1k Inspection Service - Dissappointed

[Toyarzee]

So this will be my first vehicle with a warranty. I just took it in for the initial 1k mile checkup which was useless, but was happy to put on record that I'm following all the dealer recommendations. I was even more happy to find a dealership supposedly worth trusting - Longo Toyota - I enjoyed the purchase process at least; plus they are open on Sundays, techs that work there that also drive fr-s, seemed attentive and knowledgeable, etc.

The service was completed in 15 mins. They just popped the hood, shut it, and said you have tread on your tires. Good job. Then when i asked about the cricket noise, grinding in second gear, and the non a/c air only blowing hot air, they said they don't fix those kinds of things. And if i tried to change the tranny fluid myself, they would be able to tell if it was their seal, which if their special seal was broken, I'd lose my warranty, whether or not I use OEM spec fluid (whaa? ).

If i would like for them to flush my tranny, i'd have to pay $400 per the quote provided. WTF? It's not even an auto that requires their pump.

A dealership is a stealership is a dealership... wonder why i expected anything else...

Bitching aside, my question is this: There's plenty of existing threads about type of fluid and maintaining warranty. But what wasn't covered, is if i use manufacturer spec tranny fluid, and change at a performance shop or myself without duplicating a toyota "seal" (i call bs), can i really lose warranty??

So i'm forced pay $400 when still under warranty and having issues, because changing tranny fluid is 100k service not covered under their "included" coverage?

Thx

[Luis_GT]

There's no "seal" other than the crush washer, they're bullshitting you to take your money.

[Zen86]

Did a complete fluid change yesterday and $400 just to change tranny is ridiculous for a 30min job.

[Toyarzee]

I couldn't help but laugh at the guy and his quote. If i asked him to quote me on replacing my continuum transfunctioner he woulda had a number ready for me

[stugray]

Originally Posted by Toyarzee

And if i tried to change the tranny fluid myself, they would be able to tell if it was their seal, which if their special seal was broken, I'd lose my warranty, whether or not I use OEM spec fluid (whaa? ).

I would have asked to speak to the manager and then had that service rep repeat exactly what he just said in front of the manager.

If the manager did not chew that guy's ass, I would have had them put it in writing (which they would then refuse).

If I got it in writing, it would have been forwarded to corporate for their blatant lying.

[wheelhaus]

WOW. What a joke. It's sad how some dealerships and even independent garages just stomp all over people like this and feed their customers lies to take advantage of them.

[Toyarzee]

I was just trying to get my keys and leave asap when the bs started, as i knew such a small issue getting blown out of proportion is already voiding any trust i have in them to perform the job anyways. In hindsight, I wish i did get it in writing.

So i should rest assured if i get one of the proper weight fluids recommended on this forum, I'll maintain my warranty even if i don't let Longo [or any other] dealership perform the service, correct? ... i've got to break out my warranty terms sheet again

[wheelhaus]

Keep your receipts and a log. The more organized your records, the less likely anyone is to give you grief. You can maintain warranty status by doing maintenance yourself, certain modifications and unattended problems can cause warranty claims to be denied.

edit-
You could also have a third party garage do the work. You might run into the same issue, but a lot less likely. If you find a local garage that you can trust, then there's proof the maintenance was performed.

[Toyarzee]

Originally Posted by wheelhaus

If you find a local garage that you can trust

Any recommended 3rd party shops in SoCal that are known for their competency in working on the 86/brz?

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Toyarzee

So this will be my first vehicle with a warranty. I just took it in for the initial 1k mile checkup ........... Then when i asked about the cricket noise, grinding in second gear, and the non a/c air only blowing hot air, they said they don't fix those kinds of things........
Thx

Well, Toyarzee .....that's too bad you had a bad experience at that dealership ....

This 1,000 mile checkup is new to me ..... is that a Longo dealer thing ... ??

As you know, the "cricket noise" is a common occurrence with some of these cars and the only thing a dealer can do is swap out the fuel pump.

The "grinding in second gear" is another common complaint and the only thing a dealer could do is change the fluid (with the same stuff) which wouldn't help the situation.

The "blowing of warm air" is another common "feature" and there is nothing the dealer can do about it.

So, what to do.

Sometimes the crickets will quiet down by feeding them top tier premium gas. Sometimes not. You could try having the fuel pump (HPFP) swapped out.

I suggest you just give the transmission a chance to warm up and shift the cold transmission from 1st to 2nd by slowly and firmly pulling the lever into 2nd gear. You could try changing the transmission oil (just use the recommended spec).

As far as blowing of warm air ..... I suggest you punch the recirc button or open the window or turn on the A/C.

I hope you get your car (and/or yourself) settled down so you can enjoy driving it.....


humfrz

[ilpad]

Call subaru or scion and let them know about your exp with that service center.

[Luis_GT]

Originally Posted by Toyarzee

I was just trying to get my keys and leave asap when the bs started, as i knew such a small issue getting blown out of proportion is already voiding any trust i have in them to perform the job anyways. In hindsight, I wish i did get it in writing.

So i should rest assured if i get one of the proper weight fluids recommended on this forum, I'll maintain my warranty even if i don't let Longo [or any other] dealership perform the service, correct? ... i've got to break out my warranty terms sheet again

No need, my dealership sold me the oil so I could perform a 1K oil change, all they told me was I was wasting money in oil since the oil was good till 7500...

[bluesubie]

If you own a car, you know how important it is to keep up with routine maintenance and repairs. But can a dealer refuse to honor the warranty that came with your new car if someone else does the routine maintenance or repairs?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, says no. In fact, it's illegal for a dealer to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs performed by someone else.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/article...ne-maintenance

-Dennis

[Toyarzee]

Enjoying the activity on this forum along with all the useful info and help. Thx everyone!