15000 mile service: wasn't expecting this...

[1000MPH]

So I went in for my 15K. Was expecting just a rotation and I was going to ask for a chassis lube to see if it helped my drivetrain thunk (happens after a hard stop). The guy said "you know it's just a tire rotation, right" and I said "don't get me started cuz I'm almost finally over it"
Anyways, he ended up getting me an new air filter and cabin filter as part of the service - no charge! Too bad I had just cleaned my filter last week (and that prefilter is a bit of a pain to deal with)
Really would have rather had the oil change but hey, I'll take whatever they'll give me.
I guess this is how the dealers have figured out how to get a few more bucks out of Corporate.

By the way...my dealer's list price on a qt of 0W20 is over $9:frisky:

 

[jhawk]

They sometimes give a discount by the case.

Did they grease your joints?

 

[esto70]

It's always nice to get something unexpected. Something good, that is.

I had the same experience 2 weeks ago when I took my 4runner in for a 5000 mile service. The service guy said "you know it's just a tire rotation, right". I love how when YOU are paying for the service, it's a tire rotation plus 14 other checks/inspections that you really don't want. When THEY are paying for it, well "you know it's just a tire rotation". Right.

 

[Jtraskell]

I would not be to quick to blame the dealer. You are taking advantage of a pre paid service program and the dealer only get's paid from Toyota, per the contract. Really can't expect much more then that.....

 

[1000MPH]

They sometimes give a discount by the case.

Did they grease your joints?

You caught me.
It was on the service order but not on the receipt.
There was an additional line item "14-pt inspection" or some such BS.
If they actually did lube them, it didn't fix the clunk.
I bought a case of oil last time for about $6/qt. I just needed 2 more, then next time it will be Mobil 1 to save a few $$.

I would not be to quick to blame the dealer. You are taking advantage of a pre paid service program and the dealer only get's paid from Toyota, per the contract. Really can't expect much more then that.....

I'm not blaming, I agree they're getting squeezed that's why I figured they've discovered a workaround.

 

[bigbwb]

I just bought a demo 2011 4runner with about 6K on it. I have a scheduled service visit next week since there was nothing in toyota's system that it had been serviced (I bought it out of state).

Will they be doing a tire rotation and oil change(synthetic)? I normally always do this myself but the 2011's have 2 years free maintenance

Thanks,
Brandon

 

[deekoi]

My dealer did something really strange... I sent it in a few months ago for the 5k mark and expected tire rotation. I saw all the comments about no oil change so didn't bother even mentioning it. When I saw the paper work after, they rotated, check a bunch of stuff, and changed the oil! very suprised. then they helped me change all the dealer settings like that stupid belt chime.

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

 

[Antman]

..... next time it will be Mobil 1 to save a few $$.

Get the gallon jugs of Mobil1 at Walmart. Saves you alot!

Mine isn't going back to the dealership unless the tranny falls out on I95. I hate 'em all. :shrug:

 

[1000MPH]

Yep. The walmart price is ridiculous. Costco doesn't come close and no 0W20.
One more thing I thought was strange. The brakes feel a little different, a little more grabby and possibly less freeplay in the pedal. I've decided on 3 possible reasons...

• They hit them with brake cleaner to make it look like they actually inspected them.
• They moved my seat enough to throw off my brain
• There was some sort of fix for the soft pedal complaints

 

[homeyclaus]

Yep. The walmart price is ridiculous. Costco doesn't come close and no 0W20.
One more thing I thought was strange. The brakes feel a little different, a little more grabby and possibly less freeplay in the pedal. I've decided on 3 possible reasons...

• They hit them with brake cleaner to make it look like they actually inspected them.
• They moved my seat enough to throw off my brain
• There was some sort of fix for the soft pedal complaints

I vote #2.

Like Antman, I hate them all, some more than others. Mine has to see the dealer this weekend for the 15k, and my navi's nag screen apparently also feels that the air filter needs something. Who knows, sometimes dealers pay attention to that sort of stuff. Not.