Hey guys, i think i got hosed. I dropped off my car with my "regular" dealer to find out my usual service writer wasn't there today so i said cool, let another guy know i was there for the 15k service. I signed the paper and was on my way. I came back when it was ready and went to the cashier to pay. She told me my total, 220 and some change. I was shocked! I stayed cool and asked to see my paperwork. Turns out the dealer recommends an actual brake service(take apart brakes, clean them, put them back), Transmission oil change(at 15k??!!), and $135 worth of labor "check this and thats" I paid the bill and went home to consult my owners maintanance book and found that i did not need anything close to what they did. Now i wouldn't be complaining so much except that i am a college student that just paid almost my CAR PAYMENT on a 15k service! I called back the dealer, was sent to an anwsering machine and never received a phonecall back. Am i over reacting? Should I let scion know what they are doing? I mean, i own a scion, not a lexus! lol sorry if im ranting. any feedback would be appreciated. thank you

-Rafael

oh yeah, this was Moreno Valley Toyota incase anyone was wondering

They gave you "The Service" alright. Was there an $ estimate on the paper you signed? What was it? In Ca, by law they have to give you an estimate and they cannot go over that without notifying you first and getting it OKed. IF they left it blank, that's wrong too.

Talk to the service manager, if he doesn't do anything, talk to the General Manager. REMIND THEM that you are a customer that can be very vocal when you get taken advantage of. REMIND them that you will tell everyone you know about the treatment you got in their service department. Ask them if the money they made is worth losing AT LEAST one customer, possibly more.

I'm not sure where you're located. When I got screwed by Dublin Toyota (it's been 2 years, I still bag on them whenever possible) I called the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the Better Business Bureau to report them. Even if they aren't able to do something, it adds to the statistics and eventually it will catch up to them.

Damn Rafael sounds like you got hosed brother...I'd definitely call and talk to the Service Manager, and if that doesn't work, go straight to the head of the dealership, and if that doesn't work take it up with Scion Corp...As TheScionMan said, let them know you can be "vocal"...If they try and give you a run around on this, pursue it until they give a refund or a kick down of some kind toward a free service next time, or some oil changes, washes etc...It may not sound like much, but hey every penny saved from having to bring in your box for those minor things is always good...Especially since your like me and a full time college student trying to get by...

Best of luck to you :)

DAN

never trust the dealership....ever.....sad to hear that happened to you....they better refund that money....
my car has not been back to the dealership since i rolled it off the lot...and it will never go back...ive always done all the work to my cars...most "mechanics" are a joke to begin with...which is why im currently sueing advance automotive out of san jose.....got lazy let them do the work to one of my cars....lesson learned....

after i putted the first time oil change on my record, i will never go back to the dealer to do anything except the warranty stuff,, They making no$$ to selling cars, but when u come back to the service, that's the way can rip u off !!! The box just is the echo from toyota,, almost every shop can fix everything in the box and cheaper..

how could you fall for that... a guess ones born every minute....

Raped Bro! :D

I am never taking my car to the dealership except for services or I can do it myself.

It is _very_ common for dealers to have "recommended XX,XXX service" that goes way beyond the manufacturer's requirements. That way, if the customer simply says "do the XX,XXX mile service", the dealer will assume that they want the $$$ full treatment, including items that are probably best left alone.

My Dad took his car in and ended up paying for a $150 "engine flush" wherein they put some sort of solvent in the engine and hooked it up to a machine to loosen whatever sludge is in the engine. Just great, pay $150 to have grunge circulated through the bearings when it could be safely remain in the deposited "sludge" for the life of the engine. He was worse off after the service than before!

The only way to be sure of getting the correct service is to make sure that the service writer puts the phrase "XX,XXX mile service as specified in the owner's manual" on the service paperwork. Even at that, I'd expect to get a phone call from the service department "recommending" that additional services be done. These services all add to the bottom line of the dealership, and the people who work there are told to push them at all times.

Your best bet is to find an independent shop to do your service. The independents are often experienced ex-dealer mechanics who got tired of the "sell, sell, sell" approach as well as having the dealer skim off half of the money you pay for service. They will likely give you better service for less money than the dealer.

George

I bought an Echo last summer from Lorensen Toyota in CT. Had a similar experience. They added a bunch of stuff that isn"t listed in the 7500 mile service. Like $28 for checking fluid levels. This is after changing the oil so there isn't much left to check. I was lucky because the first scheduled maintenance was for free so they only charged for the extra ____ that they did/slipped in. I guess if I was an old lady I'd pay and be greatful but I enjoy maintaining my vehicle so this time I'll chalk it up to my own ignorance. I should have gotten a written estimate before the work was done. I recently bought an xA for my wife and plan to use the free oil change in conjunction wit a $21 tire rotation. I wonder what they will try to sell along with it. You probably don't have much of a recourse except to tell the service manager and the general manager that you feel you were taken advantage of. Please keep us posted. Mark S.

First oof This is not just for the thread starter this is sound advice for anyone who takes their car to be repaired!!! First off if it's not under warentee DO NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER!!!!!! They will almost hose you every time! Also if the part can be reused it will. If it is not warentee work you are better off finding a good private mechanic i.e. Bills auto repair! They will do just as good work usualy for a lot less! And as stated before if it is'nt in the quote and you did not authorize the work i.e. you did not get a phone call or the did not come talk to you while you were chuging coffie and eating the free donuts! you can demand that they remove the parts and ask the service manager for an explanation! Yes it is a good idea to call the BAR Bearu of Automotive Repairs. They may or may not do much with the complaint however if there are enough complaints it will eventualy catch up to them. Sometimes Just letting the service manager know you are going to notify the BAR is good enough to scare him into making things right! Also always tell the service writer you want to see the defective parts! MAKE SURE HE PUTS IT ON THE R/O (Repair Order) and if the parts arnt shown to you ask for them! Even if you dont know what the hell your looking at, It gives the service department the impression you know more than you possibly do and it helps keep them honest. usualy worn parts are pretty obvious. If the bring the part ask them to show you the defect!! i.e Why or where it broke. Always check your service manual to see what is due before a service so you dont get reamed know what is suposed to be done!!! As for your situation ask the service manager for an explanation take your paperwork with you if the quote is different or it dose not show your concent he may make it right, If you get no satisfaction from him Screw his boss Go to the owner of the deelership! Take it to the top Make sure you let these people you are ready and willing to call Corprate Scion and Toyota! But you want to give them (The Deelership) a chance to make it right! DONT BEND OVER AND TAKE THIS !!! TELL EVREYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT HOW THEY TREATED YOU TELL THE DEELER YOU ARE DOING THIS TELL TEM YOU ASKED A SCION BULETIN BOARD FOR ADVICE! Let him know you will give his service department a bad rap! Oh and just for your infor In my Entire carear I have worked on all kinds of vehicles from small yard goats to cars and big rigs and I have never yet seen a brake that needs to be compleetly dissasembled to see if it is bad!! all brakes have wear markes and indicators to check them at most the tire should be removed to check them but if you check your manual im sure the tires being rotated is part of every regular oil change service! Oh and by the way right back to let us know how the situation was handled!

First oof This is not just for the thread starter this is sound advice for anyone who takes their car to be repaired!!! First off if it's not under warentee DO NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER!!!!!!...

Even if it is under warranty, take it to an independent for scheduled maintainance. You are not required to take the car to the dealer for maintainance to keep the warranty in effect, even though dealers try mightily to perpetuate the myth.

They send out loud notices that say "Protect your warantee, bring your car in to us for service!!", strongly implying that you have to take the car to them.

What they don't say is that it doesn't matter who does the service as long as the service is done and you document that it was done. You can even do it yourself, as long as you document what was done, when, and at what mileage.

Who do you trust more to get the right amount of oil into your xB: yourself, an independent mechanic whose reputation depends upon doing things right, or the guy at the dealer just promoted from car washer to oil changer? Select carefully!

George

how could you fall for that... a guess ones born every minute....

LOL Gypsey!

Hey, what the dealer did is WRONG. Do they have their service pricing posted on their website? Might trap them there

Originally Posted by GeorgeEven if it is under warranty, take it to an independent for scheduled maintainance. You are not required to take the car to the dealer for maintainance to keep the warranty in effect, even though dealers try mightily to perpetuate the myth HEy Thanks George what I ment by Warranty work was warranty repair work! Defects repairs that are covered by the warranty!!
Cybergypsy wrote:
how could you fall for that... a guess ones born every minute....
Hey Dont laugh at the poor guy not everyone is mechanicly inclined
My Brother in laws mother actualy asked me if the oil light coming on ment it was time to add oil LOL And just so everyone knows if you do know whats going on under the hood and have a question about something that was done you can always ask to speek to the mechanic who did the work! Heck usualy once they find out im a mechanic they will usualy cut the BS and give it to me straight![/i]

Hey guys, i think i got hosed. I dropped off my car with my "regular" dealer to find out my usual service writer wasn't there today so i said cool, let another guy know i was there for the 15k service. I signed the paper and was on my way. I came back when it was ready and went to the cashier to pay. She told me my total, 220 and some change. I was shocked! I stayed cool and asked to see my paperwork. Turns out the dealer recommends an actual brake service(take apart brakes, clean them, put them back), Transmission oil change(at 15k??!!), and $135 worth of labor "check this and thats" I paid the bill and went home to consult my owners maintanance book and found that i did not need anything close to what they did. Now i wouldn't be complaining so much except that i am a college student that just paid almost my CAR PAYMENT on a 15k service! I called back the dealer, was sent to an anwsering machine and never received a phonecall back. Am i over reacting? Should I let scion know what they are doing? I mean, i own a scion, not a lexus! lol sorry if im ranting. any feedback would be appreciated. thank you

-Rafael

oh yeah, this was Moreno Valley Toyota incase anyone was wondering

Raf,

Of all the boards and all the cars out there...Two old escort guys meet up once again....As far as Mo Val Toyota goes...eh I'd stay away...they weren't even nice when I called...Riverside was even worse....Check out Glendora, they treated me pretty well when I bought the box...I go in for service on Thursday (getting the goodies put on)...Ill let you know how it goes....

Damn, you got f**ked with no vaseline :!:

What was the outcome of this?

Well, legally he has to pay. He pretty much gave the dealer carte blanche when he signed the paperwork without a clearly defined "service as specified in the owner's manual" instruction on it.

My Box underwent it's 15K service at a Toyota/Scion Service Dept. Before I took the box in, I research prices with my local Toyota/Scion dealerships. Here's what I came up in MD for the 15K. Dont tell them you have a Scion. They may try to jack it up. Just say a 4-cyl Toyota with an Echo engine:

All prices before tax
Glen Burnie (Brown's Car Toyota/Scion): $239
CarMax Laurel: $230
Russel Automotive: $190

Guess which one I went to :D Russel is pretty reputable. Although regular oil changes takes awhile at least you dont have to make an appointment oil changes on the Saturdays.

My Box underwent it's 15K service at a Toyota/Scion Service Dept. Before I took the box in, I research prices with my local Toyota/Scion dealerships. Here's what I came up in MD for the 15K. Dont tell them you have a Scion. They may try to jack it up. Just say a 4-cyl Toyota with an Echo engine:

All prices before tax
Glen Burnie (Brown's Car Toyota/Scion): $239
CarMax Laurel: $230
Russel Automotive: $190

Guess which one I went to :D Russel is pretty reputable. Although regular oil changes takes awhile at least you dont have to make an appointment oil changes on the Saturdays.

I am not understanding why you guys are paying $190+ or whatever tehy charge for the 15k service. Change oil, rotate tires, tighten drive shaft bolt (I have no idea what this is), and inspect a bunch of $hit which they probably won't anyhow. I doubt the drive shaft bolt is anything complicated, but damn $190 for that :idea:

That ($190), is actually cheaper than going to the independant shops (the non Meineke, Jiffy Lube types) where I live. They are reputable but cost way more. :(

That ($190), is actually cheaper than going to the independant shops (the non Meineke, Jiffy Lube types) where I live. They are reputable but cost way more. :(

What I am saying the 15k maintenance is a joke for $190. There is NOTHING special about it to cost $190 :!:

In this case it would need to be a axel shaft bolt(s) that they look at. Only RWD cars have a drive shaft. As for paying for all this. Just did the work on a sunday, only pay for parts then. I would think a service manual would tell you how to go about looking to see if these bolts are tight enough or not. I can understand the looking at the wires, plumbing for the brakes & so on, but you can do most of this your self also.

if you think thats messed up, my wife gets charged an extra 30% on what ever she takes her xterra in for, oil changes, mantaince, and 15k service. this is even with me working at that dealership. which makes it a pain in my ___ to have to have everything checked. but then agains she might also have the rip me off sign on her face. she also know to call me first if they have to replace anything. at least i told her not to worry about the headlight fluid (its self ajusting), muffler bearing (200,000 mile part) and elbow grease (i fill it weekly).

In this case it would need to be a axel shaft bolt(s) that they look at. Only RWD cars have a drive shaft.

I think the drive shaft bolt is something different. WHy would they tell you to tighten this bolt every 15k if it's only on the RWD version?

That ($190), is actually cheaper than going to the independant shops (the non Meineke, Jiffy Lube types) where I live. They are reputable but cost way more. :(

What I am saying the 15k maintenance is a joke for $190. There is NOTHING special about it to cost $190 :!:

I agree. It's just a bs ripoff. Unless something is wrong with it, it should
not cost over $200.00 bucks for basically a checkup. Do they say your
warranty is void if you don't have the different service checks done? I have
never been told this on any new car. My old boss bought a Honda CRV and
she takes in for the service checks and pays a couple of hundred bucks each time
cause they told her it would void her warranty if she did not. If a new vehicle
can't make it through it's warranty period without a thousand dollars worth of ____ done it to, then it is not worth buying. :evil:

Just to update my situation, I called and left a message with the service manager (didnt pick up) and wrote a letter. Neither of them were responded to. Basically, some of you are right. I signed the paper saying "15k service" so nothing illegal occured. It was just my part in trusting the dealership that backfired. I guess you can just say lesson learned. Word to the wise, check your owners manual per service intervals or just ask, like a member suggested, "as specified by owners manual". I don't think i will be going to them any time soon which sucks because i'm less then 5 minutes away but oh well, id rather drive for a better experience. thanks for your help guys.

-Rafael

In this case it would need to be a axel shaft bolt(s) that they look at. Only RWD cars have a drive shaft.

I think the drive shaft bolt is something different. WHy would they tell you to tighten this bolt every 15k if it's only on the RWD version?

I took a look at parts of the manual. They call the axel shafts (Drive Shaft) in this case. They never seem to say Drive Shaft's though, so is there only one drive shaft?

Just to update my situation, I called and left a message with the service manager (didnt pick up) and wrote a letter. Neither of them were responded to. Basically, some of you are right. I signed the paper saying "15k service" so nothing illegal occured. It was just my part in trusting the dealership that backfired. I guess you can just say lesson learned. Word to the wise, check your owners manual per service intervals or just ask, like a member suggested, "as specified by owners manual". I don't think i will be going to them any time soon which sucks because i'm less then 5 minutes away but oh well, id rather drive for a better experience. thanks for your help guys.

-Rafael

You could always confront them on what was serviced for $190. Make a scene with other customers around demanding partial credit back because you were ripped off!!! Also, tell them you will be referring the situation to BBB (Better Business Bureau). ...and never step foot in that place again :!:

This is why it pays to find a good independent (NOT a chain, like Midas or Sears, and especially not Firestone) mechanic. Ask around (there are probably people on Scion Life who are in your area and know a good mechanic).

With my Saturn, I've been getting all my oil changes done at a quick-lube place, then I drive next door to Les Schwab for a free tire rotation. I alternate taking my car to my mechanic for the major tune-up-type service, and taking it to the dealer (so as not to miss out on TSBs, etc.). If the dealer recommends any further service, I ALWAYS get an estimate, then take it to my mechanic for a second opinion. If my mechanic agrees, I have him do the work.

I plan to do the same with the tC.

This is why it pays to find a good independent (NOT a chain, like Midas or Sears, and especially not Firestone) mechanic. Ask around (there are probably people on Scion Life who are in your area and know a good mechanic).

With my Saturn, I've been getting all my oil changes done at a quick-lube place, then I drive next door to Les Schwab for a free tire rotation. I alternate taking my car to my mechanic for the major tune-up-type service, and taking it to the dealer (so as not to miss out on TSBs, etc.). If the dealer recommends any further service, I ALWAYS get an estimate, then take it to my mechanic for a second opinion. If my mechanic agrees, I have him do the work.

I plan to do the same with the tC.

Or, DIY. With the money people spend letting a mechanic work on their vehicle you could invest in a nice tool set and digital camera and DIY. Not to foget the extra money you have and knowledge. Post the problem with pics on the forums and you'll get help.

I did a motor swap in my Civic. First time EVER doing anything major. Yeah, I ran into problems, but that's when I used the digital camera and posted shots. The experts walked me through and before I knew it, I was done.

That's just my opinion on the subject though.

Or, DIY.
For those of us who don't live in the city, sure. :wink:

I am not understanding why you guys are paying $190+ or whatever tehy charge for the 15k service. Change oil, rotate tires, tighten drive shaft bolt (I have no idea what this is)...

I don't know either, and it certainly isn't in the owners' manual service list. They probably also lube the muffler bearings and tighten the piston return springs.

dang, I'm glad I checked here.

My xA just hit 5k so the light is blinking.

I schedualed my maintenence for tomorrow, but I think I'll ask the Toyo how much then check around a bit.

I don't want to unload 200 for a simple oil change (I can do that myself) and tire rotation.

What all is actually needed for the first 5k, just oil and tire rotation?

Just to update my situation, I called and left a message with the service manager (didnt pick up) and wrote a letter. Neither of them were responded to. Basically, some of you are right. I signed the paper saying "15k service" so nothing illegal occured. It was just my part in trusting the dealership that backfired. I guess you can just say lesson learned. Word to the wise, check your owners manual per service intervals or just ask, like a member suggested, "as specified by owners manual". I don't think i will be going to them any time soon which sucks because i'm less then 5 minutes away but oh well, id rather drive for a better experience. thanks for your help guys.

-Rafael

This is why in my opinion 90% of the Toyota dealers are the scum of the earth. I bought a Scion, because I can go around their BS. I've had numerous experiences with Toyota dealers, and have come away unhappy EVERY time. They say what you want to hear, hook you, and then after you've wasted hours of time, they change the deal and make stupid excuses. . . secondly the service departments will do whatever they can within the legal limit to take your money. There are some good dealers. . . but man. I can understand good business, and maximizing profits, but you have to keep customers happy, otherwise you lose future business. I guess they've always relied on the quality of the product to keep customers coming back, but this is an issue that Toyota Corporate will have to deal with. Toyota dealers are REALLY low in the ranks when it comes to customer service. Ironic that Lexus is one of the best. . .

dang, I'm glad I checked here.

My xA just hit 5k so the light is blinking.

I schedualed my maintenence for tomorrow, but I think I'll ask the Toyo how much then check around a bit.

I don't want to unload 200 for a simple oil change (I can do that myself) and tire rotation.

What all is actually needed for the first 5k, just oil and tire rotation?

Look in your glove compartment - there should be a service schedule in with your owner's manual.

Don't xAs get the three free oil changes? (Look in the back of the service schedule.)

Don't xAs get the three free oil changes? (Look in the back of the service schedule.)

That they do, but that doesn't stop dealers from tacking on other "service" items if you let them. They will gently ask you if you "need the tires rotated" or simply write "5000 mile service" on the service order that the customer signs without questioning.

The reason that they give your those three free oil changes is to get you used to using the dealer's service department, not because they want to give you a freebie.

George

^ true, but not the point. A free oil change will reduce the overall cost of the 5k service.

Get the free stuff, and specifically refuse, in advance, the other stuff you don't want.

Take responsibility as a consumer and you won't get screwed.

Just to update my situation, I called and left a message with the service manager (didnt pick up) and wrote a letter. Neither of them were responded to. Basically, some of you are right. I signed the paper saying "15k service" so nothing illegal occured. It was just my part in trusting the dealership that backfired. I guess you can just say lesson learned. Word to the wise, check your owners manual per service intervals or just ask, like a member suggested, "as specified by owners manual". I don't think i will be going to them any time soon which sucks because i'm less then 5 minutes away but oh well, id rather drive for a better experience. thanks for your help guys.

-Rafael

Next time you stop by there, pop into the sales dept. Let them know how poorly the service Dept treated you and that you expected more as a CUSTOMER of the dealership. Sometimes this can be helpful. Most importantly, raise your voice a little and do it while there are potential sales customers in the showroom. I made the point, quite loudly, that I didn't expect to get my money back, but if I could stop another person from getting ripped off by this dealership, it would be worth it. It was a nice little vent to get it off of my chest, and the look on a few people's faces made it even more worth it.

I've been daydreaming of starting a website called DublinToyotaSUX.com standing for Service Users Xchange, for people to come and tell their service experiences. Even if it didn't get much traffic, it would be fun just to distribute flyers all around the stealership... :twisted:

The best thing for you to do is to call scion! All prices are pure priced with scion including the 15k service. Check the delaers scion website and they should have the prices for a 15k service posted. We have ours posted at $39.95 so yea you got the shaft. Definitly call scion about it and maybe they will get the dealer to give you a refund, or take away some the inventory there. Hope this helps.

I just realized that he didn't post the name of the dealership....I hope it wasn't the one I work at!

I had this crap happen, i went in for my 15000 mile service, and thats all i said, he didnt ask me what all i wanted, i ended up payin $170......WTF?? Oil change, injectors cleaned, fuel "additive" air filter, and some other useless ____. ____ed me off cuz i didnt ask for it, they wouldnt give me my money back, just a $50 credit for in store stuff. Which was cool but didnt solve the situation.

I ask for the basic oil change and my dealer does "check this and that" for free. this benefits them too, if they find something wrong they will solicit more money I mean business from me to fix it. Of course if I asked for the royal treatment they would be happy to charge extra.

In this case it would need to be a axel shaft bolt(s) that they look at. Only RWD cars have a drive shaft.

I think the drive shaft bolt is something different. WHy would they tell you to tighten this bolt every 15k if it's only on the RWD version?

I took a look at parts of the manual. They call the axel shafts (Drive Shaft) in this case. They never seem to say Drive Shaft's though, so is there only one drive shaft?

My 06 maintenance manual doesn't mention any drive shaft bolt. I think this was an oops by Toyota.

As far as the schedule maintenance is concerned, I pretty much do everything myself. I was sick of dealing with mechanics, so I bought the Toyota service manual, and it has been like a godsend. I just did this 15K service and it was actually pretty easy.