In the end with all your valuable knowledge, this is the only car I've brought back to the dealer in series. The price wasn't a shock, it just bothered me they didn't finish their job. Yes the oil was complimentary, but I have bought many things at that dealer before, so I don't feel like I'm a customer they lost money to. I would rotate the tires myself, but when it's 15*F here with ice and snow on the ground, I'd rather pay someone. Thanks for the input.
The Fiat Stealership
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Originally Posted By: The Critic
$20 isn't much for a tire rotation at all considering the time it takes -- I would expect the charge to be $40-$50.
Tire pressure is often skipped, so I would not consider that to be a trigger for other areas of concern.
Did they get the oil level right?
Oil level is perfect (a hair under full, my picky favorite oil level). I drive down the road aways and check their work in a parking lot before I go home.
$20 isn't much for a tire rotation at all considering the time it takes -- I would expect the charge to be $40-$50.
Tire pressure is often skipped, so I would not consider that to be a trigger for other areas of concern.
Did they get the oil level right?
Oil level is perfect (a hair under full, my picky favorite oil level). I drive down the road aways and check their work in a parking lot before I go home.
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if they forgot to adjust the tire pressure it must have been off prior to you bringing it in to rotate.!!!
Originally Posted By: Spector
if they forgot to adjust the tire pressure it must have been off prior to you bringing it in to rotate.!!!
you are assuming that the pressure is the same front and back.
if for example the car takes 36 front and 30 rear.. and you rotate you have to adjust.
if they forgot to adjust the tire pressure it must have been off prior to you bringing it in to rotate.!!!
you are assuming that the pressure is the same front and back.
if for example the car takes 36 front and 30 rear.. and you rotate you have to adjust.
In places where the oil change is not done in an undergraound pit, most independents rotate tires when getting an oil change. They charge no extra for it.
There is a charge for rotating tires in only 1 situation. That is for special TPMS equipped cars that need to re-learn wheel position in order to function correctly. I'm glad all the cars in my family simply give a low pressure warning when one tire is low. You are going to check all 4 tires any, why make the job extra hard?
There is a charge for rotating tires in only 1 situation. That is for special TPMS equipped cars that need to re-learn wheel position in order to function correctly. I'm glad all the cars in my family simply give a low pressure warning when one tire is low. You are going to check all 4 tires any, why make the job extra hard?
Originally Posted By: 79sunrunner
I drive down the road aways and check their work in a parking lot before I go home.
Why? Are you worried about offending them?!
I both watch their every move in the shop and check up on them as soon as I get the keys back. But I also explain beforehand that I am >that< customer...
I drive down the road aways and check their work in a parking lot before I go home.
Why? Are you worried about offending them?!
I both watch their every move in the shop and check up on them as soon as I get the keys back. But I also explain beforehand that I am >that< customer...
Most dealerships are incapable of doing simple service properly. Sounds like you need to find a better dealership, but with a narrow brand like that I'd imagine that could be challenging.
Actually 20$ for a tire rotation from a $tealership is a good deal.
However the real problem is not the price, I've have found that you could pay through the nose and still get completely incompetent [censored] service at a dealership. How much you pay doesn't seem to matter all that much. The problem is the quality of the management and the mechanics working there. Unfortunately from my experience most dealers have crooks, bumbling fools, or a combination of both. I've NEVER had reasonably good service from ANY dealership I've gone to no matter how much I paid.
I worked in the business and I can tell you the good dealerships can be counted on one hand.
However the real problem is not the price, I've have found that you could pay through the nose and still get completely incompetent [censored] service at a dealership. How much you pay doesn't seem to matter all that much. The problem is the quality of the management and the mechanics working there. Unfortunately from my experience most dealers have crooks, bumbling fools, or a combination of both. I've NEVER had reasonably good service from ANY dealership I've gone to no matter how much I paid.
I worked in the business and I can tell you the good dealerships can be counted on one hand.
Dealership prices are getting almost outrageous. I just had Acura TL did their "standard" oil change and tire rotation (balance) and the usual check this check that business. When it was over, the service adviser tells me "Everything is great, the car is practically new!" The listed price was $115.00 Wow, that is quite a lot. Fortunately, I had "free service" coupon, so I did not have to pay. There is no way that I want to pay that kind of money for an oil change (0W20 semi-synthetic?) and tire rotation (they did NOT really need balancing).
But I would still recommend the dealer if you are willing to pay the price. The oil change only is $40 which is not unreasonable.
Somebody has to pay for the fancy rooms with free internet
Given that I was not allowed to watch the work being performed, I had a room there where I could do work or browse using their free internet and my laptop.
They gave me a full printout including the tire tread depth, coolant temperature capability etc. If I had to pay it would be worth about $50 to me.
But I would still recommend the dealer if you are willing to pay the price. The oil change only is $40 which is not unreasonable.
Somebody has to pay for the fancy rooms with free internet
Given that I was not allowed to watch the work being performed, I had a room there where I could do work or browse using their free internet and my laptop.They gave me a full printout including the tire tread depth, coolant temperature capability etc. If I had to pay it would be worth about $50 to me.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
Dealership prices are getting almost outrageous. I just had Acura TL did their "standard" oil change and tire rotation (balance) and the usual check this check that business. When it was over, the service adviser tells me "Everything is great, the car is practically new!" The listed price was $115.00 Wow, that is quite a lot. Fortunately, I had "free service" coupon, so I did not have to pay. There is no way that I want to pay that kind of money for an oil change (0W20 semi-synthetic?) and tire rotation (they did NOT really need balancing).
But I would still recommend the dealer if you are willing to pay the price. The oil change only is $40 which is not unreasonable.
Somebody has to pay for the fancy rooms with free internet Given that I was not allowed to watch the work being performed, I had a room there where I could do work or browse using their free internet and my laptop.
They gave me a full printout including the tire tread depth, coolant temperature capability etc. If I had to pay it would be worth about $50 to me.
I think we all have different ideas as to a fair price, which is why there are a variety of service options available -- and also explains why there are often huge variations in quality as well.
Clearly, the dealer has an audience who is willing to pay their $150-$170/hr labor rate. I'm one of them because I feel that they consistently deliver a strong value. But obviously not everyone agrees -- which is why there are other choices available.
Dealership prices are getting almost outrageous. I just had Acura TL did their "standard" oil change and tire rotation (balance) and the usual check this check that business. When it was over, the service adviser tells me "Everything is great, the car is practically new!" The listed price was $115.00 Wow, that is quite a lot. Fortunately, I had "free service" coupon, so I did not have to pay. There is no way that I want to pay that kind of money for an oil change (0W20 semi-synthetic?) and tire rotation (they did NOT really need balancing).
But I would still recommend the dealer if you are willing to pay the price. The oil change only is $40 which is not unreasonable.
Somebody has to pay for the fancy rooms with free internet
Given that I was not allowed to watch the work being performed, I had a room there where I could do work or browse using their free internet and my laptop.They gave me a full printout including the tire tread depth, coolant temperature capability etc. If I had to pay it would be worth about $50 to me.
I think we all have different ideas as to a fair price, which is why there are a variety of service options available -- and also explains why there are often huge variations in quality as well.
Clearly, the dealer has an audience who is willing to pay their $150-$170/hr labor rate. I'm one of them because I feel that they consistently deliver a strong value. But obviously not everyone agrees -- which is why there are other choices available.
The so called being felt rip-offed feeling comes in when insanely high amount is charged for bunch of visual checks. When they actually measure the parameters such as tire tread depth and brake pad and disc thickness, hydrometer reading on the battery, battery and alternator capacity, brake fluid pH balance etc etc then I can stomach the price but often all they really do is take a look at everything while the car is up on the lift and telling the customer "everything is great" (if the car is almost new) or "you need $989 worth of service" (if it had some miles on it).
Those paid 40-point or 100-point inspections are never good for the customer.
Those paid 40-point or 100-point inspections are never good for the customer.
Wow.....for a $20 tire rotation I'm sure I would remind them to adjust the tire pressures. I don't understand the logic behind NOT asking someone to adjust the air pressure to x lbs in front and x lbs in rear.
What amazes me about all this is the wide variance based upon dealership/independents and part of the country. I live in rural Michigan. My mother gets her oil changed at a local independent. She has a '13 Impala that requires Dexos. The shop gets Wolf's Head 5-30 Dexos oil and a Proselect filter for $35 from the store next door and then charges $10 in change the oil and rotate the tires.
I have had everything from a near perfect service experience at my lexus dealer to a near lawsuit experience at a GMC dealer.
They do vary, and by a LOT! Most brands could really learn from the lexus dealer in Clearwater, FL. A little goodwill towards the client goes a long way in this age of generally poor service...
They do vary, and by a LOT! Most brands could really learn from the lexus dealer in Clearwater, FL. A little goodwill towards the client goes a long way in this age of generally poor service...
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
I have had everything from a near perfect service experience at my lexus dealer to a near lawsuit experience at a GMC dealer.
Oooh Oooh I want to hear about the GMC dealer incident!
I have had everything from a near perfect service experience at my lexus dealer to a near lawsuit experience at a GMC dealer.
Oooh Oooh I want to hear about the GMC dealer incident!
The best service I have ever had, bar none, was Lexus in the early 90's.
As person who worked at several "stealerships" it's my feeling they have gotten everyone they can on a commission based pay with a very low base. So low it could be minimum wage unless you pump product (that could be un-needed)
Moving to a new, new car dealership (the surfing car dealers) in 2009 I thought it may be different. I sold a 60,000 mile former rent a car 2006 Elantra for 15,999. (they go through the auction for 6500-7500.
It just got off the truck and had not been through the shop. That is where the "cost" usually goes up 4,000 when you go to get you commission accounting.
One of my favorite stories was when a friend call me all excited. He had a cost sheet and sold a car at a 4000 dollar profit(he would get 1000)
He was thrilled as this reputable Pontiac Mercedes dealer was not known for big pay outs.
He called me a few hours later depressed and said the girl from accounting just came over and said she forgot to add a 3,000 shop bill on. LOL
There was no forgotten shop bill, just a GM who said I am not paying him 1000.
On the Elantra I was told "no profit on that one"
I was livid and said the other new car dealer in the area has them in the paper retail for 11900. Perhaps we need to buy from them off the lot so we can make money.
I see it all the time all over the country
I think most earn the name "stealerships
Moving to a new, new car dealership (the surfing car dealers) in 2009 I thought it may be different. I sold a 60,000 mile former rent a car 2006 Elantra for 15,999. (they go through the auction for 6500-7500.
It just got off the truck and had not been through the shop. That is where the "cost" usually goes up 4,000 when you go to get you commission accounting.
One of my favorite stories was when a friend call me all excited. He had a cost sheet and sold a car at a 4000 dollar profit(he would get 1000)
He was thrilled as this reputable Pontiac Mercedes dealer was not known for big pay outs.
He called me a few hours later depressed and said the girl from accounting just came over and said she forgot to add a 3,000 shop bill on. LOL
There was no forgotten shop bill, just a GM who said I am not paying him 1000.
On the Elantra I was told "no profit on that one"
I was livid and said the other new car dealer in the area has them in the paper retail for 11900. Perhaps we need to buy from them off the lot so we can make money.
I see it all the time all over the country
I think most earn the name "stealerships
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Originally Posted By: DesertDually
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
I have had everything from a near perfect service experience at my lexus dealer to a near lawsuit experience at a GMC dealer.
Oooh Oooh I want to hear about the GMC dealer incident!
You asked for it.
New 1995 3500 Savana short wheelbase van, fully upfitted with PTO driven cleaning equipment and tanks for up to 320 gallons of water. At 6k miles front brakes began to squeal, as they were worn out! Stealer looked at the van and immediately swore it was overloaded. I asked if they weighed it, they said no. I called the Factory Licensed Upfitter and they called their GMC guy and the Stealership service mgr called me back in. This started a cycle of replacement brakes which was ridiculous. Truly lousy experience. Eventually they 'blacklisted' me on their Dealer Service Network and denied service completely.
I located upgraded parts in the aftermarket and was able to get the front brakes to last up to 30k miles.
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
I have had everything from a near perfect service experience at my lexus dealer to a near lawsuit experience at a GMC dealer.
Oooh Oooh I want to hear about the GMC dealer incident!
You asked for it.
New 1995 3500 Savana short wheelbase van, fully upfitted with PTO driven cleaning equipment and tanks for up to 320 gallons of water. At 6k miles front brakes began to squeal, as they were worn out! Stealer looked at the van and immediately swore it was overloaded. I asked if they weighed it, they said no. I called the Factory Licensed Upfitter and they called their GMC guy and the Stealership service mgr called me back in. This started a cycle of replacement brakes which was ridiculous. Truly lousy experience. Eventually they 'blacklisted' me on their Dealer Service Network and denied service completely.
I located upgraded parts in the aftermarket and was able to get the front brakes to last up to 30k miles.
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