Crooked dealerships

[laxbumjc21]

So i just got back from the new Toyota dealership in my town. The service manager had me come in to look at my front brakes which were missing the shims most of the clips and some of the pins off both the left and right side($120 to get the kit). On top of that my drums were out of alignment and had flat spots in them (resurfacing and realigning $250). The dealership i bought the truck from 10 months ago said they spent $1600 to replace the rotors, pads, fix the drums and replace a caliper. Yet after i got the truck the brakes still squealed so i took it back to the dealership 3 times they told me everything was fine. So i took it to another dealership they told me the brakes looked good. Anybody else had problems with Toyota's dealerships? I love my 00 TRD but my god i hate the dealerships go in for an rotation and balance and quick check and come out with 500 bucks worth of ****.

[skinny2]

I've owned just about all the major brands and Toyota is by far the worst in my neck of the woods. No doubt there are some good Toyota dealers....I've just never found one. IMHO, they don't hold their dealers to the same level as most other brands and this is reflected in their CSI scores. Toyota usually ranks very low in customer service and I think in the past they've had decent enough vehicles they just didn't care.

My nearest Toyota dealer (30 miles) is a Honda/Toyota shop. The Toyota shop is on one side of the lot and the Honda shop is on the other. The Toyota service is horrible. Dirty old shop with rude service manager. They peeved me off to no end on the balljoint recall. The Honda shop has drive up reception, nice waiting room, and everyone treats you great. It's hard to believe the same name is on the place. I won't take my Toyota's there for service at all, I pretty much do everything myself. I usually drive 50 miles to a better dealer if I need warranty work.

I treat VW and Toyota pretty much the same in terms of dealer service: Learn how to do it yourself!

[tempetom]

In the Phoenix area I think the Toyota services are pretty good. I've only read of one where someone had an issue. I think it's because there are so many Toyota dealerships in the one area.
I fall into the fix-it-yourself camp though and go to dealers only when absolutely necessary.

[sooner4x4]

Originally Posted by laxbumjc21

The dealership i bought the truck from 10 months ago said they spent $1600 to replace the rotors, pads, fix the drums and replace a caliper. Yet after i got the truck the brakes still squealed so i took it back to the dealership 3 times they told me everything was fine. So i took it to another dealership they told me the brakes looked good. Anybody else had problems with Toyota's dealerships? I love my 00 TRD but my god i hate the dealerships go in for an rotation and balance and quick check and come out with 500 bucks worth of ****.

Problems with Toyota Dealerships? My experience has been:

1. They recommend unneccessary services (fix things that ain't broke).
2. They can refuse to repair things under warranty.
3. Service writers with absolutely no knowledge of the vehicle.

I consider item one very unethical business, so I avoid Toyota Dealership service as much as possible.
However what you are describing is a much more serious case of unethical and imcompetent practice. I would be very mad. It may be beneficial if you had documentation of the original brake work, then you may be able to seek some type of legal recourse. (however I am not a lawyer). I wouldn't expect the original dealership to be willing to step up and do the right thing, based on their past behavior.

[jdeaton]

ive been to the dealership twice. Once to replace 2 burnt wiring harnesses (yea i made a big mistake... dont want to go into details)... they did a great job (though the bill was 6k... thank god insurance covered it). The other time was to have an oil change and tire rotation when i had a broken foot. I waited 2 hours only to find they didnt rotate the tires. I ended up leaving after 2.5 hours with a free oil change pass.

Never had any problems... nice dealership and very nice shop. The service manager and mechanic were good guys too. They could have said that it was my fault to the insurance company.

Ive never had them tell me any work needs to be done other than what i asked them to do.

[Battleax]

Originally Posted by laxbumjc21

So i just got back from the new Toyota dealership in my town. The service manager had me come in to look at my front brakes which were missing the shims most of the clips and some of the pins off both the left and right side($120 to get the kit). On top of that my drums were out of alignment and had flat spots in them (resurfacing and realigning $250). The dealership i bought the truck from 10 months ago said they spent $1600 to replace the rotors, pads, fix the drums and replace a caliper. Yet after i got the truck the brakes still squealed so i took it back to the dealership 3 times they told me everything was fine. So i took it to another dealership they told me the brakes looked good. Anybody else had problems with Toyota's dealerships? I love my 00 TRD but my god i hate the dealerships go in for an rotation and balance and quick check and come out with 500 bucks worth of ****.

You let them do the work. How does this make them crooked?
It's an 8 year old truck, you will be seeing a lot more $500 expenditures in the near future, like once or twice a year from now on.

[Tundraspv]

I am lucky that where I live, I have an excellent Toyota service dept.
I buy from one dealership, and service at the other one. I like the guy that we buy are Toyotas from, but HATE their service dept.

[DH]

I'll have to admit that I like my dealer from the front door to the exit. From the no pressure sales to the honest service guys! No complaints at all.

[GORILLA]

hi, i also like ,no love my dealership. they are excellant, they care, they have bought me lunch, breakfest, coffee, etc. they have given me loaners even if the service was for 1 day.
i am able to enter the service area. and mostly any area. they are honest and very helpful if they can help. i have even recieved free oil changes in the mail.

my wife and i are very happy with every part of our experience any time we are there.
gorilla

[Sandinmytires]

I drive past my first Toyota dealer every day = jerks, rip-off artists, and incompetent service personnel. But mostly jerks.

So, I drive 40 miles to another dealer. I've bought three new vehicles from them and will go there again when its time to trade. They make every effort to demonstrate that they are helpful and actually value their customers.

Why, oh why, do the dealership owners pay good money to idiots!

[Sandinmytires]

Originally Posted by Battleax

You let them do the work. How does this make them crooked?
It's an 8 year old truck, you will be seeing a lot more $500 expenditures in the near future, like once or twice a year from now on.

Are YOU the service manager I USED to go to?

[4X4Toyer]

I've had three Toyota's and the best thing is they don't need to go to the shop very often for repairs. I had the V6 campaign on my 1991 Pickup and a steering column replaced on our Camry and that's it so far knock on wood.
Our Rav4 was flawless with no trips to the dealer for anything but service until it was wrecked.

Now my Ford trucks I had before that were the worst vehicles I've ever owned. That's what sent me to Toyota.
I was on a first name basis with the Ford service writer from 1983- 1991 and believe me that's not a good thing.

[BAD BONEZ BJ]

I like my dealership and my service writer. They just opened a new shop, complete with cafe, movie theater, nail salon, hair salon, wi-fi area, and plenty of sitting areas with widescreen TVs and comfortable chairs. They even offer shoes shines. I think they skimped a little on the parts department (not their thing I guess).

I get free state inspections and they always recommend some repair/replacement/service. I always turn them down and do it when I get home. They know it and they have commented on how well I take care of my truck.

I just spent the weekend at the Myrtle Beach Meet in the Southeast Region, hosted by another dealer. We were treated well, everyone who attended when home with some freebie something or other, all TRD stuff, i.e. hats, Jackets, duffle bags, backpacks, etc... and they paid for a dinner at Sticky Finger for all of us, including wifes & kids.

I guess I have just had good luck with dealers, bought enough from them anyway.
BJ

[MEvang]

How not to get ripped off at the dealer (or any shop for that matter):
1) Insist that they show (on your vehical) and explain to you what is wrong (or missing) before you OK the work. If they won't or say they can't or it seems like BS, see number 5
2) Make sure you ask for all old parts back (Skip oil filters and such) Keep them in you garage until you are absolutely sure the problem has been fixed. This may be your only proof that you were sold something you didn't need.
3) Don't OK anything that doesn't seem to make sense. Go with your gut. Again see number 5
4) Don't be afraid to check out the person working on your vehical. They must be ASE certified!
5) Not sure about what your being told, get a seconded opinion. It's your right!
Mike

[laxbumjc21]

Originally Posted by Battleax

You let them do the work. How does this make them crooked?
It's an 8 year old truck, you will be seeing a lot more $500 expenditures in the near future, like once or twice a year from now on.

When I bought the truck they were suppose to fix the brakes as part of the sale. Obviously they did a ****ty job and now i had to pay for it. Once again another learning experience.