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Why I dislike the dealer (service issue)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by dhs, Nov 30, 2009.

  1. dhs

    dhs New Member

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    I took my '2010 prius for its first oil change (5300 miles). I also had a minor issue (panel did not fit right from day one).

    With the panel, they tried to argue that there is no way I could put on a scan gauge without removing the panel first (he thought the computer port was behind the radio rather than under the steering wheel).. I said, follow the wire. They did fix it.

    They did not list the oil type, but assured me that it was 0w20. I do not know if I should believe them.

    Finally, they wrote the mileage down wrong...said 8050 miles instead of 5300. And claimed they could not fix it. So, not if I ever have any engine issues, I will have to argue the point with toyota.

    Time to abandon Koons Arlington Toyota.
     
  2. LRKingII

    LRKingII New Member

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    If it was me i'd be calling Toyota in a heart beat.
     
  3. going red baby!

    going red baby! still a n00b

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    I would think they would note the type of oil used just for their own sake.

    And how can they not change the mileage? Presumably they input it into a computer, so there has to be a way to change it. That is ridiculous. I wouldn't have left until they changed it because as you said, it will come up again later and may be a problem for you down the road if you do have any major trouble and need work done under warranty. I would go back as soon as you can and have them fix that.
     
  4. bedrock8x

    bedrock8x Senior Member

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    Even if they cannot correct the computer, you should go back to ask the service manager to sign a note or statement saying it was entered wrong into the computer by mistake and the correct mileage at time of service is 5300.

     
  5. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Are all of their fingers broken or are they computer illiterate? They may not be able to modify the first entry but ANYONE can type another line with the correct info. If being polite at the Service Desk doesn't get you anywhere find a salesman with a customer and spout off. While you are there demand to see some evidence of the oil they use or right there in front of a customer call Toyota to complain they used the wrong oil & are trying to pull a mileage scam.

    At the very least, complain about some BS thing so another warranty ticket with the mileage is created.
     
  6. hampdenwireless

    hampdenwireless Active Member

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    In the Maryland area, Koons is the only dealership I would NOT return to. I have had good luck with Tate Dodge (2 mini-vans 1996 and 2002) and with Academy Ford and would return to them if they had a vehicle I wanted.

    Koons made buying a car one of the worst experiences I have had. All the bad tricks, time wasting and general hassle, turned buying a car into a five hour experience. They try to sell cars at or above MSRP when others will sell below. I would find another dealer.
     
  7. hotbrass

    hotbrass New Member

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    When everyone says "call Toyota", what number do you call?
     
  8. eglmainz

    eglmainz New Member

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    The information below was taken from the main toyota website, on the contact us page. (Toyota Help)

    Additionally, if you to toyotaownersonline (Toyota Owners Online | Official Toyota Owners Website), you will be able to enter a service record yourself at 5300 miles, explaining the issue. I added one to my car's record to ensure that the tire rotation (which was not done by Toyota) would be listed.

    If you'd like to discuss your experience or share your comments, Toyota's Customer Experience Center representatives are happy to assist you.
    Phone: 800-331-4331
    Fax: 310-468-7814
    Mon - Fri, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PST
    Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PST

    Or send correspondence to:
    Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
    19001 South Western Ave.
    Dept. WC11
    Torrance, CA 90501
     
    4 people like this.
  9. chrisj428

    chrisj428 Active Member

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    DHS,

    In the case of not being able to change the mileage, I know that once a ticket is closed in either ADP or R+R, it is not possible to change the mileage. Having said that, it shouldn't have been a big deal to immediately open up another RO, input the correct mileage and then put one internal line on it stating the mileage correction.

    I'm sure it was unintentional -- I've done it myself. (Call it fat-fingering...maybe I need Homer Simpson's dialing stick???) And, the "8" is right above the "5" on the keypad, so it's not hard to do if you're rushing.

    As for the oil spec, I'd think (for their benefit), they'dve put it on the paperwork as well. I certainly do.
     
  10. dhs

    dhs New Member

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    What was disturbing is the dealer says that they do not actually check it, rather they estimate the values. Sigh.

     
  11. chrisj428

    chrisj428 Active Member

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    Now that's just bad business, full stop. It angers me when I have peers out there who perpetuate the stereotype and make us all look bad. :mad:
     
  12. ebgwd

    ebgwd New Member

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    My Toyota dealer's service department did exactly the same thing with the oil change! They put the sticker on the windshield that told me to bring the 2010 ToyPrius III back in every 3k miles for oil change. They did NOT list what weight or type of oil was used. It just listed Toyo oil and filter was replaced.:confused:

    I wonder if they just used their "house brand" oil out of the gun rather than oil out of cartons or jugs. They may have even used mineral rather than blended or full synthetic. I have asked them to clarify for me what oil was used but they have ignored my written requests. I will be doing my own oil changes from now own. I have found full synthetic 0w20 and filters at my local major oil distributor. He had no problem selling the oil and filters to me, as long as I buy them by the case. There are 12 filters to a case.:p
     
  13. Dakine50

    Dakine50 Member

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    I might also start changing my own oil. At my last oil change (10k) I went in first thing in the morning and was first in line.

    I drove to work and "decided to check and see if they had topped off the windshield washer fluid" and discovered that the oil dipstick was pulled out about 3-4 inches!:eek:

    No oil lost but was alittle unerving...what else did they forget to do?!? Kinda makes you wonder.....
     
  14. chrisj428

    chrisj428 Active Member

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    Keep in mind synthetic oil is also available in bulk. We have it for VWs.
     
  15. KJF

    KJF Member

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    Thanks for this idea!!! I just went to the site and entered my DIY oil change, tire rotation, and cabin air filter cleaning. Hopefully this is some sort of "legal" proof of my DIY maintenance (also have it recorded in my little notebook in the glove compartment).

    I am the one earlier mentioned that discovered (well after taking ownership of the car) that her brand new Prius had arrived damaged (on the hood) and was repaired by the dealer, unbeknownst to me until I stumbled across my repair records on the Toyota Owner's Site.
     
  16. dhs

    dhs New Member

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    this is a useful suggestion. Thanks!
     
  17. hotbrass

    hotbrass New Member

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    I looked up my service record today and found that there were scratches on the sides and hood that were buffed out. I also found out that the salesman lied to me about when the car arrived and went through dealer prep. And the tint was not put on until after I made an appointment to look at the car. So the salesman lied twice.

    Very good source of information. Too bad you cannot see it before you buy the car.
     
  18. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    Wife took the car in to get oil change, told her that they have use 0w20
    Invoice it read 5w20:mad:
    The funny part in Canada the first 4 service are covered under the ECP plan
    Time to send emails off
     
  19. ebgwd

    ebgwd New Member

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    Well, look at the bright side.
    You know what they put in your Prius.
    My dealer does not document what weight or type of oil they use.
    I have 2 more "free" coupons for oil changes with them.
    Where will you email? I have contacted Toyo and they, too, were puzzled why the service documents did not detail what oil was used.
    They said they have "no control" over the service departments.
    I'll do my own from now own.
     
  20. ebgwd

    ebgwd New Member

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    Airbalancer, did they use synthetic, blended or (regular)mineral oil?
    In my case, if I have to add oil, I have no idea of what to use.
    I've heard of problems mixing synthetic and mineral oil.
    Wonder if that is covered under warranty?