Another Dealer Scam

Ever since I busted the dealer not changing the filter on my first free oil change, I do it myself. I received a flyer in the mail from the dealership offering a synthetic oil change and filter for $68. I just happened to read the fine print and it says 0w-16 and 0w-20 oil is extra. That stumped me because 0w-16 and 20 only come in the synthetic. Plus 90% of Toyotas take 0w-16 or 0w-20. So you would go in thinking oh I need a synthetic I’ll get it for $68. Nope. 0w-20 is extra even though that is synthetic. So tired of the dealership scams. I’ll just continue doing all the maintenance work myself.

 

Yup, once you drive in the bay and talk to the guy, they know you’re not going to walk away after finding out. They probably sell zero oil changes for that price.

 

That is one of the benefits of owning a Toyota. Their cars are reliable, their dealerships are among the worst.

 

That is why I trust no one but myself to do work on my cars......

 

Amen. I do the same. I trust nobody. I take my time and make sure everything is fitting correctly and only use OEM parts.

 

There are certain things I do let them do but not maintenance. While my Runner was there getting a new engine harness due to rodent damage, they changed the oil. On my next change they left me a chocolate rain surprise waiting for me.

 

It’s disgusting. Even warranty work goes awful. Luckily that’s my Honda experience and haven’t had to do anything to my Toyota. Another reason why I bought a 4Runner: a relatively simply car that is dependable which means minimal dealer visits required.

 

What exactly had they done?

 

W

What are we looking at?

 

Exactly... I would rather pay for the part and do it myself, than take it to dealer for free warranty..
That is why I also like the 4Runner.... No warranty work....
They can keep the free maintenance, I do not need it...

 

This looks like they forgot to put the bottom part of the oil filter canister back...
I usually do not remove that part, I remove the whole canister at once...
It is only so oil does not come rushing down. If you take your time, it wont ....

 

that would have made a huge mess.

 

There's a piece of the shitty plastic "tool" that's used to drain the oil from the filter housing broken and lodged in there. Assholes.

 

Nope. There will be very little oil that comes out when you remove the bottom plug. The steel, spring loaded ball keeps the oil in the canister. What they did do was leave a broken off piece of the shitty plastic "tool" in there. The ball never sealed. Hence the oil bath.

 

Ouch!

Btw is that an aftermarket filter housing? mine is plastic.

 

I'd bet that you were beyond pissed.

 

They broke the drain tool in the oil filter housing so I was showered with oil when draining it.

Yeah just keeps proving the point of shitty dealer service. They have lower end techs do the oil changes and other simple jobs.

 

I'm sure that we all realize that young mechanics have to start somewhere. I started with my Dad teaching me to change the oil on my lawnmower while he attended the shop duties of the gas station he owned in the early '60's. That carried over to changing the oil and filter in my own vehicles as time went on.
Later in life when I was a heavy equipment operator, we had the opportunity to service our own equipment, under the close eyes of our qualified mechanics. It gave them the time to work on other pressing issues. And we made damn sure that we didn't f' up million dollar machines.
I would hope to think that most of them that continued in the vehicle service trade, did it with heart and soul. And knowing that they have done you good and earned a persons trust.
I still do that now when I work on my neighbors lawn eq. and vehicles. I do it for free but, she always insists on paying me.
She's financially well off but she's my friend first.

 

I don't understand why with internet and information they still treat you like your stupid. I guess they assume if you knew anything you wouldn't be there. If you know what you're talking about and not buying everything, they aren't that interested. If you're not regular maintenance customer, they aren't interested. I'm old and I do my stuff myself while I can.
The oil pricing sounds like a sham priced by weight. They still have more using 0w20 than anything else. That price was probably for 4 qts and filter at $68.

 

It is not about the price. I care less if it was free...
It is about using good oil. Changing the actual filter
Not over torquing. Not stripping your skid.. etc

 

I paid 54k, I care about every bolt and nut on the thing, the person who does the oil change just wants to get done with it asap...

 

They are over worked and under paid.
They could care less if it's your pride and joy.
It's literally when you go to Chipotle and if they are over worked they make a shitty burrito but if you go at a quiet time, the service is good. The exception is always there if you get a bad worker. Then no matter when you go, you ll always get shitty service.
I have befriended a service advisor. He provides off the book service with cash only. The master tech in his team is the best.
I know for sure no independent garage can work on my 4Runner better than a Toyota master tech.
Otherwise, I would never let a dealership work on my car.

 

To be more precise..

The person who does the oil change, brakes, shocks, anything... wants to get done with it asap....

 

I almost feel like calling the dealer and asking what cars qualify for the 68.00 synthetic oil change. All Toyotas are either 0W-16 or 0W-20 but the fine print clearly states those are extra. The “deal” is for 5 quarts. My 4Runner takes 7. I bet it would easily be a 140.00 oil change. 0w-20 only comes in synthetic so why is that extra? This is exactly why I do all the maintenance myself and have a binder with all the receipts

 

I never let any dealer touch my rig but I just got shoulder surgery and was forced to have the stealership change my oil I tipped the tech $20 not to screw up

 

This. The days when you could entrust your pride and joy to people that ALSO took equal pride and joy in their work are gone. Especially post covid. People DGAF anymore. Taking your vehicle to a dealer for routine maintenance is playing Russian roulette.

 

Man. I feel ya. I had shoulder surgery last year. I paid a kid who was in automotive school to come to the house and do it. I had everything ready for him. Drain plug washer, penzoil and OEM filter. Along with a torque wrench. He did it perfectly

 

If anyone is having a bad day and wants to call them about the 68.00 synthetic oil change that excludes 0w-16 and 0w-20. Here is the info

Orland Park Toyota
(708) 478-2720

 

I like attention to detail. Changing the oil isn't a fast thing, but they need to learn correct way before getting into a hurry. Not stripping skid bolts or tightening filter housing with a big wrench is most important. I don't even understand how they get broken. They probably get bulk oil cheap anyway. It costs me around $60 for Mobil 1 and factory filter to. I was wondering if the extra cost was for the 2-3 quarts extra a 4runner holds compared to car.

 

Amen brother. I am the same. I replaced a plastic clip and just that got an entry in my maintenance “journal” along with the receipt for the plastic clip.