Headed to the dealer

[Synjar]

I am headed to the dealer for the LC’s first 5000 mile maintenance tomorrow.

The service advisor asked me what I wanted performed, I replied “ I want all the maintenance called out in my owners manual: tire rotation, inspect brake linings, inspect fluid levels, and finally inspect HEV battery cooling intake filter.”

When I got to the HEV Battery Filter she replied “we don’t worry about that until like 40,000 miles.”

Now I am certain I will need to “break out the book” on them and I will need to insist my receipt indicates all required maintenance IAW the owners manual has been performed as I have a 10 year 120k mile Toyota zero deductible extended warranty and I do not want anything to jeopardize that.

We will see how it goes.

 

[rick3242]

here is a video on how to do it yourself. I personally would be concerned that the tech would break a clip on the housing.

Google Search

 

[Synjar]

Thank you.

I saw the video and I am fully capable of accomplishing it myself however, I paid for a 2 years of maintenance (built in to the price of the vehicle) and I feel I should get some of it accomplished by Toyota (via their dealers). I will certainly scrutinize their workmanship specifically the components that are required to be removed to inspect the battery filters along with my rims. Additionally, I want documentation on the maintenance at least for the first free two years and that does come with a dealership visit. I am accomplishing my own oil changes at an increased frequency but I will have Toyota do the 10,000 mile change.

 

[D-mac]

Demanding proof of inspection on all items may not set you up for success if you would possibly like the dealer to do something not on the list. My experience is dealers will provide a detailed inspection report, because they want to check for opportunities to do more business. A slightly different perspective. Have fun!

 

[Synjar]

I’m not sure I follow you.

I do get that the dealer is looking for opportunities they are in business.

I am only asking them to accomplish what is required IAW my owners manual and provide documentation of said inspections or tasks.

If they find an issue that requires attention that’s excellent we will fix it under warranty and keep moving.

 

[wpage]

Demanding proof of inspection on all items may not set you up for success if you would possibly like the dealer to do something not on the list. My experience is dealers will provide a detailed inspection report, because they want to check for opportunities to do more business. A slightly different perspective. Have fun!

Agree^^ This is the way. Turning off the service team is not a good move.
Best to keep is positive....

 

[Synjar]

I still don’t follow.

 

[GR8Santini]

REALLY recommend you pay for an oil change

 

[Synjar]

I do my own oil changes.

But I intend to get the 10K and 20k at the dealer.

Why do recommend paying for an oil change I get for free?

 

[Synjar]

Agree^^ This is the way. Turning off the service team is not a good move.
Best to keep is positive....

What if the service team turns me off?

Which is precisely why I no longer go to the dealer where I purchased my LC.

Additionally, what is so offensive about asking the dealer to perform the 5k service IAW the owners manual and requesting my receipt articulates what was done?

To me that is the bare minimum any service department would be asked to do.

 

[GR8Santini]

Just courtesy recommendation to do a 5K oil change.
Your post was strange in your getting & documenting 5K services. You’ll get your tires rotated & a multi-point inspection form handed back to you with check marks. You can do your battery air inlet screens/filters yourself, just vacuum them next time your @ car wash. There’s no need to take off the covers for them off.

 

[Synjar]

Ok I get it.

I changed the oil myself at 750 and at 3750.
I will change it again after my trip to Nova Scotia.

Then I will have the dealer change it near 10k.

I figured there may not be a need to remove the filters to inspect. I have not looked that closely at them. Perhaps a strong flashlight, look and vacuum if required. Maybe that’s wall the dealer will do … Also I do not drive primarily under “severe ” conditions nor do I take pets or many passengers so I suspect the filters are very clean.

 

[cvx5832LC]

This is at 63K miles. I really wouldn't bother at 5K miles.

Cost-benefit ratio is way off. Positive is you might get an ever-so-marginal cleaner filter, negative is they fuck it up when they start pulling panels out. This is the dealer we're talking about, after all.

 

[EOD Guy]

Wasn't going to comment, but..........

Dealers run a business, that business relies on selling customers parts and or services they don't necessarily need. But an upsale is an upsale and that makes them money. Techs on the other hand are paid either hourly or by work order....... either way it behooves them to complete as many jobs by the end of their shift as possible. Warranty work makes neither the dealership or the tech much money and they hate doing it but are obligated by corporate to do so. I do not think it's unreasonable to tell the advisor that you only want what's included with the factory service, you don't need new wiper blades etc......

Anyone that believes Dealerships are in it for your benefit will be disappointed at some point, unless you are the type that purchases a new vehicle every few years and then they tend to play the long game. Keeping this in mind when I get a service done, I know what's supposed to be done and I put inconspicuous witness marks on those items..... As an example oil filters get a very small 1/8" dent, wheels get chalk marks, drain plugs get paint dots etc.......... When I get the itemized printed report from the service adviser, I thank them and go about my routine of checking my witness marks. should I find a discrepancy I find the adviser and politely ask for an explanation, in the two times since I've owned the LC, the advisor got to the bottom of it very quickly and got the items serviced and gave me a coupon for a free service etc......

 

[LCOceans]

To me it is wise to find a decent dealer, treat them well, and keep the relationship. Does not mean you need to give them your checkbook and you can still be diligent on what you are letting them do, but you might need them at one point while owning your truck, so treat them well. I have established a relationship with a dealer I didn't even buy my FE from. They changed my oil for free at 1k miles. I told them I wanted take care of my LC and so wanted it changed early and I would pay out of pocket and they refused to let me pay. Now they do for free every 5k miles. They like my truck and always a talking point when I stop by. They have not tried to sell me anything in 2 years. Strictly free oil changes and free inspections. Maybe this is unusual.