I just dropped my Prius off for an appointment at a chain dealer. Prior to making the appointment, I was unaware that free wheel alignment check was a thing. In the past, I always just asked and paid for a wheel alignment, and they would show me the before and after results. But this free thing is an enigma to me. I understand the free brake checks at other places. I am speechless. Is this legit or a scam?
I think they have some device that does quick readings, but it’s not that good. Also, virtually NOTHING is adjustable, just front toe if I’m not mistaken. Maybe front caster too, if I’m not mistaken, but it’s VERY involved, requires alternate bolts. have you heard the expression “there’s no free lunch”?
very shortly, you're going to be informed that you have: bad ball joints or sway bar bushings or wheel hubs or axles or CV joints or an oil leak or transaxle leak or bad engine mount caterpillar poop on a control arm or ???? They may even make it sound like they're amazed you didn't wreck the car on the way there.
The last time I was at my Toyota dealer for something that involved the service department and not just picking up parts, I loitered around the staging area to watch them drive the earlier-appointment cars, and eventually mine, into their service area. I noticed that right behind the lane where every car was driven in, this odd gizmo was standing against the wall. Sure enough, every car that got driven into the bay for any kind of service went through that lane first, had the reflector targets hung on the wheels, got scanned, and then went for whatever the regularly-scheduled service was.
free this but u need this ... u feel somehow obligated to do the 'need this' because u got the 'free this' , u would feel guilty not buying the 'need this' because of your 'free this' (alignment check) ....
It's legit in a "they are always on the lookout for ways to sell services" kind of way. That widget is a fast go / no-go test. Based on the results they will reccomend an inspection and "full" alignment - or not. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
On my visit, I saw them run my car through it, but they didn't mention any alignment 'suggestions' to me afterward, so they definitely weren't doing hard-sell.
