Toyota dealership in Michigan, bought from them a 2014 RAV4 XLE in 2019 for my girlfriend, and a brand new 2020 Rav4 hybrid XSE for myself. I always replace myself the brake pads and rotors, engine and cabin filters, along with batteries and sparkplugs. I only go to the dealership for oil changes and tire rotations.
Shady stuff they did over the years, culminating with today's experience listed at the bottom:
1. Basically every single time we take the cars in for service: the typical "these are your engine and cabin filters, look how dirty they are, let us replace them for you", even though I specifically told them to not worry about it, because I just replaced them myself. Obviously the filters they've shown me, were not from my car. I let that slide.
2. Found the engine filter housing open right after I picked up the car from service, they didn't bother to close the clasps.
3. My girlfriend's 2014 had some evidence of a very slight coolant leak (pink stain on the hood insulation). Dealer service noticed it and recommended water pump replacement. I did my own research, turns out that indeed, there is a problem with the water pump gasket. I replaced the water pump myself, verified there were no leaks, next time my girlfriend went for an oil change she told them it's been solved. When she went back to pick up the car, they told her that it's not ready and they have to keep it until the next day. When she picked it up they've said they had to replace the water pump because their staff damaged it when they changed the oil. Now keep in mind, the water pump is made out of solid metal, I cannot imagine how it would have been damaged during an oil change. Of course they've billed corporate Toyota for work that was not needed. Also, they did not contact my girlfriend to obtain her approval to perform the work.
4. Almost every time we take the cars in: " your car needs brakes and the battery replaced", even though they've been both replaced by me, as early as 1 week before service in one occasion.
5. Paid for oil change and tire rotation, then I look at the invoice listing what was done and I don't see the tire rotation being listed as done. When asked why it was not done if I paid for it and how come I am being charged for it, got: " I don't know". Asked and receive refund for work not done.
6. Today the straw that broke the camel's back: went in for oil change and tire rotation. Told them the typical "don't worry about the engine and cab filter, I just replaced them myself". Got a phone call from them: your cabin filter is dirty, told them to leave it alone. Went to pick up the car, looked over the invoice, both oil change and tire rotation listed as performed. I paid then went to get in my car: I check the tires (I had a flat tire a week ago on the front passenger side, replaced it with a brand new tire), I noticed the wheel with the new tire still being located on the passenger front side. Obviously, they did not rotate the tires and lied on the invoice they did. At least they admitted when presented with the evidence (what else could they've said?), and stated they don't know why they did not rotate the tires. Liars...Got refund for work not done.
At this point I don't have any trust in them; went back to the car, opened the hood and checked the oil on the dipstick, it appears to be slightly dark and also has a slight burned smell. Paranoia installed in my brain, I don't know what to think anymore: did they really change the oil or they are playing the same scam like the one with the tire rotation?
I know, it's my fault, I should have known better, based on previous encounters.... never going back, will do oil changes and tire rotations at home.
Should I do an oil analysis just to be on the safe side? What companies do you recommend for that, how much oil you think is needed, how do I take out a sample?
Shady stuff they did over the years, culminating with today's experience listed at the bottom:
1. Basically every single time we take the cars in for service: the typical "these are your engine and cabin filters, look how dirty they are, let us replace them for you", even though I specifically told them to not worry about it, because I just replaced them myself. Obviously the filters they've shown me, were not from my car. I let that slide.
2. Found the engine filter housing open right after I picked up the car from service, they didn't bother to close the clasps.
3. My girlfriend's 2014 had some evidence of a very slight coolant leak (pink stain on the hood insulation). Dealer service noticed it and recommended water pump replacement. I did my own research, turns out that indeed, there is a problem with the water pump gasket. I replaced the water pump myself, verified there were no leaks, next time my girlfriend went for an oil change she told them it's been solved. When she went back to pick up the car, they told her that it's not ready and they have to keep it until the next day. When she picked it up they've said they had to replace the water pump because their staff damaged it when they changed the oil. Now keep in mind, the water pump is made out of solid metal, I cannot imagine how it would have been damaged during an oil change. Of course they've billed corporate Toyota for work that was not needed. Also, they did not contact my girlfriend to obtain her approval to perform the work.
4. Almost every time we take the cars in: " your car needs brakes and the battery replaced", even though they've been both replaced by me, as early as 1 week before service in one occasion.
5. Paid for oil change and tire rotation, then I look at the invoice listing what was done and I don't see the tire rotation being listed as done. When asked why it was not done if I paid for it and how come I am being charged for it, got: " I don't know". Asked and receive refund for work not done.
6. Today the straw that broke the camel's back: went in for oil change and tire rotation. Told them the typical "don't worry about the engine and cab filter, I just replaced them myself". Got a phone call from them: your cabin filter is dirty, told them to leave it alone. Went to pick up the car, looked over the invoice, both oil change and tire rotation listed as performed. I paid then went to get in my car: I check the tires (I had a flat tire a week ago on the front passenger side, replaced it with a brand new tire), I noticed the wheel with the new tire still being located on the passenger front side. Obviously, they did not rotate the tires and lied on the invoice they did. At least they admitted when presented with the evidence (what else could they've said?), and stated they don't know why they did not rotate the tires. Liars...Got refund for work not done.
At this point I don't have any trust in them; went back to the car, opened the hood and checked the oil on the dipstick, it appears to be slightly dark and also has a slight burned smell. Paranoia installed in my brain, I don't know what to think anymore: did they really change the oil or they are playing the same scam like the one with the tire rotation?
I know, it's my fault, I should have known better, based on previous encounters.... never going back, will do oil changes and tire rotations at home.
Should I do an oil analysis just to be on the safe side? What companies do you recommend for that, how much oil you think is needed, how do I take out a sample?
