Genuine TOYOTA Service - Not so genuine

[timmay5.7]

These are all reasons that once I found a mechanic that I know, and I know that I can trust, I stick with him. Even if it means driving almost 45 minutes in the wrong direction from work or home. And I pay a bit more for the service, but I know it is done right, the first time, every time.

[Gumnuts]

Mediocrity seems to be the norm these days. It seems that incompetence is not only accepted but encouraged, and few people strive to do a good job. I took my 150 Prado to a local and well known independent 4WD service centre in Bendigo for a scheduled service. I made a point of asking for the wheels to be rotated a set way to follow my pattern. Obviously I too had marked the wheels. Guess what? Not rotated! Made comment to service person only to be told that they don't rotate unless asked. I pointed out that it is in the service manual and had been ticked and that I had specifically asked for them to be rotated. Shrug of the shoulders and I agree to let it go this time (Take me 1/2 an hour at home, big deal!)
Months later took wife's car in to the same place and got 100k service. Asked for tyre rotation and had marked tyres etc. Over $900 later (new brakes) and guess what? Same wheels back on in the same place, even though they had to remove the wheels to change brake pads! This time I complained to the manager who offered to remedy the situation but didn't seem to really care. I almost got the "Are you for real?" speech.

I think that we all just have to get used to laziness and incompetence. Things might change when the economy gets a bit tighter and there's less work for these people, they'll have to start to work for your business again.

[MDS69]

I'm just about doing my 30k service in "independent" place. Found it for $80 - much cheaper than so called capped @$210.
I used to service my Prado and Rav4 in Sydney City Toyota and I'm not happy so far. As an example - my hand brake doesn't work but they got paid to adjust it. I had to ask them to put screws back in place and I had serious issue when they didn't fix my Rav4. They sent me home with disconnected fuel return hose. I got it sorted out after having chat with Toyota, however this is not the way I like to spend my money.

Keep in mind that your 40k service will cost you a lot more that $210.00. Are you going to go elsewhere and pay more or take up the $210.00???? The capped price service whilst probably built into your purchase price is averaged out ov 6 services.

[croozza]

Just remember that you should record it on your mobile phone, just make sure you say that you are recording it (they do not have to be around at the time, just make it looks like you have said it to them), press pause, and when someone from the dealership speaks to you, just unpause it. You will have all the evidence you need then. Most mobile phones will record voice for around 30 mins.

[darecki]

I changed my mind and removed my post. Curious why? Look there: http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...upgrade-in-GXL

[Walker]

It seems to be the same with all car makes, but I have to admit I was expecting a bit more from Toyota. This Prado is my first Toyota and I had heard such good things about their service departments. On my first service at Nunawading in Melbourne I was taken back with how BAD their customer service was. After booking in a time to pick it up I was kept waiting for 55 minutes and then they had not done a single warranty item I had listed out to them in writing. They were only small items but I was told I would have to bring it back another time to get them done. I never went back there!

The last 4 services have been done at Yarra Valley Toyota in Croydon and they have been fantastic. Always helpful and always doing that little bit more than what they have to do. I would definitely recommend them.

[Barnesworth]

I have to agree with MLC, name and shame is the way to go (although I haven't read the forum rules yet???). It would also be good to publish those doing the right thing.

[MidLifeCrisis]

I'm seeing a new thread: Businesses to avoid!

Entries would be:
Business Name
Location
Date of incident
Reason (detailed) for listing: (explain what they were supposed to to, what they did or did not do, any proposal to fix, or lack thereof. Any remedial action taken such as reported to police, reported to Consumer Affairs)

[PradOz]

he did tell you to go and whinge so why dont you just do exactly that, any and every media outlet, why not take out an advert in the local paper there as well and then when they hassle you, you are within your rights as you only did as he suggested.

you can see why people get so frustrated they fit signs on their vehicles and park out front of the premises

[toolman1974]

Makes me glad i am a mechanic and service my own car as i can only blame myself.
:lol:

[darecki]

I changed my mind and removed my post. Curious why? Look there: http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...upgrade-in-GXL

[MidLifeCrisis]

This thread should be merged with this one: http://http://www.pradopoint.com/sho...t.-Tsk-Tsk-TskPS.

[MidLifeCrisis]

This is a consumer affairs issue. By law, you do not have to pay for something that is not done, this is simple contract law. I would be cancelling any payment made by credit card and lodging a complaint with whatever state authority is applicable, Ie Minister for fair trading, ACCC, Office of consumer affairs etc.

The law does not look favourably on any business screwing a consumer. I think its is http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ConsumerProtection/ for WA.

[barryswanson]

Sounds like the Holden dealer in Townsville. Absolutely hopeless!

[timmay5.7]

Only downside to this is if something happens just outside warranty sometime because it is dealer serviced they may look after.
oh what a feeling Ripped off.

I have a feeling this dealer wouldn't go out of their way to do this anyway...