Pressure from dealer to get "4X4 service" and "exhaust service."

[Debra Co]

I JUST shelled out over $500 to my dealer for 30K mile service and replacement
of my cabin air filter (which they insisted that my 2002 LLBean did not even
have until I got inside the glove box which they had NOT completely
disassembled and showed them where it is. Before that, they were insisting
that the previous dealer had ripped me off and put a fake sticker on the car
indicating that the [supposedly nonexistent] cabin air filter had been
replaced, just to scam me, so you see what kind of dealer I am dealing with.)

Anyway, now they are calling me and saying I am due for "4X4 service" and
"exhaust service." I resisted, and told them to instead order me some winter
wiper blades and I will be in next week to pick them up, because that's what I
really need right now.

Sooo......what is 4X4 service? Do I need it? How about exhaust service? When
I had my old Corolla, exhaust service consisted of heading to Midas when the
muffler blew out, once every two years or so.

Car has 31,600 miles on it right now.

 

[Edward Hayes]

It sounds like you are being taken advantage of in a big way. Go to your
owners/maintance book and find the page that describes what service is to be
performed at what mileage. CIRCLE only those items which are REQUIRED for
the warranty. These you should do yourself or have done. The service does
not need to be done at a Subaru dealer (keep receipts). Some dealers have
their OWN additional service other than Subaru recommended to increase
profits. There is NO exhaust system service other than a 2 minute look for
leaks or bent/broken components. FIND ANOTHER DEALER IF POSSIBLE. At the
very least take you Maintaince book with the circled Subaru required
maintaince and ask for NO more. eddie

 

[Clive]

I JUST shelled out over $500 to my dealer for 30K mile service and replacement
of my cabin air filter (which they insisted that my 2002 LLBean did not even
have until I got inside the glove box which they had NOT completely
disassembled and showed them where it is. Before that, they were insisting
that the previous dealer had ripped me off and put a fake sticker on the car
indicating that the [supposedly nonexistent] cabin air filter had been
replaced, just to scam me, so you see what kind of dealer I am dealing with.)

Anyway, now they are calling me and saying I am due for "4X4 service" and
"exhaust service." I resisted, and told them to instead order me some winter
wiper blades and I will be in next week to pick them up, because that's what I
really need right now.

Sooo......what is 4X4 service? Do I need it? How about exhaust service? When
I had my old Corolla, exhaust service consisted of heading to Midas when the
muffler blew out, once every two years or so.

Car has 31,600 miles on it right now.

If the service book doesn't mention it...
it's bull.
I'd ask them what they do on a 4x4 service
and am intrigued by an 'exhaust service'!
Please post answers.
--
Clive Norris
Selectron (UK) Ltd
Musical Equipment Distribution
www.espguitars.co.uk
www.espshop.co.uk
www.emgpickups.co.uk
www.tube-shop.com
www.whirlwindusa.com
www.mightymite.com
www.deanmarkley.com

 

[Frank Logullo]

I had a Nissan dealer try to pull this crap on me. Even had the nerve to
show me a hand marked up service schedule.
I told them to show me service schedule in print before I would believe it.
Of course they didn't and forever lost me as a customer. You can do some
service items yourself and have rest done by people you trust. Just keep
good records to maintain your warranty.
Frank

 

[S]

Hi Debra!

I JUST shelled out over $500 to my dealer for 30K mile service and replacement
of my cabin air filter (which they insisted that my 2002 LLBean did not even
have until I got inside the glove box which they had NOT completely
disassembled and showed them where it is. Before that, they were insisting
that the previous dealer had ripped me off and put a fake sticker on the car
indicating that the [supposedly nonexistent] cabin air filter had been
replaced, just to scam me, so you see what kind of dealer I am dealing with.)

Anyway, now they are calling me and saying I am due for "4X4 service" and
"exhaust service."

Yikes!
At the risk of being crude, I fear that it's _your_ exhaust that
they're hoping to service
Find a good independent shop and stay away form that dealership. If
you'll post your location, I'm sure someone on the group can make a
recommendation.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Debra Co]

If

you'll post your location, I'm sure someone on the group can make a
recommendation.

I'm in Staten Island. ONE Subaru dealer on whole Island, of course it's run by
that mob-owned monopoly, Manfredi.

 

[David Betts]

Sooo......what is 4X4 service? Do I need it? How about exhaust service? When
I had my old Corolla, exhaust service consisted of heading to Midas when the
muffler blew out, once every two years or so.

You need the service schedule laid out in your handbook. It not only
tells you the mileage/timing of the services, but also details the
work which should be carried out. Anything else is an 'extra' which
you are being offered by the dealer, but is not 'needed'. When booking
in for a service you should tell the dealer that you require them to
carry out the work detailed in the handbook and to phone you for
permission, with an estimate of price, before doing anything else.

David Betts
(e-mail address removed)

 

[ed]

4x4 service usually refers to changing the oil in the rear axle and perhaps
transmission final drive oil, and maybe a check of the rear axle boots,
drive shaft etc. I don't think fluid replacement is mentioned in the
maintenance schedule, especially at this mileage, maybe a visual inspection
of the components and fluid levels, a 30 minute job at most.
Ed B.

 

[Mike B.]

I have yet to have the dealer do anything to my car.
I just had 4 pistons replace and my trans fixed by warranty at 51K
They replace the brake fluid and a number of different expensive at 30K.
This can be done my ANY place, just don't get suckered by haveing them
charge you and not do the things. I'll do the fluid in the spring 63K or so.

4x4 service usually refers to changing the oil in the rear axle and perhaps
transmission final drive oil, and maybe a check of the rear axle boots,
drive shaft etc. I don't think fluid replacement is mentioned in the
maintenance schedule, especially at this mileage, maybe a visual inspection
of the components and fluid levels, a 30 minute job at most.
Ed B.

I JUST shelled out over $500 to my dealer for 30K mile service and replacement
of my cabin air filter (which they insisted that my 2002 LLBean did not even
have until I got inside the glove box which they had NOT completely
disassembled and showed them where it is. Before that, they were insisting
that the previous dealer had ripped me off and put a fake sticker on the car
indicating that the [supposedly nonexistent] cabin air filter had been
replaced, just to scam me, so you see what kind of dealer I am dealing with.)

Anyway, now they are calling me and saying I am due for "4X4 service" and
"exhaust service." I resisted, and told them to instead order me some winter
wiper blades and I will be in next week to pick them up, because that's what I
really need right now.

Sooo......what is 4X4 service? Do I need it? How about exhaust service? When
I had my old Corolla, exhaust service consisted of heading to Midas when the
muffler blew out, once every two years or so.

Car has 31,600 miles on it right now.

 

[Jamal Taylor]

I'm in Staten Island. ONE Subaru dealer on whole Island, of course it's run by
that mob-owned monopoly, Manfredi.

Oddly enough, I got my WRX from their Brooklyn dealership, SAFE. So far
they've been pretty straight with me, but then I was probably their most
boring sale ever as I didn't let them do anything but the paperwork and
get the car.

With their service dept, I go in prepared with all the details of what
needs to be done/looked at, exactly what the repair procedure would be
if needed. All they have to do is write it up and do the work.

I'd get a hold of the service manuals for your car as well as an
official maintenance schedule and most importantly take control of your
cars maintenance. You tell them what you want checked, what you want
done, and what you expect it to cost.

The Subaru dealers in the area are kind of spread out so you'll probably
need to drive a bit to see another one.

As for independent shops, I haven't really looked yet, as my last car
was and 86 Taurus, which pretty much anybody handy with tools could fix.

If you find a decent one nearby, let me know, as it's good to have
alternatives to the dealer.

 

[Debra Co]

Oddly enough, I got my WRX from their Brooklyn dealership, SAFE. So far

they've been pretty straight with me, but then I was probably their most
boring sale ever as I didn't let them do anything but the paperwork and
get the car.

Hi there Jamal. I bought my Outback from Beltway Buick/Subaru on Cropsey
Avenue, and had all service done there for the first year and a half until I
moved to Staten Island. Their service department always treated me right -
Steve at the desk is very good. No one ever contacted me about ridiculous
things like this exhaust and 4X4 stuff until I got to the Manfredi boys. So if
you ever have a problem with SAFE, give Beltway a try.

 

[Roy Shroyer]

I JUST shelled out over $500 to my dealer for 30K mile service and replacement
of my cabin air filter (which they insisted that my 2002 LLBean did not even
have until I got inside the glove box which they had NOT completely
disassembled and showed them where it is. Before that, they were insisting
that the previous dealer had ripped me off and put a fake sticker on the car
indicating that the [supposedly nonexistent] cabin air filter had been
replaced, just to scam me, so you see what kind of dealer I am dealing with.)

Anyway, now they are calling me and saying I am due for "4X4 service" and
"exhaust service." I resisted, and told them to instead order me some winter
wiper blades and I will be in next week to pick them up, because that's what I
really need right now.

Sooo......what is 4X4 service? Do I need it? How about exhaust service? When
I had my old Corolla, exhaust service consisted of heading to Midas when the
muffler blew out, once every two years or so.

Car has 31,600 miles on it right now.

My dealer pulled the same crap on our 30k service a month ago. They kept
insisting that my 5 speed needed a trans flush and new filter. I said "its
a manual transmission. It doesn't have a filter". To which they replied
"sir our computer reccomends a trans flush at 30k".

I ended up getting them to change the spark plugs and that was it. I'm
going to do the coolant flush, fuel filter,and rotate the tires.

Just my 2¢