[KKM]

Not a big surprise but didn't realize it was so prevalent, 5 random dealerships and they're all less than honest:

msnbc.com Video Player

There's also a second report after the commercial on the chain shops. No surprise on Midas, been reading for years on their said practice due to some unscrupulous franchise owners. Good on Pep Boys.

 

[Kostamojen]

I worked at a dealer for almost 5 years, and that all sounds about right. Dealers have higher overhead and higher labor rates which means they will cost more, but they also have more oversight and OEM parts.

With service advisers, they get the info from the mechanics and have to sell what the mechanics say is required, but they also have pressure from the managers to sell more and some dealers actually have policies to push extra items that aren't required.

The worst part is that is all caused by the same mentality that drives the problems people are complaining about with Wall Street and all the protests... The "me-first", "screw you I gotta get my own" behavior. There is plenty of honest business to be made for everyone, but these problems won't go away until more fundamental changes in our society occur.

(Sorry for the rant)

 

[Dozer42]

The worst part is that is all caused by the same mentality that drives the problems people are complaining about with Wall Street and all the protests... The "me-first", "screw you I gotta get my own" behavior. There is plenty of honest business to be made for everyone, but these problems won't go away until more fundamental changes in our society occur.

What fundamental changes in our society are you looking for that will cause dealers to not overcharge exactly?

I don't see the connection here.

 

[prosperity]

We COULD all live happily after.

I would have thought we could live in a society in which most people would be happy to do an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. Even motor mechanics.

 

[TSoprano]

not suprised considering they are JEEP dealers

 

[Don]

I've had better luck at dealerships (pricewise) than with independent "certified" mechanics. Independents don't have easy access to service information for specific models.

 

[Dozer42]

not suprised considering they are JEEP dealers

Agreed. Both Chrysler and GM were bailed out/partially bought out by the government.

I wouldn't take a vehicle from them if they gave it for free.

Why? Because GM is now refusing to warranty service about 160,000 Chevy Impala's with a know suspension defect. They say they're not responsible for it, those cars are from before the bankruptcy.

So what's to keep them from going bankrupt again, especially now that they're union controlled?

Buying something like the Chevy Volt would be suicide. First model year vehicles are always a problem, and this is the first model year of an entirely new model with entirely new untested technology. With a new, very expensive, battery technology that GM refuses to warranty as well as Toyota warranties theirs, even if they DO honor the warranty down the road!

Eeek! And these are the same dealers ripping people off?

Color me surprised! (NOT!)

I'm still wondering what 'fundamental changes in our society' others are expecting to resolve this problem...?

 

[dgstan]

What fundamental changes in our society are you looking for that will cause dealers to not overcharge exactly?

I don't see the connection here.

Not to speak for anyone else, but the way I see it, it's similar to the differences between RCA and Sony back in the 80's.

RCA's mindset is that they wanted to sell every person in the United States a TV.

Sony wanted to sell you a TV now, and your next TV, and the one after that.

The difference was one was out for a quick buck and didn't think long-term while the other was willing to make a little less profit now because they know that by doing so, they will earn your business forever and make up for the short-term profit over the long haul.

I don't think that it's wholly dissimilar to the difference between say, GM and Lexus today.

So, the fundamental change I'm looking for is for companies not to fleece you in the short-term (i.e. recommending unnecessary service, etc.). Instead, be honest, treat the customer with respect, and try and build a partnership that will last over time.

To give further example, I initially went to Newport Lexus (the one with the waterfall, fireplace, grand piano, Starbucks, and Tommy Bahama boutique) to buy my CT. They treated me like crud. In fact, their attitude is that you're lucky to be able to buy a car from them. They insulted my intelligence to no end. They did nothing to build my trust or make me feel that they would have my back in case of any problem. It wouldn't matter what they would have priced the car at, because there's no way I'd buy a car from someone I don't trust.

 

[Sleepypete]

Think you've got it there with the Sony vs RCA.

People like Ford, Vauxhall, VW and the like know that we'll keep buying their cars because they are "good enough". (At least that was true with Vauxhall before they lost the plot in the 90s). Trouble is, "good enough" isn't special, plus people eventually get fed up with being treated with less respect than sheep. Why settle for second best.

After 1 Carcraft experience, I will never go back to them. The Vauxhall garages around Lincolnshire (parents' home) got fired because all of them did faulty, absent and unnecessary work on our cars. I fired Rover because of terrible reliability and dealer fitted parts breaking. The car was fine but bits kept dropping off it. Same with Range Rover, my mum's Freelander went to a series of dealers who couldn't fix simple turbo issues.

Sister had a VW but will not have another because of being driven up the wall by their garages. Actually, sister's experience with Toyota with her MR2 is one thing that's pointed me towards Lexus/Toyota.

If only more people were prepared to think a little when they buy their cars before going "Baa" and walking into the VW garage to get fleeced. Lexus dealers make you feel special and they're backed up by great cars.

Lexus garages - I was very impressed with both Lincoln Lexus and Lexus Cheltenham, eventually getting the car from Cheltenham cos it's closer to home. I almost went into Bristol Lexus (nearer still) but walked away cos of a seriously bad vibe.

I trust the vibes more now Although I have the feeling that vibe might have been due to me being ultra cranky after wandering Bristol

 

[Don]

I boycotted GM way back in 1986. I had so many problems with my ‘85 Oldsmobile that because of the lemon law here in Minnesota, they gave me a new ‘86 Oldsmobile just to shut me up. Same problems, different year. I said never again... I'm sure others have had similar experiences with other car "American" companies. Everyone has a car horror story to tell.

 

[Don]

Lexus has got to be making huge profits in order to build and maintain their lavish dealerships and pay their smartly dressed staff. Lexus customers are bribed with cookies, donut holes, biscotti, and Lexus bottled water in their waiting rooms while making you think you’re part of the club. But at some point in time during the buying process, they bend you over and ……………………... fleece your wallet. All car dealerships are pretty much the same, more or less, and Lexus is no exception. I must admit, Lexus makes some very good cars, but you pay for it (and the dealership). Care for another biscotti and some Lexus bottled water?