Beware of aftermarket parts -vs- warranty

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 30, 2004 | 06:25 AM

#21

Otocan

Senior Member

SL Member

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 760

From: Maryland USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue ink tc

ok, so can anyone reassure me that the dealer today had the right to charge me $80 for an alignment since i put the trd springs on my tc, i thought that they didnt void warranty and they told me at the dealer when i bought it the alignment had like a 12k mile warranty, the dealer did not install my springs and if they had, the service rep told me and one of the mechs backed her up by saying that they could not align the car under warranty even if they had put the springs on....thanks

well, if I get the jist of it right, you installed springs yourself and had to go to the dealer for an alignment and pay for it - and the dealer wouldn't do it for free

well, if somehow the stock springs/shocks caused your tires to be out of alignment, that would be warrantied. but as soon as you change something in your suspension, it changes the alignment. since you changed it, it needed to be re-aligned. and if they installed the springs they would charge you installation and alignment.

the suspension needed realignment after the springs were installed, and the springs themselves have a 1 year warranty if installed yourself (3 years through dealers) but one way or another, you needed a re-alignment BECAUSE you changed the springs, not because there was something wrong with the car.

P.S.: I bought the TRD Shocks, springs and rear sway bar, installed by Scionlife's BrianxB ( THANKS BRIANXB) and took it to the dealer for re-alignment and paid my $80, it needed to be done.

Nov 30, 2004 | 07:03 AM

#22

lo_bux_racer

Senior Member

SL Member

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 424

From: Gone

Warranties are funny birds no matter how you look at it. I bought the Toyota Extra Care because I have significant experience with TEC warranties and my dealer. The burden of proof is on the shop, not the owner. You do not have to prove the modification is faultless, they have to prove the modification caused the problem. Big difference.

However, just because they are dealers does not make them gods when it comes to fixing a problem with your car. For example, the alignment previously mentioned is essential after lowering the car, but taking the car to the dealer is no different than taking the car to some tire store. Most dealers sub-contract for alignments, and they are done by some kid with a computer aided device guaranteed to screw it all up.

I learned my lesson with previous Toyotas: if it is a part replacement, take it in for warranty. If it is a service (alignment, oil change, fluid change, etc.) you either need to find someone you trust or someone who is inexpensive but does decent work, even if the warranty is still in effect.

Nov 30, 2004 | 07:43 PM

#23

blue_ink_tc

Member

SL Member

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 81

From: Houston, TX

yeah but seen as the tc is a fairly new car i doubt the place wher i usually take my cars to get aling is going to have the stock specs

Nov 30, 2004 | 08:08 PM

#24

mancide

Senior Member

SL Member

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 380

From: Western KY

What is the deal with TRD parts? Is the warranty void if you do the work yourself or, say, buy the TRD suspension package, and take it to a non-dealer mechanic who is certified on suspensions, and have him install them and align the car at a cheaper price. Is the TRD/Scion warranty still in effect?

Honestly, the only major part I'm thinking of doing is the TRD suspension, and I want it done so that nothing can be questioned.

Dec 1, 2004 | 03:35 AM

#25

lo_bux_racer

Senior Member

SL Member

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 424

From: Gone

http://techinfo.toyota.com has every spec you need for a tC. There's no excuse for not having the specs. They might not have the parts, but they for sure have the specs.