My dealership adventure

[powayroger]

So here’s the story. When I had my Honda Civic serviced at the dealer in January, they said I needed an alignment. I figured, I got 70K on it, probably wise and got it done. So I took it back to the dealer in July for servicing and they said I really needed an alignment. I’m thinking, “Didn’t I get one in January?” so I go home and checked my paperwork and yes, I did get one in alignment and figured, the dealer is just trying to get more money out of me and thought nothing more about it until I started to get emails from the service director that I need to get this alignment done NOW because it will impact my civic’s performance. I decided to reply, but heard nothing. Then I get a letter from the service director about this “needed” service and since I can’t afford to pay it, they could set me into a service/warranty plan. I then had enough and left 2 messages for the service director with the above story. He, of course, had the service advisor call me. I explained that the tech or the advisor should have noticed that I had gotten an alignment in January from them and should have offered a free recheck if it was so bad. He agreed with me and I took it in today. VERY minor adjustment done, that really wasn’t needed.

SO in the end, their high pressure cost me time, no money and a free alignment. For them, it cost their time of the advisor and the tech. Moral of this story, keep your paperwork and question everyone.

 

[gathermewool]

Surprisingly, morale seems high, despite the story.

 

[PhillyJoe]

Once I was in a tire store chain getting a flat fixed on a Sunday afternoon and 4 other cars in a row were told they needed a power steering flush. What are the odds?

 

[EricF]

The gamble was they'd try to find something else wrong with the suspension/car, like loose ball joint, tie rod end, leaking p/s hose, etc.. etc.. etc.. then they'd hit you on the upsale and try & scare you all over again.
Their gamble didn't pay off this time, if it had, I'm sure they'd scare you so badly that you wouldn't be able to tell them no.

 

[NHGUY]

And Honda is the most trusted brand.....

 

[Rolla07]

Originally Posted By: powayroger
So here’s the story. When I had my Honda Civic serviced at the dealer in January, they said I needed an alignment. I figured, I got 70K on it, probably wise and got it done. So I took it back to the dealer in July for servicing and they said I really needed an alignment. I’m thinking, “Didn’t I get one in January?” so I go home and checked my paperwork and yes, I did get one in alignment and figured, the dealer is just trying to get more money out of me and thought nothing more about it until I started to get emails from the service director that I need to get this alignment done NOW because it will impact my civic’s performance. I decided to reply, but heard nothing. Then I get a letter from the service director about this “needed” service and since I can’t afford to pay it, they could set me into a service/warranty plan. I then had enough and left 2 messages for the service director with the above story. He, of course, had the service advisor call me. I explained that the tech or the advisor should have noticed that I had gotten an alignment in January from them and should have offered a free recheck if it was so bad. He agreed with me and I took it in today. VERY minor adjustment done, that really wasn’t needed.

SO in the end, their high pressure cost me time, no money and a free alignment. For them, it cost their time of the advisor and the tech. Moral of this story, keep your paperwork and question everyone.


Thats the only way to be when you deal with any business. Be aware, and be on the ball. Good stuff. Stand up and question things if they dont seem right.

 

[OneEyeJack]

Here are some interesting videos....

Quick oil change

Dealerships

Services that manufactures advise against

 

[Wolf359]

That was probably the first mistake, going to the dealer. How much was the alignment? I think I paid $130 for a 3 year alignment warranty from Goodyear, I hear Firestone might have a lifetime warranty too, but some people don't like them.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: PhillyJoe
Once I was in a tire store chain getting a flat fixed on a Sunday afternoon and 4 other cars in a row were told they needed a power steering flush. What are the odds?


Everyone needs a PS flush. Didn't you know that?

 

[powayroger]

The question is why the dealer? Lately, their oil change prices are lower than other places. I also like a good laugh when they tell me my cabin filter is dirty (Which I changed less than 5,000 miles ago) and it will cost $50. Even today, they wanted to replace my wipers at $52. My records show I changed them less than 5,000 miles ago and they cost me $24 at Walmart.

Dealer charged me $140 for the alignment.

Yes, if you can say no and want a good laugh, go to the dealer.

 

[dishdude]

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: powayroger
The question is why the dealer? Lately, their oil change prices are lower than other places. I also like a good laugh when they tell me my cabin filter is dirty (Which I changed less than 5,000 miles ago) and it will cost $50. Even today, they wanted to replace my wipers at $52. My records show I changed them less than 5,000 miles ago and they cost me $24 at Walmart.

Dealer charged me $140 for the alignment.

Yes, if you can say no and want a good laugh, go to the dealer.


My MIL called me once from the Nissan dealer, they were telling her her 350Z needed a ton of services. I had her pull out the owners manual and it cost about a third of what they were going to screw her for. And that was at their RIDICULOUS prices.

Can you tell I am not a fan? Stealerships have earned their rep...