Dealer 10k service-- I got got, help me understand how badly

[Maverick123]

Y'all better stay away from Euro cars, especially Porsches ... $500 oil changes, etc

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[pigsareus]

I had a dealer tell me that my wife's Jeep Liberty needed a power steering flush due to excessive metal they found in the system while in for a warranty issue. I said well fine since it is under warranty I want the steering system replaced completely if there is excessive metal shavings in it. The service advisor said oh my mistake the technician recommends a top off of fluid.

They're really good at acting aren't they? I love sitting around a repair place and having the write up guy reel in all kinds of customers into cr-- they never need...or want...but they especially like to scare the ladies into buying services and repairs under the guise of 'oh well yes your car could definitely break down if you don't get this fixed NOW' and I'd say about 80 percent of them are all in on signing up. The acting and drama at these places would make for a great TV show.

 

[JetFixxxer]

How long did they have the vehicle? WTF did they do for the fuel/air induction service. I'm assuming they probably put some SeaFoam (or whatever) and started the vehicle then billed you almost $275 to do so.

Overall, I don't think you got taken on everything maybe except the fuel/air induction. You live and learn. It won't happened next time.

I know some don't believe that the dealership mark parts up to 20%+, but they do. If you go into that knowing this you can minimize the sting a little. Also, service centers are in it to make money like the rest of us.

My oil change for my Mav hybrid is around 90 from my local dealer. I'm fully capable of changing my own oil. I've been wrenching for 35 years, I'm old, lazy, and want to enjoy my "free time". Plus I don't mind paying the small extra cost.

 

[mspmms]

. . .
Here's an interesting blurb on walnut blasting - Walnut Shell Blasting – SPEED LOGIC. A CA company, work only on BMW's. Was surprised to see the service could be as low as $300 (including new intake manifold gasket). And the big plus being, you get to actually see before and after. But even they state:

"Walnut Shell Blasting involves "shooting" a mixture of compressed air and Walnut Shells into the Intake Ports to clean carbon deposits and buildup that occurs slowly over time on the Intake Valves. It is considered a scheduled maintenance service that is required only on Engines that have Fuel systems known as Direct Injection (or DI). Many vehicle makes and manufacturers have modern vehicles that are Direct Injection which would also require this cleaning at a specified interval, not just BMWs."

Meme => link

 

[bgctcowboy628]

I know precious little about cars, but I'm trying to learn. I have a 2024 Maverick Hybrid with 9200 mi and I wanted to use my experience today as a learning experience if you would be so kind as to weigh in.

Today I went to the dealer for my 10k mile service. Oil change, tire rotation, checks, the usual. When I got there the guy mentioned that part of the 10k service is a Fuel/Air induction service. I was juggling a work meeting at the time and just said "yeah, ok". I didn't say "Um... at 10k miles?" or "I don't see that in the service plan in the app", just "ok". Ok, strike 1.

Then when it came time to square up I was in another meeting (lesson learned, next time I take the morning off) and so when he said it would be $424.01 I had some sticker shock but I paid and left. Strike 2.

When I got home and looked at the invoice I saw:

• A - Oil change, etc - $107.58
• B - Fuel/Air Induction Service - $261.95
• C - Multi point inspection - $0.00

Page 2 showed:

• Labor amount - $178.90
• Parts amount - $190.63
• Misc. charges - $32.20
• Total charges - $22.28
• Please pay - $424.01

I was also told that my brake pad thicknesses were 8, 8, 6, and 6. He said that in a few months I'll likely need to have the brake pads replaced to avoid wear on the rotors.

My questions:

1. Is there any universe where the Fuel/Air induction service was necessary, or was I 100% had?
2. Are those "Misc Charges" BS?
3. That level of brake pad wear on a hybrid with 9200 miles!? Aren't hybrids supposed to go upwards of 60k without brake changes? For reference 3k of those are long highway trips and the rest is primarily in-city highway driving (and my braking is usually between 90 and 100% according to brake coach). Am I being had here too?
4. How outraged should I be about all this?

Misc. Is usually things like oil disposal and such. And too little to fuss about

 

[JetFixxxer]

Meme => link

Walnuts bad...
https://www.chinook-helicopter.com/history/aircraft/C_Models/74-22292/74-22292.html

 

[Chilipepper]

I know precious little about cars, but I'm trying to learn. I have a 2024 Maverick Hybrid with 9200 mi and I wanted to use my experience today as a learning experience if you would be so kind as to weigh in.

Today I went to the dealer for my 10k mile service. Oil change, tire rotation, checks, the usual. When I got there the guy mentioned that part of the 10k service is a Fuel/Air induction service. I was juggling a work meeting at the time and just said "yeah, ok". I didn't say "Um... at 10k miles?" or "I don't see that in the service plan in the app", just "ok". Ok, strike 1.

Then when it came time to square up I was in another meeting (lesson learned, next time I take the morning off) and so when he said it would be $424.01 I had some sticker shock but I paid and left. Strike 2.

When I got home and looked at the invoice I saw:

• A - Oil change, etc - $107.58
• B - Fuel/Air Induction Service - $261.95
• C - Multi point inspection - $0.00

Page 2 showed:

• Labor amount - $178.90
• Parts amount - $190.63
• Misc. charges - $32.20
• Total charges - $22.28
• Please pay - $424.01

I was also told that my brake pad thicknesses were 8, 8, 6, and 6. He said that in a few months I'll likely need to have the brake pads replaced to avoid wear on the rotors.

My questions:

1. Is there any universe where the Fuel/Air induction service was necessary, or was I 100% had?
2. Are those "Misc Charges" BS?
3. That level of brake pad wear on a hybrid with 9200 miles!? Aren't hybrids supposed to go upwards of 60k without brake changes? For reference 3k of those are long highway trips and the rest is primarily in-city highway driving (and my braking is usually between 90 and 100% according to brake coach). Am I being had here too?
4. How outraged should I be about all this?

You got screwed out of your money unnecessarily. you just helped the service department make payroll.
I didn’t even return to my dealer for the first free oil change to avoid this mess. I have quick oil change service place that I have used for years that I have mine serviced for and cost $109. It comes with a full inspection of the vehicle and tires. I have the tires rotated every 5000 miles for $24.00.
They remove the air filters and spray them with an air hose to clean the dust and dirt out so they don’t have to charge me for the new filters. Thankfully they are still some honest people operating businesses today

 

[GreasyLightening]

4. Email the dealership GM. Tell him about your experience and how disappointed you were that the technician recommended service you did not need but then went a little further a recommended brakes the next time you visit which you almost certainly will not need. Nothing may come of it, but sometimes the GMs really are trying to run a good ship and when they find out about this kind of nonsense, they step in and clean things up and might refund you in good faith to try and earn back your business. I wouldn't hold my breath but I've certainly had GMs reach out to me after I sent them an email at least to offer an apology and some kind of token gesture when I've had a bad experience. If the GM does do that, don't feel obligated to return. Decide whether or not you want to on your own.

Actually I did just that. This morning I got the automated next-day email asking for me to leave a review, so I laid it all out and explained that it was impressive how they managed to lose my business after just one service. 2 minutes later I got a call from the manager from his personal phone while he was away from the facility (I wonder what lit a fire under him?) apologizing for what had happened. He said it was too late to refund (...right) but he would send me card for free services to make up for the cost of the Fuel/Air Induction service in hopes of keeping my business. Nonetheless I won't be coming back because of the deception about the brakes

Oh, and name and shame: this happened at Stivers Ford in Birmingham, AL (500 Palisades Blvd)

 

[Chilipepper]

I know precious little about cars, but I'm trying to learn. I have a 2024 Maverick Hybrid with 9200 mi and I wanted to use my experience today as a learning experience if you would be so kind as to weigh in.

Today I went to the dealer for my 10k mile service. Oil change, tire rotation, checks, the usual. When I got there the guy mentioned that part of the 10k service is a Fuel/Air induction service. I was juggling a work meeting at the time and just said "yeah, ok". I didn't say "Um... at 10k miles?" or "I don't see that in the service plan in the app", just "ok". Ok, strike 1.

Then when it came time to square up I was in another meeting (lesson learned, next time I take the morning off) and so when he said it would be $424.01 I had some sticker shock but I paid and left. Strike 2.

When I got home and looked at the invoice I saw:

• A - Oil change, etc - $107.58
• B - Fuel/Air Induction Service - $261.95
• C - Multi point inspection - $0.00

Page 2 showed:

• Labor amount - $178.90
• Parts amount - $190.63
• Misc. charges - $32.20
• Total charges - $22.28
• Please pay - $424.01

I was also told that my brake pad thicknesses were 8, 8, 6, and 6. He said that in a few months I'll likely need to have the brake pads replaced to avoid wear on the rotors.

My questions:

1. Is there any universe where the Fuel/Air induction service was necessary, or was I 100% had?
2. Are those "Misc Charges" BS?
3. That level of brake pad wear on a hybrid with 9200 miles!? Aren't hybrids supposed to go upwards of 60k without brake changes? For reference 3k of those are long highway trips and the rest is primarily in-city highway driving (and my braking is usually between 90 and 100% according to brake coach). Am I being had here too?
4. How outraged should I be about all this?

You got screwed out of your money unnecessarily. you just helped the service department make payroll.
I didn’t even return to my dealer for the first free oil change to avoid this mess. I have quick oil change service place that I have used for years that I have mine serviced for and cost $109. It comes with a full inspection of the vehicle and tires. I have the tires rotated every 5000 miles for $24.00.
They remove the air filters and spray them with an air hose to clean the dust and dirt out so they don’t have to charge me for the new filters. Thankfully they are still some honest people operating businesses today

 

[Kpankow]

The induction service was a money-grab and is pretty common. You 100% did not need it.

The misc. charges could've been a lot of things, but probably point to shop supplies that aren't "parts." Given the small amount, not worth fighting over, and most likely they charge everybody some misc. charges anyway.

You are right about the brakes; you aren't liable to need new pads for years. But you aren't "had" on that one yet since you haven't paid them money to replace them.

Lessons learned the hard way are the ones I'm least likely to forget. So chalk this all up to a learning experience and feel fortunate that you are financially able to absorb a flub here and there.

I'd say "find another dealer" but these tactics are widespread. You can educate yourself AHEAD of time if you go back there, though. Good luck.

Well said. As an experienced DIY auto maintenance guy, I agree 100%

 

[pigsareus]

I was at the chevy dealer for a state inspection. Since they sent me a coupon for a free one, . 3 hours waiting and they came out to tell 2 people also waiting their vehicles failed because of bad wiper blades. Both customers went into the advisors office and came out having the dealership replace the blades. Guess what? Mine also had bad blades. I said okay how much? $225 for parts, $150 labor. I said "I was born on a day that ends in Y but it wasn't yesterday. I will be back for a re-inspection after I replace them." The advisor said " we have to advise you it is unsafe to leave the lot with this uncorrected." I went to Autozone, half a mile away, replaced the blades ( 1 was missing about 1/4" of rubber on the end) and returned. I walked in and said "under state law I would like the failed items re-inspected at this time." He frowned but called the technician up who looked at the new blades and put the sticker on the windshield. The other 2 people were still waiting on theirs to be repaired.

almost 400 for blades?! what total idiot would ever agree to that? Over here we used to have state inspections for emissions, you took your ride into a testing place and had to pay 20 bucks which was a lot back in the 80s. Anyways if it failed the test they'd print out the diagnostics and you'd have to get those things resolved and then they'd rerun the test to get an OK reading. The place I went to was a little on the shady side, they stuck the probe in the tailpipe and ....it failed....the guy tried it again, this time revving up the idle a bit and still failed. He said that for another $5 he could do a 'special test' and he guaranteed that it would pass. So I paid him the extra 5 bucks, he revved up the engine substantially and had that probe oh....just barely in the tailpipe and 'wa-LA' hey look it passed!

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

almost 400 for blades?! what total idiot would ever agree to that? Over here we used to have state inspections for emissions, you took your ride into a testing place and had to pay 20 bucks which was a lot back in the 80s. Anyways if it failed the test they'd print out the diagnostics and you'd have to get those things resolved and then they'd rerun the test to get an OK reading. The place I went to was a little on the shady side, they stuck the probe in the tailpipe and ....it failed....the guy tried it again, this time revving up the idle a bit and still failed. He said that for another $5 he could do a 'special test' and he guaranteed that it would pass. So I paid him the extra 5 bucks, he revved up the engine substantially and had that probe oh....just barely in the tailpipe and 'wa-LA' hey look it passed!

I've had them, crank the power steering over. It put a load on the engine and it passed
I'm glad I I live where they don't have Smog Checks anymore.

 

[sanpablo]

I’m being totally serious here. Why would anyone ever go to a dealership for anything?

100% agree. I try and do all my own work if I can. Dealer is used only for recalls or warranty work. Of course with my hybrid if something goes wrong I don't think my trusted local mechanic is going to be able to work on it. For that reason I purchased a Ford factory extended warranty. I felt the cost was worth it. Hope I never have to use it

 

[Rwills]

Upsell city...

You got scammed

 

[bgn]

There are only two real reasons to find yourself at a dealer:

1. To buy a car.
2. To get recalls taken care of.

Otherwise, if you don't do your own work, take it to a mechanic that knows what they're doing AND is honest.

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