Dealer Rip Off

[pjsammy]

did she sign a written estimate? That's gonna be a key. Just saying she did or didn't approve repairs isn't enough (too much "he said/she said").

[diver9000]

They saw her coming. It sounds shitty I know but they did. She probably doesnt know where else to go or who to trust so she goes back to the dealer. She has no way to dispute what they tell her she needs, unless she only gets an estimate from the dealer and then has someone else check it out. Let a local garage check it first before you ever let the dealer touch it then compare the prices and what they say you need. Stuff like brake repair, brake fluid change, normal car maintenance you can get most any shop to give you an estimate lots of times for free or for a minimal charge. Most of the time the local shops are cheaper on everyday repairs. Some of the stuff you could probably do for her yourself too. Good Luck

[cam76034]

Your best evidence of fraud is the AC service. If they had to add 2 cans of 134, then it would mean that the original refrigerant had all leaked out. I believe that the EPA requires techs to find and fix the leak first before adding additional refrigerant. If that is the case, you would have a pretty big club to threaten them with, as I doubt anyone really wants state and/or federal officials checking them out.

And then there's always the media. Bad publicity is something they would wish to avoid.

[Tango]

Well, my brother decided to go to the dealer to complain. While they admit to no wrong doing, ya right, they did throw us a bone. Service manager said they do nothing for free. My brother said, "does that include ripping off your own mother"? He threw in the next two oil changes and a $52 service credit. It was also entered into her file that no repairs be done over $100 with out him approving it. It was better than nothing, and better than I thought they would do. Tom

[diver9000]

That should tell you something right there. Maybe some overbilling? Also cam 76034 is correct about the EPA. Mechanics are required to vacuum out the system first for any remaining freon and oil regardless of what other A/C service they do. They CANNOT ADD freon without pressure checking the system first. They are suppose to keep a record of any freon they drain. It cant (suppose to) be released into the air it has to be kept in a container

[gervis01]

Sorry to hear about that. A friend recently got ripped off also and writing to Toyota was to no avail also. $43/can is just crap, reliable OEM Toyota parts need not be too pricey.