Toyota Dealerships now recording service?

Had 15k service done today, and they sent me report with a minute recording after, just showing under the truck, brake pads etc. I found this pretty cool, I was wondering is this something Toyota corporate is pushing or just local dealership did this with their own idea

I am lvl 7 google review and I did leave encouraging 5 star review, hope they start doing it more

 

We been doing XTime videos for awhile,part of the Multipoint inspection ...Use to have an Oil changer here that did his Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation while making them.."If you dont fix it...You'll be back"

 

The dealer I frequented in San Antonio did them, also one I broke down at in Austin when I first got my truck a few years ago as well.

 

I got one of these videos too. The tech claimed the oil filter was leaking but in reality I just changed it the week before and I knew I didn't wipe off some of the oil that spilled when changing it. So I waived any service on it and wiped it off myself when I got home. I think it's a step in the right direction in being more transparent in an industry that caught a bad reputation (deservingly so in many cases) from up-charging customers and recommending services that aren't necessary.

 

Nothing was bad in my case. Last time they sent me service report it was just paper, its pretty cool they did this, I told them and left review also. There is something about it that gives me peace of mind, knowing dude who is doing free service knows what he is doing

 

Last time I was in for service, they found that my cabin air filter was dirty , and sent me a video on my phone..wanted to charge $60 + to change it .lol.
I told them I'd take care of it..

 

Will there be video if they get something wrong?

 

They did put " caution " in checklist for my engine air filter, but its fine because I replaced it last month myself lol, I guess they thought its 2 years 15K miles so might need change.

Will they record video if they mess something up? that's a good question. I worked as server specialist with server hardware & testing, expensive stuff. I always encouraged techs to tell me asap if they messed up, and they did because they knew I would find solution that was justified. I doubt management has same relationships with techs there, but who knows, its all about work environment.

 

Mine does it. Last time I was in I asked the service advisor not to have the tires rotated (the new tires were just put on), put a post-it on the radio saying the samething as they were just put on even said please...... Tech sends the report and video with the wheels off saying he's finishing up with the tire rotation and truck should be done soon..........

 

Dealerships are always finding new ways to sell services. Six months ago I took my truck in for an oil change and tire rotation at the dealership. The tech removed the cabin and engine filters to make a video and report that stated both filters needed to be replaced. I replaced both a year before and driven a little less than 10,000 miles after replacing them. I declined their offer. The filters looked a little dirty, but did not need to be replaced.

The last time I took the truck for service I asked the service advisor to inform the tech I did not want him to remove the filters. They complied with my request.

 

We do the same at the Porsche dealer I work at.

 

We do walk around videos and send videos/pictures of recommended services, plus payment links and finance options.

 

They supposedly offer it at the dealership I go to, but when I "opted in" for it, I didn't get a video. They are really good at recommending services there too. The service advisor told me I need an alignment, even showed me my tire wear report (taken from the machine you drive through when you enter the building) and said it was time for an alignment! In her internal print out, the tire wear was all in the green, but she said that the numbers indicated abnormal wear and said it was absolutely necessary to do at least yearly. I declined, and my printout states I declined a recommended service. Funny thing that, the technician's inspection reported that there was no abnormal wear on the tires. I'm really glad the service advisors are looking out for me, I really hope declining this essential service won't negatively affect the truck in the long run...

 

isn't that ridiculous?
So my numbers are in green, yet you tell me I need an alignment? What's to make me think you can properly perform one if your alignment rack is misaligned?

 

Our job is pretty much sales, and it sucks when advisors take advantage. I do pretty well without being a shark. I was a tech, and this is easier on the body. Ask questions and do research.

 

The service advisor did ask if it was a lease and only said that it's recommended if I plan on keeping the truck, otherwise I could ignore it... I did, however, reply "if it was a lease I wouldn't even bother changing the oil..." I guess we both sucked that day.

 

Tacomaworld is great for asking questions regarding service. Let me know if you ever need specific help too

 

Wow. Do not buy a previous lease car from them. Hopefully not all look at it that way.

 

We are just starting to do them now, I always liked when customers asked to see what the hell they are paying for.

Ask to see the low brake pads, rusty shocks whatever, Why are you calling me to sell a 3000$ bill on a stain of oil, etc.

Information is everything. But they must must must protect from data breaches. It's a double edge blade.