How many use Dealer for service

I have all my service on my cars an bike done at the dealerships

1. To have a paper trail of Dealer Service
2. Build a good relationship when one need the benefit of doubt.

I view it as an insurance policy.

 

I agree with you. Even though it is a bit cheaper to do oil changes/maintenance/etc. on my own, if you have it done there, there is little to no doubt when you go in for a warranty claim. I got a lifetime powertrain warranty with my truck....I fully intend to keep the truck long enough to use it!

 

The only time I have ever had work done at the dealer was a trans replacment on my S4 at 30k miles on their dime. I got no loaner car, no updates of progress, and they had it 2 weeks.

No other car has ever needed that kind of work.

Plus, I like doing my own oil changes and working on my cars and motorcycles.

 

My S4 had a camshaft seal leak on the rear of the engine that I had to have replaced. The engine had to completely come out to do it! It happened at like 57k miles and my warranty was up at 60k. Totally dodged a bullet on that one!

 

You must have the v8 s4, mine is an early 2001.

 

I used the dealer for the first 20,000. After that, I got tired of waiting in line for service and decided to just start doing the regular maintenance myself.

 

Only if I have to.

 

Different dealerships have done me dirty on more than one occasion. I try to avoid at all costs.

 

Most dealerships in 2015 have online appointments so you don't have to wait in line. Drop and go.

 

I do make the appointments. And I still wait.

 

Yes, I use the dealer for MX.

I hate (did I say F'ING hate) performing maintenance on any vehicle. I schedule my appointments & I'm in and out in less than an hour.

I also enjoy checking out the new rides.

 

Time to find a new dealership then. Mine's great.

 

My carport suits me just fine now. Especially since I'm out of warranty.

 

Since I just bought mine, it came with the 24 months of service included. I will use the dealer for the next two years then I will do my own.

 

You didn't specify if it was for trucks still under warranty or not. I have a 2008 (and I've only had it for <month) but generally speaking I avoid dealers for out of warranty work. The record trail is nice but their high rates make it a bad tradeoff for me. I did take my truck in to get a spare key made (a new Master key) and the local dealer was good - they even had a shuttle take me home and pick me up when it was done. Although I had to leave it overnight... They did a cursory inspection and found the front brake pads were worn. They quoted $350 for the job. The local Pep Boys (where I have had work done on other vehicles) was $250, plus they de-glazed (resurfaced?) the rear drums for free because it took them a little longer than expected.

 

My truck - basic service myself. I keep all receipts, write down dates and mileage on them. Thats my paper trail. "IF" anything major, then yes I will take it to the dealer.

My wifes ride - always to the dealer. It's her vehicle and her decision. I make the appointments and take it in.

 

I do my own oil changes and basic work on my taco but I send my RAV4 to the dealer. The dealership is a 1/2 hour away but they do a good job.

 

Went to the dealer the first two years under the toyota care. After that no more. The whole being friendly with a dealer will pay dividends in the future , atleast from my experience, is a lie.

 

After it's out of warranty, I avoid dealerships when possible.

 

I used the dealership for the free oil changes. Even then they wouldn't take appointments for the free 2 year service and I could only do weekends so it was a pain in the ass to wait 4 hours for a simple 20 minute service. Now that the free stuff is done i do everything myself. I took it to a super reputable mechanic for the spark plugs but that's it. Also it says that the dealer will check fluid levels and grease the drive shaft during its included maintenance. When I did the 30K myself I noticed that the grease zerks still had their factory seal on them and the differentials had never been opened to have its fluid checked. But every time I went in for the first two years they insisted that I buy an 80 dollar piece of paper (in-cabin micro filter).