Here's How To Spot Bad Car Dealership's Service Departments and Good Ones

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  • čas přidán 14. 05. 2024
  • A Mechanic, Shop Owner and Ex-Dealership Technician shares the truth about how dealerships service department operate, how to spot a shady one and things you should and should not do at a car dealership's service department.
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  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 1,5K

  • @nickv4073
    @nickv4073 Před 3 měsíci +626

    I once had my car at a dealership for a 4 wheel brake job. The salesman told me it was time for a tire rotation and tried to get me to pay for it. I asked "Don't you already have all the tires off to do the brakes? Then why do you want to charge me for rolling them 5 feet and putting them back on which you have to do anyway?" I instead demanded they do the rotation for free. The salesman had no valid argument and agreed.

    • @Oxios
      @Oxios Před 3 měsíci +53

      Yeah that’s a bad mark that would just lose a customer. We included rotation in the service for just that reason.

    • @GeneralElectricCNC
      @GeneralElectricCNC Před 3 měsíci +39

      The service advisor must have been dumb as a stump, or thought that you were! Glad you stood up for yourself.

    • @Moondoggy1941
      @Moondoggy1941 Před 3 měsíci +26

      He probably put them on incorrectly after that.

    • @mph5896
      @mph5896 Před 3 měsíci +29

      You do have to relearn TPMs location on some

    • @TwoHawksHunting
      @TwoHawksHunting Před 3 měsíci +12

      That mechanic was playing checkers, but you were playing chess. 😂😅 21:54

  • @jimlelan4906
    @jimlelan4906 Před měsícem +24

    My favorite was when the Subaru dealership in Caldwell Idaho told me that it would cost $85 to change my Outback cabin air filter, because it was under the center console. I declined, and went home and changed it my self. It was behind the glove box, and it took me 2 1/2 minutes. SMDH.

    • @brianschmidt704
      @brianschmidt704 Před 16 dny +3

      My wife's car overheated when I was at work. She brought it to the local Ford dealer.Who told her that she either needed a rebuild or a new engine. Actually all she needed was some new houses and a radiator. They wanted $5000. Then suggested to get a new car.😮

  • @josephnasiri
    @josephnasiri Před 3 měsíci +87

    At the end of the day, a good mechanic is not expensive it’s priceless.

    • @WilfMurray-rz2uk
      @WilfMurray-rz2uk Před měsícem

      Get off your high horse. You replace part a code reader tell's you.

    • @ag4allgood
      @ag4allgood Před měsícem +2

      @@WilfMurray-rz2uk Its usually not that simple. The code or codes flashed is a result of something wrong. Actually diagnosing the problem might take checking 3 or 4 things. If your lucky it won't take more than 2 things. A good technician will already have a checklist of components to check & diagnose. I like the suggestion of knowing the Technical Service Advisor & the Technician doing the work. If you like the work done remember them. Request them. That makes a closer bond to the car & that service department.

    • @stefan2796
      @stefan2796 Před 28 dny +3

      @@WilfMurray-rz2uk Reading codes is "easy", replacing or repairing stuff can be a challenge.

  • @MrLuigi-oi7gm
    @MrLuigi-oi7gm Před 3 měsíci +286

    My Toyota dealer now have the technicians make a relatively short video where they explain what they did and why. They show the defective parts, etc. Then this video is shared with us, the customer. It's not a face to face interaction. And again, it's not a super long presentation. But it is nice to see the technician's face and hear them talk. It's surprising how much you can pick up from these videos. Not just about the car repairs that were done but also about the technician and how much they care about the work they are doing.

    • @deaconmichaeljoens8206
      @deaconmichaeljoens8206 Před 3 měsíci +25

      My dealer started doing that, too, and I like it.

    • @1CarsonChris
      @1CarsonChris Před 3 měsíci +3

      Love that

    • @andyp91
      @andyp91 Před 3 měsíci +4

      Heaven oh my gosh that would be heavenly

    • @francescomaimone8865
      @francescomaimone8865 Před 3 měsíci +13

      My dealer did that and it was an epic fail. Said my coolant color was off and recommended replacing it. Funny thing is that they were the last ones to fill it when they replaced the engine block only 5k miles prior!

    • @Splarkszter
      @Splarkszter Před 3 měsíci +1

      This must be obligatory for any service of this kind on any industry

  • @mikemaccracken3112
    @mikemaccracken3112 Před 3 měsíci +259

    I was a technician,service advisor and service manager. Honestly most of these bad practices start at the top. Dealer principles like to lean heavily on the service department when the sales department are low on sales. I have seen the service manager make up a bonus sheet for technicians who push flushes,alignments and other quick hit items. I had no problem taking a customer out to their vehicle and show them what is wrong with it. I’m so glad I’m retired😂

    • @rightlanehog3151
      @rightlanehog3151 Před 3 měsíci +9

      Thanks for sharing you personal experiences.

    • @kft4764
      @kft4764 Před 3 měsíci +12

      Definitely starts from the top. Pay plans that either incentivize employees to misbehave for more pay or penalize employees for their honesty (pay plan tied to survey scores). Some advisors are definitely afraid to be honest because they may lose a few thousand dollars off their paycheck if they don’t get a perfect survey. In my opinion any pay plans that have specific targets will just incentivize people to try to hit them, some unethically.

    • @888jimm
      @888jimm Před 3 měsíci +4

      Agree 💯 as a 20 year Toyota ASM and Mangler...you are right.... Had to get it off the business when the techs were trying to sell brake fluid and t body de carb at 15k..... In every car every time..... Hey bro they did this last time....did you flat rate it?😂😂😂

    • @toobalicious
      @toobalicious Před 3 měsíci +10

      Wish you were working at my local dealership. I don't trust my local Toyota dealer at all.

    • @rustynail7866
      @rustynail7866 Před 3 měsíci +9

      Absolutely correct. I am also a retired tech that refused to take part in the dealership's sell up schemes. Happy to be retired.

  • @13chase2
    @13chase2 Před 3 měsíci +272

    I don’t think you realize how rare you have become. I wish there was a way to find more like you. Going to get my car serviced has caused borderline PTSD from the headaches.

    • @bobthrasher8226
      @bobthrasher8226 Před 3 měsíci +4

      Speaking of PTSD, my car's catalytic converter was stolen. Took 6 months and many trips to the dealer to get it fixed and back on the road.

    • @Stevemax07
      @Stevemax07 Před 3 měsíci +6

      I do all of my own work, but I'd stop if I lived next to The Car Care Nut.

    • @nobodyimportant7804
      @nobodyimportant7804 Před 3 měsíci +3

      If a mechanic tells you that they are honest, run!

    • @rorycalhoun1126
      @rorycalhoun1126 Před 3 měsíci +6

      Trust No Dealership

    • @wawalker1
      @wawalker1 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Almost all work on my cars are done by a local independent repair shop. Very good reviews and experience with them. They don’t oversell and give good feedback including if needs be done now, they recommend watching it or says when it may need to be done.

  • @pete-m86
    @pete-m86 Před 2 měsíci +4

    I WISH I could meet and talk to my technician. But most dealerships, and even independent garages don't want the customers "bothering" the techs. They want to quickly review the service invoice, charge your credit card, and get you on your way.

  • @suzintru1
    @suzintru1 Před 2 měsíci +34

    I was a dealership mechanic for 27 years (Porsche, Audi, Volvo, VW). I agree with everything that CCN says. My biggest problem was service managers that didn't have a clue. They were just over paid BS artists. And, they expect you to work for free! The manufactures don't want to pay you to fix their engineers mistakes (warranty repairs)! So you work 8 to 10 hours and get paid 5. You complain and the service manager says "If you don't like it, QUIT!" Well, I did. Went to work in R&D for a computer chip manufacturer. Best decision I ever made. Better pay, better benefits, cleaner environment. Whenever I hear any young kid say he wants to be a mechanic, I say "Don't, you'll regret it"! You put out some great vids CCN. The public needs to hear more from you.

    • @jimsix9929
      @jimsix9929 Před 2 měsíci +3

      I feel your pain and understand, I fixed so many transmission for 70 dollars at the dealer that the private shop down the road would have made 700, I got my own shop, still have it now I make the rules and the prices

    • @williamprezioso2742
      @williamprezioso2742 Před měsícem +1

      Why are they called technicians because they can read a scanner that kicks out codes? Without it they can’t find what’s wrong with your car, a real mechanic can troubleshoot and find the cause based on knowledge while dealerships charge big bucks to hook up to your OBD port and have a scanner tell them what to fix. Technician my ass should I now call the garbage man a sanitation engineer BS

    • @stefan2796
      @stefan2796 Před 28 dny

      At VW/VAG i always got the idea that those so called service managers have sales targets; selling as much parts (and labour hours) as possible. So for me, they are in 'sales' and not in 'service'. As i didn't want to hear their BS stories any longer (and pay their salary), i'm now a customer at a smaller, independent workshop (a family owned, local business). Up till now, i feel OK with that step.

    • @dudley7540
      @dudley7540 Před 10 dny +1

      @@williamprezioso2742 the word technician allows the dealer to raise the labor rate. That's all.

  • @ianbutler1983
    @ianbutler1983 Před 3 měsíci +113

    Having worked at huge organizations, I avoid them if at all possible. They are full of people who can't, or won't, communicate. Full of disgruntled employees who are happy to see customers screwed. Full of people who are incentivized to sell you things you don't need. Incompetence is everywhere, and often rewarded and promoted.

  • @alexsystems2001
    @alexsystems2001 Před 3 měsíci +219

    Finding an independent mechanic is easier said than done. I bought a 2007 LS460 and I could smell burning oil and when I left it in my garage over night there was a very small drip of oil. I brought it to a very well known local Toyota/Lexus independent mechanic. I PAID $95 for an evaluation/diagnosis. They spent about 5 minutes with the car, said nothing is wrong, they said whomever did the last oil change probably spilled some in the plastic below the engine, all is good and sent me on my way. I got home and I was naturally pissed, I had put almost 2,000 miles since the last oil change, certainly anything that was spilled would have gone away by now. So I rolled up my sleeves and took a dive under the hood. I removed all the plastics up top, and first thing I noticed is the valve cover gasket seal around the high pressure fuel pump was crying oil pretty badly and then as I removed each spark plug coil each spark plug well was FULL of oil and as I drove it was weeping out down the side of the engine and onto the exhaust and slowly working its way down to the bottom of the engine. If I kept driving like that I certainly at minimum would have had to buy new coils. It’s Eastman Independent Lexus Toyota in Temecula California. Then I had a 1998 Toyota Camry that had a check engine light on, I plugged my scanner in to it and it had a catalyst code. The front catalytic converter had failed. I brought it to a place called Tokyo Automotive Repair, again, a really highly rated independent shop. I drop it off knowing what it needed but wanted them to do the diagnostic, they of course told me I needed a new front catalytic converter, I agreed, they offered to smog it for me. I agreed, they said “it failed smog because the transmission is bad it needs a new transmission”. I told them give me car back and take your cat off. They did, I went to a Toyota dealer, bought a new front cat and drove it to work, and on my way home from work I took it for a smog and it passed, I was able to get the car registered. TWO independent mechanics were worthless. I’m NOT saying all independent mechanics are bad. I’m saying people who just blindly say that you MUST go to an independent mechanic and then judge people for not doing so, have no reality that there CAN also be bad independent mechanics.

    • @unikornkontroller
      @unikornkontroller Před 3 měsíci +32

      Yeah, this entire industry is a joke. The trades deserve the bad reputation they've been given. You either deal with lazy people or outright crooks and it's REALLY hard to find a shop to trust. I end up diagnosing what I can before I even set foot into a shop. It's to the point where I wish I didn't own a car. A bike is pretty easy to maintain.

    • @Krakondack
      @Krakondack Před 3 měsíci +13

      I go to an independent garage for routine maintenance, because I know for certain that they'll never recommend unnecessary items. I know this because they won't even recommend necessary items. Even if you raise a concern, they'll say, "it's not a problem. Not worth fixing." Their reviews are stellar, because they don't gouge, but then they don't solve your problems, either.

    • @Daniel-it1dp
      @Daniel-it1dp Před 3 měsíci +3

      Yep, plenty of bad independents and I've come across a few of them in the area over the years. I found a good local independent shop that doesn't overcharge or push unnecessary stuff but the problem is their shop leaves my car dirty (i.e. inside and in the engine compartment) leading to unnecessary, concerning smells often.

    • @theaajourney9872
      @theaajourney9872 Před 3 měsíci +5

      Yup the highest rated shop in my city didn't properly bleed the air out of the system after a coolant flush. Radiator started leaking, hoses burst, overheating and they admitted no fault.

    • @tubqhe
      @tubqhe Před 3 měsíci +9

      Can't trust any shop nowadays. Been taking my subaru impreza to an independent subaru performance shop for oil changes and the regular repairs. Been avoiding the dealership for their outrageous repair costs and was happy I've found a good shop. Then I began noticing the quality of the place going down hill. The original guy/owner running the show had mysteriously the scene leaving it to two others. Nice guys, just awkward scenarios. Coming to pick up my subi on one occasion per our conversation i noticed the guy hadn't returned from lunch but had left my car keys sitting on top of the car. I thought it weird, first red flag. Second time, came to pick up car again for radiator replacement, I noticed guy had over tighten one bolt on top to the degree that it cracked the plastic surrounding the bolt. That was an obviously big Crack! After that, along with a few other "things" I've had enough of the place. Withdrew from going there, deleted my great reviews of that place on yelp/Google, unfollowed them on fb etc.

  • @scottberdak196
    @scottberdak196 Před 3 měsíci +47

    I'm a retired Lexus/Toyota Master Diagnostic Specialist with 35 years of service and have seen many dishonest practices over the years. One that I still encounter when I recently had my wife's new Toyota Venza serviced at 30k which still had a free oil change and tire rotation which was covered by the Toyo Guard maintenance package that was slapped on to the purchase price for $700.00 which I argued to get removed but couldn't, is the "flush and clean the fuel injectors and add fuel cleaner, throttle body service." This is a service that the technician always makes extra money on through the chemical supplier. They typically have a color plastic disc in the containers of these products that the tech saves and gets money for when the supplier vendors come by the shops every couple of weeks. Back in the day at a Toyota dealership I was working at, I overheard a service advisor telling a female customer that their engine could catch on fire if they didn't get their throttle body and injector service done! I went to the GM and told him this and they had a talk with this advisor.

    • @Star-Mac10
      @Star-Mac10 Před měsícem +6

      Bravo to you for being upstanding.

    • @timothydubois5834
      @timothydubois5834 Před 11 dny +1

      Sounds like you are referring to BG products.

    • @sepharoseflow7953
      @sepharoseflow7953 Před 7 dny

      How do I find the GM for calavan cdjr in lithia springs? I have had my transmission replaced 2x. They are full of donkey shit

  • @user-uj4er1xp3f
    @user-uj4er1xp3f Před 2 měsíci +9

    About a year ago, I found a certified Toyota/Lexus mechanic in my area who opened his own shop after working for dealerships for 20+ years. He is like you--knowledgeable, experienced and honest. You guys are worth your weight in gold. God bless.

  • @ddk80
    @ddk80 Před 3 měsíci +155

    I had a brake fluid “flush” performed at a local Chicagoland Honda dealer. When I got the car back, I thought the pedal was slowly sinking at the stop light. I drove back and spoke to the Service advisor, and he brought out the Service Manager. The manager pulled me aside and told me that it was impossible for air to get into the lines because they don’t crack the bleeders and only suck out the fluid from the reservoir. After he told me that, I immediately stopped going to them.

    • @rods.3245
      @rods.3245 Před 3 měsíci +31

      That's not a flush. 😆

    • @stephenleone2375
      @stephenleone2375 Před 3 měsíci +23

      It's so hard to trust people to do what they're supposed to do, which is why I try to do as much maintenance on my car as possible. I never thought that a dealership would simply do a turkey baster "flush" on a brake system.

    • @8MunchenBayern8
      @8MunchenBayern8 Před 3 měsíci +8

      next time, go to a reputable independent shop. Dealerships are scams.

    • @mjc0961
      @mjc0961 Před 3 měsíci +7

      bruuuuh
      That's not a flush, and yes of course air pockets and bubbles can still get into the lines if you change the fluid like that

    • @SkylineFTW97
      @SkylineFTW97 Před 3 měsíci +15

      I work at a Honda dealership and we do brake flushes all the time. They're supposed to hook the reservoir up to a power bleeder, which will put the fluid under pressure, forcing all air out the system. If done properly, the only way the pedal would feel spongy is if the brake hoses are also bad.

  • @tbp0701
    @tbp0701 Před 3 měsíci +139

    Thank you for this. The worst experience I had was at a tire-focused regional chain in Ohio. I had bought tires and gotten service for a while. But one time they told me I needed new brakes when I knew I didn't. So I took a deep breath and said, "Okay. Replace them under warranty." Then I told him they had replaced the brakes a few months earlier. He looked concerned, typed on the computer, ran back into the shop, and came back looking sheepish telling me their mistake, my brakes were fine. I didn't yell, I just calmly asked why he told me otherwise. He just said they got confused. I think we both knew I'd never return.

    • @jdub976
      @jdub976 Před 3 měsíci +13

      My father had a similar one. He was told he needed new wipers. He asked the store are they defective because my son put new ones on yesterday, The games are strong at some shops.

    • @KitYeeScott
      @KitYeeScott Před 3 měsíci +4

      An example from my dealer: So often they say: you need brakes, you only have 4mm of pad left! They forget to tell you new ones are only 8mm and this is 50% remaining!

    • @oldcodger4371
      @oldcodger4371 Před 3 měsíci +6

      @@jdub976 I knew a 16 year old girl who had a 70s Camaro. She took it to a shop to get tires replaced. The shop claimed she also needed new shocks. That was a big mistake because then the girl called daddy. WHEW daddy was PISSED! Five minutes later he pulled up and gave them the business! From that day forward everyone she knew look side eyed at that shop every time they drove by. To all the shop owners and mechanics out there who are tempted, don't do it. A lot of people out there smarter than you.

    • @mikes417
      @mikes417 Před 3 měsíci +2

      Confused that he couldn't scam you

    • @rufust.firefly4890
      @rufust.firefly4890 Před 3 měsíci

      A typical scam, trying to sell u something you don't need. One reason why I quit going to Big O Tires.

  • @dareeltoro6681
    @dareeltoro6681 Před měsícem +9

    First and only time I went to a dealership (Toyota) to have a complementary oil change, after waiting 3 hours, I got home, opened the hood, to find that the oil cap was dusty, no signs of work. Got under the car and there it was also the filter, dusty and dirty, no signs of work done. Never again.

    • @redbaron6805
      @redbaron6805 Před 18 dny +2

      Except, as the video mentioned, don't remain silent. Call your service advisor, tell them you noticed the service you paid for was never done. If they care, they will apologize and try to make it right. If they don't, you put them on notice that they didn't do the work, and will tell others. No matter what anyone says, reputations matter, and dealers DO care a lot about their reputation, as that is what pays the bills, repeat customers.

    • @tjtarheels125
      @tjtarheels125 Před 14 dny +2

      Yeah i always pop the hood after the service and doublecheck everything…one yahoo failed to replace the oil cap, another failed to replace the cover on the serpentine belt so before leaving the dealership, pop the hood!

  • @gocivic99
    @gocivic99 Před 3 měsíci +16

    I took my wife's car to her dealership waiting to get ripped off... I was impressed. The mechanic sent us a video from the car bay. He explained and showed what had to be done and level of importance. I see a lot of shops doing this now with side by side pictures of good/bad fluids and "proof" of what needs to be fixed. This isn't the norm. I've also had the 18 y.o. kid with Jordans and sagging his work pants explain a mechanics notes.

  • @Whateva67
    @Whateva67 Před 3 měsíci +54

    I knew the head mechanic at a Honda dealer quite well so when I would need work on my Prelude,I would request him to do it and I wouldn’t get ripped off. He died a few years ago,every time I bring my car or my wife’s Acura in now,I get a big list of what it might need because of the mileage or age. I swear they don’t even look at things now,they just hope you don’t question them. Everything has gone downhill in the last 10 years.

    • @Andy-im3kj
      @Andy-im3kj Před 3 měsíci +7

      It really has and it sucks for us who are old enough to witness the change. These people have ruined an entire industry and they're heading into the sunset with a smile on their face knowing they've screwed hundreds of people.

    • @stefan2796
      @stefan2796 Před 28 dny +1

      I bought a OBD scanner because i was tired of all the BS told by the "service managers" (official dealer). I'm not against preventive maintenance, but each time they were talking about amounts of $800-1000 as if you were buying a pack of cookies, or an ice cream.

  • @jcnikoley
    @jcnikoley Před 3 měsíci +150

    Some red flags for me: "the transmission fluid is lifetime fluid." "we don't stock those nuts/bolts/gaskets, have to special order them (mandatory replacement parts for regular maintenance)".
    My dealership told me my oil pressure sensor was faulty after an oil change and they would put me in a loaner and replace it. They drained the oil with the ignition on. I had to tell them how to reset it.
    "We didn't overfill your oil, sir. It's reading high because it's hot" (as he holds his hand on the block).
    I could go on, and on, there are no more professionals, at least, not many like you.

    • @afellowinnewengland6142
      @afellowinnewengland6142 Před 3 měsíci +9

      Most dealers have switched their parts model from in-house to warehouse next day. Much lower costs and less time invested in inventory management. I worked in a parts department and it took countless hours to manage parts and if you have a lean team it creates issues. Also, dealers primarily service cars that are between 1 and 5 years old. People seem to think that we should stock maintenance parts for their 20 year old cars when the reality is they are rarely sold. Most people with older cars go to Autozone/NAPA/Advance etc or buy parts online.

    • @jcnikoley
      @jcnikoley Před 3 měsíci +6

      @@afellowinnewengland6142 I understand, but that's not what this was. They were current parts, but gaskets, nuts and bolts for "regular maintenance items" the dealer did not perform for whatever reason, like differential fluid changes, and transmission fluid changes. They always have the gaskets in stock for the oil drain pan plug though. If I had to guess, that's the only regular maintenance they do. I had to inquire with one of their mechanics, and they didn't have the tools needed for some of the other jobs.

    • @jcnikoley
      @jcnikoley Před 3 měsíci +3

      @@BlueSkiesDay I believe that's a big part of the reason many dealerships won't offer the service, because they don't want to accept the liability.

    • @I.LikeCars
      @I.LikeCars Před 3 měsíci +6

      Let me tell you, BMW really believes that lifetime fluid nonsense. To the point where, when I went to change the fluid in my transfer case, I found that the had removed the drain bolt, so I had to suck out the fluid through the fill bolt. I guess I should consider myself lucky that they still left the fill bolt there lol.

    • @flinch622
      @flinch622 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Dealers have to work on so many different cars, I don't wonder about things not being stocked. That takes a massive amount of space and ties up a large amount of capital - which will get folded into billing/estimates.

  • @tacomafan5186
    @tacomafan5186 Před 3 měsíci +13

    One of my biggest complaints with the dealership business model is the service advisor. I hate that buffer between me and the technician. When I go to my local independent shop, I get to discuss my car with the technician himself.

    • @nathandeo4977
      @nathandeo4977 Před 3 měsíci

      The local independent Toyota shop in my city has the buffer advisor as well.

    • @markanderson2904
      @markanderson2904 Před měsícem

      At my trusted mechanic shop, I don't speak to the technician, I speak to the owner, who is a technician

  • @c63amgblack
    @c63amgblack Před 3 měsíci +6

    I work at a truck dealership as a technician. I HATE writing "cannot replicate complaint" in my story, because the service advisor did not get enough information at the start. Usually when I write it THEN they will call the customer for more info. Very stressful, the truck is down longer, my repair times are slower. Communication is key.

  • @Limitbreakur
    @Limitbreakur Před 3 měsíci +64

    The mercedes dealer wanted to replace the oil cap for 36$ because apparently it leaks oil. I told them no and went to the parts department and bought it for 15$ and saved the 20$ of labour for having them do it.

    • @Limitbreakur
      @Limitbreakur Před 3 měsíci +7

      @@Impresslawncare Do you realize the oil cap where you put in fresh engine oil is easy to change and literally takes less than 10 seconds?

    • @Flightline_
      @Flightline_ Před 3 měsíci +2

      I went to a Mercedes parts department for an oil cap that was cracked and they wanted to charge me $36 for the cap when it was a $15 part. I think they're catching on. They do this with cabin air filters now too by marking them up knowing people are learning to save money by changing it themselves.

    • @Limitbreakur
      @Limitbreakur Před 3 měsíci +3

      @@Flightline_ i'm holding on to my 2008 c300 for as long as possible because it's manual but itll be my last mercedes. I'm so impressed with lexus, you know you can change the rubber wiper blades on a lexus for 10$ instead of buying the entire wipers? I've owned my benz since the start and i used to be treated like a king, as my car ages the dealer treats me more and more like a peasant. Fuck them and their disposable cars.

    • @DavidTMSN
      @DavidTMSN Před 3 měsíci +1

      ​​@@Limitbreakurlol
      I swear, the stuff people say to defend the screwing they get is astounding.

    • @wholeNwon
      @wholeNwon Před 3 měsíci

      The filler cap should not leak. Was your PCV valve checked for malfunction?

  • @tommc49
    @tommc49 Před 3 měsíci +72

    Took my 2010 Nissan to dealer for oil change because I had a coupon a year ago. The "free 56 point inspection" recommended $7k in repairs and fluid changes, flushes, etc. I didn't do any of it since the car is only worth about $2k. Still runs and drives just fine, no leaks.

    • @gnomiefirst9201
      @gnomiefirst9201 Před 3 měsíci +7

      I bought a used car from an old guy who had just recently paid for the " 100 point inspection ". Guess what, they hadn't inspected anything and sent him on his way.

    • @TheCobruhAlienat0r
      @TheCobruhAlienat0r Před 3 měsíci +6

      I took my grandmother's 2013 Elantra to the dealer for a couple of recalls and to get a steering concern diagnosed. My grandmother is the type to just approve anything they say so that's why I went. After they had it for a couple of hours they called me and they wanted to replace the entire front suspension as that would "likely" fix the steering concern. They also recommended brakes and a couple of different flushes. It was $3,600~ worth of work they wanted to do. I of course denied all of it because I paid you to diagnose the issue, not to do a parts shotgun at the general area and hope you fixed the issue along the way. I'm gonna have to try and find an independent shop that can hopefully properly diagnose the issue and if it all the front suspension needs to be replaced then so be it. I just didn't want to okay it on a hunch that replacing all of it would fix the issue.
      Oh, and I also drove the car and noticed no issues with the brakes.

    • @petesmitt
      @petesmitt Před 3 měsíci +2

      @@TheCobruhAlienat0r I bought a car and the brakes worked fine; when I pulled the wheels, I found the brakes were worn out, needing new pads and rotors all round.

    • @RustyZipper
      @RustyZipper Před 3 měsíci

      @@TheCobruhAlienat0r- I have an ‘11 Elantra with 95k miles. I bought it brand new and drive about as gentle as your grandma. I’m still on the original brake pads and battery. Point is the brakes, and front end occasionally make a random noise like something is loose. Been doing that since mile #6. Also the steering can be glitchy the first 5 miles or so. Again, always been like that. I’ll never return to the dealer after year #3 of ownership they failed my state inspection because a wiper blade was “torn” and I had one of them little tiny orange bulb / side marker lights out. They wanted $40 to replace. I know darn well the mechanic tore my rubber as I wanted to see how it was “torn”. I’ve had plenty of wipers pull apart from the center but not a single one tear at the very tip with only 20k “summer” miles.

    • @trewten5579
      @trewten5579 Před 3 měsíci +2

      I will never do business with any Nissan dealer ever again! When I was young I had really good credit and was looking for a new car they tried to finance me at 22% interest! Week later I got a new camery at 5% interest. They clearly tried to pull one on me!

  • @mouthbreathermtb4192
    @mouthbreathermtb4192 Před 3 měsíci +29

    I got to work as a technician for a Lexus Dealership & a Toyota Dealership, culminating in 12 years of experience. The Lexus Dealer was great to its staff and guests (customers). The Toyota dealer failed to take care of both. The difference was LEADERSHIP & CULTURE....
    AMD definitely made a lot of great points! Especially developing a personal relationship with your advisor and technician. Stick with that pair every time if they are doing right by you.

  • @rayman4449
    @rayman4449 Před 3 měsíci +7

    Sorry but every single dealership service department I have ever seen was beyond corrupt. I can't even find the words for how beneath contempt I have for these people. I will NEVER EVER take one of my cars to dealer service again.

  • @davidt8438
    @davidt8438 Před 3 měsíci +96

    I used to live in Chicago (45 years) and you and the food are the only reasons I wish I lived there now. I’d bring my vehicle to you all the time. Keep up the good work and never stop caring.

    • @Jasona1976
      @Jasona1976 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Too bad for me or I'd do the same...a trip to Chicago would be 1,000 miles. haha

    • @frankarchuleta5427
      @frankarchuleta5427 Před 3 měsíci +7

      I wonder why anybody would live or establish a business in Chicago.

    • @Jasona1976
      @Jasona1976 Před 3 měsíci

      @@frankarchuleta5427 used to be a great city until da bruthas moved in and turned it into a jungle.

    • @gersonhay984
      @gersonhay984 Před 3 měsíci

      20 million people or more.@@frankarchuleta5427

    • @dougrobinson8602
      @dougrobinson8602 Před 3 měsíci +2

      It was 15 degrees below zero here Sunday morning. Still miss it?

  • @kcm732
    @kcm732 Před 3 měsíci +35

    you said it. the advisor SHOULDN'T be a salesman, but guess what? the service manager is always pushing some b.s..... like BG-products, and if you dont do upsells and other b.s. the service manager is coming down on you with that and slapping the survey in your face too. the culture in the service department needs an entire revamp, its pathetic. and a person like me who just genuinely wants to help people and do the right thing and not let you waste all your money with me, and ppl like me just get pushed out the door by management. its a shame but guess what can you do? 🙃😩

    • @888jimm
      @888jimm Před 3 měsíci +3

      Why i quit

    • @kcm732
      @kcm732 Před 3 měsíci +2

      @@888jimm same dude.

    • @stevehoppenjan
      @stevehoppenjan Před 3 měsíci +4

      I would say the culture of every department needs to change, not just the service department. I cringe at the thought of going to the dealer for anything. Too many people that act like they are doing you a favor to allow you to spend your hard earned money with them. Salespeople that don't know their product. Finance people that are pressured to sell, service advisors that want to sell you things that are not necessary, technicians that leave your car with grease or dirt all over under the hood or inside your car. During the recent tight supply of new cars, dealers either marked up the sales price many thousand of dollars over MSRP or made worthless "packs" mandatory. Gut wrenching.

    • @Nk-bc1qb
      @Nk-bc1qb Před měsícem

      BG products are amazing! Toyotas like clean oil! I use the oil cleaner once a year. moa is what I put in my truck in the summer when towing. It is amazing stuff. It can solve many noises engine problems. Stuck lifters etc. Do you need it every service? No

  • @grampabadger
    @grampabadger Před 3 měsíci +9

    Except for one warranty service on a truck some 21 years ago, I have the experience of being lied to, insulted, stolen from and disgusted at every dealership I have been to ( a very long time ago). I recommend finding a good local shop with certified mechanics (not just parts changers) and stick with them.

  • @na2305
    @na2305 Před 3 měsíci +9

    I have seen techs at dealerships do oil changes without changing the filter. They toss the new filters in their tool box and whipe the old filter off with a shop rag. Wish all techs are honest like you. Love your channrl.

  • @davewallace9048
    @davewallace9048 Před 3 měsíci +57

    I’ve worked for the dealerships for over 35 years you give some of the best information on the Internet … Right on point!! Thank you for the service you provide!

  • @I.LikeCars
    @I.LikeCars Před 3 měsíci +79

    This is why I prefer to buy an older car out of warranty that I can learn how to do maintenance myself on. Its also why I'm a subscriber to the Car Care Nut Channel. Thanks for this video!

    • @ricardorico1677
      @ricardorico1677 Před 3 měsíci +11

      Friends make fun of my 2002 Toyota Camry all the time. Still runs like a champ, parts are cheap as hell and easy to work on. Bought it for 2k 5 years ago. Still runs like a champ with 336k Miles’s. Bought it at 206k miles. Running this thing till it gives out. Beats having a big car payment and high insurance.

    • @Jan96106
      @Jan96106 Před 3 měsíci

      You can do the maintenance yourself on a new car. By law, it does not have to be done by a dealership.

    • @WordsRelyReal
      @WordsRelyReal Před 2 měsíci +3

      @@Jan96106 Yes, but lots of new cars have technology that is harder to fix.

  • @GregoryGlessnerViolin
    @GregoryGlessnerViolin Před 3 měsíci +18

    Even my local shop went downhill and got really shady. It used to be great, but the service advisors I had gotten to know and trust were suddenly not there, and every state inspection was padded out to $400. Final nail in the coffin was EVAP issues on one of my vehicles. This shop wanted to replace the canister for $1300. I took it to another mechanic who found a rusted fuel filler neck and a bad solenoid. I had him fix that, and no more check engine light for now.

    • @crazy4gta1
      @crazy4gta1 Před 3 měsíci

      State inspection is 400? Is that the shop beefing up the costs or state fees?

    • @GregoryGlessnerViolin
      @GregoryGlessnerViolin Před 3 měsíci

      @@crazy4gta1 They're adding stuff to the bill and "finding" things that they say will fail the car. PA State inspection with nothing needed is $70 and change.

    • @crazy4gta1
      @crazy4gta1 Před 3 měsíci

      @@GregoryGlessnerViolin 70? Damn, here in NY its 37

    • @justinmadrid8712
      @justinmadrid8712 Před 2 měsíci

      @@crazy4gta1some states don’t require inspection

  • @nohemoglibin8677
    @nohemoglibin8677 Před 3 měsíci +8

    I took my truck for an oil change and tire rotation. I'm driving down the road afterward and notice a weird vibration from the front. Loose lug nuts. Fun times. Glad I pulled over to check them.

    • @wholeNwon
      @wholeNwon Před 3 měsíci +1

      Yup. Loose or over-tightened to warp the rotors.

  • @jerryhubbard4461
    @jerryhubbard4461 Před 3 měsíci +27

    I have a friend that worked at a dealership for several years. He finally quit and went into a different line of work. The dealership was in my opinion was stupid in letting this man go. He was so good at the job they continuously stuck him with trouble shooting and not giving him the quick easy work so he could make money. This was back in the 90's when he won the Southeast Toyota mechanics competition. They sent him to San Francisco where he came in 3rd place for the national competition. Not long after that he quit Toyota and started his own construction business. Dumb move on Toyota.

    • @andyp91
      @andyp91 Před 3 měsíci +2

      Now that's a talented guy. It's ridiculous how some corporations treat good people like a commodity. Still he can do even better running his own construction business if he's as talented in that area.

    • @jerryhubbard4461
      @jerryhubbard4461 Před 3 měsíci

      After a few years of his own business, he settled working for a large company running the maintenance over their corporate headquarters high rise and out buildings. @@andyp91

    • @wendwllhickey6426
      @wendwllhickey6426 Před 2 měsíci

      Companies think all people are the same and can be interchangable between different jobs and screw up jobs😂

  • @jblfamily02
    @jblfamily02 Před 3 měsíci +13

    Part of the reason why I’ve never gone to a mechanic I just learnt how to fix my car not a mechanic but can take my car apart and put it all back together

  • @i.b.brandon4977
    @i.b.brandon4977 Před 3 měsíci +8

    I worked at a dealership right after I graduated from trade school in the 1970's. It was an eye opening experience for sure. It was a 12 man shop I was amazed at some of the
    "short cuts" some of the more seasoned techs used to beat the book time. Book being the factory flat rate time allowed for a given repair, the faster they could knock out a job the more money earned at the end of the week. Guys kept things like broken bolts and worn suspension bushings in their tool boxes to send back to the service advisors to explain why there was more labor hours than was expected by the customers. One of the guys told me "kid they don't put those wheels on the bottom of those roll a way tool boxes for nothing". Once every month or so on a Friday right after the checks were handed out, a tech would be rolling his box out to his pickup to look for greener pastures.
    I left that part of the trade and went back to school to learn a more specialized trade, and got out of that dog eat dog world.

  • @Turbomorph
    @Turbomorph Před 3 měsíci +16

    This man speaks the truth. I spent 13 years at a Toyota dealership as a Technician and I still have a hard time believing some of the things I saw first, second, and third hand.

    • @billricheter5678
      @billricheter5678 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Toyota dealerships have been the worst I have dealt with

    • @Turbomorph
      @Turbomorph Před 3 měsíci +5

      @@billricheter5678 Unfortunately the bottom line is all that matters. I've watched scum bags reign supreme because they made the service department money.

  • @AM1381.5
    @AM1381.5 Před 3 měsíci +33

    I wish we had another you here up in Edmonton, Alberta. I learn something new, anytime I watch your videos.
    Your honesty, expertise and professionalism have made you a true king among the mechanics.
    May the Lord bless you and your family.

    • @rightlanehog3151
      @rightlanehog3151 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Chicago is cold enough, I doubt you can convince AMD to move to Edmonton. 😉

    • @shiftfocus1
      @shiftfocus1 Před 3 měsíci +1

      I can recommend a good Toyota dealership…but you’d have to come to Calgary!

    • @azizkizbayev439
      @azizkizbayev439 Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@shiftfocus1which one if not a secret? I m from calgary and southpointe is the worst

  • @craigfin3222
    @craigfin3222 Před 3 měsíci +35

    A lot of these can also apply to bad regular shops or chain shops. I know dealer shops get the worse reps, but nowadays chain and regular shops are starting to catch up with that rep.

    • @nortonman5238
      @nortonman5238 Před 3 měsíci +9

      I'd say the majority of chain shops are this way

    • @Andy-im3kj
      @Andy-im3kj Před 3 měsíci +2

      It's fair to say it's going to get worse considering how less and less people are going into the trades thus why the median age of tradesmen are in the 50s.

    • @nortonman5238
      @nortonman5238 Před 3 měsíci +4

      @@Andy-im3kj in defense of young people, some of the trades pay like absolute shit for a hefty amount of work..mechanics near me get paid hourly like 15-$20 an hour. Tell me, why would anybody want to make a career out of that when they can get paid the same at mcdonalds

    • @Andy-im3kj
      @Andy-im3kj Před 3 měsíci +1

      @nortonman5238 Or get paid more for a lot less skilled labor. I don't blame them to be honest. Businesses need to learn to either sink or swim if they want to stick around for the future. I think they're gonna learn real quick soon...I hope.

    • @nortonman5238
      @nortonman5238 Před 3 měsíci +2

      @@Andy-im3kj I think so too, something has to crack here. When all these older seasoned professionals are gone and literally nobody is skilled enough/willing to do the work they'll learn.
      All these people have to do is stop being so greedy and pay people what they're due. It's not a complicated concept. It's all fueled by greed.

  • @jstanovic
    @jstanovic Před 3 měsíci +6

    I bought a used Jeep with low milage from a dealership. I opted out of the extended warranty. After the brief warranty, the fuel pump started to fail. I took it in. The service writer wrote it up. While in the parking lot the owner came over and asked me how I liked the vehicle. I told him. He looked at me puzzled and asked, "You didn't buy this vehicle that long ago?" He then told me, "Don't worry, we will take care of it." This is where I went back for business.

    • @ing9212
      @ing9212 Před 20 dny +1

      The problem started when I saw the word JEEP.

    • @jstanovic
      @jstanovic Před 19 dny

      @ing9212 I am no jeep fan.... but I used it for a couple of years and I got more of my initial payment cost back on that jeep than any other vehicle I ever bought! I got rid of it because I got tired of the bounce causing me to spill coffee on my white shirt on my way to work! I would order medium but ask them to put it in a large cup!

  • @wendyhardy8304
    @wendyhardy8304 Před 3 měsíci +6

    I took my son’s Skoda in for a service at Skoda Dealership and opted to wait. While I was in the waiting room next to the service staff I heard in every single phone call to the owner that they checked the windscreen wipers and they needed changing. Most owners agreed to this. To me that was just a money grab. Now my Toyota dealer is servicing/replacing tyres. I get told I need 4 new tyres at a cost $2,600! Apparently the tread is so bad they couldn’t rotate them. On a 2.5 year old car! The treads are near perfect and so said the tyre company I took the car to for a second opinion. Definitely dodgy brothers Inc. sorry Aussie slang😂.

  • @ravenfeather7087
    @ravenfeather7087 Před 3 měsíci +11

    Now here's a dealership. I drive a Tacoma and recently had to have the tires rotated. As simple as that. So since the nearest Toyota dealership is 60 miles away I took it to a local Ford dealership. Pulled up and parked the vehicle in the waiting area and took a walk around the lot. Came back just in time to see my Tacoma way in back of the shop with a mechanic attaching something to the wheels. Which really peaked my interest. So I found the shop dude and asked what was going on. And he then began a long list of things they were going to "check" including wheel alignment. When I said I just wanted tire rotation he explained they do all of those other things for the $20 tire rotation. What are the odds they would have NOT found something that needed immediate repair?

  • @DanielA-xh2fj
    @DanielA-xh2fj Před 3 měsíci +29

    This hits home. I took my 2015 1794 Tundra to Toyota dealer near me and told them I want to service the transfer case as it was not engaging as smoothly as it should and the service adviser told me that I was switching from 4*4 to. 4*4 low incorrectly. I told him that from 2w to 4*4 high -rolling while on D and from 4*4 high to 4*4 low on N at a complete stop. The “I’m the expert” service advisor told me that I’m suppose do both on D while rolling. Took him for a drive and proved him wrong. His mechanic end up recommending servicing the transfer case as I have diagnosed myself and it is now working as it should.
    After that I started doing my oil change myself and both my cars ( Tundra and 4Runner) sound better than when I was taking both to the dealership.

    • @jumanji5239
      @jumanji5239 Před 3 měsíci +2

      Same here. If you want it done right do it yourself.

    • @DanielA-xh2fj
      @DanielA-xh2fj Před 3 měsíci

      @@jumanji5239 BTW if your don’t know yet. Toyota genuine oil is Mobil1 repackaged. Read the fine prints if you’re using them.

  • @jworthington8186
    @jworthington8186 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Found a great Service Advisor at local Toyota dealership. Makes a huge difference. Never thought to try to get to know a technician. Great idea. Thanks.

  • @chuckq54
    @chuckq54 Před 3 měsíci +7

    My first Toyota in 1990: I was assigned a service advisor and mechanic. I loved the concept. Got to know both of them by name and it worked very well until they did away with it. I currently do not know any of the service advisors at my Lexus dealership even after 4 years 😢

  • @Robert-lr3wr
    @Robert-lr3wr Před 3 měsíci +46

    Yeah, I had a guy at a Toyota dealer. Tell me I need to get rid of the car. Because he thought it needed spark plugs. He didn't know that they had just been changed less than a month prior.
    And we're just fine stating. I have no check engine light on. These guys are beyond dishonest. They just try to sell you anything and everything they possibly can because that's how they get paid. They don't get paid to be honest they get paid to sell stuff

    • @johnettipio
      @johnettipio Před 3 měsíci +6

      Even if your car did need new spark plugs, that shouldn't be an expensive job. Certainly nothing bad enough that I would sell an otherwise properly running car.

    • @alskooper3319
      @alskooper3319 Před 3 měsíci

      Advisors get a nice spiff for putting you in a new car.

    • @Andy-im3kj
      @Andy-im3kj Před 3 měsíci

      You either dealt with an ignorant misinformed advisor or a complete jerk.

    • @johntetreault
      @johntetreault Před 3 měsíci +8

      WTF?! Get rid of the car because it needs SPARK PLUGS?!!!

    • @aussie2uGA
      @aussie2uGA Před 3 měsíci

      Sprak Plug job on the Tundra 5.7 are over $500 at the dealer. Not exactly cheap. @@johnettipio

  • @MR3DDev
    @MR3DDev Před 3 měsíci +9

    I knew my dealership service department was shady when I went in for oil change and general maintenance and had to take it in again for a broken lug nut.

  • @s.j.5850
    @s.j.5850 Před 3 měsíci

    Very good advice. You gave your viewers the real deal about dealerships. I especially like the explanation of good techs working at bad dealerships, and bad techs working at good dealerships. You are 100% correct! I worked at a dealership for a few months & got a bird's-eye view of what goes on in the service department.

  • @robiecarmichael9958
    @robiecarmichael9958 Před 3 měsíci

    You are very down to earth with an enormous amount of integrity and desire to inform the you tube community about the automotive industry. You are very correct in the statement there are good dealerships and bad just as there are good and bad independent shops. The sad part is and you said it. There are good people at bad shops and there are bad people at good shops. Thank you for another great video.

  • @Robert-lr3wr
    @Robert-lr3wr Před 3 měsíci +9

    They make decisions based on mileage. If they can't find anything broken, they make assumptions that oh, this car has a 120000 miles. It needs to have the spark. Plugs changed not bothering to check if they have been changed

  • @edbarrett4969
    @edbarrett4969 Před 3 měsíci +16

    Good video. Regarding communication....I ensure that the Tech gets the full story of what is going on with the car and what it is I want done by typing up a summary with that info. I give one to the service advisor and I leave one on the dashboard labeled "To the Technician" with a "thanks for taking care of my car" note at the bottom. Works for me!

  • @jasperpike242
    @jasperpike242 Před 3 měsíci

    I love your analysis of all aspects of motoring. Gentle quiet delivery, impressive

  • @chatrkat
    @chatrkat Před 3 měsíci

    I completely agree on all points. Thank you for explaining this so thoroughly. Too many people are under the impression the dealership is the only place to take their car after the warranty expires.

  • @loanokaharbor8303
    @loanokaharbor8303 Před 3 měsíci +13

    If the Service advisor arrogantly says, "you don't have to change your oil for 10K miles, you are wasting your money" and refuses to take your car, until you ask for a supervisor. If that is the status quo for every service agent at that dealer, RUN AWAY and never go back.

    • @milfordcivic6755
      @milfordcivic6755 Před 3 měsíci +1

      If it's a service plan you're not paying for, they will only do the minimum reccommended service.

    • @joeblack1052
      @joeblack1052 Před 3 měsíci +2

      I have had that when I am paying for it.
      Even the Toyota service manual recommends 5k oil changes for short runs in cold weather or even having a rooftop carrier.
      The service advisor has no way of knowing one’s driving habits.
      My Toyota had an average speed on the trip computer of 23 mph. If I had 50mph average then maybe 10k intervals are ok.

    • @tgriebe
      @tgriebe Před 3 měsíci

      That won't happen. Dealers make up bogus early service intervals to make more money off you, plus make up stuff like "flushes" that are not even in the owners manual.

    • @motleydude73
      @motleydude73 Před 3 měsíci

      They're actually doing you a favour trying to save you money! 😂

    • @motleydude73
      @motleydude73 Před 3 měsíci

      ​​@@tgriebeLoad of bullshit.

  • @chuckpar2206
    @chuckpar2206 Před 3 měsíci +29

    Good advice as always. Regarding scheduled maintenance; always review your vehicle's schedule maintenance guide so you know what services are actually required. This will help you avoid the dealership upsell efforts. I've been in a dealership listening to an advisor upsell an older woman. Her lack on knowledge and "trust" in the dealership allowed them to extract money from her pocket. This was a high end "luxury" brand dealership.

    • @tlwisner
      @tlwisner Před 3 měsíci +6

      Yeah, my old mom paying $400 for Lexus RX300 oil changes. Boo.

    • @tomc8115
      @tomc8115 Před 3 měsíci

      Good advice. I also try to look at DIY CZcams videos for the intended services I need to get an idea of what might be involved. I don't have the time, tools or skills to do many of these tasks myself, but I at least like to have some feeling for what is involved in terms of labor and parts.

    • @shiftfocus1
      @shiftfocus1 Před 3 měsíci

      I had a service manager at a Mazda dealer that would push service on me that wasn’t due. He insisted it was the manufacturer’s recommendation. I remember challenging him to show me where, in my owner’s manual, it said that service was required. He couldn’t.

  • @donhoe100
    @donhoe100 Před 3 měsíci +1

    This is so true! I used to work at a larger municipality running heavy equipment and driving trucks. When we book in a truck or machine for service we had to go to the front desk and talk to a service writer that would take your information and write it down in a very simple way, missing all the details that would help the mechanic. The next day unless it was a simple light bulb or wipers it would almost never get fixed. When we talk directly with the mechanic it would almost always be fixed properly.

  • @jameslparada
    @jameslparada Před 3 měsíci +2

    I am going another way on this. I feel lucky that I found a great local Toyota dealership with a great mechanic that can help on some of the fixes I cannot do myself. On my last visit, he came out personally and showed me the broken part. We made a decision together as if my truck was his. He kept me in the loop all along the repair. Service technician backed him up but let him run the conversation. Even the little things like mats out and seat back into my position were done so it was almost as if I wasn’t there. This dude is an absolute gem, even with my older modified 4R. He has even kept me from making other mistakes by over tackling repairs. After reading and listening, I realize sadly that while this should be the gold standard, it is a rarity.

  • @NRP1991
    @NRP1991 Před 3 měsíci +10

    I trust you man I wish you’d work at my dealership! Your videos and to the point perspective is perfect ! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us !!!

  • @BusterKitten
    @BusterKitten Před 3 měsíci +4

    Our family has been blessed in that we've found a wonderful dealership who've been nothing but the best in how they look after our car needs. My kids, grandkids, and friends have done business with this dealership because of how they take care of their customers.

  • @vedocapp
    @vedocapp Před 3 měsíci +1

    it's professionals like you who give the Automotive industry hope!

  • @tonynautajr
    @tonynautajr Před 3 měsíci

    I really love your honesty, makes me want to drive my car to your shop, and I live in California, but I still think it's so worth it to find honest mechanics.

  • @CodeyMcewen
    @CodeyMcewen Před 3 měsíci +4

    I walked into a toyota dealership 10 min ago for my first oil change on my 2023 taco. I sat down and turned on this video and it switched into my truck as they drive it into the bay. Perfect timing.

  • @IM_A_BEAR_LOL
    @IM_A_BEAR_LOL Před 3 měsíci +6

    This video hits so hard. Just had my Honda dealer who I've bought 3 cars from fail my inspection and claim I needed all brakes and rotors replaced for $1250. Declined. Had my trusted mechanic look the car over and was told there was no issue with the front brakes, rear would probably need to be replaced in 6 months, but there was no safety issue that would fail inspection. Honda mechanic also hit me with brake \ coolant \ trans flush \ fuel system cleaning required for another $760, and tried to tell me my new tires would probably need to be replaced soon, AND I needed an alignment for $160 less than a year after the last one bc their automated check said it was "out of spec". Again, ran all these past the trusted mechanic and he was like "???, your car is fine, and your tires still look brand new".
    Thank you for your channel and for videos like these. I might not understand automotive mechanics, but you are helping me understand enough to not get taken for a ride. I work in information technology and see the same type of dishonesty and betrayal of trust in my industry when it comes to people taking advantage of what others do not know because their lives and career are different.

    • @motleydude73
      @motleydude73 Před 3 měsíci +1

      You couldn't check tyres yourself? Oh lordy 😂

  • @zachg9065
    @zachg9065 Před 3 měsíci +4

    I worked as a porter at a dealer during college, lot of customers started asking me questions when I greeted them, I always pointed them towards the advisor. Also working there taught me a lot about cars and how to deal with going to a service center.

  • @caiorolim
    @caiorolim Před 2 měsíci +1

    Excellent video. I am very happy with the service dept of my dealership. The advisor is very professional and, I feel, very open and honest. One thing that really helps is that the actual technician sends me, the customer, a video with detailed information of his pre-service inspection with his findings and advice.

  • @HotRod-wv4vm
    @HotRod-wv4vm Před 3 měsíci +4

    My Honda Dealer where I bought my 04 Honda back in 04 is awesome. Have a very good relationship with the service manager. He even delivered and installed a free battery as the mechanic had forgotten to connect the ground wire while working on my car. Oh I always show my appreciation during the holidays.

  • @ahill209
    @ahill209 Před 3 měsíci +8

    Excellent video! i was in charge of maintenance for an entire Army Division and ran into a lot of the same issues you cite. I've had great experiences with a very few dealership service departments, but most were not very competent. I bought a new car in December 2022 and the first oil change was free. I added a tire rotation to the order. Even with a reservation, it took them 2 hours to accomplish those tasks. Later that day, I lost a lug nut in a parking garage and discovered the technician did not tighten all the lug nuts on one of the tires! I contacted the service advisor, the service manager, and the dealership's general manager and never got a response from any of them. That is a good indication of a poorly run service department. That same dealership's car wash ripped a part of my door trim that same day. i will not be returning to them for any maintenance on my car.

  • @RJKYEG
    @RJKYEG Před dnem

    I had this 2000 Honda Accord EX-L, excellent car - loved it. Around 2018 I got the windshield replaced, timing belt replaced, new winter tires ... a fair chunk of change for an 18 y/o car. In 2020 a mechanic looked at it and advised me that the front subframe was pretty much rusted through and that the car wasn't safe to drive unless I could find a replacement subframe for it.

  • @daves4202
    @daves4202 Před 3 měsíci +2

    You nailed it with Looking at the car and not selling service based on mileage.
    I had a brake fluid change done at my local dealer, and 5000 miles later I went in for an oil change. Their computers were down that day, and the service advisor told me that I needed a brake fluid change. Nope.
    Clearly no one bothered to actually check the fluid.

  • @matthewinaz
    @matthewinaz Před 3 měsíci +7

    I had to go to the Toyota dealership three times to have them change my oil for the first time at 2000 miles. I wanted it done then and not at 10,000 miles each time they came back and said well it’s not required yet. I told him do it I want it done, I’ll never go back there again to have them do it. I do it myself now.

    • @motleydude73
      @motleydude73 Před 3 měsíci +1

      Why? 10k is perfectly fine. Do you like wasting money and good oil? 2000 miles is ridiculous! 😂 You think you know better than the people who build and benchtest their engines and rigourously test oils for optimum performance and longevity?

    • @Jerry-sy8rd
      @Jerry-sy8rd Před 3 měsíci

      @@motleydude73😄😅😂🤣🥲🤪

    • @Ni-fg6je
      @Ni-fg6je Před 3 měsíci

      2,000 miles is ridiculous. I could see 5,000

    • @motleydude73
      @motleydude73 Před 3 měsíci

      @@Ni-fg6je If you drive in extreme conditions maybe. 10 is fine.

    • @DavidTMSN
      @DavidTMSN Před 3 měsíci

      ​People strip break in oil out at 500-1000 miles all the time. It also depends on the motor. I wouldn't go 10k in a direct injected turbocharged engine due to fuel dilution. @@motleydude73

  • @susanmeredith4957
    @susanmeredith4957 Před 3 měsíci +3

    Thank you, I bought my Rav in 2022, my first Toyota. So new to this dealership service dept. wondered how to tell if the service dept was good. So far based on what you’ve said, they seem to check all the boxes. All I’ve needed is routine maintenance but service advisors seem good.

  • @neptune2854
    @neptune2854 Před měsícem

    You are the most knowledgeable automotive technician on the internet that I’ve seen. I used to do all my own mechanical repair on the vehicles in my company. I’ve never found a dealership as good as a small private shop. If your shop was near me you would be the only mechanic I would take my vehicles to. Knowledgeable, intelligent and honest. You are a rare breed in this era.

  • @ChitmanatNuntalogawithoo-sl5gh

    Thank you for having integrity in your works and your words sir.
    I had learned so much from master technician and mechanic like yourself to do my own maintenance and repair works because I haven't yet can find anyone with honestly and integrity in their works and words.
    In return, I had gain another useful skills and knowledge while saving myself $$$ from having to take it to dealership or shop.
    Thank you again for sharing your value knowledge and experience for DIY folks like us.

  • @shaolinman
    @shaolinman Před 3 měsíci +4

    Sometimes the smaller mom and pop shops are even worse than the dealerships themselves by upselling the unnecessary work and telling customers that different grades of oil are the same and there’s no difference to it.

  • @photohounds
    @photohounds Před 3 měsíci +3

    Another excellent video, sir.
    The biggest annoyance in my book is when (say) I KNOW that an engine's rear main seal needs to be replaced and you book it in to be DONE.
    You come in, at day's end.
    They LOOKED AT IT and say "your engine needs a new rear main seal, let's book it in".
    GRRRRR another trip in,
    FOR NOTHING.

  • @old75v1
    @old75v1 Před 3 měsíci

    AMD, very informative content for the consumer. I picked up a few points that I will use the next time I visit the dealership. Thank you for honesty and professionalism!

  • @redboy81
    @redboy81 Před 3 měsíci

    Great advices, just listen to him folks! I worked 9 years in a car dealership, 2.5years in a recreational vehicles dealership and now over 4 years in a truck dealership.
    You're absolutely 100% right on how it works and how it is in a dealership.
    Trying our best to control the chaos 😅

  • @keithpanco
    @keithpanco Před 3 měsíci +3

    When I sold cars the best service department I ever saw was at Mitchell Mazda Lincoln Mercury in Enterprise, AL, 1998. It was run by a man named Mitch. It was spotless and ran like a top. At the end of the day everyone cleaned up and even buffed the floors. No vehicle left the service department without being washed first.

  • @derek2479
    @derek2479 Před 3 měsíci +3

    My red flag last year was bringing in my new Toyota to the dealer where I had bought it for a simple oil change at 5k miles (it was still free). What I apparently got was it being shunted to an unsupervised trainee. Driving home, I could tell there was a problem. Checked the tire pressure and they had pumped them all to 60 psi. I had specifically told them to ignore the tires since I deal with that at home. I suspect he/she pumped up the spare and then didn't reset the gauge pressure when moving on. I dealt with it and called to let them know it had happened. Got a "I'll let the manager know". A simple thing, but important, and to me it called into question their entire QA/QC. And I'll bet many folks would have just kept driving like that.

  • @russbarrows6689
    @russbarrows6689 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you for this information. I'm sending it to an elderly lady we know. She's getting a lot of up sales. You talk about talking to the technician. A few years ago in another city, I asked to talk to the technician in a Toyota dealership. I was told that due to insurance rules I was not allowed to go into the shop. I asked if he could come out to talk with me. They told me he was not working mornings and I should come back in the afternoon. I came back in the afternoon and was told that he was too busy. Eventually, I did talk with him but it was because I was persistent. What he told me was very helpful. I really don't think the service manager wanted me to talk with the technician.

  • @brent1387
    @brent1387 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Wow!!! What a great video…Like my dad giving me a talk about how life really is….Wish I lived close to your shop as you would have a customer for life. Thanks for a great talk on how a dealership operates, the good , the bad and the ugly. All the best of success to you…

  • @alexross8722
    @alexross8722 Před 2 měsíci +7

    Man, that's so sad about how stealerships are run! I mean, back in the day they used to be the most highly-trained and reputable professionals, but now they're not even trustworthy. But the takeaway I get from this is that I'm encouraged to continue to DIY as much of my car maintenance and repair as possible! Thanks for being such a wealth of honest and helpful information! Strange how this parallels the current medical industry in the U.S. right now.

    • @redbaron6805
      @redbaron6805 Před 18 dny +1

      Except, as he noted, there are good dealerships out there, and there are bad one's. I have gone to great dealerships with excellent service, and I have gone to crap one's. Not all of them are good, and not all of them are bad.

  • @djjerryspringer4840
    @djjerryspringer4840 Před 3 měsíci +3

    I never work at a dealership before but this is very true it happens at independent shops too

  • @ronaldbryant7710
    @ronaldbryant7710 Před 3 měsíci

    Thank you for being so candid and honest about the truth of car dealerships. The information you provided was very informative and helpful. Thank you!!!

  • @rogercollins7409
    @rogercollins7409 Před 3 měsíci +1

    I've had several bad experiences with a local Toyota dealership service department where I purchased the car, like oil change I paid for not being done, and repair that was not done correctly. And I'm not the only one who has had a bad experience with this (very large) dealership service department. Lots of excuses for these mistakes, but little change . I'd like to see a video on what to look for in a good privately owned specialist shop like you run, because I'd love to find one like yours. By the way, thank you for your wonderful video's which have been very helpful for so many.

  • @dalephillips8250
    @dalephillips8250 Před 3 měsíci +10

    I'm so afraid of taking my Tundra to the dealership. After purchasing it new & taking for service 2 separate times they have nicked my paint on doors...on passenger side it was so bad that they had to repaint the whole side for me. they also damaged center console lid and replaced that for me also ...but I have to put it on. Its a shame to purchase a 55K vehicle and they can't even drive it back to a rack and open the doors in a way that won't bang against the lift. They should at least put cushion/foam on their racks to alleviate this. Also they tightened my Oil filter housing so tight (over 49 ft lbs) that to get it off I had to use a breaker bar and it broke a little tab off of it leaving a small hole...so I informed them and they replaced that free of charge.(Keep in mind its only supposed to be torqued 18Ft lbs). I do all my maintenance myself but I wish I had a guy like the "Car Care Nut" that I could take it to whenever I wanted.

    • @gregsmith332
      @gregsmith332 Před 3 měsíci

      The Car Care Nut-Ahmed- never torque any nuts and bolts to spec either. He hammers everything on with impact tools.

  • @narlycharley
    @narlycharley Před 3 měsíci +32

    You should pretty much avoid all stealerships and find a local and reputable family owned and privately owned shop. Edit: Better yet, learn how to do the maintenance and repairs yourself and save a bunch of money and feel good doing it. Plus, you know that it's done correctly.

    • @biglaw24
      @biglaw24 Před 3 měsíci

      This!

    • @shiftfocus1
      @shiftfocus1 Před 3 měsíci +7

      I lack the time and facilities to do it myself. And I’ve learned the hard way that I also lack the skill. 🫤
      I’ve also learned that independent shops are no guarantee of good treatment. Dishonest and incompetent people work in those places too.

    • @Cocora22
      @Cocora22 Před 3 měsíci +5

      100% I'm telling you, if I can do it anyone can do it. I'm 71, a female and I have arthritis in my hands. I have a nice quiver of tools and jacks and stands and I have been doing maintenance on all my trucks for at least 15 years because I got sick and tired of getting screwed and lied to. There is no better source of information than youtube, you just have to watch a lot of videos so you can learn to differentiate between the really good ones and the really bad ones. Learn 1 thing at a time, take it slow and have your lap top handy so you can review as you work, before you know it you'll realize you know way more than you ever dreamed possible.

    • @billricheter5678
      @billricheter5678 Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@shiftfocus1good points. I have found independents to often be more expensive than my dealerships

    • @Jan96106
      @Jan96106 Před 3 měsíci

      @@Cocora22 I'm really impressed. I tried to do some repairs in the past, but I did not do a good job.

  • @hughclark4220
    @hughclark4220 Před 3 měsíci +1

    This maybe your best video yet ! a lot of good advice . By nature I am not blessed with your patience , and I dislike (like most people) people who try to fob you off , and pull the wool over your eyes , and worst of all - when you ask a question and get a pre prepared answer which doesn't answer your question . I had an issue with a Skoda Yeti , I went to my local dealer , basically I paid £40 pound to get my car washed and I never asked for it , and they told me they couldn't find the problem . I contacted Skoda UK who were a bit more helpful . I ended up going to another garage (Victoria garage Maud) albeit a 300 mile round trip.
    It was well worth it , two issues fixed under warranty , and they gave me a courtesy car , I would recommend Victoria garage Maud if you live in the Highlands of Scotland !

  • @jasperpike242
    @jasperpike242 Před 3 měsíci

    You exude dependability and honesty. Keep it up mate.

  • @vijayprabhu9087
    @vijayprabhu9087 Před 3 měsíci +3

    I took my two year old 4 Runner to the dealership for a oil change they have alignment sensors when you drive into the service bay at all dealerships ,the 4 runner had only done 12000 miles on good paved roads but the service advisor wanted to do an alignment for $150 !

  • @GeneralElectricCNC
    @GeneralElectricCNC Před 3 měsíci +5

    Very good advice! I used to be a Mechanic many moons ago and the relationships you forge with your customers are what
    makes your business successful. Thanks again for another great piece of advice!

  • @Stormin_Norman
    @Stormin_Norman Před 3 měsíci +1

    I do all you said about liking your technician, I always use him straightforwardly on every visit. Guess what, he's a Toyota Technician and has always taken good and proper care of me and I reflect this in my survey after every visit there. Thanks for all your expert info.

  • @ThrowIDown
    @ThrowIDown Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks for the informative video. As a new car owner that hasn’t had a new vehicle in 20 years your videos are greatly appreciated. If only your automotive shop were in Los Angeles and not 2k miles away 😢. It’s so hard to find a trust worthy mechanic here. I appreciate the work you do.

  • @MandoDando
    @MandoDando Před 3 měsíci +4

    I have a New 2022 4runner. 1st oil change was a disaster at the dealership. Long story/short. I now stay with my 4runner while they do the work.

    • @DavidTMSN
      @DavidTMSN Před 3 měsíci +1

      Oh no...what did they do?

    • @wholeNwon
      @wholeNwon Před 3 měsíci

      And you were surprised?

    • @MandoDando
      @MandoDando Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@efil4kizum They pull me up a chair in the shop.

  • @rodrigogar
    @rodrigogar Před 3 měsíci +3

    Thank you AMD for your knowledge and advice!

  • @KevinSmith-wr1sy
    @KevinSmith-wr1sy Před 3 měsíci +1

    This is a spectacularly valuable video. Nobody has better advice in regards to car repair than the car care nut!

  • @shiftfocus1
    @shiftfocus1 Před 3 měsíci +1

    An hour before watching this, I got a call one of the service advisors at my Ford dealership. I’ve been taking my truck to them for years, deal with this one guy more often than not, and he’s earned my trust for all the reasons you’ve cited. He’s always been straight with me and knows that I know some stuff. I can challenge the stuff that doesn’t make sense and he’ll deal with it. And he just returned my call over an hour after they closed.
    My Toyota dealer has also earned my trust in how they responded to issues. And for one other thing: many of their service advisors used to be their technicians.

  • @ryoung6725
    @ryoung6725 Před 3 měsíci +4

    I don't go to the stealerships unless I can't do the work myself. Also, having free refreshments is a must lol.

  • @ronkemperful
    @ronkemperful Před 3 měsíci +3

    I’ve had both good and terrible experiences with service departments at dealers. One dealer in the Denver area had its service advisors automatically tell everyone (I overheard the same comment with another customer) that the brakes were worn down to 3mm and they needed to be replaced. My car only had 20,000 miles on it and I always used lower gears in the mountains and drove gently, so I smelled something fishy. So, I declined and the next time I had the car serviced the brakes magically recovered to 7mm and when I sold the car 140,000 miles later it still had 4mm, more than 5 years earlier.

  • @trdrav4
    @trdrav4 Před 3 měsíci

    Spot on...having worked at a dealer, you get a feel for who you like and dislike. With my current car, I've used the same dealer since I've had it and have gone to the same service manager as well. He "hooks" it up (Comp'd some oil changes for me too), and is straightforward I even got him a Christmas gift as well for taking care of me. The only issue that I saw with the whole service department was that there wasn't enough managers to handle the influx of cars and even the phones at times, and the dealer finally hired more ASMs in response.

  • @johng.4959
    @johng.4959 Před 3 měsíci

    100% correct! Great information. Having worked at many car dealerships in the past, I can tell you, you are spot-on.👍