Stealership and upselling.

[Joe Bob]

I just got back from the wankers at the Mercedes and an actual thought occurred to me.....HEY it can happen.

Do wrenches and service departments notify Carfax and other commercial reporting agencies of recommended repairs? I've been getting notices regarding my brakes and oil changes that for the first time ever, I had to take it to a shop. My tools are still in storage.

They dinged me for everything under the sun to the tune of 5800 USD during my recall installation of the exhaust system. Reports like this I don't need if I plan on selling the vehicle. Mercedes buyers/owners don't trust DIYers and I think its an invasion of privacy to do so. It's bad enuff that the spam warranty sellers are calling me....NOyerFB what my mileage is or how often I change oil or pads.....

[LWJ]

I think this is the only place that still has margin on new cars. Purchase prices are super thin. Used and service is the profit centers for dealers in my mind.

Yes it sucks.

[wdfifteen]

Wait - you paid $5800 for exhaust pipes?

[id10t]

I think all car repair places do this, from the shadetree-gone-legit (hey, I'm in here, and this isn't looking good, and it is easier and cheaper to replace now than in a few months ...) to the small regional chains, etc. that have the same "recommended" listing like the dealership service centers.

The thing I hate about dealerships explicityly is all that add on bs about doc fees, prep fees, etc. I know "some" haggling is expected, but the buyer can never really be sure if they are being taken advantage of in some hidden way, and the dealership goes out of the way to hide stuff (like turning a 48 mo loan on their financing - at a reasonable % - into a 52mo loan w/ same payments, etc.) and then add on the intangible crap (doc fees, etc).

At least when I'm at a gun shop (or online) I know that it is either a fair price and to include the cost of shipping and transfer OR what it is really worth if it is something used. And I know when we agree on a price if I say "out the door" that means to the penny that price with all fees, etc. (sales tax, bg call fee)

I think for giggles when I go to buy a new car in a few months, when I figure out what I want I'll call the insurance co and say "lets play a game. just bought this, brand new. Has 0 miles. Insured w/ my normal deductibles. On the way home with 10 miles on the odo it gets totaled. What is my payout?" And see just how close I can get to that number on price.

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Wait - you paid $5800 for exhaust pipes?

NO.....free recall for the Dieselgate fix. Flash the ECU, replace exhaust.

Then a full page of "recommended fixes" and their bend over, no kiss or reach around price to fix.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

NO.....free recall for the Dieselgate fix. Flash the ECU, replace exhaust.
Then a full page of "recommended fixes" and their bend over, no kiss or reach around price to fix.

How many miles?
I had a recall repair on my Volt at 24k and they asked me if I wanted them to rotate the tires while it was in there. $20 bucks. I said no. I hope carfax doesn't come after me.

[Joe Bob]

Now yer being silly.

132K, the service writer claims that I now have a 48K, 4 year emissions warranty. I haven't seen anything in writing yet besides his email Gott follow up on that as well as the 8K in repairs that the lawyers claim I am eligible for.

[fxeditor]

Hey Joe Bob! I am having a house built in the Woodstock area, about 10 miles or so from Acworth. I'm going to have a lift in the garage (probably mid-rise) and you're welcome to come over any time to wrench. You'll just have to wait 7 or 8 months though for the darn thing to be finished!

[David]

When I changed Porsche dealerships and picked up my car after a repair, they gave me a long list of stuff I needed. I said thanks, I get right on doing them myself. The service rep said no problem, they have several customers who do their own maintenance. Next time I had service done there was no list afterwards. I think they actually took note of my comments and knew not to suggest maintenance stuff.

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by fxeditor

Hey Joe Bob! I am having a house built in the Woodstock area, about 10 miles or so from Acworth. I'm going to have a lift in the garage (probably mid-rise) and you're welcome to come over any time to wrench. You'll just have to wait 7 or 8 months though for the darn thing to be finished!

Coolio....I bet we have some mutual people we know. I grew up in Eagle Rock, Glendale area. My ex's family have roots in Burbank. PM me your cell when you have a moment.