Has anyone had any bad experiences with service centre rip offs ?
My motorhome due for a 12months service .. empty tanks check fridge seals catches and change water filter !! $329 ???? all these little things that most people can do and after 12mths not much should wear out !!! all part of the 2 year warranty first 3mth service free ... then 12mths..18mths ,,, 24mths all a big rip off as far as I'm concerned and wont be doing that.
In my opinion after 12mths any service should be free !! not like we drive the bloody thing every day !! few trips a year like most .
ANYWAY JUST THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE A BIT OF A RANT !!! what better place to do it !!
villatranquilla said
07:39 PM Sep 5, 2019
you can buy a $15000 car, drive it everyday and get a 5 yr unlimited k's warranty. But spend big dollars on a caravan that spends a few weeks a year on the road and get a 1 yr warranty - grrrrrrrrrrr
Tony Bev said
07:54 PM Sep 5, 2019
Unfortunately like everything new, you have to pay for the services, to keep the warranty
But, after the warranty period has expired, you can choose your own service people, or DIY
I agree that some services are a rip off
travelyounger said
08:37 PM Sep 5, 2019
There are a lot of dodgy rv repairers out there when I get work done I always check it complain and usually fix it myself I dont knowwhy I bother sometimes
Aus-Kiwi said
09:43 PM Sep 5, 2019
What qualifications do theses service centres have . Sparky to plumbing. Its not hard to replace filters . Even then you can replace them yourself . A lot of checking . Not much actual work done !!
blaze said
09:58 PM Sep 5, 2019
goldenyears wrote:
Just a general question for any Rv owners etc .
Has anyone had any bad experiences with service centre rip offs ?
My motorhome due for a 12months service .. empty tanks check fridge seals catches and change water filter !! $329 ???? all these little things that most people can do and after 12mths not much should wear out !!! all part of the 2 year warranty first 3mth service free ... then 12mths..18mths ,,, 24mths all a big rip off as far as I'm concerned and wont be doing that.
In my opinion after 12mths any service should be free !! not like we drive the bloody thing every day !! few trips a year like most .
ANYWAY JUST THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE A BIT OF A RANT !!! what better place to do it !!
did they do the mechanical side of the motor home, engine oil, filters etc.
cheers
blaze
Whenarewethere said
11:06 PM Sep 5, 2019
I never had my new car serviced at an authorised dealer. Also never had a problem with a few warranty repairs.
The Belmont Bear said
08:26 AM Sep 6, 2019
I don't know if you would class it as a bad experience or a rip off but I paid $375 to have our van serviced at 6 months then again prior to the 2yr warranty running out. I skipped the 12 month service because I was out of the country for 9 months of it and the van went nowhere, the only reason I got the one done at 2 years was so I could get a couple of small problems fixed while it was still under warranty.
Last week I had to get a 20,000KM service done on the Jeep ($560) even though it only had 8000kms on the clock. I probably could have got it done somewhere else but while it was in they did a software update and checked for any outstanding recalls etc. as far as I know only the authorised service centres can do that. I'll keep getting the 12 month services done by the dealer at least over the 5 year warranty period as I don't mind paying a bit more to make sure that nothing gets missed especially when using it as a tow vehicle..I definately won't be taking the van back to the dealer as there are a few local guys around here that do the servicing and they come to you which at least will save me a 120km drive.
cheers
BB
montie said
08:40 AM Sep 6, 2019
The Belmont Bear wrote:
I don't know if you would class it as a bad experience or a rip off but I paid $375 to have our van serviced at 6 months then again prior to the 2yr warranty running out. I skipped the 12 month service because I was out of the country for 9 months of it and the van went nowhere, the only reason I got the one done at 2 years was so I could get a couple of small problems fixed while it was still under warranty.
Last week I had to get a 20,000KM service done on the Jeep ($560) even though it only had 8000kms on the clock. I probably could have got it done somewhere else but while it was in they did a software update and checked for any outstanding recalls etc. as far as I know only the authorised service centres can do that. I'll keep getting the 12 month services done by the dealer at least over the 5 year warranty period as I don't mind paying a bit more to make sure that nothing gets missed especially when using it as a tow vehicle..I definately won't be taking the van back to the dealer as there are a few local guys around here that do the servicing and they come to you which at least will save me a 120km drive.
cheers
BB
A very sensible approach.
You get what you pay for in this life.
Wizardofoz said
08:51 AM Sep 6, 2019
montie wrote:
The Belmont Bear wrote:
I don't know if you would class it as a bad experience or a rip off but I paid $375 to have our van serviced at 6 months then again prior to the 2yr warranty running out. I skipped the 12 month service because I was out of the country for 9 months of it and the van went nowhere, the only reason I got the one done at 2 years was so I could get a couple of small problems fixed while it was still under warranty.
Last week I had to get a 20,000KM service done on the Jeep ($560) even though it only had 8000kms on the clock. I probably could have got it done somewhere else but while it was in they did a software update and checked for any outstanding recalls etc. as far as I know only the authorised service centres can do that. I'll keep getting the 12 month services done by the dealer at least over the 5 year warranty period as I don't mind paying a bit more to make sure that nothing gets missed especially when using it as a tow vehicle..I definately won't be taking the van back to the dealer as there are a few local guys around here that do the servicing and they come to you which at least will save me a 120km drive.
cheers
BB
A very sensible approach.
You get what you pay for in this life.
As a general rule of thumb...but not always the case.
Aus-Kiwi said
01:50 PM Sep 6, 2019
When I left school I serviced cars for Holden dealership . They dont
exactly use the BEST oil . Just good enough. Even at my age I still service my
Cars .Most dont even know that older or flat tappet type engines should still run
Zink in oil .
the rocket said
05:09 PM Sep 6, 2019
Yes. Have known some a few years ago.
Whenarewethere said
05:23 PM Sep 6, 2019
My independent mechanic can plug the car in to the computer. He also shows me everytime I pick the car up the parts he has replaced. I can also see they are genuine. Also have got spare ones so I can replace a few things while away on long trips.
He saw a oil sump washer leak that the dealer didn't notice on the initial free service!
Previous car I had so long my mechanic wanted it as it was well looked after by all parties!
He does not change extra for oil disposal, washers etc. The littles things which should be buried in the price which I personally find irritating slicing and dividing invoices.
jegog said
08:09 PM Sep 6, 2019
Requiring authorised dealer servicing to maintain warranty disappeared years ago. Now they use incentives like roadside care to keep you using their service workshops.
JayDee said
08:25 AM Sep 7, 2019
We have always used Mobile Caravan Services.
They come to our home and I am there to discuss and check what is going on and also I know just how many hours are charged on the invoice.
We think that this style of Caravan Service is far more trustworthy than leaving your caravan at a service centre.
Plus I am like a sponge seeking greater information about the industry.
I would also like to add that we also use an excellent Mobile Mechanic for both the Cruiser and the Toyota sedan.
The Toyota Avalon sedan is now 18 years old and in top condition, both re mechanical and presentation.
Jay&Dee
-- Edited by JayDee on Saturday 7th of September 2019 08:28:28 AM
goldenyears said
08:34 AM Sep 7, 2019
I have a ranger motorhome(like a slide on but permanent) classed as a motorhome ,, they only service the rear .. vehicle done at dealership.
Thanks for your input everyone ...
-- Edited by goldenyears on Saturday 7th of September 2019 08:37:06 AM
goldenyears said
08:36 AM Sep 7, 2019
That's right aus !!!
iana said
08:47 AM Sep 7, 2019
So what exactly to you call a service ?, My initial trade we carried out inspections, the service was imbedded in that, as far as what a service is, I am still scratching my head as to what it is. The dictionary has it as replacing used fluids ?
Knight said
05:17 PM Sep 7, 2019
More than annoying when I had my vehicle (not my Isuzu) serviced at a very large country town multi-dealership business twice when travelling through.
Both reports stated that brake pads were in excellent condition with 000s left before replacement. At home at a well trusted service centre I was advised that disc pads needed replacement front and rear and both front rotors (discs), and the service manager showed me why. So what else was not done?
During the 1990s a company car driver, well known brand, was suspicious that the local dealer was not completing book services as our company requested done. Our engineering people marked various components: oil filter, air filter element, for example. Sure enough, next company car serviced was returned with the marked parts still installed. The complaint that followed to the dealership with copy to the manufacturer (we were fleet owners and buyers) was explosive and investigation resulted in the service manager and staff being retrenched.
In my experience there are too many untrustworthy motor industry employees. In the example given above I sincerely doubt that the dealer principal was involved.
During the late 1960s a friend purchased a new car and had the same experience, marking parts before book service, and parts not changed.
-- Edited by Knight on Saturday 7th of September 2019 05:18:26 PM
-- Edited by Knight on Saturday 7th of September 2019 05:20:07 PM
SouthernComfort said
09:03 AM Sep 8, 2019
Knight wrote:
More than annoying when I had my vehicle (not my Isuzu) serviced at a very large country town multi-dealership business twice when travelling through.
Both reports stated that brake pads were in excellent condition with 000s left before replacement. At home at a well trusted service centre I was advised that disc pads needed replacement front and rear and both front rotors (discs), and the service manager showed me why. So what else was not done?
During the 1990s a company car driver, well known brand, was suspicious that the local dealer was not completing book services as our company requested done. Our engineering people marked various components: oil filter, air filter element, for example. Sure enough, next company car serviced was returned with the marked parts still installed. The complaint that followed to the dealership with copy to the manufacturer (we were fleet owners and buyers) was explosive and investigation resulted in the service manager and staff being retrenched.
In my experience there are too many untrustworthy motor industry employees. In the example given above I sincerely doubt that the dealer principal was involved.
During the late 1960s a friend purchased a new car and had the same experience, marking parts before book service, and parts not changed.
-- Edited by Knight on Saturday 7th of September 2019 05:18:26 PM
-- Edited by Knight on Saturday 7th of September 2019 05:20:07 PM
Most likely sacked rather than retrenched, assuming they were replaced.
As for marking various parts, my Dad taught me to do that when I bought my first car and I've always done it if using an unproven workshop. Only a couple have been caught out over my last 50 years, but it's the luck of the draw.
Bicyclecamper said
05:19 PM Sep 8, 2019
I put my almost new at the time, Suz Va, in for a service, told, the guys, I will be waiting in the car, doing some paper work, parked in the waiting bay. 2 hours later, went in to find out why it was not done, and was presented with the bill, of over $700. I said, not very kindly, that the service was not done, as I have been in the car the whole time, they wouldn't let me go unless I paid the fee, I called the police, they came, I explained the situation, the police, asked the service manager for proof, if it was done, in my service book, they couldn't prove it, so I was allowed to go. I took them to Fair trading, the subsequent investigation, found 27 vehicles, where people were charged for services, but they were not done. But the service manager, and his team still work there, to this day 17 years later. The company was fined $52000, so I stuck it to them by telling everybody, about the issue locally and also Su Australia. The dealership, is no longer allowed to sell or service Suz's. The hide of the b.....ds, to try to charge me, for a job, that was never done, whilst I was sitting in the vehicle.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:20:04 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:23:04 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:24:28 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:32:28 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:33:59 PM
Knight said
03:20 PM Sep 9, 2019
Be very suspicious if you choose to wait for your vehicle to be serviced and the service department people suggest that you leave it for the day or half a day, and leave their premises.
Just a general question for any Rv owners etc .
Has anyone had any bad experiences with service centre rip offs ?
My motorhome due for a 12months service .. empty tanks check fridge seals catches and change water filter !! $329 ???? all these little things that most people can do and after 12mths not much should wear out !!! all part of the 2 year warranty first 3mth service free ... then 12mths..18mths ,,, 24mths all a big rip off as far as I'm concerned and wont be doing that.
In my opinion after 12mths any service should be free !! not like we drive the bloody thing every day !! few trips a year like most .
ANYWAY JUST THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE A BIT OF A RANT !!! what better place to do it !!
But, after the warranty period has expired, you can choose your own service people, or DIY
I agree that some services are a rip off
did they do the mechanical side of the motor home, engine oil, filters etc.
cheers
blaze
I never had my new car serviced at an authorised dealer. Also never had a problem with a few warranty repairs.
I don't know if you would class it as a bad experience or a rip off but I paid $375 to have our van serviced at 6 months then again prior to the 2yr warranty running out. I skipped the 12 month service because I was out of the country for 9 months of it and the van went nowhere, the only reason I got the one done at 2 years was so I could get a couple of small problems fixed while it was still under warranty.
Last week I had to get a 20,000KM service done on the Jeep ($560) even though it only had 8000kms on the clock. I probably could have got it done somewhere else but while it was in they did a software update and checked for any outstanding recalls etc. as far as I know only the authorised service centres can do that. I'll keep getting the 12 month services done by the dealer at least over the 5 year warranty period as I don't mind paying a bit more to make sure that nothing gets missed especially when using it as a tow vehicle..I definately won't be taking the van back to the dealer as there are a few local guys around here that do the servicing and they come to you which at least will save me a 120km drive.
cheers
BB
A very sensible approach.
You get what you pay for in this life.
montie wrote:
The Belmont Bear wrote:
I don't know if you would class it as a bad experience or a rip off but I paid $375 to have our van serviced at 6 months then again prior to the 2yr warranty running out. I skipped the 12 month service because I was out of the country for 9 months of it and the van went nowhere, the only reason I got the one done at 2 years was so I could get a couple of small problems fixed while it was still under warranty.
Last week I had to get a 20,000KM service done on the Jeep ($560) even though it only had 8000kms on the clock. I probably could have got it done somewhere else but while it was in they did a software update and checked for any outstanding recalls etc. as far as I know only the authorised service centres can do that. I'll keep getting the 12 month services done by the dealer at least over the 5 year warranty period as I don't mind paying a bit more to make sure that nothing gets missed especially when using it as a tow vehicle..I definately won't be taking the van back to the dealer as there are a few local guys around here that do the servicing and they come to you which at least will save me a 120km drive.
cheers
BB
A very sensible approach.
You get what you pay for in this life.
As a general rule of thumb...but not always the case.
exactly use the BEST oil . Just good enough. Even at my age I still service my
Cars .Most dont even know that older or flat tappet type engines should still run
Zink in oil .
Yes. Have known some a few years ago.
My independent mechanic can plug the car in to the computer. He also shows me everytime I pick the car up the parts he has replaced. I can also see they are genuine. Also have got spare ones so I can replace a few things while away on long trips.
He saw a oil sump washer leak that the dealer didn't notice on the initial free service!
Previous car I had so long my mechanic wanted it as it was well looked after by all parties!
He does not change extra for oil disposal, washers etc. The littles things which should be buried in the price which I personally find irritating slicing and dividing invoices.
Requiring authorised dealer servicing to maintain warranty disappeared years ago. Now they use incentives like roadside care to keep you using their service workshops.
We have always used Mobile Caravan Services.
They come to our home and I am there to discuss and check what is going on and also I know just how many hours are charged on the invoice.
We think that this style of Caravan Service is far more trustworthy than leaving your caravan at a service centre.
Plus I am like a sponge seeking greater information about the industry.
I would also like to add that we also use an excellent Mobile Mechanic for both the Cruiser and the Toyota sedan.
The Toyota Avalon sedan is now 18 years old and in top condition, both re mechanical and presentation.
Jay&Dee
-- Edited by JayDee on Saturday 7th of September 2019 08:28:28 AM
I have a ranger motorhome(like a slide on but permanent) classed as a motorhome ,, they only service the rear .. vehicle done at dealership.
Thanks for your input everyone ...
-- Edited by goldenyears on Saturday 7th of September 2019 08:37:06 AM
That's right aus !!!
More than annoying when I had my vehicle (not my Isuzu) serviced at a very large country town multi-dealership business twice when travelling through.
Both reports stated that brake pads were in excellent condition with 000s left before replacement. At home at a well trusted service centre I was advised that disc pads needed replacement front and rear and both front rotors (discs), and the service manager showed me why. So what else was not done?
During the 1990s a company car driver, well known brand, was suspicious that the local dealer was not completing book services as our company requested done. Our engineering people marked various components: oil filter, air filter element, for example. Sure enough, next company car serviced was returned with the marked parts still installed. The complaint that followed to the dealership with copy to the manufacturer (we were fleet owners and buyers) was explosive and investigation resulted in the service manager and staff being retrenched.
In my experience there are too many untrustworthy motor industry employees. In the example given above I sincerely doubt that the dealer principal was involved.
During the late 1960s a friend purchased a new car and had the same experience, marking parts before book service, and parts not changed.
-- Edited by Knight on Saturday 7th of September 2019 05:18:26 PM
-- Edited by Knight on Saturday 7th of September 2019 05:20:07 PM
Most likely sacked rather than retrenched, assuming they were replaced.
As for marking various parts, my Dad taught me to do that when I bought my first car and I've always done it if using an unproven workshop. Only a couple have been caught out over my last 50 years, but it's the luck of the draw.
I put my almost new at the time, Suz Va, in for a service, told, the guys, I will be waiting in the car, doing some paper work, parked in the waiting bay. 2 hours later, went in to find out why it was not done, and was presented with the bill, of over $700. I said, not very kindly, that the service was not done, as I have been in the car the whole time, they wouldn't let me go unless I paid the fee, I called the police, they came, I explained the situation, the police, asked the service manager for proof, if it was done, in my service book, they couldn't prove it, so I was allowed to go. I took them to Fair trading, the subsequent investigation, found 27 vehicles, where people were charged for services, but they were not done. But the service manager, and his team still work there, to this day 17 years later. The company was fined $52000, so I stuck it to them by telling everybody, about the issue locally and also Su Australia. The dealership, is no longer allowed to sell or service Suz's. The hide of the b.....ds, to try to charge me, for a job, that was never done, whilst I was sitting in the vehicle.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:20:04 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:23:04 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:24:28 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:32:28 PM
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 8th of September 2019 05:33:59 PM