Let’s talk dealer service rip-offs

I'm still wondering about the center cap and adapter; particularly the adapter.
Is it possible there were misunderstandings and the service advisor refused free service on a balance and rotation of aftermarket wheels and tires? $87 doesn't seem out of line if that is the case.

 

Nope. I have XD rims. The center cap is held on with a red trim ring and 3 bolts. The adapter really is just a deep socket to get into the rim deep lug pockets. So basically they could just use their normal gun, the lugs were exposed, put the extension adapter on and go. I would equate the job to swapping steelies with no hubcap.

 

The KO’s are not directional, so I jacked up the right side first and swapped front to back. It is weird though when you look at the sidewalls side to side. The lugs on the sidewall face opposite direction

 

Well if that's the case...they gave you the "fuck you, go away" price.

 

They must have the same rates my wife has then.

 

Long reach is nice, but why low profile?
You have low cars you use it for too?

FWIW, I know a few people whos pittsburgh jacks failed right out of the box. Some last a little longer, but they are known for premature blown seals.
So they might seem fine for those who use a jack once or twice a year....until theyre not.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/30-000-mile-service-costs-1-100.780129/

 

The long reach only comes low profile, but we did have a Mazda 3 that was low.


Seals are an easy fix, IMHO. Had no problem or trust issues with mine.

 

I've always been my own service advisor. The only commission is knowing the job was done right the first time at a fair price.

 

Same! Have nothing but good things to say.

 

For years, I was looking for a valid excuse to get a Daytona.

 

Because they want to sell you brakes.

 

This was broken down for me from my local Toyota of Spartanburg.

I don’t guess I’ll be getting my 60k service there lol.

 

I’m no mechanical genius, and I did most of that work at 60K myself. For a fraction of that cost.

Might want to add spark plugs to that list.

The only thing I won’t do is the brake service.

 

Brakes are one of the few things my dad used to actually tackle himself. Nowadays he pays for all his service, though.

 

@splitbolt @Junkhead
What about placing your jack between the two wheel on one side, make sure it’s center gravity (slightly to the front a few inches-different car has different center of gravity). I did this to all my cars when rotating tires. After one side is done? Move to other side. Only Jack twice.

 

I was waiting in the dealer lobby a few weeks ago. A service rep came in and told an older lady that it was time to replace her engine air filter and cabin air filter. The rep said they were running a “special” and could take care of it for $139!!!

She looked worried but told the rep to go ahead. Maybe it wasn’t my business but I intervened. I told her she could get the filters at an auto parts store and easily change them herself after watching a video or two. She thanked me and said she thought the price was high. She went on to say she was recently divorced and had never dealt with car maintenance before…..

 

This sort of thing infuriates me, good for you for letting her know.

 

Years ago my local dealer years ago would bring out the filter to show you how dirty it was, I pointed out as loud as possible that since the filter was in his hand he almost had to do the same amount of labor to put the new one in as to put the old one back in and in effect was going to charge me $100 just to open the box the new filter came in so I'll just buy it from parts department and do it myself then treat my wife to a fancy steak dinner... because she would probably at least give me a reach around after. They must have noted my account because that was the last time it ever happened to me.

 

I'll never understand the throttle body and fuel injector/pump service. Dealer tried to tell me it was "an immediate concern" when I got my oil changed. $300 for a completely unnecessary service.