The title says it all, but today I was at the Honda dealer to change the valve cover and adjust valves on my 2008 civic with 119k miles. They tried to sell me a transmission flush, but I got it drained and filled at 113k miles when I bought the car used because I don't think the previous owners ever changed it or flushed it, so I didn't take the risk of flush. When I went to pick it up, the guy said that my fluid was dirty and wanted me to pay for them to flush it so bad like almost pressuring me to say yes to flush for $230. So to they get paid extra to sell you things you don't need because to me, it seems like they want me to flush my transmission so bad
I stay away from car dealerships for that same reason, they are also way overpriced. That's why I fix and do maintenance myself.
They get a bonus at the end of the month based on their service sales. So yes they do.
Or a set of steak knives, if you've ever watched the film (with Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Jack Lemmon, Alan Arkin, Ed Harris and Kevin Spacey) of David Mamet's play about life in a swindling real estate office, Glengarry Glen Ross. Recommended.
car dealers are hurting right now. Lockdowns have hit them hard.
I'm calling up all my customers too 😛
I went to a local Firestone to get an alignment, and the guy said my air filter was dirty and should be replaced. I had just put in a new air filter the day before, so I passed on his suggestion. It was also the last time I went there.
The funny part is that after I told him that I would somewhat changed the fluid instead of flush because it could cause transmission slip, he said No if I don't flush it asap my tranny will blow up {black}:hi:
Both GM and Honda, in TSBs, have explicitly told dealerships that flushing transmission will void warranties. Toyota should do the same.
This kind of thing is NOT limited to COVID-19 economic woes. I've seen this, too often, at other times. We are all marks, for them.
With some exceptions, dealership service departments have a mercantile mindset. They sell a menu of goods and services, regardless of need. (Usually, "the hook" in is a loss-leader oil change). Unfortunately, and this is too often the case, they lie and misrepresent. I would venture to say that just about everyone who contributes to this Forum has such experiences.
Instead, look for a shop with a diagnostic culture. They exist to fix your car's problems, and not to sell unnecessary services. (Usually, these shops don't have a price menu, just a time billed criteria, for service).
You don't need the dealership. You need a honest diagnostic shop.
You're right, this was the situation before covid too (it's just worse now). Car sales overall have been down for a while. I talked to a guy a few years ago who is a data analyst for the auto sector. You know all that information everyone tracks about you from online and credit cards and stuff? His company gathers that for millions and millions of people and sources to tease information out of it, and sell it to the auto makers. Anyway, because sales aren't as lucrative as they used to be, he says auto makers are no moving to a more service oriented business model. That means bringing you in as often as they can.
I think Japanese auto makers are the worst for this. I can't remember if it was Honda or Toyota, but one or both of them have reminder lights that come up on your I/P to indicate if you needs service. But it doesn't tell you what. You have to take your car into the dealer for them to tell you what it needs. And the owner's manual says diddly about it.
