Free Gas Fill-Up With Recall or Campaign Repairs?

[The Critic]

I noticed that Lexus has traditionally, authorized a loaner car and a free gas fill-up of the your car when it is brought to the dealer for most recalls or service campaigns. Kind of a nice gesture, IMO, as it shows that the manufacturer cares about the inconvenience their error caused.

Does any other manufacturer do this?

 

[Hokiefyd]

For the Equus only I believe, Hyundai will actually bring a car to your house for you, and carry yours to the dealership for service. I've never heard of a dealer or brand topping off your tank for you, though.

 

[Johnny248]

lol most cars that are sold don't even get filled up before delivery any longer

 

[Carbuff]

Originally Posted By: Johnny248
lol most cars that are sold don't even get filled up before delivery any longer


What do you mean "any longer"?

Around 1982 I picked up a NEW Chevy Malibu and the salesman noted that "I would go right to a gas station, there isn't much in the tank".

 

[JHZR2]

That is nice, they say Lexus is best when it comes to service. Wonder how much higher their rates are than others?

 

[Bladecutter]

Must just depend on the dealer, and your overall location.

When I bought my '07 Nissan Altima 2.5S back in December '06, the dealer filled the tank before I drove it off the lot. I had to turn around and head right back, because they forgot to put the temp tag in the window. And then, the next morning, the CEL came on because they didn't tighten the gas cap enough, but that's a mild inconvenience for a full tank of gas.

Then a couple weeks ago when I bought my 2011 Mazda RX-8, it came with a full tank of gas.

I've also bought or been involved in the purchasing of 5 new motorcycles between 2006 and 2009, and only the 50cc dirt bike didn't come with a full tank of gas.

Just depends on the dealer, and the area you live, if they are going to go the extra step to ensure a happy customer.

BC.

 

[bdcardinal]

There was a service campaign on my Volvo for the fuel pump. Apparently the inside of the car can smell like gas and spontaneously combust. Anyway, the fix is a new fuel pump, so I was nice and brought it in almost empty, since changing a pump on a full tank sucks. So the deal is Volvo wont pay for gas, but filling the tank is part of the recall dealy to test the level sender. At least when they billed me for the gas from Chevron it was premium and they literally billed me what the posted price was for the gas.

 

[LTVibe]

Last month I had to take the Vibe in due to the PCM recall.

Didn't get free gas, but I did get free coffee.

 

[daves87rs]

Many dealerships around here are cutting out the free gas...

 

[The Critic]

The free gas I mentioned is something that is paid for by Lexus corporate as a customer satisfaction method, not the dealer.

Yes Johnny, the Nissan gas policy is lame. The dealer told me that they are only paid for 12 gallons per car. Absolutely ridiculous when brands such as Honda are paying for a full tank.

 

[addyguy]

When I bought my Tribute, I was kinda hoping the small lot I bought it from would fill-er-up as a 'nice gesture'. When I test-drove it, it had a 1/4 tank....when I picked it up.....it had a 1/4 tank! Oh well!

First stop-gas station!

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
That is nice, they say Lexus is best when it comes to service. Wonder how much higher their rates are than others?


I think they are about the same as most brands. Which in my area, is probably 115-140/hr.

 

[sciphi]

That's nice of Lexus.

Our Fit sure didn't get filled up on its visit to the dealer for recall work. Even though one couldn't trip without falling into 4 gas stations around the dealer.

 

[The Critic]

This is the wording that was posted on a Lexus forum:

Quote:
Lexus’ usual customer care amenities of car wash and fuel tank fill apply to this Safety Recall. Additionally, one day of rental vehicle expense (to a maximum of $45) or the cost of pick-up and delivery of the customer’s vehicle may be claimed if required and subject to the guidelines published in the Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign/Limited Service Campaign General Procedures document on TIS.

 

[Cutehumor]

when I was testing cars at a car lot, the gas tank is on E or a notch above it. Dealers just passing the price of gas on to the customer

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
This is the wording that was posted on a Lexus forum:

Quote:
Lexus’ usual customer care amenities of car wash and fuel tank fill apply to this Safety Recall. Additionally, one day of rental vehicle expense (to a maximum of $45) or the cost of pick-up and delivery of the customer’s vehicle may be claimed if required and subject to the guidelines published in the Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign/Limited Service Campaign General Procedures document on TIS.



They had to do this, because there are so many recall`s.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Bladecutter
Must just depend on the dealer, and your overall location.



Every car I recall buying going back to at least 1991 has been delivered full. Never seen an empty new car...

 

[CarbonSteel]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Every car I recall buying going back to at least 1991 has been delivered full. Never seen an empty new car...

+1 Would be cheap 'tards to deliver a 40K vehicle with an empty tank; even my FX4 with its 36 gallon tank was full when I picked it up new.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: 2010_FX4
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Every car I recall buying going back to at least 1991 has been delivered full. Never seen an empty new car...

+1 Would be cheap 'tards to deliver a 40K vehicle with an empty tank; even my FX4 with its 36 gallon tank was full when I picked it up new.


Most all of the cars I was speaking of were economy, most with crank windows... Dont think more than one of them had ovr 20 gal tank!

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Every car I recall buying going back to at least 1991 has been delivered full. Never seen an empty new car...


At least all the Ford's and Mazda's I have seen come off the delivery trucks some with only 1 or 2 gallons from the factory. Most of them come in with the low fuel lights on.