Observation on Dealer “Service Packages”
The wife has a 2 year old Chevy Traverse that she really likes and we always have the oil changed at the purchasing dealer, who we really like too. I’ve always changed my own oil but at $38.95 for 5...
Forum Discussion
My local dealer has a "lifetime" free oil change program... IF, and only IF, you follow the dealer's own maintenance program. The dealer's program is much more "comprehensive" than the manufacturer's recommended maintenance, and you end up being at the dealer multiple times a year. If you skip one of their maintenance "checks" (which of course cost money), the free oil changes are no longer available.
It is not really a "scam", as it is all written out and explained, but most people just assume that if they don't do the dealer's program then they will lose the manufacturer's warranty... and the dealer doesn't contradict this, unless asked directly.
My favorite is "needing" to have a re-alignment done when I get new tires. If I know my alignment is fine (vehicle ride is fine and tire treads have worn evenly), there is no need for alignment, and the service writer will hem and haw before conceding it is not "mandatory" for tire warranty. My local car dealer offers very competitive tire prices, because of making money on the "add-ons".
And let's not even start talking about "nitrogen filled" tires...
Another big problem I have with having work done at a dealership is that at most dealerships, you no idea who will be working on your truck. It could be the 50 year old mechanic with decades of experience, or whoever else happened to show up for work that morning. Most mechanics today are paid as a type of "sub contractor", and get paid a set price for work -- the faster they work, the more money the make on each job. This is not conducive to taking the time to make sure everything is done correctly.
I tell people over and over, find and USE a local independent repair garage so that they get to know you... it will pay for itself just in not paying for unneeded maintenance and "repairs"! If you keep records of work done and materials used (make sure correct oil and products are used), you will be fine if you need warranty work.
It is not really a "scam", as it is all written out and explained, but most people just assume that if they don't do the dealer's program then they will lose the manufacturer's warranty... and the dealer doesn't contradict this, unless asked directly.
My favorite is "needing" to have a re-alignment done when I get new tires. If I know my alignment is fine (vehicle ride is fine and tire treads have worn evenly), there is no need for alignment, and the service writer will hem and haw before conceding it is not "mandatory" for tire warranty. My local car dealer offers very competitive tire prices, because of making money on the "add-ons".
And let's not even start talking about "nitrogen filled" tires...
Another big problem I have with having work done at a dealership is that at most dealerships, you no idea who will be working on your truck. It could be the 50 year old mechanic with decades of experience, or whoever else happened to show up for work that morning. Most mechanics today are paid as a type of "sub contractor", and get paid a set price for work -- the faster they work, the more money the make on each job. This is not conducive to taking the time to make sure everything is done correctly.
I tell people over and over, find and USE a local independent repair garage so that they get to know you... it will pay for itself just in not paying for unneeded maintenance and "repairs"! If you keep records of work done and materials used (make sure correct oil and products are used), you will be fine if you need warranty work.
