Went in to get my oil changed and to get the tires rotated. I don't have a lift etc so for these easy items it's just as easy to get them to do it especially figuring the cost benefit. Work took an hour or so for the whole operation. More time than what I felt it should, but hey they check other things as well while they're at it and it's the end of the day etc so I'm sure there was no rush.
Things that irked me and why one can feel that they are "stealerships" if you will. Before the service was done I asked what it would cost and how much time to replace the bulbs in the dash that burnt out a week or so ago where the thermostat and mileage comp is. I figured they'd charge maybe $4/bulb at worst and maybe charge me half hour of labor worst case scenario. I was told quote was at least $250 and would take 2.5 hours. My jaw about hit the floor. That is a rip off if I've ever seen it. It takes maybe 30 minutes for someone that's never done it to do it from what I've seen. My excuse is I'd rather pay a few bucks and not have to worry about buying the bulbs themselves and my time is worth more at times than what I initally deemed the cost to be doing it myself versus them. I guess I was dead wrong.
The other is the drive belt (V6). The rep came out like they always do with upselling and said that my belt had cracks in it and he wasn't sure how long it would last. I asked for him to show me. He said sure and walked me back to the lift/bay where the tech shined his light on the belt and said that it was dry, but there were NO cracks and that he suggested that I replace it now or at the worst at the next oil change. Okay I figured it's a what $40 belt at worst and maybe 1/2 hour of labor. So I opened my mouth and asked how long he figured it would take additionally at the next oil change. He said 30 minutes tops. So I asked how much for the total price on just the belt change. I was told $210. WTF! Where is the difference on both scenarios?
Okay the biggest pet peeve I had was I noticed when someone opened the door when I was sitting in the waiting area that the brake lights on my vehicles were lit up so I knew the tech was pulling out and then around to park the vehicle so i made my way back to the pull in bay. I notice him with no headlights on pulling through the parking lot. I figure he'd know to turn on the lights since it was almost 9:20 and pitch black outside. WRONG. He drove all the way around the block as the "test run" as I was told with no lights on since he pulled back in again just the DRL's going. I'm just glad the guy didn't get into an accident. What an idiot.
I know they are there to make money and I'm as big of a capitalist as the next guy, but come on. I think all the BS that the Tansky family has posted all over about being ethical etc in the waiting area makes me want to vomit all over the place. Stepping down from my soapbox now. So I guess I've got some work to do this weekend unfortunately.
Things that irked me and why one can feel that they are "stealerships" if you will. Before the service was done I asked what it would cost and how much time to replace the bulbs in the dash that burnt out a week or so ago where the thermostat and mileage comp is. I figured they'd charge maybe $4/bulb at worst and maybe charge me half hour of labor worst case scenario. I was told quote was at least $250 and would take 2.5 hours. My jaw about hit the floor. That is a rip off if I've ever seen it. It takes maybe 30 minutes for someone that's never done it to do it from what I've seen. My excuse is I'd rather pay a few bucks and not have to worry about buying the bulbs themselves and my time is worth more at times than what I initally deemed the cost to be doing it myself versus them. I guess I was dead wrong.
The other is the drive belt (V6). The rep came out like they always do with upselling and said that my belt had cracks in it and he wasn't sure how long it would last. I asked for him to show me. He said sure and walked me back to the lift/bay where the tech shined his light on the belt and said that it was dry, but there were NO cracks and that he suggested that I replace it now or at the worst at the next oil change. Okay I figured it's a what $40 belt at worst and maybe 1/2 hour of labor. So I opened my mouth and asked how long he figured it would take additionally at the next oil change. He said 30 minutes tops. So I asked how much for the total price on just the belt change. I was told $210. WTF! Where is the difference on both scenarios?
Okay the biggest pet peeve I had was I noticed when someone opened the door when I was sitting in the waiting area that the brake lights on my vehicles were lit up so I knew the tech was pulling out and then around to park the vehicle so i made my way back to the pull in bay. I notice him with no headlights on pulling through the parking lot. I figure he'd know to turn on the lights since it was almost 9:20 and pitch black outside. WRONG. He drove all the way around the block as the "test run" as I was told with no lights on since he pulled back in again just the DRL's going. I'm just glad the guy didn't get into an accident. What an idiot.
I know they are there to make money and I'm as big of a capitalist as the next guy, but come on. I think all the BS that the Tansky family has posted all over about being ethical etc in the waiting area makes me want to vomit all over the place. Stepping down from my soapbox now. So I guess I've got some work to do this weekend unfortunately.
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