Non Cobra Question but Need Opinions

FIA-ERA · #1 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 10:22 AM

Alright, what would you guys do with this one. I have a 2011 Toyota Tundra that I've taken to the same dealership for their "complimentary" oil changes. I've had it done 4 times now. The first time they did the oil change in the mechanics bay as I needed other service for a leaky shock. The second time they hit another truck with mine and it spent two weeks in a body shop. The third time it was in and out in 20 minutes. The fourth time, just on Friday, it took 25 minutes. No problem, right? Well I've always been curious as how they could be so quick to change the oil. I've done this on my old Tundra 15 times and it's a PITA! There is a skid pan that HAS to be removed to get to the oil filter canister. Well, this last time in I watched from outside the lube bay and they DID NOT take the skid pan off!!! I confronted the service manager and told him my concerns. He assured me they wouldn't cut corners. I told him I was going to check when I got home and for warned him. Well, you guessed it, they never changed it and I don't think they have changed it for 18K miles! I also don't believe they have installed the recommended synthetic oil but rather just use the 5w 20 conventional oil.

My question is this, what would you do? While I was there they did the same thing to three other customers Tundra's. I'm beyond pissed off. As a car guy, I'm pretty anal about my vehicles! I would have done it myself but it's $60 + dollars that I could save, right? Well after cleaning everything out I found of course all kinds of trash in the canister. These guys are f ing with my $35K investment and at only 23K miles on it I'm furious.

I appreciate your responses. I'm trying to keep a level head here but I want them to be accountable for not only me but for all the others that are getting screwed! What do you do? What would say? I diffidently don't want to be "comped" more oil changes, REALLY!

Thanks and Regards, Matt

Turbonut48 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 10:31 AM

That was done to my brother at an AMC dealer.
Put a new filter on by yourself. Yea I know, its not easy.
Mark the filter with a marker in a hard to see area.
Allow them one more chance at doing it right, but dont warn them.
If it happens again, go to the Owner of the dealership. No satisfaction, go to a zone manager.

The Nut

olddog · #3 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 10:48 AM

I wouldn't waste my time with the dealership. I would contact Toyota directly at the highest level I could reach.

lippy · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 11:09 AM

I do all the oil changes and maintenance for my daily driver BMW and Chevy. I have the oil changes down to about a half hour including cleanup. It takes less time than having someone else do it and I can be sure the right products are used and nothing is over tightened. Most importantly, I don't waste any cycles wondering if it was done correctly. Sad, but you just can't trust dealers.

*13* · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 11:57 AM

I prefer to do my own. Doesn't take long & I dont have worry about people cutting corners.

DanEC · #6 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 12:31 PM

That's a bummer. I'm 61 and I don't ever recall paying for an oil change in my entire life. However, my wife and I just her a new Toyota Highlander and of course they are throwing in the free oil changes for 2 years or something like that. So - I was growing weak and somewhat resigned to letting them do them. Now I think I won't.

Dan

rokfor · #7 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 01:00 PM

On my wifes Xterra, I have to remove a small plate bolted to the skid plate, but as others stated, it takes me less than 30 minutes. I've never had anyone else change the oil in any of my cars, and as long as I'm physically able, I never will. I just don't trust them.

Rob

A-Snake · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIA-ERA

Alright, what would you guys do with this one. I have a 2011 Toyota Tundra that I've taken to the same dealership for their "complimentary" oil changes. I've had it done 4 times now. The first time they did the oil change in the mechanics bay as I needed other service for a leaky shock. The second time they hit another truck with mine and it spent two weeks in a body shop. The third time it was in and out in 20 minutes. The fourth time, just on Friday, it took 25 minutes. No problem, right? Well I've always been curious as how they could be so quick to change the oil. I've done this on my old Tundra 15 times and it's a PITA! There is a skid pan that HAS to be removed to get to the oil filter canister. Well, this last time in I watched from outside the lube bay and they DID NOT take the skid pan off!!! I confronted the service manager and told him my concerns. He assured me they wouldn't cut corners. I told him I was going to check when I got home and for warned him. Well, you guessed it, they never changed it and I don't think they have changed it for 18K miles! I also don't believe they have installed the recommended synthetic oil but rather just use the 5w 20 conventional oil.

My question is this, what would you do? While I was there they did the same thing to three other customers Tundra's. I'm beyond pissed off. As a car guy, I'm pretty anal about my vehicles! I would have done it myself but it's $60 + dollars that I could save, right? Well after cleaning everything out I found of course all kinds of trash in the canister. These guys are f ing with my $35K investment and at only 23K miles on it I'm furious.

I appreciate your responses. I'm trying to keep a level head here but I want them to be accountable for not only me but for all the others that are getting screwed! What do you do? What would say? I diffidently don't want to be "comped" more oil changes, REALLY!

Thanks and Regards, Matt

Matt,

Which engine do you have? The 4.6 comes with synthetic oil while the 5.7 comes with conventional oil. The factory lists oil change interval for the 4.6 as 10k miles and the 5.7 as 5k miles. Unless there is something 'special' by your dealer, Toyota would only provide the 'free' maintenance based on those recommended intervals.

FUNFER2 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 02:46 PM

I'm pissed off and I don't even own your car !

I'll bet you're not,....the only one that this dealership has done this. I would NOT, let them get away with it. If you don't, they'll keep doing it not only to you, bet a lot others. I would call the company headquarters and complain !

Please don't let them get away with the very poor service !

Grubby · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 02:59 PM

Be 100% sure before making a big stink. As mentioned above mark the filter and give them another try.

With that proof I would then contact the dealer owner and Toyota. Maybe also local news.

John

xb-60 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 04:26 PM

Matt, if you checked it when you got home, and the oil was dirty, and you say the oil filter had "all kinds of trash" in it, then go and speak to the dealer principal. If you go straight to the Toyota distributor, they will ask if you've spoken to the dealer about it, so you should do that.
Do you have a local motoring organization? You know, the sort that provides roadside assistance and other services? They would probably have a legal office that can advise in situations like yours. Also do you have a government consumer affairs office? Talk to them.
I had a problem with a car dealer and spoke to the two offices I referred to above, and I asked if they had many complaints about this specific dealer, and they both said "can't say about specific dealers, but can say that there are NO delaers that we haven't had problems with".
Chances are, unfortunately yes they are trying to screw you, and most of their other customers as well.
Cheers,
Glen

mln385 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 04:33 PM

Well you already expressed to them your concern , your best option is to exorsize your option of not patronizing the dealership. We recently brought our new F150 in for oil change, and caught them putting in the wrong oil! When confronted they said it was written up wrong and assured it was the right oil that went in .... No feasible way to refute other than not going back.

Silversmith · #13 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 06:42 PM

I hope you saved enough of the oil/filter you think hasn't been changed; to have it tested! If you did & it shows (via local testing lab)the oil/filter has the miles you think it has. THAT IS FRAUD!! and the dealership would/could be criminally responsible. Cross your t's & dot your I's M8. You could have a real case here!!

documented proof of your suspicions is stronger than bullits in this situation. You may have them by the balls more than you know, if true

Can you believe the dude who bought your awsome ride has her up for sale already!!

She really deserved a loving home! Best of luck with this sucky situtation!

FIA-ERA · #14 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 06:42 PM

Thanks for all the great comments guys! Yes, I changed the filter when I got home and there wasn't even a finger print on the skid pan. I took the bolts out and someone removed two of the 8 bolts as I guess there was too many bolts to deal with? My previous truck I did EVERY oil change myself. It's a PITA for sure. This truck came with complimentary 25K oil changes and "Toyota Care". The guys are so lazy they didn't even remove the oil change reminder sticker 2 inches from the old one. I guess I'm collecting them now?? I took pictures along the way. The canister had a "film" of oil and dirt from many miles on it, normal. So right then and there I know they didn't. I already know they didn't didn't change it as I witnessed the entire lube job from 50' away. I cleaned the oil pan and poured the oil into a coffee filter. Lots of dirt and a few metal flakes. I gathered my service tickets and I'm betting the oil filter hasn't been changed since the first time at 5400 miles(every time since has been performed by the lube center not the mechanics bay)! I'm 18K miles later! Bastards! They did the same thing to the Tundra's before and after mine!

The oil from what I've read on other message boards should be a synthetic, it's not. I spoke to a Master Toyota Tech and he said they use a synthetic/ oil blend. BUT he was beside himself at them for not changing the filter!. What was funny about this was I confronted the lube tech and asked him questions, kinda dumb like. He even said you must take the skid pan off. Then he offered me free oil filters and stated he had a lot of extras he could give me!! Really! This pisses me off even more as a business owner.

I'm planning on making copies of my pictures, meeting with the Dealerships GM, and spelling it out for him. I'm pretty fired up and want him to be accountable. If I don't feel comfortable with his demeanor and decisions, I might just have to call the local news team that LOVE to advertise this stuff! I will definitely call Toyota on this, though it may not go far. Even with Facebook, Internet Forums, and just plain old who you know, I DON'T think a dealership could afford ANY negative press these days.

I've bought 12 Toyota's since 1992 for either me or my wife. Sorry Ford guys, I've even had a few newer Ford's in there too with worse luck

. BUT, I've NEVER been able to buy one from these guys EVER! I've driven 6 to 8 HRS away to buy mine from a dealer that would take care of me and treat me right. That's messed up! This dealership is 18 miles from me! I let you know what happens tomorrow.

Many Thanks, you guys are great!
Regards, Matt

DanEC · #15 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 06:48 PM

I'm also trying to figure out Toyota going to a replacement filter element in a filter canister on the newer Highlanders. I last messed with one of those on my old 66 Corvette. What a pain. Why go retro with an oil filter?

FIA-ERA · #16 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

I hope you saved enough of the oil/filter you think hasn't been changed; to have it tested! If you did & it shows (via local testing lab)the oil/filter has the miles you think it has. THAT IS FRAUD!! and the dealership would/could be criminally responsible. Cross your t's & dot your I's M8. You could have a real case here!! documented proof of your suspicions is stronger than bullits in this situation. You may have them by the balls more than you know, if true Can you believe the dude who bought your awsome ride has her up for sale already!! She really deserved a loving home! Best of luck with this sucky situtation!

Ah Silversmith! I love you Man!! You are so right in soooo many ways brother! I've always felt bad and also too, that things really worked out for the better. BUT, yes it's killing me to see my old car here and on Ebay for sale!! I just don't know what to say and it kinda hurts! I miss her terribly but I have moved on, some what. It's painful to view the pics and videos because 95% of that was done by me. I'm proud but disappointed too.

I have the filter and it's OLD, stained and unbelievable! I really can't believe this is happening to not only me but others. I've got a real good friend that knows the buyer for the dealership and he is going to address this to him too. You think I'm mad, you should have heard him talking!

I'm glad you ended up with your beautiful 427! I can tell by your posts that you are truly taken by this car and LOVE it! That makes me feel good, you deserve it it buddy! I wish you all the best! It's great to hear from you.

Best Regards, Matt

ZOERA-SC7XX · #17 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 07:41 PM

What you get for buying a Toyota. You wanted opinions, and that's mine. Good luck with your next American car purchase.

FIA-ERA · #18 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

What you get for buying a Toyota. You wanted opinions, and that's mine. Good luck with your next American car purchase.

Ha! I gotcha. Hey I really LOVE the old stuff though. They don't build them like that anymore, do they

. I REALLY want a Ford Raptor but I don't exactly have $54K laying around to spend on that. I tried to buy a Chevy once, got screwed out of my money (long time ago). I really wanted to buy a 2500HD before the Tundra but again a ton of mulla. I had a SVT Contour, LOVED that car, lost my ass in one years time, 10K on it! I couldn't get the car seat in the back seat, it was too small!

Find me a Raptor, Silver SCREW model at a reasonable price I'm there. Crap, I'd need a better job too. Help Me!!

Thanks for the post, I'm not a hater! Matt

Donunder · #19 (**permalink**) 08-19-2012, 10:43 PM

Matt a long time ago I stopped taking my cars to the dealership for service. Several people I have spoken to in the industry say that dealerships are forced by the manufacturer to provide a service department but they would much prefer not to. They are sales people first and foremost and would just as soon sell you the car and then not see you until trade-in time on your next purchase. The old story that if you took your car to an "unauthorised" shop, ie; a non-dealership, you would void your warranty, has long been put to rest (at least in Australia) so there is absolutely no need to have shoddy work done at sky-high prices by a dealer.

For the work I choose not to do on my cars I have found a very proficient local mechanic who does a great job for a reasonable price. I was referred to him by a guy who has been going to him for years and I am now a repeat customer who has in turn referred him to other dissatisfied customers of various dealerships.

I also have a Suzuki motorcycle that is looked after by a terrific old-school mechanic with over twentyfive years' experience with Suzuki. I do lots of interstate touring on this bike and he checks it out and does whatever he thinks needs attending to before every long trip--for not a lot of money. A thoroughly fettled bike, peace of mind, very reasonable charge; can't complain about that!

My advice? Ask around. Find a reputable local guy who has a loyal customer base and low overheads with whom you can develop a long term relationship and friendship. Much nicer than doing business with a stealer.

Jaydee · #20 (**permalink**) 08-20-2012, 06:06 AM

Years ago I took my customers car to a dealership for a wheel alignment. The car almost crashed because they left the tie rods loose. They denied having done the wheel alignment, as they only had their apprentice on that day. They tried to charge me for 2 new tyres and a wheel alignment. I had a quiet word with the real mechanic, and informed him I worked for the RAA. And things were sorted out pretty quick. I've worked for dealerships, car yards etc. Some are great others are dodgy as hell. Always ask for the old parts, and mark them before hand.

Quote:

My advice? Ask around. Find a reputable local guy who has a loyal customer base and low overheads with whom you can develop a long term relationship and friendship.

So true.
JD