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Oil change scam: Hidden camera investigation on what really happens to your car

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by T-Rex266, Jun 15, 2015.

  1. Jun 15, 2015 at 2:39 PM
    #1
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 [OP] Elon approved Staff Member

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    This doesn't surprise me one bit, and is the exact reason I prefer ONE honest Toyota technician (@LOTSOFTOYS ) to work on my truck. Granted, there are plenty of honest techs out there, but with some of these franchises you can never be too careful.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-avpx8UTakI
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  2. Jun 15, 2015 at 2:51 PM
    #2
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    This is why I have the dealer do my oil changes. It has nothing to do with it being a total pain in the ass pulling off skid plate, purchasing special tool to remove filter, getting rid of the used oil. Putting skid plate back on. Shall I go on? heh heh
     
  3. Jun 15, 2015 at 3:23 PM
    #3
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

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    This is a touchy subject for me so im going to keep it short and sweet. People call dealerships "stealerships". When in fact its the small companies like this thta are stealing your money. Dealerships are held to a much higher standard byt the manufacturers. If any of the techs at my work charged or recommended stuff the vehicle didnt need and/or not do things like in the video. We would be swiftly booted out to the street. Theres a saying in the industry, "toolboxes have wheels for a reason".

    You may pay more at a dealership for the same service or diagnostics than independent shops or lube shops. But thats for good reason, you have experienced techs that work on the same brand everyday, you have oem parts meant for your vehicle, and you have a brand name on the outside of the building backing us up.

    If you think your getting ripped off, ask to talk to the tech and see your car. Have them show you what they are selling you. Ilove when customers question me, almost a gaurenteed upsell when i talk with them about what i see and show them so they are now aware of it as well. One of the most important things my apprentice does is learn to listen and communicate to a customer.

    /rant.
     
  4. Jun 15, 2015 at 3:28 PM
    #4
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I'm guilty of using stealership, only in jest, but I prefer a Toyota trained mechanic working on my truck to keep it running. I used to do a lot of my own repairs. Too much pain in the ass now and I'm getting lazy. Still do my brakes. Not much else. ( actually changing pads and rotors suck on this big truck, dealer next time)
     
    LOTSOFTOYS[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Jun 15, 2015 at 3:44 PM
    #5
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Come to think of it I should get a real good discount for switching from East to the West dealership. It is farther away. heh heh
     
  6. Jun 15, 2015 at 3:56 PM
    #6
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 [OP] Elon approved Staff Member

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    Jace will literally text photos to me, and go above and beyond looking at other areas to ensure shit was done right and take it upon himself to ensure he gives every vehicle the extra touch.
     
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  7. Jun 16, 2015 at 6:57 AM
    #7
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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    I got lucky in this department. My local Toyota dealership has been awesome. The only problem is it's some distance away. I was able to find a local shop that's very familiar with Toyota vehicles (they even keep Toyota oil filters in their shop) that has done superb job on my truck.
     
    T-Rex266[OP] likes this.
  8. Jun 16, 2015 at 12:14 PM
    #8
    nlaroy

    nlaroy New Member

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    It pains me to know that people are getting ripped off, but it happens in just about every industry. From people telling you to buy this because it is what you need, when the model you want also performs that duty. Upsale is such a pain sometimes, and i remember it was hard for me to do when i was working sales out of high school. The one things i've learned, and many like you might agree, is do research. Research the car, truck, tv or what not you want to purchase. I research certain repairs to find out what all is involved, and like Mr. LOTSOFTOYS
    mention, i like to talk to the tech that do work for me. I figure if they don't mind be upfront, i may begin to trust them.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  9. Jun 16, 2015 at 12:27 PM
    #9
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I know that I am going to get the "upscale" treatment for just about everything. I make it clear up front what I want and try to nip it in the bud first. Sometimes I volunteer that I am open to suggestions up front too if I am not 100% certain what I want. Not a big deal to me. I do like only saying "no" once. Don't like being pushed.
     
  10. Aug 5, 2015 at 7:25 PM
    #10
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    When I was in college I worked part time at a Toyota dealership and I can honestly say those guys knew their stuff, they worked on the same cars all day everyday. We all know the difference between doing something you have done before, but on a new car. Its different. I get my vehicles inspected at a family run business, but everything else is done by the dealership or myself.
     
  11. Aug 5, 2015 at 9:11 PM
    #11
    garnaz

    garnaz New Member

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    Dealership or independent doesn't matter.
    It's the people in the back that are what matter.

    I work at an independent and we've had our share of dumbasses and dipshits.
    But when you have customers coming in from the dealership wanting second option on her year old car. That the dealership was trying to upsale 30k maintenance when car had 20k. Someone made a mistake.
    But when they're tryig to sell services that don't apply that's a ripoff. Example power steering fluid flush when the vehicle has electric power steering?
    Someone doesn't know their product or they're trying to shaft a female.

    As stated earlier always good to talk to the tech working on vehicle. Service writer is a hired liar.

    Edit to add: Not all are bad, but there are bad ones and good ones
     
  12. Aug 6, 2015 at 5:29 AM
    #12
    tibadoe

    tibadoe New Member

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    That is one of the reasons I do my own service - the other being I just like to work on my own stuff. If I can't or it's a warranty issue I have a good dealership I can take it to.
     
    mdavis likes this.
  13. Aug 6, 2015 at 7:42 AM
    #13
    JC303

    JC303 Same same but different

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    When Jace worked on my truck he did the same thing. Texted me pictures of what was going on and keeping me informed. I used to take my truck to Stevinson East.... from here on out I will make the extra trip to the West side just to have Jace work on anything. :rockband:
     
  14. Aug 6, 2015 at 8:35 PM
    #14
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 [OP] Elon approved Staff Member

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    I have my 20k appt with him on Monday..couple of minor issues..but hey, it's warrantied :D
     
  15. Aug 7, 2015 at 6:53 AM
    #15
    LOTSOFTOYS

    LOTSOFTOYS Toyota Whisperer

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    I think I'm gonna be sick
     
    JC303 and T-Rex266[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  16. Mar 29, 2016 at 4:34 PM
    #16
    freerider8

    freerider8 Trucks Rule

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    That makes me want to Vomit!! I am glad I know how to work on my own vehicles. This is what gives many shops a bad name because of A-holes like this.
     
  17. Mar 29, 2016 at 4:57 PM
    #17
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Wanted to vomit too, but saw your avatar. All better now. If anybody uses a 3rd party shop, for crips sake, watch what they do. Don't sit in the "rip-off", err... "waiting" room. If they don't let me watch..no business.
     
    freerider8 likes this.
  18. Mar 29, 2016 at 5:14 PM
    #18
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 [OP] Elon approved Staff Member

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    Dejavu. I'll see you next Tues for 30k service :D
     
  19. Mar 29, 2016 at 5:37 PM
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    freerider8

    freerider8 Trucks Rule

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    Fuel Wheels. Lift Kit. Duel Exhaust.
    Lol, you're welcome.
     
  20. Mar 29, 2016 at 8:49 PM
    #20
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    That video is disturbing for sure. This is why I do my own service other than the transmission service, which I have Toyota do. I am not beneath testing to see if they actually do what they are paid to do.

    Now Toyota Dealerships are not immune to this bullshit either. I have had two bad experiences with my local Toyota dealership. Sales has been awesome, maintenance department has been shady as fuck.

    First issue:
    - 2001, took my wife's 2000 Tacoma for a warranty part (climate control knob) while she was at work. I had the day off. She had scheduled a oil change for a few days later that I didn't know about. She purchased a Toyota care oil change package when she wrote the check for her truck before we were married. I had them change the part out, asked if I needed anything else and I went on my way.
    I have always been very good with maintenance on vehicles. In fact, I have only had one tow truck ever...and that was my Audi. Damn coil packs. I was always able to limp my Dodges to home or to a repair facility with some interesting engineering. Anyway, a few days later that was unknown to me she comes home with a list of items that should be done for a small sum of $800+ dollars. Now a month prior I really pissed off my young wife and made her drain all fluids in her truck, change a tire, etc so she knew how to do it. All this maintenance was done, and you could still see the fresh oil marks from draining the diffs and transfer case. Not a huge issue, but why didn't they say a damn word to me a few days earlier? little shady.....but I went ahead and blew it off and gave Toyota the benefit of the doubt.

    - 2010, well the truck was 10 years old and it was time for the timing belt and water pump, drive belts and a sensor that went out. Since they were at it, flush the coolant system out as well. They gave us a killer deal, so hell, why not? The service department did an excellent job. We had also done a full drain and fill of all fluids except the coolant, new brakes, flushed the brake system, lubed the drivetrain.
    Fast forward 3 months or maybe 1500 miles. I had an O2 sensor go out. At the time I did not own a scanner (solved that flippen problem), took it over to AutoZone and they said it was a code for the O2 sensor. I changed it out and figured the code would go away after a certain amount of key strokes. I just didn't think it would have been 35 or more. So I had my wife take in the truck to get a service diagnostic test to see what the hell was going on. The assistant service manager said it was repaired correctly, just not enough key cycles to clear the code. (high 5 myself)
    This is where all hell broke loose. So guess what my wife came home with again? This time after 9 years of marriage she knows a little about vehicles. She flat out said "didn't we just do all this bullshit?" So we went through the list:
    -timing belt/water pump
    -drive belts
    -brake system flush
    -new front rotors and brakes

    So now I am pissed. I told my wife to drive the Dodge Diesel to work the next day (which she hated, another high 5 for me). I called the Service manager and asked to take a meeting with him and the mechanic that worked on my vehicle the day before. He said he could do 4pm. I agreed and brought in all my paperwork from 3 months earlier and the bullshit that was given to my wife the day before. I went to his office and had a nice chat about what his 20 year veteran mechanic recommended, and some of it was recommended to be done soon. Then we went out to my 2000 Tacoma with his mechanic and I asked them to replace my timing belt/drive belts. They looked at them and said "They look brand new." I had them look at the brake fluid reservoir and asked why it needed to be flushed? The reservoir looked like the day we purchased it. Then we when to the brakes. I had the wheel turned hard right and asked what was wrong with my pads? Again, they both said it looked within specs. This is where I was "that guy" at the dealership. I became very vocal and LOOOUUDDDD. I did call them everything but white men and crooks. The mechanic fucked up. He was too lazy to see the sticker on the timing belt cover that they just changed the timing belt at 89K miles. With that service came the water pump, drive belts.....
    I flat out told them I wanted my drive belts warrantied. They said now that they knew the truck was serviced there 3 months prior that there was nothing wrong with the belts to warranty. I showed them the sheet again and side "this dickhead thought so....."

    At this point I just told them this would be my last time at the dealership. I go to the North Toyota dealership in Colorado Springs now. It is a 40 mile round trip out of my way....but I am a man of principle. The only thing the service manager said to me was "I sure would like another chance to earn your business", and I told him they had their chance...and this was not the end of this. Copies were sent to other individuals within Toyota to prove that they were trying to stick a dick in my ass. Personally, I avoid the dealership like a hooker with HIV.
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2016
    BigCountry and freerider8 like this.

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