In this case it would need to be a axel shaft bolt(s) that they look at. Only RWD cars have a drive shaft. As for paying for all this. Just did the work on a sunday, only pay for parts then. I would think a service manual would tell you how to go about looking to see if these bolts are tight enough or not. I can understand the looking at the wires, plumbing for the brakes & so on, but you can do most of this your self also.

 

if you think thats messed up, my wife gets charged an extra 30% on what ever she takes her xterra in for, oil changes, mantaince, and 15k service. this is even with me working at that dealership. which makes it a pain in my ___ to have to have everything checked. but then agains she might also have the rip me off sign on her face. she also know to call me first if they have to replace anything. at least i told her not to worry about the headlight fluid (its self ajusting), muffler bearing (200,000 mile part) and elbow grease (i fill it weekly).

 

I think the drive shaft bolt is something different. WHy would they tell you to tighten this bolt every 15k if it's only on the RWD version?

 

I agree. It's just a bs ripoff. Unless something is wrong with it, it should
not cost over $200.00 bucks for basically a checkup. Do they say your
warranty is void if you don't have the different service checks done? I have
never been told this on any new car. My old boss bought a Honda CRV and
she takes in for the service checks and pays a couple of hundred bucks each time
cause they told her it would void her warranty if she did not. If a new vehicle
can't make it through it's warranty period without a thousand dollars worth of ____ done it to, then it is not worth buying.

 

Just to update my situation, I called and left a message with the service manager (didnt pick up) and wrote a letter. Neither of them were responded to. Basically, some of you are right. I signed the paper saying "15k service" so nothing illegal occured. It was just my part in trusting the dealership that backfired. I guess you can just say lesson learned. Word to the wise, check your owners manual per service intervals or just ask, like a member suggested, "as specified by owners manual". I don't think i will be going to them any time soon which sucks because i'm less then 5 minutes away but oh well, id rather drive for a better experience. thanks for your help guys.

-Rafael

 

I took a look at parts of the manual. They call the axel shafts (Drive Shaft) in this case. They never seem to say Drive Shaft's though, so is there only one drive shaft?

 

You could always confront them on what was serviced for $190. Make a scene with other customers around demanding partial credit back because you were ripped off!!! Also, tell them you will be referring the situation to BBB (Better Business Bureau). ...and never step foot in that place again

 

This is why it pays to find a good independent (NOT a chain, like Midas or Sears, and especially not Firestone) mechanic. Ask around (there are probably people on Scion Life who are in your area and know a good mechanic).

With my Saturn, I've been getting all my oil changes done at a quick-lube place, then I drive next door to Les Schwab for a free tire rotation. I alternate taking my car to my mechanic for the major tune-up-type service, and taking it to the dealer (so as not to miss out on TSBs, etc.). If the dealer recommends any further service, I ALWAYS get an estimate, then take it to my mechanic for a second opinion. If my mechanic agrees, I have him do the work.

I plan to do the same with the tC.

 

Or, DIY. With the money people spend letting a mechanic work on their vehicle you could invest in a nice tool set and digital camera and DIY. Not to foget the extra money you have and knowledge. Post the problem with pics on the forums and you'll get help.

I did a motor swap in my Civic. First time EVER doing anything major. Yeah, I ran into problems, but that's when I used the digital camera and posted shots. The experts walked me through and before I knew it, I was done.

That's just my opinion on the subject though.

 

For those of us who don't live in the city, sure.

 

I don't know either, and it certainly isn't in the owners' manual service list. They probably also lube the muffler bearings and tighten the piston return springs.

 

dang, I'm glad I checked here.

My xA just hit 5k so the light is blinking.

I schedualed my maintenence for tomorrow, but I think I'll ask the Toyo how much then check around a bit.

I don't want to unload 200 for a simple oil change (I can do that myself) and tire rotation.

What all is actually needed for the first 5k, just oil and tire rotation?

 

This is why in my opinion 90% of the Toyota dealers are the scum of the earth. I bought a Scion, because I can go around their BS. I've had numerous experiences with Toyota dealers, and have come away unhappy EVERY time. They say what you want to hear, hook you, and then after you've wasted hours of time, they change the deal and make stupid excuses. . . secondly the service departments will do whatever they can within the legal limit to take your money. There are some good dealers. . . but man. I can understand good business, and maximizing profits, but you have to keep customers happy, otherwise you lose future business. I guess they've always relied on the quality of the product to keep customers coming back, but this is an issue that Toyota Corporate will have to deal with. Toyota dealers are REALLY low in the ranks when it comes to customer service. Ironic that Lexus is one of the best. . .

 

Look in your glove compartment - there should be a service schedule in with your owner's manual.

Don't xAs get the three free oil changes? (Look in the back of the service schedule.)

 

That they do, but that doesn't stop dealers from tacking on other "service" items if you let them. They will gently ask you if you "need the tires rotated" or simply write "5000 mile service" on the service order that the customer signs without questioning.

The reason that they give your those three free oil changes is to get you used to using the dealer's service department, not because they want to give you a freebie.

George

 

^ true, but not the point. A free oil change will reduce the overall cost of the 5k service.

Get the free stuff, and specifically refuse, in advance, the other stuff you don't want.

Take responsibility as a consumer and you won't get screwed.

 

Next time you stop by there, pop into the sales dept. Let them know how poorly the service Dept treated you and that you expected more as a CUSTOMER of the dealership. Sometimes this can be helpful. Most importantly, raise your voice a little and do it while there are potential sales customers in the showroom. I made the point, quite loudly, that I didn't expect to get my money back, but if I could stop another person from getting ripped off by this dealership, it would be worth it. It was a nice little vent to get it off of my chest, and the look on a few people's faces made it even more worth it.

I've been daydreaming of starting a website called DublinToyotaSUX.com standing for Service Users Xchange, for people to come and tell their service experiences. Even if it didn't get much traffic, it would be fun just to distribute flyers all around the stealership... :twisted:

 

The best thing for you to do is to call scion! All prices are pure priced with scion including the 15k service. Check the delaers scion website and they should have the prices for a 15k service posted. We have ours posted at $39.95 so yea you got the shaft. Definitly call scion about it and maybe they will get the dealer to give you a refund, or take away some the inventory there. Hope this helps.

I just realized that he didn't post the name of the dealership....I hope it wasn't the one I work at!

 

I had this crap happen, i went in for my 15000 mile service, and thats all i said, he didnt ask me what all i wanted, i ended up payin $170......WTF?? Oil change, injectors cleaned, fuel "additive" air filter, and some other useless ____. ____ed me off cuz i didnt ask for it, they wouldnt give me my money back, just a $50 credit for in store stuff. Which was cool but didnt solve the situation.

 

I ask for the basic oil change and my dealer does "check this and that" for free. this benefits them too, if they find something wrong they will solicit more money I mean business from me to fix it. Of course if I asked for the royal treatment they would be happy to charge extra.