Getting ripped off?

Op didn't get ripped off, that's the going rate for full service diagnostics. Had he just Googled his problem as he mentioned or visited priuschat prior, he would've save the diagnostic fee. Self service always is less expensive.

Here's an example, It's like calling a tech to come out to your house because your lights don't work. Turned out it was as simple as resetting a breaker that took 10 seconds. Although it cost you $100, the service was performed and your problem fixed. You get to kick yourself in the nice person for not knowing later.

 

Not everyone has the time, savvy or gumption to pursue an automotive issue on their own. I suppose it's acceptable to know a dealership is there to take advantage of those people.

 

With all respect due, just about anybody who provides a service to others is there to profit from the person unwilling or unable to take care of it themselves. What part of living in a market economy is new to you ? So long as the fee was disclosed up-front there is nothing to bitch about. Either take it or leave it.

If OP thinks a gas cap is a trivial diagnosis then he should figure it out without the help of a dealership, ask a friend, or go where the diagnosis is less expensive. Frankly, OP's entire premise is silly. The diagnostic fee is set unrelated to the final diagnosis.

The real point here is that OP thinks he deserves free services because he bought cars from that dealership. The dealership seems to not agree. <<shrug>>

 

Wow. Really nice.

 

It's almost as if people think the dealership supports itself. It's one thing to decide to educate oneself and take on responsibility for maintaining one's car without going to the dealership. It is another thing entirely to expect the dealership to just take on the burden of someone's ownership and user errors. I say that knowing full well that the way that dealerships make their money is through the servicing of cars. It isn't sales. Sales creates cars in need of service. So I just don't get the perspective that says that because the diagnostics that were agreed to at the outset found that the issue wasn't anything serious, a finding that a quick internet search could have shown the owner as well, means that he should get a freebie. Bizarre.

 

exactly!

 

To offer another opinion as to whether the OP is being "ripped off", I have to say no.

The Check Engine Light was on.
A diagnostic was performed to find out why.

Yes, it turned out to be a easy fix. I think I'd be happy about that. And now in the future the OP knows to check the fuel cap.
Considering the number of times a check engine light becomes illuminated and it results in expenses far exceeding a $120 diagnostic fee, I think I'd just drive home happy and wiser.

 

Well I'll be stunned.
Multiple people have said that a quick Google search would have clued the car owner in to checking the fuel cap, and they were right. I searched for "common causes of a check engine light" and in one of the first couple links found this

Top 10 Check-Engine-Light Car Repairs | Bankrate.com

Fuel cap was #2 on their hit list, accounting for some 8% of dealership visits to sort out the engine light.

Damn

 

When I got my 1998 Mazda MPV in 1998, I got a check engine light, because of a loose gas cap.

They checked it out and reset it for FREE. It was only 3 months after I got the vehicle.

Yes, I would buy another car from that dealer. No, if the vehicle was out of warranty, I would have NOT expected the dealer to o it for free.

 

If you've got a minor problem, the dealership's mechanic is able to remedy it in just a few minutes, and perhaps show you what you could do yourself for next time, AND waives charges: everybody comes out ahead.