Computers and auto manufacturers/dealers

[hiker_jon]

Don't mix!

What idiots the manufacturers/dealers are about computers! Maybe it's just the user interface that is the problem. Toyota gives you (a few) customer options but then forces you to go to the dealer to change them.

My dealer won't do the seat belt buzzer option claiming its a safety issue.
My dealer wants the vehicle for all day to change the fob beep volume. My dealer wants $65 to add a new transponder key (that I bought on EBAY) to the vehicle.

The Japanese have never been particularly sophisticated about computers (no significant computers or software created by Japanese that I know of.) I am only familiar with Toyota, maybe other manufacturers have figured out a better way.

I hope Apple's next device will be the Icar.

 

[westwind77]

My dealer wants $65 to add a new transponder key (that I bought on EBAY) to the vehicle.

Yes, that is normal.....when you do not buy parts from the dealer. I bought mine through the dealer and they waived the 'programming' fee. I am assuming you saved more that $65 by using ebay?

Most companies will 'nickel & dime' you if you do not buy the product from them. Why should they do it for free on their time if you did not buy the part from them? Time in this world is never free, just ask a lawyer!

Sometimes it does pay not to buy from the dealer, other times it is your best option, each situation is different.

 

[hiker_jon]

Yes, that is normal.....when you do not buy parts from the dealer. I bought mine through the dealer and they waived the 'programming' fee. I am assuming you saved more that $65 by using ebay?

Most companies will 'nickel & dime' you if you do not buy the product from them. Why should they do it for free on their time if you did not buy the part from them? Time in this world is never free, just ask a lawyer!

Sometimes it does pay not to buy from the dealer, other times it is your best option, each situation is different.

I checked with another dealer. This one wants $235 for the key with fob, $55 for the plain valet key and an additional $62.5 to program each key. The plain key cost me $18 on EBAY.

The dealer said I needed to bring ALL my keys in when programming a new one. I doubt that that is necessary, but who knows. I will guess that programming the keys takes less than 5 minutes.

 

[sandcrawler]

this just in: automotive dealer demands excessive time and money in order to satisfy seemingly simple customer request; customer inflamed.

in a related story, Pacifica man believes Japanese "not good with computers." we'll have comment from Sony, Hitachi, Seiko Epson, and Canon senior executives live via satellite link.
:snacker:

 

[enoxard]

The Japanese have never been particularly sophisticated about computers (no significant computers or software created by Japanese that I know of.) I am only familiar with Toyota, maybe other manufacturers have figured out a better way.

LOL.. apparently you stopped paying attention before 2002. I am reminded of this headline..

Japanese Computer Is World's Fastest, As U.S. Falls Back

SAN FRANCISCO, April 19— A Japanese laboratory has built the world's fastest computer, a machine so powerful that it matches the raw processing power of the 20 fastest American computers combined and far outstrips the previous leader, an I.B.M.-built machine.

but youre on to something, americans arent particularly sophisticated about cars. I cant think of any significant american cars this century..

 

[westwind77]

The plain key cost me $18 on EBAY.

Does this $18 key have a chip in it so you can actually start your new 4R? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[hiker_jon]

Does this $18 key have a chip in it so you can actually start your new 4R? Inquiring minds want to know!

Its supposed to have one. Of course I won't know for sure until I fork out $65 to have it programmed.