Ridiculous price quotes at dealerships

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Scottly

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I saw nice wheels and tires at my Jeep dealer.....I complained about the price and they gave me the stern warning, 'they won't be covered under warranty if you get it done somewhere else'! I'm sure that scares some not realizing tires have their own warranty.
He communicated to you improperly. What he probably meant to say was that the vehicle, should any problems arise due to the larger wheels/tires, would not be covered under warranty. As an administrator of service contracts, (what some people call "extended warranties"), I can state that many claims for suspension and steering components, not to mention transmissions, have been denied due to modifications (larger tires, suspension lifts, etc). The gubers will never admit it or understand it, but oversized tires cause transmission shifting issues in modern trucks, as well as increased wear and tear on suspension/steering components, and the big one...Mis-stated mileage on the odometer. Warranty goes to 36K, truck shows 34K but really has 38K...that kind of thing. It's the same as some superchargers...Put a Rousch on a Ford and if it's installed by a Ford dealer, the factory warranty remains intact. Use another brand or install it yourself, warranty goes away.
 

Sherman Bird

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Nobody will screw you over quicker and take advantage of you than so called "Friends and Family".
Oh, yea, I know. In 1991, my late wife became VERY ill. It wasn't long until her condition became terminal. At that time, we were in the 6th successful year of owning our large shop. In short order, I had to make hard decisions due to rapidly skyrocketing medical bills that out-stripped our primary coverage in a flash!

Sadly, and reluctantly, I closed the business down and sold the assets to help our new financial hardships. Let me connect the dots, here...

Over the years, we made many "friends" who frequented the shop and ALL but one exploited that for "deals", "discounts", and "brother-in-law" price cuts.

Later in the year, we were forced into bankruptcy...Medical, CC's, unpaid business debts... could choke an entire herd of Clydesdales! :( .....

Later on, when we needed a helping hand in different ways that did NOT include us asking for money, just a leg up helping with some of the smaller things such as transporting the wife to one of the many dozens of doctor visits, etc...
We were greeted with "Ghosting".... IOW, crickets and grass!

I learned an EXTREMELY profound life lesson about people: Folks look out after their own gut. Plain and simple. Dale Carnegie states this throughout the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People".

Today, I purposely have the number of "friends" that can be counted on 2 fingers. No more. When customers imply that, somehow, we are "friends", I bristle. (Cold-shoulder the notion). They get the message, and I don't bother to try and explain the complexity of professionalism/ stoicism/ healthy boundaries as opposed to "friendship"..
 

Riccochet

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He communicated to you improperly. What he probably meant to say was that the vehicle, should any problems arise due to the larger wheels/tires, would not be covered under warranty. As an administrator of service contracts, (what some people call "extended warranties"), I can state that many claims for suspension and steering components, not to mention transmissions, have been denied due to modifications (larger tires, suspension lifts, etc). The gubers will never admit it or understand it, but oversized tires cause transmission shifting issues in modern trucks, as well as increased wear and tear on suspension/steering components, and the big one...Mis-stated mileage on the odometer. Warranty goes to 36K, truck shows 34K but really has 38K...that kind of thing. It's the same as some superchargers...Put a Rousch on a Ford and if it's installed by a Ford dealer, the factory warranty remains intact. Use another brand or install it yourself, warranty goes away.
Most people don't realize their transmissions are computer controlled and rely on sensors to operator correctly. When you switch to larger tires the computer doesn't know that. It's expecting a certain RPM at a certain speed which is now not the case.

Dealers can program for that, or use an aftermarket programmer to adjust those parameters. It'll also correct your speedometer.
 

turkeybird56

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Nobody will screw you over quicker and take advantage of you than so called "Friends and Family".
Mouthful and a half, and hold onto yer britches if a loved one dies and there is family there to fight over an inheritance, argh..... Why everyone IMHO should as a minimum have a will and a TODD document for property.
 

Sandevino

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What dealerships can’t make on the front end, they will try to recoup on the back end.
 

Fatitud

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Just recently went to my local dealer for oil change, multipoint check and tire rotation on my 2021 ram rebel. The customer service guy came through and told me all was good but they were having issues removing the lug nuts due to some cover?!? On them that had swollen and they didn’t want to ruin and round off the lug nuts and then said that I could have them all changed for the princely sum of $551 a price for just the lug nuts alone (no mention of labor costs). He showed me the individual cost of one lug nut was $28.99 on their iPad, but give him his due, he did say I would be cheaper buying them online where I can get a full set on Amazon for under $30. Another prime example was a different dealership I went to for my media hub not working properly, it wouldn’t charge or allow my phone to connect via CarPlay. I was quoted $87 for the part, and they then told me they would have to take a seat out and the total cost would be $457. Instead, I got the part myself for $44 delivered to my door, didn’t have to take the seat out at all. And the hub was replaced in 45min thanks to a YouTube video. Anyone else been quoted for stupid pricing for simple things ?
 

Fatitud

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I know that it's been costly to have my 2012 RAM 4X4 Quad serviced by the dealer since new but actual repairs have been far between and few for 140k miles and the truck looks and rides like new despite being kept outside. The last time I took it to the dealer for LOF and to R&R the front and rear diff fluids, I also asked the service advisor to see why the windshield washer fluid wasn't emitting from the passenger side nozzle on the hood. When I went to pick up the truck he told me that the windshield washer fluid lines and nozzle were blocked and all needed to be replaced. He quoted me over $450 to repair it. No thanks. I knew that the lines were not blocked and that the pump was OK because I did enough troubleshooting myself to determine this. I bought a small bag of hood liner retainer clips on Amazon for $5 and an OEM nozzle for the ridiculous price of $58. After I removed 2 of the retainer clips and moved the hood liner out of the way I found the passenger side nozzle was broken in two pieces and the line itself was not blocked at all. It took me no more then 20 minutes to make the repair. I no longer trust the dealerships service team. At 73 years old, I'm past the days of doing my own repairs so I guess I'll need to find a local repair shop that can be trusted to help me keep my truck performing and looking as good as it can.
I know that I could have gotten nozzles for much cheaper on Amazon but the reviews on all of them were bad. It looks like the new OEM nozzle was redesigned such that the place where the original had separated into two pieces is no longer made the same way. Also, why it broke in two is a mystery. I generally don't take stock in any conspiracy theories but did the mechanic who worked on it break it so that the service writer could quote me the $450+ for the repair? I'll never know. It would be very easy to break the original nozzle from the underside of the hood without leaving any evidence. Has anyone had a nozzle break in two all by itself without any help?
 
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Are you saying that Discount Tire shouldn't sell lug nuts or wiper blades? I'm just trying to wrap my head around what you're complaining about with this post because I'm not seeing a problem with them selling those items.
No, sell away! If it makes them money. I have a right to complain as a consumer of the constant upsells these companies trot out. Gone are the days where most companies focus on one thing and doing one thing well. You make an appointment at Discount Tire and like a doctor's office, it's 45 minutes later. Maybe instead of spending 20 minutes trying to upsell the customer who just bought new tires with wiper blades they should hurry up and be done and take the next customer. That's my point.
 

suicideking

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He communicated to you improperly. What he probably meant to say was that the vehicle, should any problems arise due to the larger wheels/tires, would not be covered under warranty. As an administrator of service contracts, (what some people call "extended warranties"), I can state that many claims for suspension and steering components, not to mention transmissions, have been denied due to modifications (larger tires, suspension lifts, etc). The gubers will never admit it or understand it, but oversized tires cause transmission shifting issues in modern trucks, as well as increased wear and tear on suspension/steering components, and the big one...Mis-stated mileage on the odometer. Warranty goes to 36K, truck shows 34K but really has 38K...that kind of thing. It's the same as some superchargers...Put a Rousch on a Ford and if it's installed by a Ford dealer, the factory warranty remains intact. Use another brand or install it yourself, warranty goes away.

Good point on tire sizes and such. I'm considering changing my wheels and upgrading tires to 275/60/20. With that info, I might re-consider and just replace the wheels. At least wait until the OEM tires wear out in case I have issues since my truck is fairly new with 5K miles.
 
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Good point on tire sizes and such. I'm considering changing my wheels and upgrading tires to 275/60/20. With that info, I might re-consider and just replace the wheels. At least wait until the OEM tires wear out in case I have issues since my truck is fairly new with 5K miles.
Small size changes or tire size increases are not going to do much. Lift to fit bigger tires yes. But going to 20 inch rims no. What's the largest tire you can fit on a Ram 1500? 31s?
 

mikeru

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No, sell away! If it makes them money. I have a right to complain as a consumer of the constant upsells these companies trot out. Gone are the days where most companies focus on one thing and doing one thing well. You make an appointment at Discount Tire and like a doctor's office, it's 45 minutes later. Maybe instead of spending 20 minutes trying to upsell the customer who just bought new tires with wiper blades they should hurry up and be done and take the next customer. That's my point.
When they try to sell you something you don't want just tell them you're not interested. Honestly I don't see this kind of behavior at tire stores where I live. They do the work I request, I pay for the service then leave. No one is trying to sell me wiper blades or lug nuts. Sounds like you might try another tire store.
 

nlambert182

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For those who can "do it cheaper" themselves, do it. Most shops will smile when you say that and tell you to go ahead.

YOU shoulder all the liability and the risk if/when something goes awry. As an example, if you improperly do the cam/lifter swap and toast the engine YOU eat the cost of a replacement engine and the time involved with the swap plus R&Ring a new engine. If a shop does it, THEY bear the burden and eat that cost. You're only out time without the vehicle.

I primarily work on my own vehicles, not because of cost, but because of time. I use one mechanic that I trust and that is fair priced. If he is too backed up with work to get to me within the time I need the truck back and I can do it, I put more value on my time at that time and I handle it with full understanding that if something goes wrong I'm on the hook. But if he can get to it and do the job in half the time that I can, I don't care what he charges and I put more value on his work than my time and write the check. He doesn't allow anyone to provide their own parts, and I fully understand why.

Sherman hit the nail on the head with the whys and he is 100% correct. I used to have the same mindset until working in a shop. Now I understand the real value of using a shop vs trying to DIY everything. Sometimes it's worth it to DIY, and sometimes it isn't. But if I want to use the shop I am paying for their expertise and the peace of mind.

Not every dealership/independent shop is honest and some really are trying to make a dime anywhere they can but it isn't all shops.
 
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nlambert182

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When they try to sell you something you don't want just tell them you're not interested. Honestly I don't see this kind of behavior at tire stores where I live. They do the work I request, I pay for the service then leave. No one is trying to sell me wiper blades or lug nuts. Sounds like you might try another tire store.
I exclusively use Discount Tire and I've never had them try to hard upsell me anything. They ask if I need wiper blades, etc... but when I say no they say ok and do the work I came in for. I've never spent more than 45 minutes total in their shop, and 45 minutes was a 6 wheel rotate/balance on my dually, where they had to dismount 2 tires in the process. I've used 3 different DTs and all have operated the exact same way.
 

Scottly

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When they try to sell you something you don't want just tell them you're not interested. Honestly I don't see this kind of behavior at tire stores where I live. They do the work I request, I pay for the service then leave. No one is trying to sell me wiper blades or lug nuts. Sounds like you might try another tire store.
In my area of Florida, upsells are culture in these tire shops. If the tech working on your car doesn't do a XX point inspection, they get reprimanded. Cheapo oil changes are the catalyst to get you in, sell the visit. Once in, the sales pitch starts...BG chemical hocus pocus, alignments, shock/strut, filters....You can roll in there with a 2024 anything with 5k miles on it, and you're gonna get a grocery list of recommended maint items. They'll find you in the waiting area to sell it, scare you into it, etc....Normal behavior around here.
 

suicideking

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Small size changes or tire size increases are not going to do much. Lift to fit bigger tires yes. But going to 20 inch rims no. What's the largest tire you can fit on a Ram 1500? 31s?

Just an inch larger. OEM tires are 32". I'd be going to a small 33".
 

mikeru

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In my area of Florida, upsells are culture in these tire shops. If the tech working on your car doesn't do a XX point inspection, they get reprimanded. Cheapo oil changes are the catalyst to get you in, sell the visit. Once in, the sales pitch starts...BG chemical hocus pocus, alignments, shock/strut, filters....You can roll in there with a 2024 anything with 5k miles on it, and you're gonna get a grocery list of recommended maint items. They'll find you in the waiting area to sell it, scare you into it, etc....Normal behavior around here.
I find it hard to believe you can't find a shop where they don't do that. I'll be moving to the Tampa area some time next year so I guess I'll find out for myself. I generally don't wait for work and just drop my vehicle off. Kind of hard for them to find me if I'm not in the waiting area LOL.
 

nlambert182

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In my area of Florida, upsells are culture in these tire shops. If the tech working on your car doesn't do a XX point inspection, they get reprimanded. Cheapo oil changes are the catalyst to get you in, sell the visit. Once in, the sales pitch starts...BG chemical hocus pocus, alignments, shock/strut, filters....You can roll in there with a 2024 anything with 5k miles on it, and you're gonna get a grocery list of recommended maint items. They'll find you in the waiting area to sell it, scare you into it, etc....Normal behavior around here.
Oh now they've done that to my wife as well... She took her Expedition to the Ford quick lane for an oil change and called me an hr later crying. They brought her out a 7 page list of parts she needed to make the Expedition they just sold her "roadworthy". They literally wouldn't take it off the lift until I showed up, citing that it was unsafe for a pregnant woman to drive.

After I made them walk me out there and physically SHOW me the problems (to which there were exactly zero), I rather "politely" (don't think that's the word my wife used) told them to take the car off the lift and give it back to her or I'd drag it off with the truck. They don't do that to me.

Now... she uses the standard blurb the minute she pulls in somewhere. "I am only here for xyz. Anything more than that, write it down and I'll give it to my husband later." 2 months ago an Express Oil Change tried to tell us both that her car needed a new air filter and that hers was solid black. When I showed him the empty air filter box in the backseat that I had literally installed before driving the 5 miles to the shop, they shut up and didn't offer anything else.
 

DeckArtist

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This is why I bought the MaxCare warranty...7 years/unlimited mileage. $200 deductible for ANY repair that's covered and they cover a lot.
 

Dusty

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The local fish wrapper had an article some years ago that listed the amount of Better Business Bureau complaints regarding auto repair businesses and the biggest and most numerous offenders were the tire and muffler shops.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 121653 miles.
 
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