Working for Toyota (or other dealerships)

[Benjamn88]

If you really want to stay in the field as mechanic

I'm a service advisor not a tech... But either way your completely right. its a damn shame


I hope this web site isn't blocked at my new company :-/

 

[BucknutBob]

We used to have an inside joke regarding warranty repairs and the absurd job hours they paid compared to a regular customer repair--we figured that the factory had a trained octopus that could hold multiple air and hand tools at once, and based their job rates on how quickly Mr. Squid could do the job...because no human could do it in the time quoted! As one person alluded to, no one wanted warranty jobs because you're practically paying for the "privilege" to do the work, while some "gravy train" tech is lapping up all the scheduled service work and making a killing.

 

[hwyix]

At BucknutBob I wrote probably a page for whining. I thought I better stop.

but yeah what you said times 10.

 

[vipergrhd]

Tech

We used to have an inside joke regarding warranty repairs and the absurd job hours they paid compared to a regular customer repair--we figured that the factory had a trained octopus that could hold multiple air and hand tools at once, and based their job rates on how quickly Mr. Squid could do the job...because no human could do it in the time quoted! As one person alluded to, no one wanted warranty jobs because you're practically paying for the "privilege" to do the work, while some "gravy train" tech is lapping up all the scheduled service work and making a killing.

Did you happen to work for Chrysler at one time?just checking.

I still work for Dodge Chrysler Jeep,Big f**kin mistake of my life.

 

[Hulley]

The story goes something like "penske or somebody else buys dealer ship"
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.

I've worked for the same dealership for 18yrs and when Penske Auto Group bought us out is when things started going down hill. There is a huge dosconnect between managment and employees and I see them getting rid of competent people and replacing them with "porters" for $10-12hr all the time. Its pretty sad, I used to love this place now I lose sleep over how much its changed and how unhappy I am. BTW I am working on making a change and hope to never see the inside of a dealership again. Theives and Crooks.

 

[mikebontoft]

Hey guys, sorry for not getting back to this thread after awhile now.... I really do appreciate the input.

I just finished my second day at work. After applying at the local dealership, I happened to browse the local classifieds and came across a listing I couldn't pass up. A few days later, and I had the job. I'm working at an (expanding) independent repair shop that specializes in European imports (BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, Volvo, VW etc) but also services other makes.

Currently working hourly for now, but will move on to progressive flat rate probably after I finish the big first project. I'm at $15/hr, but depending on how much work I can accumulate, it could be up to $30/hr. Seems like an excellent company, great people and very happy clients (busy enough to go by appointment only, too)

Here's my first project I mentioned... LS1 swapped Porsche 944. Had to completely rewire the thing for aftermarket EFI. Still have to actually, but I'm getting there.

 

[KidVermicious]

Great news, Mike! I hope it works out well for you.

 

[bofa]

LS1 in a 944? I bet PCA is hating on that dude something fierce. :lol:

 

[BucknutBob]

Congrats, Mike! Sounds like that could be really fun--some of those foreign vehicles are pretty sweet. I'll bet you're going to be learning a lot of diagnostic work there--English and French vehicles in particular are notoriously fickle.

 

[mikebontoft]

Congrats, Mike! Sounds like that could be really fun--some of those foreign vehicles are pretty sweet. I'll bet you're going to be learning a lot of diagnostic work there--English and French vehicles in particular are notoriously fickle.

thanks guys. and yeah that's definitely true. I believe there are 12 Land Rovers there right now lol.

 

[JohnnyT]

Never underestimate the value and blessing of working with and for good people. Hopefully that continues to hold true for you now and in any future positions.

 

[8sm]

Ever heard the story ..... How to make a million dollars as a mechanic? Start your career with two million dollars.

Heed the advice of those in the industry. Stealerships are just that. enuf said! Wrenching will be so much more satisfying as a hobby. Stay in school, and find another interest. Medical careers for example.

 

[BucknutBob]

thanks guys. and yeah that's definitely true. I believe there are 12 Land Rovers there right now lol.

Oh yeah...gotta love those Land Rovers (cough, cough)