?

 

[coltle6920]

Going to the dealer for things like an oil change was never about the money but more for the time spent waiting.Go in the Express Lane for a 30 minute oil change and they automatically rotate the tires,check the battery,check the radiator level and anything else on their two page checklist. Usual cost was just over $100.

Have changed over to my local Grease Monkey. Go there every 18 months which is about 5k mileage...Oil change,wiper blades and air filter. I'm out in about 30 minutes. Yeah, it still costs a little over $100 but like I said above my time is worth something and the service is great.

Two other things to check but I can do myself...

 

[Narragansett]

Good. Some of those models are still using belts.

Actually, all the Jettas now have timing belts. The engines changed to 1.5L from 1.8 L and went to timing belts. They lost 20HP in the process. I am sure it was to meet some Govt standard

 

[46er]

Wife's 2 yr old car due for an oil change, dealer charges $100 for a change and tire rotation. I said go for it, although a bit cheaper at a local shop. Dealers get notifications about minor (?) problems to look for. After warrantee the local repair shop will be doing all the maint.