Auto dealership....

[444 Magnum]

My mother, God bless her, is in her eighties, diagnosed with dementia four years ago, but still somewhat independent. My brother lives with her, but she still gets out on her own to run errands. She's on an "honor" system--she has good days and bad and its up to her to determine if she should go out alone. So far no wrecks, no tickets, no phone calls concerning her, and she hasn't gotten lost. The age old question, when do you ask her for the keys??? But that's another thread...

She has a nice four door sedan. I'm not bashing brands so I'll just tell you that it sounds a lot like Aoyota Tavalon from 2010. It still only has 63K miles and is garaged. It will be her last car.

She loves the local dealership where she bought it. She thinks they are her friends and has always had it serviced there.

About a year ago, she had a nail in the tire but it was still holding air. She went to the dealership and $128 later had the tire patched. While she was there they changed the cabin air filter AGAIN and did some other non-essential junk just to run the bill up. My mother has assets but only around $20k in annual income. I went to the dealership and asked them why they ran a $25 tire repair up to $128? "We asked her and she said 'yes'" was the reply. I explained that she was in her 80's, had dementia, and could be talked into anything. They agreed to call me in the future before making any more repairs. We'll see.

This week, the automatic sun shade on the rear windshield started making some horocious sounds as it went up and down. To me, they are a nuisance even when working properly so I thought I would see if it could just be disabled. The operators manual said the shade operation could be "customized" at the dealership. I was hoping that meant they could simply disable it via the car's computer.

I took the car to the dealership to ask about it. The twenty year old who was called for his "experienced" opinion said the only way to disable it was to remove the rear dash and sever the wiring connection. $420 was the quote. I won't repeat what I told him.

I went home, googled the fuse diagrams for the car, and pulled out #24. Rear blind disabled. Time elapsed: 15 minutes.

They're dead to me.

Thanks for the rant.

 

[lihpster]

It used to be that you took your car to the dealership for service because "they know their cars better than anybody". Sadly, this is no longer the case.

 

[bigwheelzip]

The age old question, when do you ask her for the keys???

Became clear to our family when my mom needed to stop driving. By that time, she'd moved in with sis, who could drive her most places, and bro subscribed to a car service which would take her anywhere. Wouldn't give up the car though.

Before she killed an innocent, I filled out a standard NYS DMV form to have her road-tested again. The state examiner seized her driver's license on the spot and said she'd have to pass the test to get it back. Angry, but she adjusted.



Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk

 

[jeffsmith]

The Day my Mom Voluntarily Said "I'm not Driving anymore"
was one of the Great Moments of Relief in my Whole life
It was getting to the point we were going to have to take Action
& Mom made the decision herself

 

[Maddog 521]

It amazes me how low people go to make a buck. Do you think they ever feel guilty?

 

[ZGrand]

As I was reading the original post about the sun shade, I said "Just pull the fuse". Then I finished reading the post. Glad you discovered the free fix like I did a few years ago when mine started making wierd noises and eventually stopped working correctly.

 

[Geno44]

As mentioned above in post #3 when mom or dad runs over some 5 year old the question becomes "Why didn't you do something before this happened" and unfortunately there isn't much of a satisfactory answer. Many of us have to make difficult decisions for our parents. Been there-done that. Older folks who are becoming foggy are not a good judge of their own capability.

 

[K-22]

Bend Over

My mother, God bless her, is in her eighties, diagnosed with dementia four years ago, but still somewhat independent. My brother lives with her, but she still gets out on her own to run errands. She's on an "honor" system--she has good days and bad and its up to her to determine if she should go out alone. So far no wrecks, no tickets, no phone calls concerning her, and she hasn't gotten lost. The age old question, when do you ask her for the keys??? But that's another thread...

She has a nice four door sedan. I'm not bashing brands so I'll just tell you that it sounds a lot like Aoyota Tavalon from 2010. It still only has 63K miles and is garaged. It will be her last car.

She loves the local dealership where she bought it. She thinks they are her friends and has always had it serviced there.

About a year ago, she had a nail in the tire but it was still holding air. She went to the dealership and $128 later had the tire patched. While she was there they changed the cabin air filter AGAIN and did some other non-essential junk just to run the bill up. My mother has assets but only around $20k in annual income. I went to the dealership and asked them why they ran a $25 tire repair up to $128? "We asked her and she said 'yes'" was the reply. I explained that she was in her 80's, had dementia, and could be talked into anything. They agreed to call me in the future before making any more repairs. We'll see.

This week, the automatic sun shade on the rear windshield started making some horocious sounds as it went up and down. To me, they are a nuisance even when working properly so I thought I would see if it could just be disabled. The operators manual said the shade operation could be "customized" at the dealership. I was hoping that meant they could simply disable it via the car's computer.

I took the car to the dealership to ask about it. The twenty year old who was called for his "experienced" opinion said the only way to disable it was to remove the rear dash and sever the wiring connection. $420 was the quote. I won't repeat what I told him.

I went home, googled the fuse diagrams for the car, and pulled out #24. Rear blind disabled. Time elapsed: 15 minutes.

They're dead to me.

Thanks for the rant.

Wife took her Camry to the dealer for service.Lube, oil, and filter.
They told her the cabin air filter needed to be replaced. $60.
She told them not now.
She mentioned this to me when she got home.
I did my due diligence. $18 for the filter. (OEM)
Checked You Tube. Less than three minute job.
The dealer already had the old filter out to inspect it!!
Same dealer also recommends work that is not in the factory service schedule!

I will turn people away from this licensed group of thieves at every opportunity.

I feel very sorry for the gullible, the fearful, and those that just do not know any better.


Best,
Gary

 

[twodog max]

This past summer we had a awful Ford dealership experience. My wife's 2020 Escape had a recall for potential oil leak. It was due an oil change. took it in to get the oil changed and showed the recall papers. They said after looking at it the had found it was leaking and also another leak. Ordering parts. Keep in mind never was any oil under the car and never used any. Occasionally i got a slight whiff of hot oil smell. Long story short parts came in for a promised 1 and 1/2 day job. !0 and one half WEEKS later we get the car back. Exactly 7 days later it swarmed and had to be towed back for more repairs. The moron doing the first repair had broke 2 bolts on the water pump and of course all heck broke loose when it finally came loose. A week later we got it back a second time. So 3 weeks later we trade a 2 year old car with 23,000 miles on it for a new Toyota Rav4.
This dealership managed to turn a very minor problem into a seriously screwed up undependable car. ARRRGH

 

[Bekeart]

Why did you bring this car in?

Took my Buick Regal in for a sspecific problem.
Four times it has shut down at my driveway.
No restart. "SERVICE PARKING ASSIST" on display.
After about thirty minuets I could restart.
Ha specifically told Service Manager of the problem when scheduling serice appointment.
Also mentioned a RECALL for Under Driuvers Seat Wiring.
Told Check In Clerk the same tale.
After nappiong in the waiting room for about one an a half hour, a mechanic comes and asks WHY I had brought the car in.
He had spent 1 1/2 hour doing an unasked for and unneed Diagnostic.
The problem was found and fixed (electrical connection) - I think ....

Complained and got a price adjustment.
RECALL was not done.

At least was not charged for Blinker fluid.

Bekeart

 

[Tex1001]

As an HVAC contractor (And college instructor) I've followed up on some real sleazies.
Example: A neighbor was told she had "Freon weevils" and had to have her system R22 replaced.
Replaced compressors when a run capacitor went out etc.
System replacement using old, used equipment sold as new.
Seen similar frauds in auto A/C mechanics too.
Texas now has all sorts of protections against shysters and still they get into the system.
I've seen way too many of them.

 

[len917]

Recvd a recall notice for my 2011 Ford Fusion for passenger side airbag. Take it to dealer step out of car and they got the wheels on a toe in/out machine. They tell me that I need an alignment. No of course. After they were finished the fix, I went back to the tire store where I bought the tires and alignment 2 days before. The rechecked the alignment (computerized) It was at spec. Knowing the machine I was looking at I knew the alignment hadn't changed. Called the dealer and told the service manager and gave me a stupid answer.
We had moved to a new neighborhood in PA and was looking for someplace to service our vehicles instead of traveling to the regular guy.
I took the MB to a place that specializes in European cars. We they finished I went to pay the bill which was a tad high, I read on the sheet that the "transmission pan gasket was leaking". and gave me a price to replace it. #1 if it was leaking, wouldn't I see spots on the driveway or get an odor? #2 Why wouldn't my other guy find it? he could use the work. I'm 80 years old and won't get under the car anymore. By the way, I owned and ran an outo repair shop in the 70's/80's with out screwing anyone-I had enough work from word of mouth. The guy I use now even though I have to travel a little, is like I was then.

 

[444 Magnum]

As an HVAC contractor (And college instructor) I've followed up on some real sleazies.
Example: A neighbor was told she had "Freon weevils" and had to have her system R22 replaced.
Replaced compressors when a run capacitor went out etc.
System replacement using old, used equipment sold as new.
Seen similar frauds in auto A/C mechanics too.
Texas now has all sorts of protections against shysters and still they get into the system.
I've seen way too many of them.

I was doing storm damage repair for a customer. She was complaining that 1/2 of her house was hot even after her HVAC man recommended and replaced the unit. I went up in the attic and found the main duct had come apart and was hanging down. The attic was cool! I called my HVAC man to come fix it. I can't fathom such incompetence but it is out there.

 

[pmanton]

Before I left for Vietnam I went to the dealership near where I had stashed my family. I told the manager to treat my wife fairly and when I returned we would purchase a new car from them.

Of course they stuck it to my spouse and I purchased the car elsewhere.

 

[H Richard]

I just recently took my car to the dealership, same brand as OP, for a tire sale. buy 3 tires get the 4th for $1. I did the checking around, and the out the door price was actually equal to or better than Sam's, and two other shops. Got the tires replaced, of course they did an inspection and "recommended I replace the brake pads, (car has 41,000 miles on it) $249 for front and same for back. $500 for a brake job??

I haven't had to have a brake job in quite a few years, but that sounds out of line.

 

[K-22]

RAV4

This past summer we had a awful Ford dealership experience. My wife's 2020 Escape had a recall for potential oil leak. It was due an oil change. took it in to get the oil changed and showed the recall papers. They said after looking at it the had found it was leaking and also another leak. Ordering parts. Keep in mind never was any oil under the car and never used any. Occasionally i got a slight whiff of hot oil smell. Long story short parts came in for a promised 1 and 1/2 day job. !0 and one half WEEKS later we get the car back. Exactly 7 days later it swarmed and had to be towed back for more repairs. The moron doing the first repair had broke 2 bolts on the water pump and of course all heck broke loose when it finally came loose. A week later we got it back a second time. So 3 weeks later we trade a 2 year old car with 23,000 miles on it for a new Toyota Rav4.
This dealership managed to turn a very minor problem into a seriously screwed up undependable car. ARRRGH

You are going to love your RAV4.

Best,
Gary

 

[GaryS]

That doesn't seem out of line based on my experience. I had one brake job done by a tire store chain. That lasted less than a year before I had to have them redone at the dealer. Sub standard parts, substandard service. Ruined one caliper.

I've recently found an independent shop that was recommended by two friends. Did some work on my wife's 2007 Highlander and didn't over charge. My 2019 Tacoma will still go to the dealer for a while.

Keep in mind that parts and service are the real profit centers for a dealership. I've been doing business with the same store for over 20 years and I've been treated well.

Even for warranty work, it doesn't matter if you bought the car from the servicing dealer or not.

I just recently took my car to the dealership, same brand as OP, for a tire sale. buy 3 tires get the 4th for $1. I did the checking around, and the out the door price was actually equal to or better than Sam's, and two other shops. Got the tires replaced, of course they did an inspection and "recommended I replace the brake pads, (car has 41,000 miles on it) $249 for front and same for back. $500 for a brake job??

I haven't had to have a brake job in quite a few years, but that sounds out of line.

 

[Tubbsy]

Some corporate shops and dealerships "incentivize" thier techs for upselling products... its not technically commission... but it could definitely affect your yearly bonus. When I was straight out of high school I worked for an outfit like this, once you reached a certain benchmark your yearly bonus essentially doubled... can't blame the techs, the stores are the issue. Fuel injection cleaning is almost always a sham... $3 in parts and labor

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I do ALL my own brake work. And other vehicle work too. The only time my mechanic or dealership see any of my vehicles if there is something wrong that I can't fix.

 

[MRB1]

My Dad owned a chevy dealership in the 50s. He often would sit in the service department waiting room and act like a customer, but he was listening to what others were saying. Some employees got fired, but he never charged more than what the local garage charged.

 

[Bald1]

My wife’s 2018 Audi Q7 was in shop for 40k mi service. This service was included in cost of car. Part of service is to ck pads rotors etc on all 4 corners. I asked them to rotate tires while it was there. When I eventually looked at invoice my wife paid $38 to rotate tires. All 4 tires were off the car during service at the same time. All they had to do was switch front to back. I put a call into service manager to ask how they justified this. I’m awaiting his reply. We didn’t buy a $3k Ford Focus from Smiling Ted’s garage. We bought a fairly expensive vehicle. Yet they still want to nickel and dime you.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

4 new vehicles from the same dealership and same sales rep over a 20-year period. Always had the routine service work done there, figuring that this would eliminate any questions in the event of a warranty issue.

Incident #1: Routine oil change. Service guy shows me the air intake filter and cabin air filter (obviously dirty), recommends new filters. OK, go ahead. Review the bill, in addition to $38 for new air filter and $32 for new cabin air filter I was charged $30 labor for installation of EACH ONE. As if they wouldn't have had to put the old ones back in if I just said NO.

Incident #2: Routine oil change. Service guy tells me that my front brake pads are down to 2mm, rear pads at 4mm, recommends full brake job. Scheduled an appointment with my usual brake & alignment shop, went in, found that the front pads were at 6mm, rears at 8mm, no service recommended.

Incident #3: Routine service, oil change and tire rotation. Picked up the vehicle, left rear wheel had a noticeable ding and I saw that it had not been moved. Checked all four wheels, all of the lug nuts still had a coating of road grime, none had been touched by a lug wrench. Pointed that out to the service guy, he proceeded to argue with me. I refused to pay for service not received. He wanted to take it back into the shop and have the tires rotated. I told him I would take it to someone I could trust.

Next step: Dealership web site, "contact us" link, sent an e-mail. No response.

Next step: Manufacturer's web site, "customer service" link, sent an e-mail. No response.

Next step: Called the salesman who had served us for over 20 years and 4 new vehicles, explained why he would no longer be seeing our business (or anyone else who would listen to me). Next day, dealership owner called me, wanted to know what he could do to keep us as a customer.

My response: If I can't trust your people with the little things I won't trust you with any more of my business. You have learned how to lose a good customer. End of discussion.

About 2 months later I was called by the manufacturer's customer service rep responding to my e-mail complaint. Similar discussion, once the trust is gone my business is gone.

In the great scheme of life all of these were small issues, but the pattern of behavior convinced me that I would be better off taking my business elsewhere.

PS: I now keep air intake filters, cabin air filters, and windshield wiper blades in the garage (half the price and maybe 5 minutes to change any of them myself). All of my alignment and brake work goes to a shop I have dealt with for decades. My tires are rotated and serviced by the tire dealer who installed them.

 

[Golddollar]

I guess I've been lucky. When I moved up here I was driving cars approaching 20 years old, because that's all I could afford before I started the job at the job I had at the time. It is a family owned dealership that has been in business for a couple generations. But I always felt like I was being treated like I was driving a new Mercedes.

So here it is, 17 years later. From this dealership, I bought my very first brand new car, plus 3 late model used cars. I had just about all my service work done there and never felt like I was being taken to the cleaners. And my aunt and uncle here started patronizing this dealership for their service work based on my experience, and then bought a new car that had been on the lot for about all of 20 minutes.

I'm happy to say that our business has been appreciated.

 

[Beemerguy53]

When I bought my 2013 VW Golf R, it came with free service for the first 50,000 miles. I told the service manager that so long as his guys were honest with me, I would continue to do business with them.

Of course, they couldn't resist doing what dealers always seem to do...and they lost my business. Luckily, I found an independent shop not too far away that specializes in VWs and Audis, and has a sterling reputation.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

There's more ways to rob ya than with a gun.............

 

[GaryS]

This came up today during casual conversation.

My friend's daughter has a nice Jaguar SUV (I call it a station wagon) and the controller for the power windows stopped working.

She took it to the dealer and they charged her $400.00 to repair it as it was out of warranty.

That didn't fix the problem, so she called them to complain. They said to bring it back in and that they'd take a look, but that there might be an additional charge, again because it's out of warranty. She told them that she thought it was in warranty still, but they said no.

Her husband, who's kind of pushy and obnoxious, got on the phone with the service manager and told him that the car is not out of warranty. The service manager said it's more than two years old. The husband said it might have been MADE more than two years ago, but they bought it less than two years ago and the warranty started when we bought it.

The service manager tried to argue, but the husband told him that he could either refund the $400.00 and do the repair under warranty, or he could talk to the nice person from the state Attorney General's office.

They got the money back and the repair.

 

[SMSgt]

Wife took her Camry to the dealer for service.Lube, oil, and filter.
They told her the cabin air filter needed to be replaced. $60.
She told them not now.
She mentioned this to me when she got home.
I did my due diligence. $18 for the filter. (OEM)
Checked You Tube. Less than three minute job.
The dealer already had the old filter out to inspect it!!
Same dealer also recommends work that is not in the factory service schedule!

I will turn people away from this licensed group of thieves at every opportunity.

I feel very sorry for the gullible, the fearful, and those that just do not know any better.


Best,
Gary

I replaced the cabin air filter in my wife's Nissan, even watched the YT videos. I'll gladly pay $50 to have it done. Being flailed alive is too good for whoever designed that thing.

 

[shovelhead]

I worked in car dealership parts departments for close to a half century. Last dealership used to push those aftermarket flush services or as we in the business called them wallet flushes.

The manufacturer sent to the dealers a Technical Service Bulletin stating that they were not required for proper maintenance, they unnecessarily added to the vehicle owners maintenance expense and if any damage was done to the vehicle as a result of these products warranty would not cover the damaged part(s).

One of the service writers tried that bull**** about three months after I started there. Had a surge at highway speed, writer told me the first thing we had to do was an injection service. I asked him if the extended warranty company ( auto manufacturer extended policy) was paying for it. His reply was “Owners expense.” To which I replied “Show me where in the policy it states you have to perform a non factory flush prior to diagnosing my vehicle”.

Well let’s just say he and I never liked each other after that. Oh, the problem, camshaft and distributor gear 4.3L 04 GMC was excessively worn causing the surge. All that flush would have done was tack on two hundred dollars to my hundred dollar deductible for nothing.

 

[9mmPatriot]

As an HVAC contractor (And college instructor) I've followed up on some real sleazies.
Example: A neighbor was told she had "Freon weevils" and had to have her system R22 replaced.
Replaced compressors when a run capacitor went out etc.
System replacement using old, used equipment sold as new.
Seen similar frauds in auto A/C mechanics too.
Texas now has all sorts of protections against shysters and still they get into the system.
I've seen way too many of them.

I had my own HVAC/R business for 14 years. I used my family name because I believed that if you are honest and reputable you PUT YOUR NAME ON IT.


I closed up shop because I couldn't afford heath insurance (wife is Type 1 Diabetic). I miss being my own boss.



I made a damn good living by being honest and not ripping off customers. Treat people the way you want to be treated and they'll stick with you through thick and thin.

 

[shovelhead]

I made a damn good living by being honest and not ripping off customers. Treat people the way you want to be treated and they'll stick with you through thick and thin.

Same here, but I had no control over the service department as I was just a counterman at that time. I managed three parts departments in smaller dealerships over the years and that was my philosophy too. Fortunately the service managers and writers I worked with in those three stores believed the same thing.