Toyota left a tool under the hood...

[cdn87]

About a month ago I took my 2005 4Runner to a local dealership (Stampede Toyota) for an oil and filter change (crankcase) and got talked into a t-case fluid change and new spark plugs total: $395

Yesterday while driving heard a strange noise coming from under the hood, just checked this morning and found that the tech had left an impact wrench under the hood!! The noise was the wrench bouncing around near the passenger headlight!

Called the dealership this morning and all they cared about was getting their tool back. No apology, no concern, just said come by and bring our tool back and we can perform a visual inspection.


Why do I want to trust them to perform future service they suggest if they don't care when they make a mistake? and why do I trust the service they suggested even needs doing?

Last time I was in the suggested the following service:
the timing belt and water pump replaced for $900 (even though it was done 65,000km's ago by previous owner at 145,000kms)
the front axle boot for $1,800 as the CV boots are tearing
tranny service $150
power steering flush $70
brake flush $330
major fuel service $150
front and rear diff fluid service $110
cabin filter $60
Total: $3,570

Any opinions or suggestions on what I should do?

 

[Dawg4Runner]

They should at least comp you your next oil change for bringing it back. Or maybe that's their way of thanking you for being a customer. Enjoy your complimentary gift!

 

[AleksV]

Yea, join ct4wd forum, Edmonton and Calgary Toyota forum. Guy on there, from Calgary, works for a Toyota dealer, talk to him. RyanV on that forum. I came from Edmonton to see him, and ill do it again when I need to.

 

[AleksV]

You have pm

 

[BlackWorksInc]

They should at least comp you your next oil change for bringing it back. Or maybe that's their way of thanking you for being a customer. Enjoy your complimentary gift!

To be honest with you as a tech, that'd bum me out if I lost my $400-ish impact tool. But, in all honesty I'd be more angry at myself for leaving it in the car in the first place and not being responsible for my tools...

Enjoy your complimentary gift on behalf of forgetful technicians everywhere! LoL

Seriously though, an apology wouldn't be bad on the dealer's behalf. Guys forget stuff sometimes, he did all the work right and stuff right? It'd be nice to return the tool to the tech, but really its kind of a natural consequences situation IMO. Talking about this from experience, got some cars out there that owners got free pocket screw drivers, a wrench, and a nice screw driver.

 

[Sungod]

Depending on the brand and model that could be worth several hundred dollars. I am sure the service department doesn't care and since the tool doesn't belong to them, they probably don't care. I am sure you will get a big thank you from the tech that lost it. It will come out of his pocket if he has to replace it.

 

[zonianbrat]

Well I would say "I have your impact and it is worth say 300+ dollars. But since your a dealership I'll let you have it for 500 bucks out the door".....Well that is what I would like to say. Sorry I do not mean to offend any techs including you Blackworks. I've just had some outrageous quotes and been screwed before by a dealer. In all honesty I'd take it back to the tech and just hand it to him and say maybe you can do me a solid next time my truck is here. Maybe he will maybe he wont. If nothing else you will feel good for doing the right thing. Karma

 

[Gatafly]

Wow, $60 for cabin filter??? You can do that in 5 minutes and less than $15

 

[Antman]

Next time they work on your truck order carry out in their waiting room and leave all the trash behind, on the floor. :flipoff:

Let them see what it's like.

 

[LTDSC]

Next time they work on your truck order carry out in their waiting room and leave all the trash behind, on the floor. :flipoff:

Let them see what it's like.

people like this ALWAYS pissed me off when i worked at the dealer.

Its a mistake, you're telling me you never accidentally left something behind?

Give me a break.

Be nice, return the tool to the tech, he didnt maliciously do it.

 

[mikebontoft]

Ill tell ya the tech will probably be a lot more thankful than whoever you called. they don't care that one of their techs left their personal property there... they want the money.

lost a $100 flashlight that way... well $150 cause it had the led attachment.

edit: dont worry Antman, we know what its like... some peoples cars are rolling trash cans...

 

[<<<<]

I supose you should be gratefull that same mechanic didn't do valve job or head gaskett, or you would be wondering what he left inside the engine.

 

[LTDSC]

I supose you should be gratefull that same mechanic didn't do valve job or head gaskett, or you would be wondering what he left inside the engine.

you must be a master tech.

 

[<<<<]

Nah, just a smart arse.

 

[4gin007]

i say return it to the tech personally. hell be grateful and most likely give you a deal on side work if you ever need anything. just ask for his contact info. the service writers def dont care aboiut the techs tool, it could sit under their desk forever before they return it. it all just depends on everybodys character.

 

[mikebontoft]

I would ask who lost the tool and personally give it to them if they're there. As mentioned above, it depends on the service writers personality.... he sounds like the type that thinks you were wasting his time and "while you're here" wants to make some money.

 

[4RunnerFan]

i say return it to the tech personally. hell be grateful and most likely give you a deal on side work if you ever need anything. just ask for his contact info. the service writers def dont care aboiut the techs tool, it could sit under their desk forever before they return it. it all just depends on everybodys character.

:iagree: Yeah, return it to the tech. It's the right thing to do. Probably won't give you his contact info, but you'll make his day. And yours, too.

 

[Gecko123]

Returning it is the right thing to do.

Dealers in general are rip offs. I would take the time to seek out a good mechanic outside of the dealers. Talk to your friends and family and see if can find a good mechanic. Some those mom and pop shops are really good as they focus on service

My radiator went a few months ago and Toyota want about 1000 bucks just for the radiator. I got my mechanics to have it all done for parts and labour for $400. toyota would have charged me 1200 to 1300 after labour and taxes

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Well I would say "I have your impact and it is worth say 300+ dollars. But since your a dealership I'll let you have it for 500 bucks out the door".....Well that is what I would like to say. Sorry I do not mean to offend any techs including you Blackworks. I've just had some outrageous quotes and been screwed before by a dealer. In all honesty I'd take it back to the tech and just hand it to him and say maybe you can do me a solid next time my truck is here. Maybe he will maybe he wont. If nothing else you will feel good for doing the right thing. Karma

If only they actually gave a crap about the tool that'd make it so worthwhile. Dealers (as a whole, not including good individuals) tend to be overpriced, poor service and overall shady (Ours is kinda half and half IMHO, our Sales Dept gets more complaints, and our Service dept is pretty good.)

But I'll tell you the tech will be very grateful that you returned it to him, and honestly this could be a foot in the door to make a business contact if not a friend who can help you out on the side.

No worries Zoni, I know I am not your average dealer mechanic.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Shop around those prices for work seem kinda high like the $330 for a brake flush. I got new rear axle seals,new shoes and drums and a fluid flush and didn't go over $600.