Oil Change - and then some....

[AuthorEditor]

Quote:
Think Pep Boys or Joe Corner Garage will know how to look for stuff like this?


So true, but in my experience the typical dealership will not know either. Recently took my car in to a Ford dealer for a national safety recall and they did the work, which failed a couple of months later due to shoddy materials and workmanship. I then ordered the correct parts (better than what the dealer used) and fixed it myself. It cost me more in this case, but at least it works.

 

[brianl703]

Originally Posted By: The Critic

Think Pep Boys or Joe Corner Garage will know how to look for stuff like this?

http://accuratecars.com/blog/2008/11/26/...dyssey-touring/

I doubt it.


They would in Virginia, if they want to make money, as they can fail a car for having worn motor mounts. Then they can tell the customer that they can either have it fixed there or they can put a rejection sticker on the windshield which means that the cops can pull them over.

 

[Mr Nice]

And how can worn motor mount cause any problems ?

My old 1990 5.0 Mustang had 190K miles when I got rid of it and the mounts were cracked. Sounds like the people in states with inspections are held hostage for minor repairs like this.

Or is it that your local Gov wants these clunkers off the road ?

 

[brianl703]

Quote:
19VAC30-70-120. Frame, engine mounts, coupling devices and emergency chains.

Inspect for and reject if:

2. Engine or transmission mounts and hardware is broken or missing. This includes all hardware bolts and bushings used for mounting to the vehicle's frame, engine, or transmission. The more common fluid-filled mounts or those with rubber bushings should be rejected if they allow the power train to come in contact with the firewall or other body parts.

Quote:

Or is it that your local Gov wants these clunkers off the road ?

I think they want to ensure that these cars with 300K that "never needed nuttin'" don't exist here.

 

[Kestas]

I find it odd that other states find ways to force people to give up their old cars, yet in Michigan we have no inspections. If anyone, it would be in Michigan's best interest to have people buy new cars.

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: brianl703

They would in Virginia, if they want to make money, as they can fail a car for having worn motor mounts.


In Illinois, they'd keep quiet about the motor mounts until the car is out of warranty. Then they'd "find" them in a free inspection!

 

[Buick92]

The Dodge dealer here charges $39 (including tax) for an oil change and tire rotation, the local independent shops charge about the same so it's not about price rather who gives the best service.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Quote:
Those tire shop/independent shop (unless brand specific) free inspections are not nearly as good as the ones at the dealer. They may be free, but the techs at the independent shops do not know what to look for. They do not know all of the common issues with every make/model, where the dealer does.


That statement might be a bit over generalized.

Think Pep Boys or Joe Corner Garage will know how to look for stuff like this?

http://accuratecars.com/blog/2008/11/26/...dyssey-touring/

I doubt it.


My point is that not all dealers are as good as you claim them to be. If most of the people who goes to a dealer are for an oil change, do you think they will put senior technicians in the oil change bays?

And I believe the topic is on oil changes and what is "inspected" which seems to be usual wear items that the servicing facility can make money on (but at times can be safety issues). What you cited seems more like a specific "bring it to a mechanic when there's a detectable problem" type of instance. Dealer or quick lube, I've never had anyone take a car out for a test drive after an oil change. Not to mention, my mechanic is more knowledgeable than the "technicians" at the dealers around here. But that's just my two cents.

 

[Spector]

"There are many advantages to dealer servicing, but you just have to ask yourself if you're willing to pay the price. "

This was true many years ago, in today's world loyalty does not exist. It's all about making a buck today and not repeat business. With no profit being made on new car sales service is the cash cow! The service reps and salesmen and even the dealership owners change hands so often loyalty is nto a work in their dictionary

 

[marcre]

I'd like to know what they are looking at during those inspections.

My dealer offers a free inspection every time I'm in there. I've always been impressed with them. I've had it done a few times and everytime they tell me my car is in great shape.

If it were me, I'd go in and ask why they do this and why they say it is needed. I wouldn't expect money back, but let them know you feel they took advantage of your wife. I'd also find a new dealer.

 

[saberz]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
I would try to get some of that money back, either cash or free services, if they refuse, just don't go there, oil changes are not rocket science and any place can perform it. All your warranty requirements are in the owner's manual make sure your wife reads it.


You're nuts. The dealer did nothing wrong-- $92 is quite reasonable in this area for an oil change, tire rotation and inspection.

Those tire shop/independent shop (unless brand specific) free inspections are not nearly as good as the ones at the dealer. They may be free, but the techs at the independent shops do not know what to look for. They do not know all of the common issues with every make/model, where the dealer does.

Dealers also have a higher overhead. They use better quality parts. With regular dealer servicing, you can demonstrate to the manufacturer that you are a good customer and can potentially qualify for goodwill assistance in the event that you need a post-warranty repair. There are many advantages to dealer servicing, but you just have to ask yourself if you're willing to pay the price. If not, then go elsewhere. But don't complain and say that dealer servicing is a scam; just because you pay more for it does not mean it is a rip off. It's like you can buy your pair of Levi's and I can buy my pair of True Religions.



The problem is, thats $92 every 5k, then paying several hundred for the 15k-30k, 60k on top of those 5k intervals. If something is REQUIRED to keep warranty, I am pretty sure it has to be offered for free under the Magnusson Moss Warranty Act. They can't require you to pay $92 to keep your warranty in tact. Your warranty is good for 3/36 or 5/100 etc so long as you follow the owners manual. If the owners manual doesn't mention a mandatory $92 "inspection" at 5k intervals then they owe you a refund.

When I had my 01 Impala and 08 tC they were checked for free, and they caught things that needed to be taken care of(under warranty). No expense out of my pocket.

 

[Scdevon]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Maybe they aren't required to keep the warranty intact, but for someone who doesn't know everything about cars, they aren't a BAD item for piece of mind.

She's not being ripped off, she's paying for a service that is being offered.


The problem is that they really don't do anything for the extra money. You can't make money on $19.95 (or whatever) oil changes. They don't "inspect" anything. Maybe the washer fluid level and tire pressure.

It's a lame excuse for soaking the consumer in an attempt to make their fast-lube lane profitable. They should just advertise a $45 dollar oil change and quit the gimmicks.

 

[MrCritical]

I think you don't have a dealer problem at all, but a wife communication problem.

 

[Mr Nice]

Quote:
You can't make money on $19.95 (or whatever) oil changes.

$10 per hour for the lube tech
$9.95 for oil and oil filter
They are breaking even with the $19.95 special.

But if the so called 'ASE' mechanic notices you have a leaking front strut needing replacement plus the necessary 4 wheel alignment for only an extra $1200 then they are making money.

 

[Vikas]

With a little squirt of oil on that strut, he has assured $1200 job.

- Vikas

 

[Vizzy]

Quote:
If something is REQUIRED to keep warranty, I am pretty sure it has to be offered for free under the Magnusson Moss Warranty Act. They can't require you to pay $92 to keep your warranty in tact. Your warranty is good for 3/36 or 5/100 etc so long as you follow the owners manual. If the owners manual doesn't mention a mandatory $92 "inspection" at 5k intervals then they owe you a refund.


You've got it.

I'd love to hear if they specifically stated that the 92$ inspections were required to keep the warranty intact. The OP didn't make this entirely clear to me as I read his posts.

OP....did the SR tell your wife this?

If so I would defintely head over to the dealer and calmly ask to see the SM and explain what has happend,I would also go to the GM or owner and recount your wifes' experience...I would also make it clear that if you are not compensated in some way you will never be returning and you will also spead the word to friends and family as well. Are they a member of the BBB? If so tell them that you will be filing a report with them as well.

I don't doubt that your wife was boldly lied to about the need for the costly inspections. The dealership business has a bad rep for a reason....track records matter!