Auto dealer gripe thread.

[the ringo kid]

Ive only a few minutes to splain before computer time ends.

Yesterday I went to Auto zone for two parts as im finally getting the car fixed. I needed an 02 censor and a vent valve. AZ nr 1--we dont carry those parts-go to the dealership--which I did fully knowing they were way over-priced.

Dealership--I asked the guy in the service area to give me prices on the parts. Instead of doing it in front of me on that computer-he disappeared into some dark corner somewhere for several minutes.

Came back with quotes on both-adding another censor to the tally. All total--over $800 hundred dollars and telling me I cant get these at any auto parts store. Also saying that Auto parts strors parts wouldnt work and arent well made.

BS

Ive been driving most of 35 years and buying parts from stores-never a prob.

I left-just happened to be driving down Airline street-saw another AZ-figured id double-check-and that store had everything I needed-for $102.00.

More on this tomorrow as time is gone. Kia is a cheat-so is Midas.

[DWalt]

If you don't need one immediately, check the internet. They are available. I once had to buy some simple little plastic fasteners from a Honda dealer, about 15 of them. Couldn't find them anywhere else. Cost me $3 - EACH. Should have been about a nickel each, but I needed them right away.

[snubbyfan]

I usta sell Toyota Parts and I had 17 years experience.
I happen to know that if you don't use genuine factory parts, your vehicle will dissolve into a puddle of goo.
However I personally proved that Toyota's are very well built. My personal Corolla was loaded with aftermarket parts. In fact it was know as the "Aftermarket Special" and not only did it not spontaneously combust but continued to run great until it was replaced with a 4wd Tercel.

[Bajadoc]

Car dealers are there to extract as much money as they can. Approach a stealership as you would a mother bear with cubs. Be very careful.

[steamloco76]

I needed the drivers side heated glass power mirror assembly for my 2012 Silverado. Dealership wanted nearly $700. CAPA aftermarket was $300. Found a used take off online for $119 shipped.
Cabin air filter for my 2015 Colorado, $69.95 installed at the dealer. Unavailable from dealer parts, which makes me wonder how they change one for $69.95. ? Bought a pair on amazon for $30 and installed it myself in five minutes.
Strange fact, the Chevy dealer is the best deal for an oil change and tire rotation on the same Colorado. $39.95 plus tax for six quarts of Dexos oil, the filter, four wheel tire rotation and top off fluids.

[mtgianni]

The dealer gives you the best price for an oil change and free 28 point inspection so they can get the first in on the work you need done resulting from the inspection.

[vytoland]

in the words of Smokey Robinson......"ya gotta shop around".......

[BigBoy99]

I had a friend who owned a car dealership and he said that if could guarantee that all of the owners of the cars he sold, would bring them back to his shop for service, he could afford to give the new cars away for free!

Service centers are where the money is to be made.

[LVSteve]

Sometimes the original parts ARE the only ones that work properly. Case in point, thermostats for the Nissan 4.0 V6 truck motor. The originals have a peculiar piece that shrouds one side of the thermostat. It must be vital to the flow because all Xterras and Pathfinders fitted with aftermarket 'stats run over temperature. The same goes for fluid couplings for the cooling fan.

[DWFAN]

I worked in various dealer auto parts departments for over forty years. Some things are actually cheaper at a good dealership. Most are not. Most auto makers subcontract their parts. These subcontractors sell the same parts aftermarket. Made just a little different so as to not violate infringement laws and most times made even better. I like to use Rock Auto on line and even Amazon has a lot of good deals. Just have to do your homework.

DW

[Old 44 Guy]

That is why I drive an American truck. Parts........!

[adwjc]

Google is your friend.

Not just for car parts, but everything else, too.

I just had to get a part for my ice maker in a Kitchen Aid Refrigerator. Checked around and found I needed a sensor circuit board and an emitter. These are a set of two printed circuits with LED on one and receiver on another, all they do is see if a light beam goes through your ice bin or not, like the simple bar switch of years ago.

Anyway, long story short, one of the big name places had for $284. Another for $198. Now that I had the part numbers, I googled and found a whole new bunch of places that had the same item - brand name to boot, for $25 -$30 - picked one and got the item for $25.00 + $3.00 S&H.

The place that was $284 wanted to sell you the part or send a man for $90.00 per hour.

I don't want to put anyone out of work, but wow! What a markup!

[glenwolde]

Just for fun, go check the price here. These guys always seem to kill it on price every time.

RockAuto

[BearBio]

My '85 Toyota SR5 had a bad fuel sensor chip. My mechanic said $800 at the dealer or $50 at the junkyard. Maybe the junkyard one would work and maybe not==but he could always get another one for $50 to try. It lasted 3 years, then we did it again. Truck had over 350,000 miles when I sold it (TO HIM!)

[4011]

We have a real auto parts store over in Fort Worth. Strouds Auto. Called yesterday for king pins for my 54 Chevrolet project. They said have by 4pm. I went there at 5pm. Picked them up and started to install. Rock had them $15 dollars cheaper. But would have had to wait till Monday.saving on tax went to shipping. Broke even I think.

[Arik]

Sore to break it to you but Kia is not a cheat. Every single dealer will charge you through the nose on parts. My dad's Toyota hubcap is $200 from the dealer. He didn't buy it either.

Dealerships are like hospitals for cars. Go to an emergency room and tell them you have a headache. They'll charge you $20 for two advil plus the time you were there. For the same money you could have walked into a local pharmacy and bought 3 bottles of Advil for that money

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[Targets Guy]

My Subaru is bumper to bumper for three years. I trade at one or two years. No parts worries for me. This month I get my 2017 and they get my 2016. Can't wait for the 2019's.

[snowman]

I've done virtually all my maintenance and repair for a number of years, and have gotten quite an education buying parts, as have many others here. And I'm sure that will continue.

I've attempted to avoid the huge mark-up at dealers as much as possible, and have usually succeeded. Occasionally aftermarket parts don't fit correctly -some are too far off to mess with.

I've learned also that quality, fit, etc. can differ between stores. In general I've been more satisfied with NAPA and CarQuest parts than what the super discount places carry.

I drove a Honda Civic for 18 years, and learned whenever I adjusted valve lash or replaced the timing belt to get the head cover gasket and the timing belt at the local dealer. I noted that his prices for OEM parts were competitive with the aftermarket stores in the area, a fact which came up in conversation with the parts man one time. He told me in disgusted tones that there wasn't any way he was going to add the outrageous mark-up that the dealer wanted him to. After a few years of benefiting from his generosity I noted that he wasn't there anymore, and the prices, accordingly, went through the roof. Later I stopped in at the local AutoZone and guess who was working there?

Regards,
Andy

[Krell1]

I just leased a new Nissan Murano and I noticed a couple days later that it was missing the Nissan emblem from the center of one of the wheels. This is most likely a plastic part, about the size of a silver dollar and obviously just snaps in. They had the part and I was told that, if I had to pay for it that it ran $78. WTH???? $78 for a piece of plastic????

[V-35]

Originally Posted by Old 44 Guy

That is why I drive an American truck. Parts........!

I think that the last 'American' truck was made in 1956.


Art

[DWalt]

Many years ago I learned the hard way (from the local VW dealer at the time) that parts and service from a dealer is legal robbery of the gullible. I don't know for sure, but I'd believe it if someone told me that most of a dealership's profits come from parts and service. And probably used cars.

[chaparrito]

My Honda was throwing a dash light and I had it in for the Takata airbag inflator recall. Asked the service guy to check the code while they had it. At checkout he said the gas cap was bad, causing the service light. I could buy a jen-you-wine Honda cap for only 49.95 plus tax but I'd have to install it myself.
I passed and went to NAPA. Got one for 8 dollars. After installing it, I treated myself to a 42 dollar bottle of Bourbon.

[steamloco76]

Many services are huge cash cows for dealer service departments.
Cabin air filter replacement; $49.95 to $89.95 for a five minute job (most) and a $10 to $20 filter.
Cooling system service; where they just drain the radiator and refill (no flush) with up to 1 gallon of approved coolant for $49.95 or so.
Brake service, install new pads on one axle for $99.95. The service does not include anything except pads and labor to install them. Once they add in servicing the caliper pins, new hardware and the ubiquitous "you need new rotors" the $99.95 job becomes $450. Any good independent shop will come in at about half that or less. Plus most dealerships do not use OE brake pads or rotors unless it is a warranty repair.
Wheel Alignment;I have yet to have a dealer service department align one of my vehicles and get it correct! $79.99 to $129.99. Sorry, a good independent garage that does a lot of alignment business is the way to go, even when my vehicle is under warranty. $49.99 to $79.99 done right the first time.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by DWalt

If you don't need one immediately, check the internet. They are available. I once had to buy some simple little plastic fasteners from a Honda dealer, about 15 of them. Couldn't find them anywhere else. Cost me $3 - EACH. Should have been about a nickel each, but I needed them right away.

Ive got that thought too. Im going to start buying parts I know wear out easily and have a box-full of them. Thankfully I dont need much but, it'll be great peace of mind knowing im prepared. Ive already got a spare vent valve-and some spark plug wires.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

I usta sell Toyota Parts and I had 17 years experience.
I happen to know that if you don't use genuine factory parts, your vehicle will dissolve into a puddle of goo.
However I personally proved that Toyota's are very well built. My personal Corolla was loaded with aftermarket parts. In fact it was know as the "Aftermarket Special" and not only did it not spontaneously combust but continued to run great until it was replaced with a 4wd Tercel.

To my memory--I never had trouble with any after-market parts? but $102 vs $800-$102 wins.

The Kia dealership really pissed me off when they did this:

Elderly lady comes in-having had her new car about 5 months, came in for an oil change. All she went in for was a simple oil change. The guy (pig) she was dealing with told her this: "You can only get an oil change here for this car at this dealership." So she told him to go ahead and do it. Her bill--was: $400.00!!!!!!!! I was in the area and witnessed the full transaction. Just as the lady turned to move her car--the guy I was waiting on came out of some back office--so I had no chance to tell her to go to Walmart--as a bottom-line oil change is $20. At my usual go to place--Minit Man--I thinks its between $$25-to-$35.

My guy came out with some fantastic story-which I immediately discounted. He said the $800 price again, and I said nope-walked out and left. They lost me as a customer in the event of ever being able to buy a new car. I dont like their vagueness and down-right blatant dishonesty.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by steamloco76

I needed the drivers side heated glass power mirror assembly for my 2012 Silverado. Dealership wanted nearly $700. CAPA aftermarket was $300. Found a used take off online for $119 shipped.
Cabin air filter for my 2015 Colorado, $69.95 installed at the dealer. Unavailable from dealer parts, which makes me wonder how they change one for $69.95. ? Bought a pair on amazon for $30 and installed it myself in five minutes.
Strange fact, the Chevy dealer is the best deal for an oil change and tire rotation on the same Colorado. $39.95 plus tax for six quarts of Dexos oil, the filter, four wheel tire rotation and top off fluids.

I had to order a new harness as the other one kinda broke when I wass going back home late Monday. Called around and none in stock, but the stores did carry them. Now I just have to wait for it to come in-and im hoping it'll be in Thurs--I can have that on in about 5-10 minutes. Hopefully im calling that part by the correct name? I dont know how to describe it? Anyway-after what id already changed-the car felt like a rocket taking off-instead of being sluggish. The part that broke is jury rigged-but not for long.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by mtgianni

The dealer gives you the best price for an oil change and free 28 point inspection so they can get the first in on the work you need done resulting from the inspection.

In the elderly ladies case--they preyed on her like a starving Tiger to a Deer.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by vytoland

in the words of Smokey Robinson......"ya gotta shop around".......

I did. And Kia made no moolah off'n me.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by LVSteve

Sometimes the original parts ARE the only ones that work properly. Case in point, thermostats for the Nissan 4.0 V6 truck motor. The originals have a peculiar piece that shrouds one side of the thermostat. It must be vital to the flow because all Xterras and Pathfinders fitted with aftermarket 'stats run over temperature. The same goes for fluid couplings for the cooling fan.

Thankfully the stuff I needed to change--my BiL and Nephew==two moterheads--said ill have no probs. I know a few parts do have to come from a dealership--but not the ones I needed.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Old 44 Guy

That is why I drive an American truck. Parts........!

My dad was that way especially hating all Japanese cars (WWII/Korean War Vet) then came my future BiL--he drove a Toyota. My dad told him not to park it anywhere near the house when he came to visit my sister. Pat had to park his car a block away.

When they married-Pat still had the Toyota Celica as his car and my dad had to "bend" a bit-nothing he could do anyway.

Everything I had till about 17 years ago--were always Fords. My dad hated Chevy's too. My Kia is my first "Asian" car. I like it-but the next one is gonna be a Jeep.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by glenwolde

Just for fun, go check the price here. These guys always seem to kill it on price every time.

RockAuto

Dang it--wish id known of this place sooner--I had to pay $15 for a replacement gas cap.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by BearBio

My '85 Toyota SR5 had a bad fuel sensor chip. My mechanic said $800 at the dealer or $50 at the junkyard. Maybe the junkyard one would work and maybe not==but he could always get another one for $50 to try. It lasted 3 years, then we did it again. Truck had over 350,000 miles when I sold it (TO HIM!)

We have a l;arge junk yard here-I forget the name? Anyway, they were advertising that they will send one of their grease-monkeys to fetch the part-taking it off of course-bring it and actually install the part--all for just the price of the part.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Arik

Sore to break it to you but Kia is not a cheat. Every single dealer will charge you through the nose on parts. My dad's Toyota hubcap is $200 from the dealer. He didn't buy it either.

Dealerships are like hospitals for cars. Go to an emergency room and tell them you have a headache. They'll charge you $20 for two advil plus the time you were there. For the same money you could have walked into a local pharmacy and bought 3 bottles of Advil for that money

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

This Kia did. I happen to know the wife of one of the owners for Mike Shaw Kia--she told her husband what went on and gave him the estimate the Kia guy gave me. I just saw Noemi and her hubby this morning at my gym. Her hubby told me that sales-person way over-charged-or tried to) me. He said--like I figured-that the parts from his Kia dealership--would be anywhere from twice the price from AZ. He said the service guy I had-was way-over-charging and had complaints on him before. Said that guy may not be working there very long. Anyway-if I had got the parts from his Kia--the price for both would be approx $250-installed--not over $800 not installed.

The only reason id go to this Kia dealership--would be because of being friends with Noemi and her hubby.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by Krell1

I just leased a new Nissan Murano and I noticed a couple days later that it was missing the Nissan emblem from the center of one of the wheels. This is most likely a plastic part, about the size of a silver dollar and obviously just snaps in. They had the part and I was told that, if I had to pay for it that it ran $78. WTH???? $78 for a piece of plastic????

THAT'S exactly what I mean on their over-priced parts. If I ever need another hubcap for instance--id check the junkyard first-or just take the others off. I AINT paying a Dollar-for a Pennies worth of stuff.

[glenwolde]

Originally Posted by the ringo kid

This Kia did. I happen to know the wife of one of the owners for Mike Shaw Kia--she told her husband what went on and gave him the estimate the Kia guy gave me. I just saw Noemi and her hubby this morning at my gym. Her hubby told me that sales-person way over-charged-or tried to) me. He said--like I figured-that the parts from his Kia dealership--would be anywhere from twice the price from AZ. He said the service guy I had-was way-over-charging and had complaints on him before. Said that guy may not be working there very long. Anyway-if I had got the parts from his Kia--the price for both would be approx $250-installed--not over $800 not installed.

The only reason id go to this Kia dealership--would be because of being friends with Noemi and her hubby.

I wonder if they give their guys an incentive to over-charge, like giving them a sales quota or a commission.

We had to take pricing authority away from our salespeople. If they over-charged trying to make more commission we'd lose a lot of business.

Even worse was under-charging. There would be no profit in the job for any of us, but they still got the commission. It didn't take long to figure out what was going on once I started reviewing things. We put them all on salary, gave them a year-end bonus based on their sales, but took away their discretion on price. All the pricing was controlled by the estimators. They worked for me, not the sales manager.

[steamloco76]

The worst experiences I've had with dealer service were at my local Toyota stealership with a 2004 Camry I'd purchased new. The car was very un-Toyota like reliability wise, requiring a new transmission, new steering shaft, new rear brake cylinders, an re-paint of the trunk lid and a new back window because the antenna connector failed. These repairs all required a good deal of griping and mechanical knowledge to effect. Toyota's are perfect.

Anyhow, once the 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty was over, the service manager declared war on me. Less than 100 miles after the 36K warranty expired, my car would no longer warm-up. I knew 100% it was a stuck thermostat. So I figured they would fix it since I had the car scheduled for an oil change and tire rotation. Did they, no, not only did they not cover it under the warranty, they performed two road tests, and a full computer diagnostics panel, charging me $109 for the diagnostics and an hour labor at $79.99 for the road tests. Then an hour labor to put in the new thermostat, replace the coolant and bleed the system. Total bill for my oil change and the thermostat came to nearly $400 dollars!
I blew my top to the point of nearly having the police called on me. Needless to say neither my car, or my wife's ever graced the threshold of that garage again. Plus I never bought, or will buy another Toyota. (Oh, by the way the steering shaft was bad again at 55K)

[soFlaNative]

Great source for those hard to find 710 caps or muffler bearings...
Replacement : KaleCoAuto.com, Your home for the rare, unusual, and hard to find auto parts.

[JSR III]

I ordered a pepperoni pizza once that only came with one piece of pepperoni on each slice.

[Tom S.]

Originally Posted by mtgianni

The dealer gives you the best price for an oil change and free 28 point inspection so they can get the first in on the work you need done resulting from the inspection.

This is so true! It's all about getting you in the door so they can sell you more service, which will not be priced as cheaply as the oil change.

From personal experience, I will not let the dealer perform oil changes on my vehicle. I bought a new 1 ton Silverado in 2014 that came with "free" maintenance. In my case, this meant two oil changes/chassis lube/DEF fill up (Diesel Emission Fluid) and tire rotation. I took the truck to the dealer and even brought my own oil and filter (both Mobil 1 products). This is when things started going wrong. Using their website, I scheduled the appointment ahead of time. When I got to the dealer, they had no record of the appointment in the service department. Turns out it wasn't sent over by the web person. Next after I had sat there for over an hour, and went to ask why it was taking so long, they told me they were waiting for their large rack to become available because the smaller ones couldn't lift my truck. When I asked why they didn't come out to the waiting area and tell me about this, I got a deer in the headlights look. Over an hour later, I was told the truck was done. The first thing I noticed was none of the zerk fittings had been touched and the DEF was still low. Back into the dealership, and another 1/2 hour wait. During that time, we had a 'discussion' as to whether DEF fill ups were included in the service. After a phone call to Detroit, the dealer agreed it was. After the half hour, truck was brought out and I asked the service manager how many fittings had they greased. He said 4. I told him there were 9 on the truck. Back in it went and up on a hoist. I brought out the lady who is in charger of the service department to show her what was going on and where the zerk fittings were located. She told me a mechanic (who was standing there) would take care of it. I suggested she have the minimum wage workers who do their maintenance work come out for a show and tell so they learn this and don't screw up on other vehicles, which she did. So after 3 hours, my 20 minute service was done.

I left with zero confidence, that should I return things would be any different and resumed doing my own service, which I've been doing for nearly 50 years.

[Krell1]

In years past I had a Volvo sedan. As it aged it was constantly in need of misc parts. I was lucky in that there was a repair shop in town that specialized in most foreign cars. The guy had an attic full of used parts and allowed me to scrounge through them for what I needed. The best was a heater blower. I found one and did the repair myself and saved what would have been 10 to 12 hours of labor. It was a horrible job to do requiring the complete dismantling of the dashboard and I had parts all over my garage floor. I managed to get it all back together with only one minor hiccup. My dash lights wouldn't work. A quick trip to the mechanic, at no cost, got them working with a simple fix.

[chaparrito]

Originally Posted by Krell1

In years past I had a Volvo sedan. As it aged it was constantly in need of misc parts. I was lucky in that there was a repair shop in town that specialized in most foreign cars. The guy had an attic full of used parts and allowed me to scrounge through them for what I needed. The best was a heater blower. I found one and did the repair myself and saved what would have been 10 to 12 hours of labor. It was a horrible job to do requiring the complete dismantling of the dashboard and I had parts all over my garage floor. I managed to get it all back together with only one minor hiccup. My dash lights wouldn't work. A quick trip to the mechanic, at no cost, got them working with a simple fix.

Been there. That heater blower is the dumbest design I can think of, especially for a car designed in a country where the heater gets used probably 10 months a year. When you look at used Volvos of that vintage for sale here in AZ, exactly NONE of them have working heaters.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by glenwolde

I wonder if they give their guys an incentive to over-charge, like giving them a sales quota or a commission.

((((((((((((((I think they do? but I nver asked Noemi's husband.)))))))))


We had to take pricing authority away from our salespeople. If they over-charged trying to make more commission we'd lose a lot of business.


((((((((((((((According to Mike-that's exactly what happened. Mike by now has put that service guy in his place. ))))))))))))))))


Even worse was under-charging. There would be no profit in the job for any of us, but they still got the commission. It didn't take long to figure out what was going on once I started reviewing things. We put them all on salary, gave them a year-end bonus based on their sales, but took away their discretion on price. All the pricing was controlled by the estimators. They worked for me, not the sales manager.

I dont think there is any worry about this place under-chrging. It seemed to me that when people asked questions--they got what I call a "standard corporate reply." You sir, are a good person who appreciates his customers. Oh and, btw, after speaking with Mike, he told the service dept. folks that im to get a year free-of top of the line oil changes. I get it done every 3 months since im always out in it and taking Sabrina to her appointments. Ive put near 8,000 miles on it in 4 months.

[the ringo kid]

Originally Posted by JSR III

I ordered a pepperoni pizza once that only came with one piece of pepperoni on each slice.

Sounds like you ordered fromone of our local Little Caesars pizza joints.

[Fishbread]

Originally Posted by DWalt

Many years ago I learned the hard way (from the local VW dealer at the time) that parts and service from a dealer is legal robbery of the gullible. I don't know for sure, but I'd believe it if someone told me that most of a dealership's profits come from parts and service. And probably used cars.

I used to sell cars until recently. Hated every minute of it. New cars, if you have several dealerships close by, are generally not big money makers. You will have one that will have one dealer that will "undercut" the others but if you look closely, it's because they are offering a vehicle with a V6 instead of a V8, a work truck instead of a model with the features that most everyone wants...that sort of thing. If you see a big price difference, you HAVE to A-B compare the Vins and the build sheets. If the dealer says this truck is the same as the one across town but it's 3500 cheaper, run don't walk cause you're about to be screwed.

If you drive less than 15k a year and don't own for more than 3 years, buying is just throwing thousands and thousands of dollars away. We all leased at the dealership. Way better deal, by a ton. We had a hard time explaining this to some folks as they wanted to "own" their cars. Well, just stop making payments and see who owns that car. So many people just piled their negative equity higher and higher for no good reason but that they didn't understand how leasing worked. Cash buyers were really bad for this but the dealer loved when a customer would eat that instant $8k drive off depreciation and give us a car we could make a couple thousand off of instead of using their head.

Most profit was made in parts/service. We could have stopped selling cars and just sat around playing cards and the dealership would have still kept open.

Used was another big money maker. Unless it was some pile on bone row, we were easily clearing 2500 to 10k on a car, depending on what it was. Not often at the higher end, but sometimes. Generally between 3 to 5k. That was money you could save by selling it yourself before hand. But people are impatient or don't want the hassle. Dealers love used cars.

There's tons more but I'm about to be late for work.

[DWalt]

The only thing that makes economic sense is to drive a car until it becomes unrepairable at a reasonable cost. That is because every time you buy a new car, the depreciation cycle begins anew, and depreciation is nearly always the greatest single cost of car ownership. Surprisingly, many car owners don't give depreciation a second thought. Given anywhere close to adequate maintenance and care, any car today will last at least 10 years without major problems. I have never owned a car I didn't keep for at least ten years. My record is 15 years, and that was only because some snot-nosed kid ran into me and totaled mine. Otherwise, I might still be driving it it.

"...we were easily clearing 2500 to 10k on a car, that was money you could save by selling it yourself beforehand. But people are impatient or don't want the hassle. Dealers love used cars."
And I always sell my old cars myself - I NEVER have and NEVER will do a trade-in. It's idiotic. Leasing may be OK for some, but in my mind it makes sense only if the vehicle is used for business purposes, allowing the lease expense to be written off as a business expense. Another problem with leasing is that most lease plans have yearly mileage limitations which are usually fairly low, and won't work well for someone who drives a lot.

I avoid dealer service like the plague, except for warranty service. I learned that lesson the hard way. Fortunately, I live close to several private garages who do good work at relatively reasonable prices, and do my own work if possible - but that is becoming increasingly difficult for newer cars.

[dougb1946]

Originally Posted by Old 44 Guy

That is why I drive an American truck. Parts........!

The vehicle with the most American made parts is Japanese. Camry.

[Rock185]

Interesting and informative discussion. Here's one of my most fun dealer experiences. About 3 years ago, IIRC, the driver's side rear window on our '06 Silverado quit going up and down. Took it to the local Chevy dealer. Right at $1000.00 parts and labor to fix it. Took it to an independant shop, $200.00 and done! Has worked flawlessly since.

Another fun one. Years ago I was foolishly trading a near new Chevy 4WD pickup for a new Corvette. The deal was agreed upon. They had the new Corvette out front,engine running, drivers door open, just needed to sign the final paperwork. I casually looked over the deal, not expecting any surprises, and discovered they'd reduced the value of my trade-in by $800.00. Following a not-so-cordial discussion, I told them to bring my truck back around and left without the new Corvette......

[steamloco76]

I was talking to a friend last night and brought up some of the stories related on this thread, and she had one to add.

Her husband took his 2008 Silverado in to the local Chevy dealer for an oil change. During the 28 point inspection they discovered a failed right front hub bearing. Not surprising, a very common problem and the truck has nearly 80K on it. They said it would cost $495 for the bearing and take 1.5 hours install it, and they recommended a wheel alignment service too. $775 and change with the PA tax! She remembered a couple of shop's I'd told her about and had him call around.

He called three different local shops, and none said the job would require a wheel alignment. The best deal, which he went with, $289 total, tax and all with a NAPA hub bearing! Definitely pays to shop around!

[glenwolde]

We don't drive much so a lease would work for us, except we keep the cars a long time. We have a 2005 Civic we bought new that I fear may outlive me. It only has 78,000 miles on it.

We just bought a brand new Subaru to replace my 2007 Saturn, a car I loved but...it was a Saturn. Not horrible but hardly trouble-free like the Honda. It was either fix it up a bit or get rid of it, and I just felt it was at the end of it's useful life for me, but it still had a lot of miles left in it with only 75,000 on it. The body might fall off, but the motor would still be running. We had a nephew in a bit of a bad spot and we just decided to give it to him.

But now we have a car payment for the first time in like eight years. At least it's 0%. We only seem to buy one every seven years or so and they seem to go up $10,000 every time.

[Jeff423]

Originally Posted by steamloco76

I was talking to a friend last night and brought up some of the stories related on this thread, and she had one to add.

Her husband took his 2008 Silverado in to the local Chevy dealer for an oil change. During the 28 point inspection they discovered a failed right front hub bearing. Not surprising, a very common problem and the truck has nearly 80K on it. They said it would cost $495 for the bearing and take 1.5 hours install it, and they recommended a wheel alignment service too. $775 and change with the PA tax! She remembered a couple of shop's I'd told her about and had him call around.

He called three different local shops, and none said the job would require a wheel alignment. The best deal, which he went with, $289 total, tax and all with a NAPA hub bearing! Definitely pays to shop around!

I had a similar issue. I was going on a trip and my R front wheel bearing went out. Took it to my local mechanic and his guy removed the old one in less than 10 min. The shop found a bearing Assy. locally for about $450. I thought this was fine because I needed the car the next day and the dealer wanted about $800. He said the flat rate manual listed 2 hrs. for the bearing change but he only charged me for 1 since it only took his mech. 30 min total.
Two months later I'm getting ready for a 5,000 mile road trip and since the car had over 200k miles I decided to change to other bearing myself. I found a Timken bearing Assy. on Amazon for $250. Auto Zone lent me a slide hammer bearing puller for free and it took me less than 1 hour to do it - and that was with a trip to the store for the right sized bolt.