Poor Quality at Toyota Dealership, Am I Overreacting?

EightImmortals on 02/07/2022 - 13:30
Last edited 02/07/2022 - 14:54

Beats me. So anyway as I have posted previously we bought a new Rav 4 last year, great car no problems. But I am losing confidence in the quality of the dealers service department.

At the 1st service (1500Km) I asked them to change the oil (and paid them extra to do it) even though it's not really needed but as keep my cars for a long time I like to make sure they are properly maintained. The manual says that the preferred oil is 0W16 (hybrid), they put in 5W30. OK the manual says that's acceptable as well, but still? Car seems to be running OK so I didn't worry about it.

Just had the car in for it's 12 month 10K service, I noted at the time that the adhesive tape holding the weather shields on was starting to degrade already and asked them to look at it for me thinking they would just replace the tape. Apparently not, they wanted top replace the whole kit as it was under warranty, so whatever, just means another day in the workshop for the car, no biggy. At the same time I noticed the invoice said they had put 10W30 oil in instead of 0w16. When I queried them they called me back and said that was just a typo and the tech 'definitely' put 0W20 in (still not 0W16)…OK.

And yesterday they replaced the weather-shields but left bits of old adhesive throughout the inside and outside of the car. I took some pics (after I cleaned about half of it up and figured I should probably take some pics :)). Clearly they didn't check the car after doing the job.

https://imgur.com/RVH20ek
https://imgur.com/gTS1gGX
https://imgur.com/fWE11eH
https://imgur.com/nVPynVq

So not the end of the world but I'm seriously thinking of taking the car to my non-dealership mechanic from now on as at least I know they do the job properly and take care of my vehicle even though it will probably cost me more. I'm usually pretty patient and accepting when mistakes are made but I'm not getting a good vibe from these guys.

Poll Options

  • 57
    Overreacting
  • 262
    Not overeacting
Automotive

Related Stores

Toyota Australia
Toyota Australia

Comments

    • EightImmortals on 02/07/2022 - 13:53
      +11

      Sure, it's not the end of the world as I said, but is it too much to expect professionals to take care of your stuff when it's in their shop and clean up after themselves when they've done a job?

    • chrisn26 on 02/07/2022 - 14:17
      +9

      We'll all be having serious problems soon enough. While this problem might seem inconsequential, incompetence has a way of breeding.

      Take this hypothetical: If you paid for a sandwich on whole wheat and you were served with white bread and to top it off the mayo is dripping everywhere. Say you accept this and a few others simply because you didn't complain, then soon enough all sandwiches will be like this. All business aim to maximise profits and will get away with as much as they can. It's effectively a "race to the bottom".

    • baldur on 05/07/2022 - 12:26
      +1

      No professional performs their job properly enough these days and get away with it with no consequences. Let people complain about it a bit.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 02/07/2022 - 13:44
    +33

    Not over reacting. Dealers are scumbags.
    Put good faith in them being the 1st party source and they still manage to find every way in the book to **** you.

    Have had a few niggles with my 2021 sr5 but figure just to deal with it rather than stuff around with the two local Toyota branches.

  • herecomestheoost on 02/07/2022 - 13:57
    +45

    You're not being petty, especially with the oil.

    I have a Toyota Crown (Import) I wanted a spare key tuned to the car. Bought a blank FOB (after Toyota told me they can't get them) Fair enough, I booked it in to be tuned to the car… "Nah mate you've bought the wrong FOB, sorry can't help you"

    Went to an Auto Locksmith, done in 5 minutes.

    They seem pretty bad like this.

    • Brick Tamland on 03/07/2022 - 09:41
      +11

      Funny how Toyota cannot obtain a Toyota key fob but you can. I recently had my bike serviced and they were unable to locate a air filter but promised me they will look into it. After months of waiting and not hearing back I just did it myself. I mean seriously what is the point of these dealers

      • herecomestheoost on 03/07/2022 - 09:57
        +5

        Wow. They 'couldn't' get an air filter for you? It's like more like they couldn't be bothered.

        I believe with my case it just wasn't worth their time (small job) I was actually very frustrated when they told me I had the wrong key fob because I had researched and opened it up to double check the circuit board was correct, when I told them this they said something along the lines of "yeah some of them look the same but they aren't" :/

        But like you I won't be going back to Toyota.

        • Brick Tamland on 03/07/2022 - 10:24

          It wasnt for a Toyota or a Toyota dealer but they ordered the wrong filter and then like you said probably couldn't be bothered trying again.

    • OpayuOnam on 03/07/2022 - 12:55
      +1

      nice car man! look after it 👍🏼

      • herecomestheoost on 04/07/2022 - 13:50
        +1

        Yeah man, I love this thing. Will do!

    • DazMon on 03/07/2022 - 19:41

      Which model?

    • LSGH on 04/07/2022 - 11:23
      +1

      needed a spare transponder key for an old camry, dealers wanted $285-320… found a locksmith that did my camry year/model and paid $130

      • herecomestheoost on 04/07/2022 - 13:50

        Yeah man, I imagine I saved a little cash by them declining to help me too.

    • jzx100 on 05/07/2022 - 14:11
      +1

      I've only ever driven Toyota's imported from Japan……… local dealerships hate helping out, so in turn I'll never buy a new car from them, ever.

      • herecomestheoost on 05/07/2022 - 14:26
        +1

        Yeah I really dislike the Toyota's we sell in our domestic market. But same, found a proper JDM mechanic. All good with no Toyota support.

    • Misasagi on 06/07/2022 - 12:31

      Hi mate, sorry for asking an irrelevant question. can imported car be financed?

      • herecomestheoost on 06/07/2022 - 16:13

        Hey man I'm not completely sure about general finance companies but some of the brokers do, yes. For example where I bought mine they do offer finance (JDMHQ) but others like Jspec don't seem to advertise it anyway..

        I think your best bet would be checking out dealers / brokers for import vehicles close to you and see. I know there are other Importers other than JDMHQ that offer finance it would just be a matter of finding them and inquiring I guess.

        • Misasagi on 06/07/2022 - 16:15

          thanks!

  • Euphemistic on 02/07/2022 - 14:27
    +6

    Dealers aren’t great as a rule. The rely on quantity not quality.

    Make sure you let them know, and that you’ll never be back.

    • Domicron on 02/07/2022 - 20:34
      +14

      They likely won't care, unfortunately.

  • AndyC1 on 02/07/2022 - 14:38
    +7

    The Toyota dealership in the inner west in Sydney had stuffed up 3 out of the 4 services. Some taking 4 hours instead of the 2hrs expected as it was booked in for an express service. Another one was having them call 4 days later to say I can come in to get the air filter changed over as it arrived in (they came to me and did it a I was not happy and the docs said it was done!!!!). Another one was having to go back and get the towbar surround replaced twice as they stuffed it up.

    The dealer is hopeless and once I finish the capped price service later this year I will not be going back, unless for a warranty claim.

    • Domicron on 02/07/2022 - 20:35
      +3

      Suttons? They are hopeless at best, particular the sales guys.

      • AndyC1 on 02/07/2022 - 21:51

        That's in the City. Next one west on Para road.

        • sw00p on 04/07/2022 - 06:47

          Corner of Parramatta Rd and Ross Street, Forrest Lodge?

      • Yamete Kudasai on 04/07/2022 - 10:13

        you mean suttons in zetland?

      • Caped Baldy on 04/07/2022 - 10:18
        +2

        Suttons Arncliffe managed to lose one of our work cars.

        • juki on 04/07/2022 - 21:16

          haha hilarious how'd they manage that

          • Caped Baldy on 04/07/2022 - 22:08
            +2

            @juki: I went to pick the car up after dropping it off and they couldn't find the keys. They asked if someone else had picked it up and I was adamant that no one else had. Told them to have another look and they also looked around for the car. Surprise surprise, they told me the car was not there either.

            Told them to keep looking and after an hour, they managed to find both the keys and the car right where someone had left them. Apparently the car was parked somewhere abound the back that they usually don't park and the key was put on the wrong spot on the key board.

    • Drakesy on 04/07/2022 - 14:15
      +1

      Would strongly suggest not rushing a mechanic.
      Only ends badly.

      • AndyC1 on 04/07/2022 - 14:18
        +1

        Agree. I did not rush or call them, but wasted hours waiting for the call to pick the car up when I could have done productive things……

  • bobbified on 02/07/2022 - 14:51
    +3

    It's pointless arguing because you can't see what they actually do to your car while you're not there. Go somewhere else - either another Toyota or an independent.

    • Domicron on 02/07/2022 - 20:36

      Sydney City Toyota. heard they are toyota owned.

      • bobbified on 02/07/2022 - 21:05
        +2

        oh yes, they are company owned. But regardless, it's the staff that make or break the place.

      • ol mate on 03/07/2022 - 12:47
        +1

        Not anymore. They (and Lexus Sydney City) were sold in circa 2015 to Sci-Fleet Toyota and a former exec from Toyota Australia.

  • Keplaffintech on 02/07/2022 - 14:54
    +2

    I think you're overreacting, this is the quality of service you should expect from any dealer you go to.

    Dealers are a PITA and it's rare to find one that is a pleasure to deal with, and even then it wont last long like that.

    non-dealership mechanic from now on as at least I know they do the job properly and take care of my vehicle even though it will probably cost me more

    If you find a honest independent it will often cost less. An oil change only at a dealership often runs $300

    • EightImmortals on 02/07/2022 - 15:17

      Yeah I have fixed price servicing at the dealership for another 4 years…….but still might be wroth going somewhere else. OK the crap they left all over the car isn't too much of a worry, I can clean it up myself but the inconsistency in the oil worries me a bit. For basic services, just oil changes I might go my old mechanic for just 'oil change' services and get the dealership to do the major services. Not that that involves much with the Hybrids I'm told. Might also start buying my own oil, will cost more but will relieve the worry a bit.

  • mctubster on 02/07/2022 - 14:54
    +2

    I'd move … I agree not the end of the world, but painful and will snowball by the looks of it.

    It's hard when you do quality work and have the same expectation of everyone around you …

  • solidussnake on 02/07/2022 - 14:57
    +12

    Leave a big factual review on their Google page with pictures and everything that has happened and just simply go elsewhere

    • Domicron on 02/07/2022 - 20:37
      +1

      Might score a free service.

      • Munki on 04/07/2022 - 11:22
        +5

        I mean, a free shit is still free, but would you take it?

  • 87percent on 02/07/2022 - 15:11
    -1

    Just take it to another dealership.

    • EightImmortals on 02/07/2022 - 15:13
      +1

      There's only one in town. :)

      • IpGem on 04/07/2022 - 09:44
        +1

        There's only one in town

        It's obvious then they won't give a damn, no matter if you're akio toyoda.

        Also the given supply demand issue with auto industry, they consider themselves as an opal

        Writing a detailed reviews always paid for me, except for govt agencies of course.

  • Employeespackbace @ Toyota Australia on 02/07/2022 - 16:16

    You're SOOL in a way if there's no other dealer in town. If you take it elsewhere, the hybrid battery only gets the 5yr warranty and misses the 5yr extension. Might be difficult to find a logbook service for similar price too (you'll find service specials, but may be difficult for the logbook service price)

    Seems a smidge picky imo

    • EightImmortals on 02/07/2022 - 16:24
      +3

      Bugger. Oh well in that case I might just buy my own oil and get the dealer to use that at the next service. At least that would solve my main concern. :)

      • Domicron on 02/07/2022 - 20:37
        +2

        What if they don't actually use what you give them?

        • EightImmortals on 03/07/2022 - 08:04
          +3

          None of them are that crooked are they?

          • racer1234 on 03/07/2022 - 09:41
            +2

            @EightImmortals: A lot will refuse to use customer supplied parts. The reason is that they have to warranty any work done using those parts which the customer got from an unknown source. Ask instead to see the old parts and container the oil came from etc.

            • matt-ozb on 04/07/2022 - 07:02

              @racer1234: Go to Parts dept of same dealer .. buy oil .. give to service dept

              • Ridiculous Panda on 04/07/2022 - 12:15

                @matt-ozb: And say: “now, you have one job.” while you are handing it to the apprentice.

          • camr00 on 04/07/2022 - 13:14

            @EightImmortals: Not crooked, they just arent used to reading the service sheet or looking for customer supplied oil - chances are you will pick the car up and still have 'your' oil still in the car and they've used their oil for the service. Yes, I've been there.
            As for the 0W16 - seems awfully thin for an Australian delivered car. Realistically though, it is probably a generic recommendation for the car and not the climate, and running something around that rating will be more than fine.

    • Dogsrule on 04/07/2022 - 10:19

      The problem is you have to get the car (poorly) serviced at the Toyota dealership for 10 years to get the 5 year hybrid warranty extension. The extra cost for the dealer servicing would go a long way toward a HV battery replacement if required.

      Toyota hybrid batteries last 12-14 years anyway, not worth it.

      • Employeespackbace @ Toyota Australia on 04/07/2022 - 14:36

        Like any warranty/insurance, the gamble is entirely yours to make. Not every dealership has the same service staff, so everyone's MMV.

        Have seen hybrid batteries die within the first year. While being an edge case, the batteries dying early can happen.

        • Dogsrule on 04/07/2022 - 16:03
          +1

          Have seen hybrid batteries die within the first year.

          That's why warranties exist - to take care of early mortality due to manufacturing defects. Manufactured products follow the Weibull Curve - if your battery gets through the first year or so of its life it will very likely last through to the end of its design life.

          The 5 year warranty is sufficient, and after my experiences with Toyota dealers which match OP's, I think my RAV4 will last longer if it stays outside of the dealer workshop - unlike them I will use the recommended oil and fill it to the correct level.

          No offence intended to you by the way, just my local dealer.

  • oscargamer on 02/07/2022 - 17:36
    +3

    I was going to say that the only reason to use a stealership to service your car, was for warranty items, but it appears they are shit at that too !

    I would request a second invoice/receipt stating the correct oil used…..I would also keep both, in case there was an issue down the line….

  • racer1234 on 02/07/2022 - 19:37
    +4

    Get an oil analysis done if you are concerned the wrong oil has been used.

    • EightImmortals on 03/07/2022 - 08:04
      +1

      Where would I do that?

    • Dogsrule on 04/07/2022 - 10:20

      5W-30 is an acceptable viscosity according to the service booklet, but 0W-16 is the 'preferred' grade.

      • Korban Dallas on 04/07/2022 - 13:03

        Preferred grade where?

        5w30 is thicker right which is better for warmer conditions?

        Edit… Looks like specific hybrid oil. Maybe they stuffed up or doing a cheapo oil change.

        • Dogsrule on 04/07/2022 - 16:11

          Preferred grade where?

          On page 372 of the owners manual:

          https://toyotamanuals.com.au/docs/rav4-hybrid-owners-manual-…

          It has a graph of the acceptable viscosities with a temperature scale at the bottom. 0W-16 has an 'A' on its line which refers to a note under the graph which says 'Preferred'. 0W-16 is suitable for all operating temps according to the graph.

          0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 is also suitable for all temps, and 10W-30 is suitable from -18c.

          5w30 is thicker right which is better for warmer conditions?

          Not anymore:

          https://youtu.be/IKdhgKUZhPA

      • Kempe on 05/07/2022 - 16:23

        The dealer will buy oil in bulk so just about everyone will get 5w30 of the cheapest brand he can get, another thing they do is tell you they put "Professional" oil in the engine but what that means it is bulk oil

        • Dogsrule on 05/07/2022 - 17:26

          Yup I've heard that. The $200 service is comprised of a $15 oil filter and probably another $15 of oil.

          • aussieprepper on 05/07/2022 - 20:49

            @Dogsrule: You can buy wesfil/ryco oil filters of the shelf for about $10, so they would be paying a few dollars max.

  • terrys on 03/07/2022 - 08:32
    +10

    Have you considered sending this info to Toyota Australia, asking politely if there is another dealership in the area they would recommend for servicing 'given the respect you have for their product and the possible damage to their reputation this mob are causing…

    • JonSteele on 03/07/2022 - 10:13

      Totally agree, when my car was late I slammed the dealership, word does get around from dealer to dealer. The actual salesman took day off when I got the car.
      I wonder why??
      LOL

    • OZBargainer in SA on 03/07/2022 - 16:56
      +4

      I agree, report that all to Toyota Australia, and if you haven't already, to the service or customer relationship manager of that dealership. Don't underestimate what a polite but firm email can get you.

      https://www.toyota.com.au/toyota-guest-charter;
      """""""""""
      If you have a concern, Toyota and its Dealers are committed to having it dealt with fairly, transparently and efficiently. If you have a concern or wish to exercise any rights you may have under the ACL or a relevant vehicle warranty, we recommend you take the following steps:

      Discuss your concern with the people at your local or preferred Toyota Dealer.
If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction by the representative at your Toyota Dealer, you can ask to speak with the General Manager or Dealer Principal, as they are responsible for the overall operation of the Dealership. They can also raise your concern with Toyota directly.
If your concern remains unresolved or you would like to speak with someone at Toyota directly, you can contact the Toyota Guest Experience Centre or “GEC” via:
    Telephone 1800 Toyota (869 682);
    Email [email protected]

      """""""""""

  • GlobalVillageIdiot on 03/07/2022 - 08:36

    G'day all, my first ever post with OB, please be gentle;) Love this site, got my mate onto it as well, the daily bargain emails are great! Definitely not over reacting! I mean, I do use my local Hyundai dealer for services only, however any other job I have a trusted, professional, friendly & helpful mechanic I use.
    Just going to dealer for 2 reasons: always wanted to have a logbook filled by dealer stamps for when I sell (used to do services myself but with my bad back & knees it's not an option) and the price is really quite comparable IMHO. And I can always look ahead on the Hyundai website to see cost and consumables.
    That said, my 160k major service (I've bought my own coolant, filters etc etc) is going to my favourite mechanic. I don't trust the dealer to follow my instructions & use my consumables for what is a big job.

    An example of how careless & unprofessional a dealer can be:
    One of the major services a while back entailed replacing the fuel filter. Same dealer. Got the car back and noticed a fuel smell, when brought to their attention: that will go away it's just because of us changing the fuel filter. So, ok. Benefit of the doubt.
    Fast forward 2 days, the fuel smell is overpowering! I'm driving everywhere with the windows down & sunroof open.
    3rd day, I become drowsy driving, head home and write a SCATHING email about how dangerous this has become. Dealer calls me in, they take a look and seems the either didn't seal the tank back up properly or refit a gasket/seal. F$&#ing idiots.
    So basically, NO you're not over reacting. I have a very low confidence rating for dealers. It's oil changes only for me when I go there and even that worries me lol

  • Waltervp on 03/07/2022 - 09:27
    +3

    Dealers are crap, they use apprentices for most work and an experienced guy looks at it for a second. I drove my Celica out of the workshop after a service and within 15kms a sparkling flew out and dented the black bonnet. Nrma told me to get in touch with dealer, but despite contacting head office and everyone else in the end it was of no use. They said the titanium tipped sparks don't need replacing for that service so they didn't touch them….

    That was the last time I went to a dealer for a regular service. Specialist repairs yes, but not when it comes to routine maintenance.

  • farknos on 03/07/2022 - 09:29
    -1

    you cant expect the 16 year old trained technician to know which oil is specific to which model and at home his mum cleans up his mess so again your expectations are a bit high for dealers

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 03/07/2022 - 09:36
    +4

    0w16 vs 20 vs 30 is a non issue

    • EightImmortals on 03/07/2022 - 09:56
      +1

      What about 0W16 V 10W30?

      • HelpMeiCantSee on 04/07/2022 - 08:30
        +3

        The 10wt is indeed slightly thicker at cold, but realistically not enough to stress about

      • Dogsrule on 04/07/2022 - 10:32

        Page 372 of your owners manual says 10W-30 is acceptable:

        https://toyotamanuals.com.au/docs/rav4-hybrid-owners-manual-…

        0W-16 is 'preferred'. I sympathise though, our dealer put 5W-30 in our RAV4 too, plus they overfilled it. Really puts the lie to the opening blurb in the service booklet:

        'Nothing helps the resale value of your vehicle like a complete service history from your Toyota Authorised Service Centre'. It demonstrates to any potential buyer that you've taken care of the vehicle, making it an invaluable asset for negotiating the best possible resale price'.

  • Brick Tamland on 03/07/2022 - 09:46
    +2

    The problem is they charge premium pricing for sub-par service.

    I'm sure there would be far more acceptance of high pricing if they did provide a really good service

    • JimB on 04/07/2022 - 13:30
      -1

      However in Toyota's case they’re not charging premium prices.

      They are in fact cheap, you’re more likely to charged more at an independent for a log book service.

      However I would expect the right oil to be used

      • Fobsessive on 05/07/2022 - 00:11
        -1

        A local mechanic in an industrial area would change oil+filter for much cheaper than Toyota's $300

        • JimB on 05/07/2022 - 12:43
          +1

          $230.

          Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Each visit is capped at $230 for the first five years.

  • JonSteele on 03/07/2022 - 10:10
    +1

    I have a Toyota Carolla 2019 on contract, I had the side seat replaced due to sun damage? They umm'd and arrr'd on it but I showed exact proof like you have, I'd suggest reporting it to Toyota Australia if they don't do anything Japan.

    Toyota Australia do feedback survey's on the dealerships. Also just remember at the end of the day they are just customer service people you speak to so go to the CSR manager and be nice and condesending if they say no, you say yes I want it fixed right away.

    The car to me is a freak, runs awesome, knockers of CVT, sorry just don't understand your opinon. I don't speed but re correct.

    As per covid I may just keep the car as the price is still going good than what is listed on contract. Basically they were giving me 10 smack roo's now they are like going for 16 smack a roos now, I'd be stupid to trade it in as the EV's aren't coming faster than Anythony Albanese jet setting around the world in his first month.

  • disturboed on 03/07/2022 - 10:21

    Probably cheaper going to an independent mechanic than a dealer even with capped price servicing.

    To save even more money, buy the oil yourself from supercheap/autobarn/wherever to the correct spec plus an oil filter and get mechanic to do the change. Price per litre of oil can be the same as an entire 5/6L container of exactly the same oil bought retail, even better when it's on special.

    • EightImmortals on 03/07/2022 - 10:24

      Agreed, my main concern is what Spackbace wrote above about the battery warranty.

      • Dogsrule on 04/07/2022 - 10:37

        Are you prepared to service your car with that Toyota dealership for the next 9 years? Because that's what you need to do to get the 5 year battery warranty extension. Not worth it, the extra cost would go a long way toward a potential battery replacement.

        Toyota hybrid batteries last 12-14 years anyway, my 2010 Prius with 360,000km is still running perfectly with its original hybrid battery.

    • GlobalVillageIdiot on 03/07/2022 - 11:17

      Exactly what I do every oil change: provide them with a good oil + oil filter. I just wait until the big name auto stores have their sales and plan ahead that way. Much cheaper than what dealers charge

  • bght007 on 03/07/2022 - 10:30
    +1

    I am about to take my out of warranty Toyota to the dealer for a service.
    I used their online booking system and got a quote for $200+. But received a phone call from them telling me that it's due for a major service that would cost 6 or 700 dollars, or I could do a regular one this time for about $300. I told them the quoted price and they said the price was WRONG and it would be different pricing as I didn't have a service done in the past two years (barely drive).
    The last time I took my car in I got billed for $300 despite quoted online for ~$200. They said the price was wrong but in the end reluctantly agreed to adjust the invoice and warned me not to use the booking system next time.
    Also the online system showed much greater availability but in fact they are booked out a few weeks in advance.
    Don't know anyone good mechanic in the region so I guess I'm stuck with the dealer.

  • vince088 on 03/07/2022 - 19:41

    just had my rav4 hybrid serviced too, invoice said 5w30 oil

  • blutek on 03/07/2022 - 20:00

    I do 6 monthly interim oil changes, it gets changed for hot summers and cold winters (snow trips). Our Regional service uses 0W20. Happy with that. My Subaru uses 5W30, but doesn't have the hybrid stop-start system.

  • Tiredman on 04/07/2022 - 06:11

    Not a fan of dealerships and servicing in general. Hyundai Doncaster lost my service book and denied it and wanted to charge me hundreds to get a new one ordered and stamped. Then magically found it a few weeks later after pressing them.

    • nephilim on 04/07/2022 - 16:47

      Family members car auto gearbox was on the way out and Hyundai dealer blamed them for not letting the car war up every time before driving.

  • Poor Ass on 04/07/2022 - 08:46
    +1

    The classic stealership move. Using heavier oil and then saying we used the recommended one when questioned. That happen to me too except it was 20w50 vs recommended 5w30 and they also said typo. They are just all bullshit.

    It is also hard to find a good local mechanic but if you do and they don't mind using your supplied parts e.g. oil, filters then you found a good one

  • drprox on 04/07/2022 - 08:49
    +1

    New cars suck, dealers are scumbags (as previously noted. They are salesmen and the only reason any "servicing" department exists is to fleece new owners to retain their warranties. No serious servicing/parts is ever included in these under warranty servicing. I'm being fleeced by Toyota too but thankfully don't have the issues you do.

    Adding to the general level of incompetence across the entire economy is record low unemployment meaning everyone has a job including those that otherwise might not..

    Oh and on the oil piece my service said they used the wrong one too also 5w30 but they swore black and blue they did not it was simply their system records it as that. I couldn't argue but obviously if I have any issues related they can't hold me at fault for it.

  • gviddy on 04/07/2022 - 09:25

    Dealers are just more and more careless with their work. Too many cars they need to get through in a day to make a profit.

  • Dreamcast on 04/07/2022 - 10:02
    +1

    If you find a good honest non dealership mechanic, jump ship asap.

    My mechanic is a mobile mechanic and a subie specialist. He's owned several WRX STI's, so I know mine is in good hands. He is very thorough, in that he will rotate the wheels when needed and check the small things like cabin filters and will go over every nut and bolt possible. You'll be surprised how many mechanics skip these sort of things.

    A good relationship with a mechanic is the best relationship you'll ever have (:

  • ItchyBallsack on 04/07/2022 - 10:07
    +2

    A lot of dealerships use mainly apprentices to work on the cars which is not ideal and they also rush a lot of the service jobs. I worked on one car that was last serviced at a dealership and they forgot to put the oil filter back in ( cartridge type ).

  • Dogsrule on 04/07/2022 - 10:11
    +1

    Are you me? My wife took our RAV4 hybrid to the dealership for the 15k service and they put in cheap 5W-30 instead of 0W-16. They also overfilled it 🙄

    Back to home servicing for me I guess.

  • Powershopz on 04/07/2022 - 10:30
    +1

    I've had absolutely terrible experiences at dealer services centers (2 x Mazda, 1 x Volkswagen).

    I learnt after a few years that the majority of the work is done by apprentices then checked over by a 'senior' mechanic.

    These happened across a few different visits.

    -Cancelled my appointment same day with 15 mins notice.
    -Car was supposed to be ready in 3 hours, actually 8 hours.
    -They messed up the fuses and the headlights stopped working. Asked me to come back in 10 days time when they had an appointment. Had to speak to a manager and demand them to fix it next day as I couldn't drive at nigth.
    - Left oil marks on the interior of my roof. They disputed this and claimed it was there already and refused to clean it.
    -Didn't actually change the air filter despite putting it on the work sheet.
    -Power steering stopped working about an hour after picking it for a regular service. They wouldn't take it back to fix it for about 3 days.

    Have been going to an independent mechanic for the past 10 years with no issues.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join