Working for Toyota (or other dealerships)

[mikebontoft]

Alright, guess It's time to put this thread out there.

I'm just finishing up my last couple weeks of college here and I'm looking to get a good job with one of the local Toyota dealerships around here (My first choice anyway). I've worked as sort of an intern on an hourly schedule, off and on, at an independent shop for almost four years. The knowledge I've gained from both doing that and my college studies have been pretty good to me. I love and am good at electrical, steering/suspension, engine performance and most of the drive train components. (had a poor teacher for auto transmissions). I've been to a couple state competitions and placed in a national one as well. (I'm losing track of where this is going...)

OH RIGHT! My point is, while I may feel like I've got a good grasp on being a tech, I've never worked flat rate, using ONLY my personal tools, and certainly not in an environment like a dealership. I'm used to just two bays, working hourly and trying to build experience, speed and skill. I always had someone to check most of the work I've done, and always had my findings verified before performing the repair. I do quality work, but the speed isnt always there. I've made customer receipts before, but have never legitimately made a real work order.


OK, now to what I'd really appreciate some feedback on. I understand that just like any other business, it's all new and every place is different... but I'd like to know what it's like so I can be as ready as I possibly can be.

-how does customer/service manager/tech all fit into this? (the order of operations...the procedure from taking in a vehicle to having the customer back on the road.)

-where do all the parts come from? parts dept only?

-how do techs get assigned their jobs?

-what are most of the assignments now? just about everything?

-what tools am I expected to have? I have a good size collection of tools, but not $100k worth. Not much in the way of SSTs (will the dealer provide these as shop tools?)

-locking tool cart or just a plastic one? (odd one I know, but hey... I need to get one)

Also, I've ALWAYS been able to have shop access for personal use wherever I've been. I don't expect to have that, but... how does that work? Say I need to do an alignment and the service center has the machine. I've never paid to have one done... would I be stuck having to take it somewhere or use the string method? that would suck.

I won't even bother to ask about wage ranges... I get how that works at least. The highest paying job I ever had was for $7.60 an hour. Embarrassing.

Hope a few of you guys might be able to help me out with whatever you can. I'm trying not to be nervous but damn it, it's time already! Man...

 

[Hulley]

What are you going to college for? I'm 40yr and have work for dealerships since I was 22yr. TBH I wish I had finished college and got into what I originally wanted to do.

 

[Thai]

You went to college to be a technician at a dealership?? That is going to take a while to pay off your school loans! Are you sure that is your goal after all that schooling?

 

[mikebontoft]

Ah right. I'm just now finishing up with an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Automotive Technology.

Good points. It's not the ultimate goal I'd say, but a good one for awhile. As great as it may sound, owning a business isn't the greatest thing in the world. In theory it sounds that way, but all the other crap almost makes it not worth it.

College doesn't have to be expensive either. I've been able to pay my own way working summers and a little bit during the school years.

 

[BucknutBob]

When I worked at a dealership as a tech, so much of how your days and overall career went was dependent on the service manager and his attitude towards you. In our system, he determined who got what jobs, and his favorite guy got tons of scheduled maintenance stuff that could be knocked out quickly while making way more job-hours than actual hours worked. In the meantime, those the service mgr didn't favor got diagnostic stuff that basically paid straight time, or warranty work that paid about half of regular job rate. Just remember--no work equals no pay, no matter how long you're actually there. As for tools, I would concentrate on air tools and sockets/extensions for those--those are what will speed up your work. And get quality air tools, not stuff like a Harbor Freight $40 impact--unless you like getting new ones fairly often (Ingersoll Rand always served me well). Think 1/2" impact rated around 450-500 ft-lbs, a 3/8" air ratchet, a butterfly impact (good for tight spaces), and a die grinder. You'll still want a good load of regular hand tools, too, and look for specialty tools that can cut time or perform functions that other tools can't. Definitely get a steel tool box, preferably one of the rolling chests with a nice work surface on top, and can be locked (trust has no place where tools are concerned). Another great thing to have is a simple rolling cart that you can pile some tools, rags, sprays, etc. on and roll around to the vehicles you're working on--you want to leave your main box where it sits. Best of luck to ya'!

p.s. As for personal time, the shop I was at let us do whatever we wanted after shop hours--I've swapped engines and done all kinds of stuff on their racks. Oh yeah, another handy item is a small rechargeable electric drill/screwdriver--great for working on interiors.

 

[mikebontoft]

much appreciated. makes sense to me.

I've got an IR 3/8" impact, a nitrocat 1200 1/2" impact and some bluepoint 1/4" and 3/8" air ratchets. Got a streamlight flashlight and a ton of snap on hand tools. Sounds like I should be OK to start off with then. I agree that those rechargeable screwdrivers are really nice. powerful enough to put in a self tapping screw but small enough for under-dash work.

Fortunately I think most of the places I'm looking at have their own tool storage system that you rent, so I'm just looking at tool carts.

 

[BucknutBob]

Basically, when doing this for a living (vs. tinkering around in the garage), you need to consider any way to be quicker/more efficient. Things like ratcheting wrenches, swivel sockets (especially those for air tools)--those can really speed up your work. A couple more handy items--bungee cords for tying back parts so you can leave things partially attached, and a magnetic parts tray (awesome for holding nuts and bolts close by, even upside down!). Unpowdered surgeons gloves are nice for keeping the hands from accumulating grime that eventually doesn't want to come off.

 

[mikebontoft]

agreed. I have most of that stuff too.

OK here's one that might be a little different... what could I expect to be asked during an interview for such a place? I've never had to hand in a resume before as the other places were, well, just jobs.

also, someone on another site mentioned that at their dealership they have a "skill level" and jobs are distributed via computer that way. interesting, no?

I wonder what computers like... compressed air?

 

[BucknutBob]

I would imagine each place and interviewer are going to be different, but in general I would think they'll want to know what types of vehicles you've worked on, what vehicle systems you're familiar with (engine, auto and manual trans., suspension, electrical, etc.), and what you can do on your own. The skill level will determine things like how much they pay per job-hour, whether they give you diagnostic work, etc.. If you're not familiar with it, shops typically pay the techs an hourly rate times the hours the "book" says a job should take--if the book says a job takes 4 hours, you get paid 4x your hourly rate, even if you only needed two hours to do it. Of course, that also means that when you're not working, you're not making money.

 

[Benjamn88]

At the Toyota dealership I work at you would want to make a resume. My boss would hire someone with your experience at $10 an hour maybe a little more and you would be doing oil changes, rotates, air filter, cab air filter, multi point inspections, you get the point...basic stuff. primarily the Toyota TAC programs which are the 5k to 25k new Toyota maintenance plans. When your not busy with that stuff you get called on to do shitty stuff like move cars out of the service lane and get the keys back to the advisors. Run cars through the automatic car wash to help out our porters because ever car most get washed. Clean the tool room or dirty bays. even clean the service lane if need be. Not the top of the line job but I always tell these guys just grin and bare it....learn learn learn. be happy your getting paid for your time spent here.

Once you get your foot in the door and you've been there a good couple months You have to complete a series of Toyota tests in order to start getting certified. depending on how good your doing and how much info your retaining on how to do more you will start working closely with a flat rate tech moving up a little. light diag, EFI cleanings, BAL/FWA. Whatever the advisor and flat rate tech in the shop feel like you can handle. since your getting paid hourly I usually pay the flat rate tech your hours on these things.

Eventually after a year maybe sooner (all depends on the person) you will get paid flat rate and get a bump in pay (14h ...all depends on the person goes up from there) on your own and either sink or float. Our shop is super busy. We have 6 Advisors including me and about 60 to 100 appointments a day (all together) obviously you have a rare day that you get less but to be honest we usually average about 80 appointments. If you do a good job and your advisor can trust you with work then typically you should get your hours. I have a new flat rate tech that is having no troubles at all making his 40 hours a week. My hand full of really experienced techs are getting at least 60 hours a week. most of them are Maryland state inspectors so that helps gain hours a lot with our trade in and auction inventory.

You gotta try it and see if its for you. working in dealerships is not the most respectable job in the world but if it makes you happy and it pays your bills that's really all that matters. it all comes down to how much you put into it. if you are a great tech then you become bullet proof and you always get work. If you don't care and your lazy then you guna get shut out eventually. I personally enjoy being an advisor is good pay for my age right now and I figure out what's next when the time comes. I didn't do college, not my thing but I hold my own and have been since I was 17. some of my techs went to tech school before working with us. I think that's great, nothing wrong with school at all. Unfortunately for them working in a shop you will learn everything you need to know right there while working your way up. I often see those guys burdened with school bills and real world bills.

Anyways....wish the best to you man, good luck. hopefully this helped. if there's any questions I left unanswered let me know

 

[LobstaMobsta]

Alright, guess It's time to put this thread out there.


I won't even bother to ask about wage ranges... I get how that works at least. The highest paying job I ever had was for $7.60 an hour. .

Wow if you are any good at all come to Maine ill pay you 15$

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

I'm just finishing up my last couple weeks of college here and I'm looking to get a good job with one of the local Toyota dealerships around here (My first choice anyway). I've worked as sort of an intern on an hourly schedule, off and on, at an independent shop for almost four years. The knowledge I've gained from both doing that and my college studies have been pretty good to me. I love and am good at electrical, steering/suspension, engine performance and most of the drive train components. (had a poor teacher for auto transmissions). I've been to a couple state competitions and placed in a national one as well. (I'm losing track of where this is going...)

OH RIGHT! My point is, while I may feel like I've got a good grasp on being a tech, I've never worked flat rate, using ONLY my personal tools, and certainly not in an environment like a dealership. I'm used to just two bays, working hourly and trying to build experience, speed and skill. I always had someone to check most of the work I've done, and always had my findings verified before performing the repair. I do quality work, but the speed isnt always there. I've made customer receipts before, but have never legitimately made a real work order.

OK, now to what I'd really appreciate some feedback on. I understand that just like any other business, it's all new and every place is different... but I'd like to know what it's like so I can be as ready as I possibly can be.

-how does customer/service manager/tech all fit into this? (the order of operations...the procedure from taking in a vehicle to having the customer back on the road.)

-where do all the parts come from? parts dept only?

-how do techs get assigned their jobs?

-what are most of the assignments now? just about everything?

-what tools am I expected to have? I have a good size collection of tools, but not $100k worth. Not much in the way of SSTs (will the dealer provide these as shop tools?)

-locking tool cart or just a plastic one? (odd one I know, but hey... I need to get one)

Also, I've ALWAYS been able to have shop access for personal use wherever I've been. I don't expect to have that, but... how does that work? Say I need to do an alignment and the service center has the machine. I've never paid to have one done... would I be stuck having to take it somewhere or use the string method? that would suck.

Hope a few of you guys might be able to help me out with whatever you can. I'm trying not to be nervous but damn it, it's time already! Man...

Mike,
These are my opinions, so please feel free to "take it or leave it." I don't have any experience in your field, but do have a lot of experience in other fields and happen to be looking to make a professional shift right now. These are the tips that I'm using and recommend to you

1) It ok, and perfectly natural, to be nervous. In fact, it may help you calm down in an interview if you explain to the interviewer that you are nervous because you are so excited about jumping in and taking your career to the next level. It shows ambition and and enthusiasm.

2) Write yourself a good resume. Make sure to highlight your education and experience, and add the awards at the end. If you can squeeze onto 1 page, all the better.

3) When you get an interview, for god sakes, dress appropriately. My wife is in HR and I never tire of her stories of people that come in for an interview in jeans and an old tee shirt. Get a nice pair of slacks and wear a button down shirt, with a tie if possible. As you said, this is a business and you have to act professional. It may be the difference when they're choosing between a few candidates.

4) When you get an interview, bring a notebook, or portfolio with you and have well thought out questions prepared/written down for your interviewer. It is important to ask insightful questions without having a "what's in it for me" attitude. Your questions are good and the answers will vary from shop to shop. That's why you have your notebook, to take notes
- How do the customer service managers fit into he daily order of operations at your shop?
- What is SOP (standard operating procedure) for procuring a part that we don't have in stock?
- I assume that your techs are assigned tasks based on specialty and training. Is that correct, or is there a rotation that you follow?
- What assignments do you task to entry level techs, like me with?
- Will you provide all the tools I need for my work here, or am I expected to provide my own? (Make sure to say this with inquisition, not attitude as it could come across the wrong way)
- Do you offer on the job training so I can further my education and experience?

5) Do not ask about vacation time, sick leave, pay or to use the shop for you own vehicle (at least not on the interview). Once you have the job, you can get away with stuff like that more easily. If you act professional and ask the right questions, they will assume you've done your homework and offer you competitive compensation. That said, when you get your offer, thank them for the generous offer and ask if they would be willing to give you more. I'm not sure what the pay range is for this field, but for argument sake, lets just say, if they offer you $9.50, ask for $10/hour. This is not insulting, it shows them that you take pride in your worth and won't be short sold. If they say, " the job pays 9.50, thank them and tell them that you look forward to working your way up and earning more with their company.

The key is always to be grateful and respectful. They do not want to deal with a "problem employee." they want someone that is going to be easy to work with, polite, respectful and honest. This applies to almost any/every position in the world. Hope this helps, if not at least remember to dress appropriately for the interview.

Good Luck

 

[1engineer]

Mike,
These are my opinions, so please feel free to "take it or leave it." I don't have any experience in your field, but do have a lot of experience in other fields and happen to be looking to make a professional shift right now. These are the tips that I'm using and recommend to you

1) It ok, and perfectly natural, to be nervous. In fact, it may help you calm down in an interview if you explain to the interviewer that you are nervous because you are so excited about jumping in and taking your career to the next level. It shows ambition and and enthusiasm.

2) Write yourself a good resume. Make sure to highlight your education and experience, and add the awards at the end. If you can squeeze onto 1 page, all the better.

3) When you get an interview, for god sakes, dress appropriately. My wife is in HR and I never tire of her stories of people that come in for an interview in jeans and an old tee shirt. Get a nice pair of slacks and wear a button down shirt, with a tie if possible. As you said, this is a business and you have to act professional. It may be the difference when they're choosing between a few candidates.

4) When you get an interview, bring a notebook, or portfolio with you and have well thought out questions prepared/written down for your interviewer. It is important to ask insightful questions without having a "what's in it for me" attitude. Your questions are good and the answers will vary from shop to shop. That's why you have your notebook, to take notes
- How do the customer service managers fit into he daily order of operations at your shop?
- What is SOP (standard operating procedure) for procuring a part that we don't have in stock?
- I assume that your techs are assigned tasks based on specialty and training. Is that correct, or is there a rotation that you follow?
- What assignments do you task to entry level techs, like me with?
- Will you provide all the tools I need for my work here, or am I expected to provide my own? (Make sure to say this with inquisition, not attitude as it could come across the wrong way)
- Do you offer on the job training so I can further my education and experience?

5) Do not ask about vacation time, sick leave, pay or to use the shop for you own vehicle (at least not on the interview). Once you have the job, you can get away with stuff like that more easily. If you act professional and ask the right questions, they will assume you've done your homework and offer you competitive compensation. That said, when you get your offer, thank them for the generous offer and ask if they would be willing to give you more. I'm not sure what the pay range is for this field, but for argument sake, lets just say, if they offer you $9.50, ask for $10/hour. This is not insulting, it shows them that you take pride in your worth and won't be short sold. If they say, " the job pays 9.50, thank them and tell them that you look forward to working your way up and earning more with their company.

The key is always to be grateful and respectful. They do not want to deal with a "problem employee." they want someone that is going to be easy to work with, polite, respectful and honest. This applies to almost any/every position in the world. Hope this helps, if not at least remember to dress appropriately for the interview.

Good Luck

Listen to Dusty and follow it to the letter!

 

[BucknutBob]

I concur with Dusty and 1eng.--excellent points about getting in the door and conducting yourself from the start!

 

[hwyix]

When I worked at a dealership as a tech, so much of how your days and overall career went was dependent on the service manager and his attitude towards you.

What this guy said.

Before I tried my hand at auto mechanic I was in IT. The smarter you are the more pay you get. In the auto world the smarter you just means you get all the diagnostic work nobody else can figure out. The gravy work that pays well is the simple stuff.

In the auto world the service writer ( glorified receptionist ) knows nothing, gets paid more than you and he gets to farm out who gets which jobs. So his friend my get the 60k and you get the squeak and rattle warranty job.

Imagine going to the doctors office and lady who check you in got paid more than the doctor. That is how it is in the auto world. Strange place.


Get out now while you can I am not joking.


I love working on cars. I love buying tools. I hate trying to make a living at it.

 

[Benjamn88]

hahaha pretty true. but being the asm aint no picnic. Todays my last day at toyota....guess theyll figure that out tomorrow morning. Back to the RV industry I go lol

 

[hwyix]

hahaha pretty true. but being the asm aint no picnic. Todays my last day at toyota....guess theyll figure that out tomorrow morning. Back to the RV industry I go lol

What, care to share? I understand if you do not.


Good luck at your new place.

 

[Benjamn88]

What, care to share? I understand if you do not.


Good luck at your new place.

Ohh my gosh, where do I start. I really like my job but my boss (service director) Is a complete joke. He would make for a great politician, you ask him a question and some how turns it into a completely unrelated statement leaving you way more confused then you were to begin with. It all boils down to the fact that they changed our pay plans from salary with comssion to a straight draw with comission. If I wanted to be a car sales man that the job I would have applied for. The hole time ive been here 1 1/2 theres been nothing but emtpy promises. They pay plan change was the last straw for me. I made more money writing service on RVs then I did here so I'm going back to it. I enjoy the RV recreation a lot also, grew up camping and I still like it alot now. I had a nice break from it but i'm ready to go back. Also my scheduele here is total BS Mon 7-5 tues 10:45 - 8pm wed off thurs 10:45 - 8pm Fri 7-5 EVERY sat 7:30 - 5pm screw that....I'm ready to get my weekends off again and actually have two days off in a row.

 

[hwyix]

It all boils down to the fact that they changed our pay plans

I have heard this story sooo many times from the guys that have been in the field 20+ years. In the 70's 80's you could make an honest living as a mechanic. Maybe even 90's dunno exactly it started to change. The story goes something like "penske or somebody else buys dealer ship" or a larger company buys a major stake like renault invested a lot of money into nissan.

Then change the pay scale on warranty ( other jobs to ) work. That it cost you money to work on the car and it was the manufacture fault for making the car with said fault. Dealership does not want to eat. They make the mechanic who went to school for 3 to 4 years who brings in his 20k plus worth of tools eat the cost of working on the car.

Get out now while you can I am not joking.


I love working on cars. I love buying tools. I hate trying to make a living at it.

To the OP I am telling you get out or don't go down this path.

If you really want to stay in the field as mechanic that only people I know who are happy with their job as mechanic are people who are salaried and work on fleet trucks ( like working for the government on public transportation, mail trucks, cop cars, etc... ). Then it is just like any other real job. It is not your fault as the mechanic if no cars are coming through the door or if infiniti does not want to pay you enough to time for a squeak and rattle.

 

[02SE]

What this guy said.

Before I tried my hand at auto mechanic I was in IT. The smarter you are the more pay you get. In the auto world the smarter you just means you get all the diagnostic work nobody else can figure out. The gravy work that pays well is the simple stuff.

In the auto world the service writer ( glorified receptionist ) knows nothing, gets paid more than you and he gets to farm out who gets which jobs. So his friend my get the 60k and you get the squeak and rattle warranty job.

Imagine going to the doctors office and lady who check you in got paid more than the doctor. That is how it is in the auto world. Strange place.


Get out now while you can I am not joking.


I love working on cars. I love buying tools. I hate trying to make a living at it.

I had a long reply typed out, but decided it was potentially too discouraging to post. So basically I'll just echo this reply.

I'll just say that the big dealerships might not be the best place to work, if you actually are a capable Tech. Meaning you can diagnose problems, even when a scanner doesn't give you a code, or pending code.

According to friends that are still in the business, it seems to be increasingly common for them to see new "Tech's" that are nothing more than parts-changers. Instead of someone that can actually figure out what is wrong, and repair or replace ONLY the defective part(s).

Good luck to you.