Hi Scotty. I've only recently discovered that most new car dealer service departments pay their "advisors" and mechanics on a commission system. Every time I go in for an oil change they want to perform "dealer recommended" services (fuel induction service; fuel injection service; brake fluid exchange). Yet when I look in my manual (2013 Toyota RAV4 AWD limited), there is no mention of these services. I guess they can say these non-essential services are good and cause no harm, but damn, why set up such a compensation system, which of course encourages them to find things to charge you for?! A visit to the service department feels more like a sales onslaught. Hoped I was done with that after buying the car. Any thoughts? Is this really the way most dealerships operate?
Thanks, James Mils
Lakeland, Florida
They are nicknamed "stealerships" for a reason.
Unfortunately that is exactly how they are set up to operate. Dealerships are always out to make a dollar anywhere they can.
Well, … just about anyone in business is there to make a buck, … exception: us, … we are here to save you a buck or three. Reality, …
Anyway, if you look at it realistically, dealers primarily upsell stuff such as: coolant fluid change, transmission fluid change, power steering fluid change, brake fluid change, fuel injection service, spark plugs replacement, serpentine belt, replacement, etc., etc., to make an extra buck. No trouble, …
… yet, yet we are here recommend all these same services to prolong your chariot’s life. Just on a cheap, of course! Think about it, …
Best,
F.S.
