Resources...
What's new...
More topics...
Opportunities...
Car Service
Discussions : Off your chest... : Car Service
noone wrote:
On Monday I had my new Camry serviced. Because it was purchased new, not used, we qualified for a service plan whereby the first four standard services are only $100 each. So in accordance with the service book and owner's manual we have been faithfully servicing our car when the sticker/book says to do so. Do Not Get Caught Like We Did. "First four standard services" are 15, 30, 45 and 60 000km - the extra ones they put in the book (22500, 37500, 52500) are NOT standard services. Apparently so the guy told me (after the car was serviced and I challenged the amount) these services are only necessary if you're towing trailers, or driving great distances or in non-town conditions, non of which we have done. So, $300 later (which we had not budgeted for) we had an unnecessary and costly service to our vehicle even though we thought we were doing the right thing. I'm not saying people should avoid other services (you should check with your own manufacturer, warranty conditions and your individual circumstances) but if things are a bit tight then a 50c phone call to find out if its a necessary or standard service might be a good investment.
Now all you people who already knew this, please don't laugh, it was a very costly lesson, one I hope no one else has to learn.
Zammy replied:
Ouch!
That's a painful lesson to learn Lauren. What a shame it wasn't made clear in your service book which were necessary for which driving conditions!
I'll be sure to remember this when we get our new car.
DEBBIEANN replied:
hi hun, im sorry you got caught like that! i worked in the caryard game for 20 years (new & used)and i know a lot of ppl who have bn caught like that in other caryards!......what i generally advise friends and family when buying a vehicle is to check with the manufacturer to make sure they get the correct information as service depts usually wont inform you correctly until a situation like this arises- after the fact!...as they can make more money from you .....a manufacturer has already made the sale and would benefit by giving you the correct information so that you would be more likely to by another of their vehicles in the future. Remember a service dept is still a garage with a bunch of mechanics who charge a hefty price at the end of the day and usually get more money than they should- because they wont tell you that you can save money on a service that is not really required! As a former employee of the trade , my service advise to you is .....every 15,000 klms til ur car reaches 175,000 then it generally drops to every 10,000 til 205,000 then every 5,000 - 10,000klms-depending on the age of the car.....additional services in between would only be needed if you desired a tuneup/checkup b4 a driving holiday to hamper any doubts of the car or a general mechanical hiccup. Also- in case you are unaware- you might want to check with the manufacturer on things that are not serviced such as gearbox servicing and the like! i do hope ive enlightened you with some information & gd luck in the future with ur car! cheers Debbie-ann