3 oil changes for $75- just a hook to get me in the door?

[captaintg]

I received a coupon in the mail from the local Toyota dealer- 3 oil changes for $75. I went for it. Everytime I go to get one of those oil changes, I the service manager gives me a laundry list of flushes, repairs, replacements, etc. that the Technician noticed I "desperately" need. I know diddly about car repairs. The most recent call from the service manager included the warning that my battery "failed" the test the tech did, and they recommend replacing it for $160. Now, I wouldn't be surprised if the battery is getting tired, as far as I know it's the original from 2006. However, it has had no problem starting the 4R the past few mornings when the temp has been in the single digits. This seems like a decent battery to me...

The other big ticket item was to replace leaking CV boot seals or something. for $600. I'm going to take it to my local mechanic who I trust for a second opinion (silly me for using the dealer, even with the coupon). Even if the dealer is telling the truth, I never sense they have any integrity. They just don't seem trustworthy. Just ranting!

-Tim

 

[blaniac22]

Yes, it's a hook to get you in the door and upsell you. A quick look at Interstate Batteries shows you can get a replacement battery for $100-125 + tax or so. Those batteries are good, but are a little more expensive. There's plenty of discussion elsewhere on the board about batteries.

Given your location, don't discount that it may be going bad. It may be ok now, but as the winter goes on it may fail on you at the worst time possible. The battery in my car started great one evening before going to work; temp dropped to 30 degrees and my car wouldn't start in the morning. It happens.

Definitely get a second opinion.

 

[Burt]

This why I rarely take vehicles into dealers for routine maintenance. Those quick lube joints pull that crap too. Find yourself a good reputable independent shop.

 

[mw69]

a really good place is Pro Auto 1 in the denver metro area. i took mine to the littlton location to have my cv joint replaced 3 bills and change. and if you go on their web site..there is a coupon for so much percentage off of labor for new customers.

 

[captaintg]

Yeah, you're all right. I'm going back to Charley's Garage from now on. I've always gotten a good vibe from them, I'll just pay more for their oil change and have peace of mind.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

I do most of my maintenance myself...and my dealer knows it. so, they don't try to up sell me.

 

[KidVermicious]

If you're not going to change your oil yourself, 3 oil changes for 75 bucks is not a bad deal. Just get a second opinion on any other work they suggest.

Any local parts outfit will test the battery for free, and you can see for yourself if your CV boots are torn or losing grease... they're the rubber accordion-looking things behind your wheels.

 

[captaintg]

Update- I took it to the local garage (Charley's), and they said the CV boots were fine, which saved me a $600 un-needed dealer service. They also didn't charge me anything to look at it- They just asked that when something is actually wrong, that I give them the business of repairing it. Class act.

-Tim

 

[bensanders]

I do most of my maintenance myself...and my dealer knows it. so, they don't try to up sell me.

This here is the ticket. Works for anything in life, really.