15K service experience - 2005 4wd xr

[Clamhead]

Decided to take in for 15K service. Dealer had a "service package" they do consisting of the following:
- Rotate, balance tires
- 4 wheel alignment
- oil change
- engine air, cabin filter "inspection" (and of course suggested replacement for both that would add $75 to bill, I declined.)
- 27 point inspection (whatever that is)
- tighten the mysterious driveshaft bolt. The service guy didn't know what/where it is, just that they do it.
- windshield wiper "inspection"
- lubricate hinges
- check all fluids
They also really pushed a "engine decarbonization" for $118. I declined.

I also showed them where the drivers side window seal was installed badly, and they will order all new seals for all 4 windows. I have to return car for installation. Covered under a TSB.

And of course, now my tire pressure light comes on. I'm fanatical about tire pressure, and have reset 3 times already, but no dice, the light stays on. So I'll mention that to them when I take it in for the window seals.

My cost out the door was $269.

[Skeldale]

Heck - I check the fluids myself and would have just gotten an oil change for about $30. That is terrible.

[coquelicot]

I'm just over 15K now and was looking at getting all of this stuff done. I think for now, I'm going to stick with the oil change. DH isn't even sure that they actually look at everything they say they will, but then stick us with the bill.

Thanks for the heads-up on potential cost.

[Clamhead]

I know, I know.....

I am a big DYI'er and thought a lot about the cost vs. what I was getting, but I decided since it was a new car, I would let the dealer check everything out after I've broken it in just this once and let them get it in their system and baselined.

By the way, the next big service at 30K runs about $550 per their "package deal". Includes transmission flush, but pretty much the same routine. I've got a 4wd, so I'm sure there are some extras to that.

I also wanted to get the window seals resolved...can't believe they sent cars out like that, but covered ad nauseum in other threads.


Here's to "dealing with your dealer".

Clamhead

[xrs22]

i've done everything myself on the car. I'm gonna do the trans. next and maybe a coolant flush to get one type in there. Some spilled out when i was doin't the TB bypass mod. I still have to take the car in to get the seal replaced due to bunching up.

[Turbolovin84]

those mysterious "drive shaft bolts" is what its called, u have a 4WD we have 3 different types of packages for services,
Mininum service basically oil change/rotate or Air Filter if included
Dealer Recommend (same as Min but wiper inserts, fuel additive, air filter if included coolant flush if high miles 15K and up)
Premium, all of the above and Brake fluid flush, trans SERVICE not flush, Balance tires

[EBR]

Originally Posted by Clamhead

Decided to take in for 15K service. Dealer had a "service package" they do consisting of the following:
- Rotate, balance tires
- 4 wheel alignment
- oil change
- engine air, cabin filter "inspection" (and of course suggested replacement for both that would add $75 to bill, I declined.)
- 27 point inspection (whatever that is)
- tighten the mysterious driveshaft bolt. The service guy didn't know what/where it is, just that they do it.
- windshield wiper "inspection"
- lubricate hinges
- check all fluids
They also really pushed a "engine decarbonization" for $118. I declined.

I also showed them where the drivers side window seal was installed badly, and they will order all new seals for all 4 windows. I have to return car for installation. Covered under a TSB.

And of course, now my tire pressure light comes on. I'm fanatical about tire pressure, and have reset 3 times already, but no dice, the light stays on. So I'll mention that to them when I take it in for the window seals.

My cost out the door was $269.

did your car require an alingment? if so I am prety sure it is covered under warranty for the first 12 months. Toyota Canada covers alingment for 12 months or 32,000 KM. Not too sure what that converts to in Miles at this time. I would think that Toyota USA would be the equivalent. As for the cabin filter it is easy. Just drop the glove box open and the removeable panel is staight behind it. Pull off the panel and slide out the filter. You might have to twist it a bit but it wont hurt it. 15000 sounds pretty early for decarbonising unless you idle it for hours on end.

Cheers

[Clamhead]

Thanks EBR,

I don't know if my car "required" an alignment, and I wasn't aware that alignments would even be considered a warranty item in the U.S.. Maybe I'll read the fine print. I passed on the engine decarb, the cabin filter, and the engine air filter as these are easy to DIY (the filters anyway).

I did finally get the tire pressure light to go out, and did get the new window seals.

[cosmicbluexrs]

Alignment is free, and most of the other stuff, is also covered under warranty, and should be done at most service calls, like check tire pressure, and lube locks, and hinges etc etc.
So they got you to pay for stuff, that should be routine and warrantied.........

[Clamhead]

Gee,
I've never had a dealer not charge for service. I called my dealer and asked them after reading your msg just to satisfy my own curiosity, and the service manager laughed and said "If I gave away alignments, lube jobs, fluid changes, etc, I'd be out of a job".

I mentioned warranty and he said those items do not apply, where was I getting the impression that all these items are covered under a warranty?

[ShawnM]

The problem with most service writers is they know next to nothing about cars. They try and push what management tells them to push. Decarbonizing an engine at 15K miles is a joke. They make a high margin of profit on it though. A 27 point inspection is more than likely just a visual inspection of different components (things that should be checked at every oil change). Ive never heard of alignments being covered under warranty. If that was the case you could take it in for an alignment every time you hit the slightest pothole and they wouldnt be able to refuse it. As long as you keep up with the oil changes you really dont need to do anything at 15 K. I would be more concerned about the 30K. There is such a thing as overselling maintenance, its not going to hurt your car but it is going to put a dent in your wallet.

[Clamhead]

Agree 100%.

By the way, my service writer was probably all of 20 yrs old (sorry if I offend this age group). He pushed the engine decarb really hard and almost wouldn't take no for an answer.

By itself, it would have added $118 to the bill. The air cabin filter change would have added $55. No way....

[Skeldale]

Clamhead:

I would have headed for the door if they would have got pushy! As far ac the cabin filter, go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy one real high quality furnace filter for $5 or $10. Take the old filter from the Matrix and use it as a guide to cut out 3 or 4 "new" filters from the one you just bought. Takes just a few minutes and you have enough filters for 60-70,000 miles!

[Clamhead]

Terrific idea on the cabin filter!!, never thought of that one.

Another service related question:

Is there any evidence that a simple "drain & refill" (similar to engine oil change) with the automatic transmission fluid considered sufficient or is the dealer "flush" substantially different, better, and worth the cost?

[cosmicbluexrs]

Well When I take my ride to the dealer for servicing, the check fluids, and top up are free, the lubing of the locks are free, you get 1 alignment under warranty for free within the first 15K, standard checking of tire pressure for free at each service, and free car wash at each service. I did not say the cabin and air filter was also going to be free but you can check and eyeball for yourself if they need changing @ the time they are telling you that they should.

My service ppl will usually say that at xxxxkm this should be, but if they check and it's fine they also tell me it ok for maybe approx xxxxkm. That's when you know you can trust these folks. To say they need changing regardless of state it a cash/$$ grab plain and simple.