Stealership ripped me off! What should I do next?

[Hank]

This actually relates back to an earlier thread I posted about 2 weeks ago:LINK . Well, per BOAZ's suggestion, I pulled a plug on my 1GR-FE V6 to verify if the stealership actually replaced the sparkplugs as the invoice didn't list any sparkplug parts. I doubt they even changed the diffs/transfer case fluids as I specifically instructed them to do so. Diffs/transfer fluids need not be replaced with the 30k mile service, but the sparkplug replacement is definitely required. So I called the service dept today and spoke the the same service manager who wrote the work order form for me and I asked him why weren't the sparkplugs changed as it is clearly noted in the maintainance guide. I told him mine had the 1GR-FE and it doesn't use the iridium sparkplugs as in the V8s.

At first, he tried to play it off and said that he's not sure why the tech didn't do it. He puts me on hold, then he said they could change the plugs if I bring it in, but they'll have to charge me for it. I told him that was a load of B.S.! I had called the service dept that morning before I brought it in to verify the pricing and all the service items to be performed for that price. The rep told me $357 for sparkplugs, tranny/diffs/transfer case fluids, engine air filter, driveshaft lube, etc. When I had the service manager write up the work order, I specified actually what I wanted done and he said okay and the price was still $357. After the work was done and I received a copy of the invoice, I asked the same service manager again if all the service I requested was done as the invoice wasn't very detailed and didn't show any charge for sparkplug parts or quarts of diff/transfer case fluids. He replied yes, they were done accordingly. After explaining this to him on the phone, he agreed to have me bring it in for them to replace the sparkplugs free of charge. I was somewhat satified, but I feel that they were trying to pull a quick one over me. How can the stealership perform a 30k service without changing the sparkplugs as needed and then later on say that it wasn't part of the 30k service quoted at $357. Then why the hell are they advertising $357 for the 30k service which specifically listed sparkplug replacement?

The service manager also advised me that all the mechanics are on strike now and that I may have to wait at least 2 weeks. What should I do? I don't mind going back to have the sparkplugs replaced, but I feel that they've cheated me and have mislead me to think that all the service items listed under their (and Toyota's) 30k service guide was done correctly when it wasn't. Should I be content with the plug replacement or should I take further action such as contacting Toyota Corp and filing a complaint against OAKBROOK TOYOTA (with a President's Award status!) for sheisty business conduct! Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

P.S.- Has anyone filed a complaint directly to Toyota? If so, can I get some contact info as to what ph# or hotline I need to call. Thanx

 

[Hank]

Here's a few pics of the sparkplug I pulled. Bare with me as I haven't figured out how to attach multiple pics at the same time. Any tips?

 

[Hank]

Another pic

 

[Hank]

and another

 

[Hank]

Here's a few pics of the rear diff. It doesn't look like any fluid was changed at all.

 

[Hank]

another rear diff pic. no marks to indicate that it has been drained.

 

[Hank]

Last one. Sorry for the long post!

 

[Mr.yoshimura]

By looking at the picture I'm 100% sure they did not change anything!! I would have been sooo F$%ing piss! I would take even action possible toward the dealer!Call your local news station, toyota corp.,BBB! demean your money back!!

 

[EDGE]

cancel the credit card charge and tell them why and tell them you can email them the pics

or demand the job be done correct or drive the truck through the showroom

 

[bulldog-yota]

SO they charged you the $357?

Well you can either cancel the charge on your card or have them do ti with you atching this time and give you a credit for soemthing since they didn't do their job, tried to cheat you and also inconvinienced you.

 

[Kanab]

WOW, you got them by the short hair with though pic's and the invoice. Don't have your car serviced for these items until you get this resolved. I would call and talk with the regional service rep for Toyota. Send him a copy of the invoice and these pictures with the details of what happened. Tell him if he doesn't want to get your money back plus have the service done for free for all of the BS you have had to go through you will take this to the BBB and the local media as well as any other media you can get on the story. If he doesn't help you then follow through along with calling the GM of the dealership. Then take them to your local small claims court.

 

[leftyrb]

I had my V8 4Runner serviced at the dealership last week. At 36,000 km, it required a specified service, including the oil and oil filter change. They indicated that the brakes needed to be inspected, the cabin air filter changed and the drive shaft lubed. It was $50.95 for the air filter, plus over $100 for the rest. I indicated that I bought and installed an air filter a few weeks prior for about $22.00 and installed it myself, and under warranty, the dealer had dealt with squealing brakes on all 4 wheels this past winter. I agreed to the drive shaft lube and oil/oil filter change ($50), and only agreed to the brake inspection if it was required for warranty. It wan't required and I only paid the $50 charge.

It is important to ask if some of these services are required by the manufacturer, or 'suggestions'.

I had my previous Nissan serviced at the dealer, which included a cooling system flush. The original anti-freeze was green, and the replacement was pink. After driving a few days, I checked the anti-freeze strength, noting a prominent green colour - the dealer begrudgingly refunded me the charge.

 

[EDGE]

All dealerships and auto related shops suck, they do nothing but screw up when they touch the cars, example: my 4Runner went in for some body work due to a person hitting it in a parking lot, they fixed the passenger side but managed to scrub the rear bumper then I took it to get tinted, and the asswipe put 2 cuts in the top of the door panel, the leather top

Even the camel jockeys at the gas station managed to f the truck up, sure put your fat arm on the gas lid door, f in morons should be sprayed with gas and set on fire.

Just the thought of taking it in and having the interior door panel replaced under warranty by Toyota scares me cause they will mess the tint up and who knows what else:arrow: and in a few more months the trucks gonna need the 30k service, I'll be taking dozens of photos cause I will flip if the work I want done is not performed.

Could be worse, look at what some of the guys on clublexus.com are paying for 10k services, who knew an oil change and tire rotation was 300 bucks:awais:

 

[Northof49]

Wow.....that's some cheesy dealings there.

 

[02SE]

What a bunch of crooks. That's why I do all my own servicing. :goinposta

 

[Sac State]

At the dealer I use, the 30K, 60K are a set price. For the tranny, I was told they check the fluid and if it needs changing they will change it. Never mind the price is always the same. W/o pics, I guess anybody saying they need the 30K, 60K service is probably getting hosed.

I usually get everything done in stages. Every oil change I have them so something like tranny, next 5K miles I get the diffs changed, next 5K transfer case changed.

That is my check and balance. For the 95% who blindly drive on their way, the scheme worked for the dealer.

 

[Hank]

Man, this dilema has been on my mind all weekend and every time I think about it, I get even more pissed off at the stealership. At first I was content with bringing my 4R back to have them replace the sparkplugs, but now that I think about it, they really dropped the ball!!! How the hell can they say that they "performed" the 30k mile service on a 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) WITHOUT replacing the non-iridium sparkplugs? That's like ordering a meatball sandwich and not getting any meatballs. WTF are they thinking! So they FORGOT to replace the sparkplugs which was REQUIRED at 30k miles, but decided to replace the ENGINE COOLANT which didn't need to be change UNTIL 100k miles! Why the hell did they think that the SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT needs to be changed at the 30k mark? Had I not pulled a plug to verify if they were replaced, I would've driven with them until 60k miles. Talk about decreased performance and fuel economy for the next 30k miles! BTW, the plugs need to be changed every 30k miles as "REQUIRED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY" that is clearly noted in the Scheduled Maintainance Guide booklet.

So I've decided to call the stealership this week and speak with them about getting a full refund (anyone think this will fly?) or escalate the problem to upper management. Do you guys/gals think I should speak with them on the phone or go there in person? It's about 30miles from my home, but I don't mind. I'm afraid that I might lose my temper if I go there in person. Any suggestions? Has anyone had any bad experience in the past with a stealership? I would like to know how you guys/gals handled it. Any legal action advice? Thanx in advance!

 

[Bluto]

... Had I not pulled a plug to verify if they were replaced, I would've driven with them until 60k miles. Talk about decreased performance and fuel economy for the next 30k miles!

Imagine how many owners have the same problem and never know. So many people will assume the problem is with Toyota vehicles, and not thier service dept.

When newer vehicles have problems, most of the time the problem is the service dept. and not the manufacuter or vehicle. Easy way to get a bad reputation.

 

[fastlif306]

go to the dealership in person, the phone is a safeguard for them to change their lip service when you do show up in person. I have had to deal with service problems before this way, input Dodge here. Be nice as you can, explain you pulled the plug, checked the gear drain plugs etc... Take your camera so they do not have to crawl under there, and just say that you know you got taken, and you want all your money back. If the service manager does not take care of it, say you want to talk to the owner of the dealership, and do not take no for an answer. Worst case find out and call the Toyota rep in your area, and beat on them. Its not "toyota" per se, its the dealer being crummy to you. I am sure Toyota wants higher CSI scores than the dealer.

I wish you luck. bad service depts can really ruin someones opinion of a brand, that is very unfortunate, but its one thing toyota does not like to see happen to customers. So you may have a good chance.

Next time, buy the stuff yourself, save the grief and money. It sucks that it happens like this, but thats why so many people do it theirselves.

 

[h7009]

30K bad service

If you haven't already done it call your credit card company (you did pay with a credit card?) and stop payment, you can do this with no repercussions, explain the situation and they will do this. Then go to the dealership and tell them what you've done and why. Ask for the work to be done again (or the first time as it were). Once satisfied, call the credit card company back and lift the freeze for payment. good luck CSM-H

PS. I called and complained to Corporate on an issue I had and still have not received a call from the dealership. guess it matters who you talk to.

PSS. Tell all your friends and the board what dealership you had the problem with, as lost revenue makes a difference. Tell the dealership that you are going on the web to complain about their service, that might get their attention also.