Always Check Dealer Work!!!

Well, excuse me for a small rant.......

The dealer we bought our 19 Tundra and 17 4Runner is tough to call and get service done. Talk to 2 people until you get a scheduler and then they are always a week to week and a half full. If you do get in, it takes a while and seems like there is always something to buy. A wash package, oil change package, etc. now here is what I really hate! Every time I get flagged down in the parking lot by the service advisor telling me to make sure that whatever I do, make sure I give all 10's if I get the survey from Toyota. Last time it happened I told them since you asked I will give all zeros, but had you not asked I would have given you all 10's as I know it can affect their paychecks.

Decided to try different dealer.... New dealer said they could fit me in no problem for 20k ToyotaCare. Dropped it off, waited 45 minutes and they were done. I mark the wheels and they did not rotate the tires, all they did was change oil and maybe filter. While I was there, I asked them what they charge for front brake job on 17 4Runner. $349 + tax!!!!!! Hell no!!!! First experience terrible and will not be back.

Fast forward to 30 days later and about 1,500 miles. Went out at lunch time to check oil in the truck. What I found was ridiculous. Oil was at least 2 inches over full! Partly my fault, as I always checks fluids if they are changed by somebody. Filled way too much, no tire rotation, complete rip off, etc....

Now, I am very mechanical and do all of my own work. I changed the oil and filter in my truck at 5k and 15k. Dealer did it at 10k and 20k just because it was "free"

I have plenty of Mobil 1 and filters in the garage so guess what I am doing here in about 15 minutes?

I need to install my RCI skid plate and Fumoto valve anyway. Just 3,700 miles before 25k....

 

I used to really like the dealership near me, always got me in very quick and real cool adviser, until the last time I went. I noticed the truck seemed a bit louder so I got home popped the hood and the clowns never even closed the airbox. No more dealership for me unless its a recall or warranty.

 

I am almost there. However there is 3rd dealer we have went to 3 times for the 4Runner. They are old school and only do what you ask. Never any crazy vehicle reports about your vehicle needs alignment etc.

I ended up taking to the 4Runner to them for front breaks as I was really busy with work. Only changed me $187. 1 hour of labor plus about $65 or so for pads. I watched them through the window and take the rotors off, machine and turn them, install and new pads. If I need to use a dealer I will go to them. Wanted to buy from them but they basically sell everything for basically MSRP. Would not come off only $1k to $2k. However they seem to have a good service department.

 

I’ve caught techs doing oil on tundras and not changing the oil filters. They still put the correct amount of oil in for the truck so it appears high. Not saying this is what happened. But working for a dealer I’ve had to yell at our lube techs before because of the laziness.

 

I used a Toyota dealership for our older Corolla (2004) until they forgot to put the oil cap back in place. My stepson drives the car and one evening when I got home from work I could smell burnt fluid. I popped the hood and found the oil cap resting over on the side of the engine and oil was everywhere, soaked the insulation under the hood and made a giant mess. I bought my Tundra from a different dealership and they have been doing my service, but no issues so far from this dealership.

 

I have a dealer a couple miles from only went once for a LBJ for my 1st gen, the lady behind the parts counter made me feel like I was bothering her. Never went back again. The one I liked is right outside of my work, but why pay $100 for an oil change and then have to go inspect the quality of their service. I inspect technicians for work just not on cars, no need to pay money to do the same.

 

I had the same idea about doing the 5/15k myself because i didn't want to wait for 10k for my first change. Still not sure i want them touching it, even for the 2 freebies. If you do all the oil changes yourself, and save the receipts, will that protect you as far as the warranty is concerned?

 

I refuse to go to a dealer. I’ll happily pay instead of getting their “free” service.

 

Mike, I’m in the Knoxville area as well. Mind sharing which dealer you would recommend for service in this area?

 

I have found that Fox Toyota in Clinton right off I-75 is the best so far. You can actually get in usually the same day and they are super laid back so far. They have not tried to upsell or suggest one thing. Other dealers if you sit in the waiting area you see the service guys come out and sit with a lot of people and tell them their car needs something. Not once have I seen them sit down and tell somebody that have to replace the cabin air filter for $100.00. I have sent my wife up there 2 to 3 times with the 4Runner and never have they said it needs anything, as well as it shouldn't with 30k miles.

The large dealer closer to your neck of the woods is not bad at all really. It just seems to take a little bit to get in and takes longer at the dealer to get service. Being chased down in the parking lot more than once begging for all 10's really pissed me off beyond belief, like nails in the chalk board. I have bought 4 cars from them but Fox Toyota is much easier, more pleasant, and a lot cheaper than the other dealers.

 

That’s good to know. It does seem to take forever at the Parkside dealer. I haven’t used Fox but I’ll definitely use them next time as they are closer to my job.

 

Haha, yeah not fun to be in there with 2 wild and young kiddos! The 5 or 6 times we have been to Fox I have called that morning or afternoon and they say just come on in. I wouldn't just walk in on a Saturday morning but it will work.

The dealer I went to once and never be back is on Alcoa Hwy......

 

Yep I’ve been to that one only one time and I would not go back. Seemed very unprofessional to me.

 

I have always found that any work being done to my truck will be done by me because trusting any shop these days is asking for it. I will only turn to help if it’s something way out of my league. Maintenance I feel like falls under the old saying if you want something done right your gonna have to do it yourself.

 

The tech probably drained your trans. Has it been shifting ok? I would definitely be checking the trans fluid level asap.

 

My Lexus dealer sent me a video yesterday of them going through my GS350 thoroughly. It was awesome! Best services I’ve ever received. The local Toyota dealer, pretty much the complete opposite.
I’m about to start taking my Tundra to Lexus.

 

Fortunately I haven't had too many problems with my Toyota dealer, but I do use a local auto service whose service is outstanding. Have to agree that free isn't all it's cracked up to be sometimes.

 

I did my 1st 5K under Toyota Care a couple of days and found out that they did not rotate the tires and fill/tap the coolant on the reserve. I guess their work should not be called under “Toyota Care”

 

I have had a few times I took my vw to the dealer and both times they either broke something or drained my battery. I stay away from dealers like the plague.

 

You should inspect any shop's work, not just the dealer.

I have used my local dealer for a high percentage of work I want or need done on my Toyota vehicles for the last 20 years... if my post service inspection reveals a problem - I have them fix the problem. My dealership has not given me any reason to stop using them, but some of the local independents have.

 

I agree. I change all fluids, spark plugs, belts, and usually brakes. I was just really busy and figured you might as well use something you paid for. Instead it costed me an unscheduled oil change on my dime and my time last night.

 

Truck has shifted just fine so I do not believe so. However, I am going to check it now at lunch.

 

You know, never thought of it but that would be pretty cool if the techs wore GoPro on them or their hats. While waiting in the waiting area, you could log in or watch what they are doing from a smart device....

The Knoxville Lexus dealer is right next door and owned by the same people as the Toyota dealer. I know several people who bought from them and the same thing. You need to plan a week and a half advance ahead and plan on half a day..... Just to be told your ball joints are bad and need replacing. Lexus is not an option unfortunately.

 

After my last oil change at my local dealer and the issues I discovered I have not received any offers from them for service. I gave them zeroes once on my Tacoma and got a call from service manager. I use to get mailings from them fairly often. I was real pissed about what I found when I did my first oil change. I would have been worse if I had not had a replacement filter cap on hand.

 

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the Parkside dealership either. I will avoid going back. The next time I'm due for a timing belt I'll find an independent shop to do it.

 

I used to work at a ford dealership just out of highschool.


Lets just say I'll never bring any of my cars to a dealer

NEVER

 

it seems to be all dealers, not just toyota. I used to take two vehicles to my local dealer for all work. dont anymore oil plug was left loose on one vehicle 3 times. and my truck 4 times. did not rotate tires so i marked my tires, when truck was done i went and looked tires were not rotated. went to talk with service manager he said tires were done he said look at paper work, i told him what tires were marked to go look and see they are still where I said they were when I came, had my interior door panels all marked up and a hole in my console lid. and grease all over my pillar inside. techs are to busy playing with their phones. I called toyota and told them they need to have a waiting area where you can watch your car getting done.

 

The sad thing is they never held 100% accountable for their mistakes

 

I NEVER go to a dealership. Have a mechanic friend I trust and another local shop I trust. That's it. Find someone you trust or do it yourself. I don't trust dealerships for service unless I'm buying parts from their parts department.