@imidazol97 said:
It probably came out of a can. Of course, maybe the dealership has a chef who prepares those things from scratch daily?
I'm going to ask at my Chevy dealer when they're going to add some of these comfort items for customers waiting for their cars... I do know the owner of the associated Buick store used to have the coffee vending machine set so coffee and hot chocolate dispensed free.
————————————————
I’d give vending machine coffee/hot chocolate away too. In fact, I’d get rid of the machine altogether and use the floor space for another chair.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
the Ford dealer by me (Farmer knows the place) is a real throwback. Older place, family owned, and a plain old waiting room with a few expired magazines and a TV up on the ceiling in one corner.
@stickguy said:
since everyone is so interested in MB auxiliary batteries, I found this video interesting. I think this would actually be a 3rd battery for Driver to spend $600 replacing.
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That was a very good video. In my opinion the guy explained what he was doing very well. In the end he found a module was not providing a ground for the start circuit. He proved the module was bad by bypassing the module and providing a separate ground. I think I would have just left the test ground in place to see how the car acted for several days but that’s just me.
As it turned out the module wasn’t that expensive and the new replacement module part number even had a lower price than the original module part number. Is this a new Benz policy? If it is I like that.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@stickguy said:
the Ford dealer by me (Farmer knows the place) is a real throwback. Older place, family owned, and a plain old waiting room with a few expired magazines and a TV up on the ceiling in one corner.
————————————————
Is it a 17 inch black and white CRT?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
....and don't forget......that is an extra battery that now has to be dispo
In earlier models they ran a few things....wipers, radio etc., but now I think they just run the Stop/Go.
One reason I wanted to replace it was because if the main battery fails, maybe the auxiliary will be able to start the car.
————————————————
What does your manual say about the aux battery being able to start the car? Of course you could always disconnect the main battery and find out but I don’t think you’re daring enough to try that but I definitely would.
jmonroe
I don't think it can start the car....though that is exactly what it does when Stop/Go is employed. But, it probably won't run all the other electronics. It might start the engine, but I might not have a speedometer or radio.
No, I am not going to try it. It could cost $1000s if you mess that up.
It probably came out of a can. Of course, maybe the dealership has a chef who prepares those things from scratch daily?
I would rather they have nothing and charge me less. I can feed myself.
The nice lady makes all the food herself, including the soup....which was $3.75. A bowl of soup like that costs $9 or $10 these days.
For the record, when I go to the dealer and have to wait for a few hours, I take my own sandwich. Sometimes, cheese and sometimes peanut butter which I like better than buying food...then I can control the calories etc. I don't enjoy eating at the dealership enough to buy a chicken Caesar wrap.....I only bought the soup because the servicing took 3 hours over lunch time, and I don't carry change and I have had their excellent free coffee a few times...when I paid for the soup I could leave a $3 tip for the soup and the free coffees.
@driver100 said:
I don't think it can start the car....though that is exactly what it does when Stop/Go is employed. But, it probably won't run all the other electronics. It might start the engine, but I might not have a speedometer or radio.
No, I am not going to try it. It could cost $1000s if you mess that up.
————————————————
I knew that.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Gee, @driver100, you’ve got lunch at the dealer’s down to a science.
Maybe I should write a book on "What to do While Your Car is in for Service". I have a nice carry bag where I can carry my laptop, I also have my 2 newspapers (local and national), the book I am reading, one or two sandwiches depending on the amount of work to be done, a granola bar, and nuts. They have a large screen TV and they have lots of cars in the showroom to look at and sit in.
They don't have a shuttle these days. If I go home MrsD would have to pick me up and take me home, then drive me back again....I'd rather hang out at the showroom.
btw, this works well for airports too. Sometimes I don't feel like eating a $20 breakfast or lunch at the airport......I bring my own.
Which reminds me.....MrsD100 won tickets in the Wimbledon draw this year....she has tried to win for about 10 years and finally won it. We paid for package deals 3 other times. The bad news is that the only seats we could find together were on the last day....which sounds perfect we thought we were going to see the big final game. 3 days later we got confirmation for our tickets and realized they are for Court 1, not Center Court. So we'll probably see doubles finals, juniors play etc., not the big final singles match.
But, here is my plan, we'll go outside and watch the big final game, which might be Djokovic and Alcaraz on the big huge screen, and then tell everyone we watched the final game while we were at Wimbledon.
The local Audi dealer has made loaners a task to reserve. No loaners on Saturday and often it has to be scheduled 6-8 weeks in advance. It is hard to anticipate service needs that far out!
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
My new BMW dealer, a dealer too far, offered loaners unsolicited in the two appointments I've had to make so far. Perhaps because they know they're a distance for me?
Under construction, hopefully an expanded cafe with lots of "freebies." Although, due to the distance, unlikely I'll be returning there regularly, two other BMW dealers less than half the mileage north and south (although I have to go over the Sagamore Bridge...in summer! to get to south. South dealer is where we bought wife's X3. North dealer highly recommended by a neighbor) of me, so I'll probably start going to one/both of them.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Last year when I had the timing belt done on the RDX, the Acura dealer put me in a loaner… which turned out to be a MDX Type S. And it was only a week delay on the appointment.
By contrast I was trying to schedule a return visit to VW with the Jetta, because they got the reset switch in for the TPMS, and in my first interaction with them they said the earliest available appointment even as a drop off was late August. They eventually found a way on Friday to schedule me for tomorrow.
The local Audi dealer has made loaners a task to reserve. No loaners on Saturday and often it has to be scheduled 6-8 weeks in advance. It is hard to anticipate service needs that far out!
I have an Acura. I go to the dealer once a year or so for an oil change. Express service, usually an hour max. They have loaners but pointless for that amount of time.
My ford dealer would probably laugh at me if I asked.
The Ford dealer where I get the Explorer serviced takes about an hour to do The Works, oil change tire rotation, etc... They have an online scheduling process but it doesn't work, so you end up having to call. I called Thursday and am leaving for my appointment in about an hour.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I am at local area tire store for free oil change and tire rotation. I asked the salesman what brand oil they use for oil changes. 4 free are included with tire purchase. Here didn't give an answer. Instead he told me it's oil from the same company that makes Mobile1. He did say all the oils come from 3 companies in the US. They put in different additives. I think he felt he overwhelmed me with flimflam.
I asked If the oil is Dexos rated, GM specification for the oil for GM engines. He said it is. I don't believe him.
The store has a pot of old caffeine coffee. It has a water dispenser. No sandwiches or soup.
I got sucked into the "Express oil change" at my BMW dealer, once... nearly 3 hours later, I resolved to never go without a loaner.
And the dealer I use states the BMW is too old to get a loaner, go figure. Fortunately they are prompt and I've only needed them for oil changes and state inspections thus far. There's a few maintenance items that I'm going to use a stand alone shop for.
1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
I got sucked into the "Express oil change" at my BMW dealer, once... nearly 3 hours later, I resolved to never go without a loaner.
And the dealer I use states the BMW is too old to get a loaner, go figure. Fortunately they are prompt and I've only needed them for oil changes and state inspections thus far. There's a few maintenance items that I'm going to use a stand alone shop for.
Like others, I have to plan six weeks out... but, I never got turned down. My car was very similar to yours, but not quite as old...
I got sucked into the "Express oil change" at my BMW dealer, once... nearly 3 hours later, I resolved to never go without a loaner.
And the dealer I use states the BMW is too old to get a loaner, go figure. Fortunately they are prompt and I've only needed them for oil changes and state inspections thus far. There's a few maintenance items that I'm going to use a stand alone shop for.
I still get a loaner for my Club Sport, but I've only needed one a couple of times.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I am at local area tire store for free oil change and tire rotation. I asked the salesman what brand oil they use for oil changes. 4 free are included with tire purchase. Here didn't give an answer. Instead he told me it's oil from the same company that makes Mobile1. He did say all the oils come from 3 companies in the US. They put in different additives. I think he felt he overwhelmed me with flimflam.
I asked If the oil is Dexos rated, GM specification for the oil for GM engines. He said it is. I don't believe him.
The store has a pot of old caffeine coffee. It has a water dispenser. No sandwiches or soup.
I'd be willing to bet that the guy thinks "Dexos" is a villain from a Marvel comic book...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@imidazol97 said:
I am at local area tire store for free oil change and tire rotation. I asked the salesman what brand oil they use for oil changes. 4 free are included with tire purchase. Here didn't give an answer. Instead he told me it's oil from the same company that makes Mobile1. He did say all the oils come from 3 companies in the US. They put in different additives. I think he felt he overwhelmed me with flimflam.
I asked If the oil is Dexos rated, GM specification for the oil for GM engines. He said it is. I don't believe him.
The store has a pot of old caffeine coffee. It has a water dispenser. No sandwiches or soup.
————————————————
You didn’t say whether you allowed them to proceed with the oil change. So my question is, if they did the oil change with what you think is out of spec oil, when do you plan to have it drained and done with the correct oil?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I got sucked into the "Express oil change" at my BMW dealer, once... nearly 3 hours later, I resolved to never go without a loaner.
And the dealer I use states the BMW is too old to get a loaner, go figure. Fortunately they are prompt and I've only needed them for oil changes and state inspections thus far. There's a few maintenance items that I'm going to use a stand alone shop for.
I still get a loaner for my Club Sport, but I've only needed one a couple of times.
I haven't raised a fuss because I'm there 1-1.5 hours at most and I spend the time doing work, wandering the showroom, or wandering the lot. Fortunately no repairs requiring an overnight stay have been needed but if they did I would either be taking an Uber. When the car goes to the indy shop next month I'll drop it off and they can keep at as long as they need to since it's ~45 minutes away on a good traffic day.
1997 Honda Prelude Base - 2022 Acura MDX Type S Advance - 2021 Honda Passport Sport - 2006 BMW 330Ci ZHP
You didn’t say whether you allowed them to proceed with the oil change. So my question is, if they did the oil change with what you think is out of spec oil, when do you plan to have it drained and done with the correct oil?
jmonroe
The TBN on the oil sample from the first oil change I had from the tire store was 2.8 when >1.0 is required as a test for the additives left in the oil sample I send. The sample was a 5000 mi on the oil which the company used. I have a real strange feeling that just like the GM bulk oil the dealer uses which comes in bulk, it like is made by a good company with good additives. I can't speak to the meeting of Dexos requirements.
I have read many places that the SuperTech engine oil from Walmart that says it meets Dexos current ratings is fine for use in GM engines and that the Dexron VI transmission fluid that is SuperTech and says it meets some requirement for GM testing also has been used without problems.
The salesperson seemed to improve his attitude beyond the grey-hair attitude before I left. The reason I was at their store was to have the two front wheels RoadForce tested on their balancer. Both passed, but one was marginal. I only learned that after asking again for RoadForce results before I left indicating I knew the difference between road force testing and the amount of weight needed to balance a tire/wheel assembly. He took me back to the balancer and showed me the results from the last run. He explained the balancer doesn't show both results because we didn't check all 4 wheels.
I had asked for the RoadForce results when he did the writeup of the work order. I wanted to know the actual numbers which should be <18 in the early days of RoadForce balancing.
It was kind of a fun visit. I think when I asked about "Dexos" rating and when I probably had a puzzled look when he said only 3 companies produce auto engine oils which other companies label with the other companies additives, he decided I wasn't your dumb old guy. Well at least in re auto oils and tires.
@imidazol97 said:
You didn’t say whether you allowed them to proceed with the oil change. So my question is, if they did the oil change with what you think is out of spec oil, when do you plan to have it drained and done with the correct oil?jmonroe
The TBN on the oil sample from the first oil change I had from the tire store was 2.8 when >1.0 is required as a test for the additives left in the oil sample I send. The sample was a 5000 mi on the oil which the company used. I have a real strange feeling that just like the GM bulk oil the dealer uses which comes in bulk, it like is made by a good company with good additives. I can't speak to the meeting of Dexos requirements.
I have read many places that the SuperTech engine oil from Walmart that says it meets Dexos current ratings is fine for use in GM engines and that the Dexron VI transmission fluid that is SuperTech and says it meets some requirement for GM testing also has been used without problems.
The salesperson seemed to improve his attitude beyond the grey-hair attitude before I left. The reason I was at their store was to have the two front wheels RoadForce tested on their balancer. Both passed, but one was marginal. I only learned that after asking again for RoadForce results before I left indicating I knew the difference between road force testing and the amount of weight needed to balance a tire/wheel assembly. He took me back to the balancer and showed me the results from the last run. He explained the balancer doesn't show both results because we didn't check all 4 wheels.
I had asked for the RoadForce results when he did the writeup of the work order. I wanted to know the actual numbers which should be <18 in the early days of RoadForce balancing.
It was kind of a fun visit. I think when I asked about "Dexos" rating and when I probably had a puzzled look when he said only 3 companies produce auto engine oils which other companies label with the other companies additives, he decided I wasn't your dumb old guy. Well at least in re auto oils and tires.
————————————————
So, long story short, you had nothing to worry about, right?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I'd sleep better getting dexos (small d apparently) rated oil from the dealer or from a well known chain operation....I doubt if they would use an inferior product and be open to a lawsuit and bad publicity. But, I'd probably choose the dealer if at all possible....less chance of something going wrong and it could help at trade-in time if they have the records and serviced your car all along.
It probably came out of a can. Of course, maybe the dealership has a chef who prepares those things from scratch daily?
I would rather they have nothing and charge me less. I can feed myself.
The nice lady makes all the food herself, including the soup....which was $3.75. A bowl of soup like that costs $9 or $10 these days.
For the record, when I go to the dealer and have to wait for a few hours, I take my own sandwich. Sometimes, cheese and sometimes peanut butter which I like better than buying food...then I can control the calories etc. I don't enjoy eating at the dealership enough to buy a chicken Caesar wrap.....I only bought the soup because the servicing took 3 hours over lunch time, and I don't carry change and I have had their excellent free coffee a few times...when I paid for the soup I could leave a $3 tip for the soup and the free coffees.
I think you’re doing that wrong, you’re supposed to bring your own sandwich when you go in to negotiate.
Or so I’ve been told…..
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It probably came out of a can. Of course, maybe the dealership has a chef who prepares those things from scratch daily?
I would rather they have nothing and charge me less. I can feed myself.
The nice lady makes all the food herself, including the soup....which was $3.75. A bowl of soup like that costs $9 or $10 these days.
For the record, when I go to the dealer and have to wait for a few hours, I take my own sandwich. Sometimes, cheese and sometimes peanut butter which I like better than buying food...then I can control the calories etc. I don't enjoy eating at the dealership enough to buy a chicken Caesar wrap.....I only bought the soup because the servicing took 3 hours over lunch time, and I don't carry change and I have had their excellent free coffee a few times...when I paid for the soup I could leave a $3 tip for the soup and the free coffees.
I think you’re doing that wrong, you’re supposed to bring your own sandwich when you go in to negotiate.
Or so I’ve been told…..
No, if you are negotiating with the salesman for a long time, you say to him "I'm getting kind of hungry, if you want to continue buy me a sandwich and a soup".
The fabled @jipster method of negotiating weaponizes a sub sandwich by intimidating the sales staff into believing that you are prepared to settle into negotiating for the long haul and have them fold like a cheap collapsible chair.
My ford dealer in philly is the easiest. At least in a custom order (no clue about walking in to haggle). They advertise every model at a % off (invoice). Just email or call the internet manager with what you want, he enters order and sends a detailed preset sheet via email, and if you like it just sign it and send it back. Then you are good to go. Not even a deposit required.
They do all the logistics for financing and registering with you in advance also electronically (email, phone or website link) and when it arrives assign a sales person to handle delivery. Just show up at dealer and see the unit, then off to finance guy who has all the paperwork prepared already. Sign and leave.
Zero add ons too unless you asked for accessories. Quick, easy and painless.
The fabled @jipster method of negotiating weaponizes a sub sandwich by intimidating the sales staff into believing that you are prepared to settle into negotiating for the long haul and have them fold like a cheap collapsible chair.
I also understand making loud lip smacking noises as you eat is part of the process as it unnerves the salesman and weakens his resolve.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
One of the big reasons I just go to the dealer for my oil changes.
Not a guarantee. The former ownership of Audi of San Diego (no longer owners) used to use non-spec oil to save a dime at customers and cars' expense.
When I asked why they were using non-certified non-VW compliant 5w-30 instead of the oils meeting VW's highest spec standard (and as per the manual should be 5W-40 or 0W-40), I was told it was because San Diego had a mild climate. Dealers say the funniest lies. I'd respect them more if they just bluntly said "We are cheap bastards!"
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
A body shop with 5.0 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google Reviews (over 100 reviews) tried to return me the S4 with good paint work, but with the hood still noticeably misaligned with the fenders. I made a point with both insurance and with him the hood didn't fit right. It was completely ignored. When I told him the fit and finish was bad, he said "it's your hood." I'm glad it's my original hood, but the problem is it was bashed into a Chevy. The reason I and my insurance are spending nearly $6K dollars is to quote "repair" the damages.
Plus or minus 1/4" might work in construction in the US, but for a product made in Ingolstadt you better get it perfect down to a +/- a millimeter. I was pretty upset but I didn't have time to get mad, I just had to leave and we agreed I'd be back tomorrow at the same time (around 4:30-5 PM).
I also mentioned to him today at 8 AM that the left headlight he got out of a junkyard thanks to Geico specifying a used replacement was in unacceptably poor condition. The lens looked like it had been shaken in metal wheel barrow full of sharp objects for a year or two. Unusual scratches and blemishes all over it. I lost sleep over it and can't believe I didn't say something right then and there (I was rushed as I had to be home at 5 PM).
Acceptable for a 25 year old 200,000 mile car maybe. For a replacement on a car that is in very good condition with only 60,000 miles? It's infuriating. What happened to refurbishing and reconditioning used parts? I'm worried as the last time I paid for a headlight restoration the blemishes all came back months later.
What are the chances this headlight will match the intensity, brightness, color, and temperature of my other headlight at night like it used to?
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Been catching up on all the posts - but the post that got me "laughing" was driver100's post about what he brings to his service department when the car is being serviced to keep him occupied. Good grief - carrying that much baggage into the waiting room must be a kick to observe.
@imidazol97 said:
Whoa. Are you sure you were at an MB store? Everything costs 3x what it should at the premium auto stores. That soup should have been $30 cdn.
———————————————— @driver100 likes his dealer and the soup they serve. So, if he wants to soup himself to death, that’s his choice.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Comments
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I’d give vending machine coffee/hot chocolate away too. In fact, I’d get rid of the machine altogether and use the floor space for another chair.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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That was a very good video. In my opinion the guy explained what he was doing very well. In the end he found a module was not providing a ground for the start circuit. He proved the module was bad by bypassing the module and providing a separate ground. I think I would have just left the test ground in place to see how the car acted for several days but that’s just me.
As it turned out the module wasn’t that expensive and the new replacement module part number even had a lower price than the original module part number. Is this a new Benz policy? If it is I like that.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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Now’s the time to let them know you liked the soup. It’s up to you to let them know how you feel about a $600 aux battery.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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Is it a 17 inch black and white CRT?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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What does your manual say about the aux battery being able to start the car? Of course you could always disconnect the main battery and find out but I don’t think you’re daring enough to try that but I definitely would.
jmonroe
I don't think it can start the car....though that is exactly what it does when Stop/Go is employed. But, it probably won't run all the other electronics. It might start the engine, but I might not have a speedometer or radio.
No, I am not going to try it. It could cost $1000s if you mess that up.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It probably came out of a can. Of course, maybe the dealership has a chef who prepares those things from scratch daily?
I would rather they have nothing and charge me less. I can feed myself.
The nice lady makes all the food herself, including the soup....which was $3.75. A bowl of soup like that costs $9 or $10 these days.
For the record, when I go to the dealer and have to wait for a few hours, I take my own sandwich. Sometimes, cheese and sometimes peanut butter which I like better than buying food...then I can control the calories etc. I don't enjoy eating at the dealership enough to buy a chicken Caesar wrap.....I only bought the soup because the servicing took 3 hours over lunch time, and I don't carry change and I have had their excellent free coffee a few times...when I paid for the soup I could leave a $3 tip for the soup and the free coffees.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
————————————————
I knew that.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I have a nice carry bag where I can carry my laptop, I also have my 2 newspapers (local and national), the book I am reading, one or two sandwiches depending on the amount of work to be done, a granola bar, and nuts. They have a large screen TV and they have lots of cars in the showroom to look at and sit in.
They don't have a shuttle these days. If I go home MrsD would have to pick me up and take me home, then drive me back again....I'd rather hang out at the showroom.
btw, this works well for airports too. Sometimes I don't feel like eating a $20 breakfast or lunch at the airport......I bring my own.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
$600 for a spare battery, and no loaners? Dang.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The bad news is that the only seats we could find together were on the last day....which sounds perfect we thought we were going to see the big final game.
3 days later we got confirmation for our tickets and realized they are for Court 1, not Center Court. So we'll probably see doubles finals, juniors play etc., not the big final singles match.
But, here is my plan, we'll go outside and watch the big final game, which might be Djokovic and Alcaraz on the big huge screen, and then tell everyone we watched the final game while we were at Wimbledon.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Under construction, hopefully an expanded cafe with lots of "freebies." Although, due to the distance, unlikely I'll be returning there regularly, two other BMW dealers less than half the mileage north and south (although I have to go over the Sagamore Bridge...in summer! to get to south. South dealer is where we bought wife's X3. North dealer highly recommended by a neighbor) of me, so I'll probably start going to one/both of them.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Last year when I had the timing belt done on the RDX, the Acura dealer put me in a loaner… which turned out to be a MDX Type S. And it was only a week delay on the appointment.
By contrast I was trying to schedule a return visit to VW with the Jetta, because they got the reset switch in for the TPMS, and in my first interaction with them they said the earliest available appointment even as a drop off was late August. They eventually found a way on Friday to schedule me for tomorrow.
$600 CDN
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My ford dealer would probably laugh at me if I asked.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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They have an online scheduling process but it doesn't work, so you end up having to call.
I called Thursday and am leaving for my appointment in about an hour.
I can say with 100% certainty that the dealership amenities have never (ever) factored into any of my buying decisions.
The only reason they do it is to solicit good survey responses.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
When they see you coming with that they’ll probably think you’ll wanna trade that for your next out of warranty service.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I am at local area tire store for free oil change and tire rotation. I asked the salesman what brand oil they use for oil changes. 4 free are included with tire purchase. Here didn't give an answer. Instead he told me it's oil from the same company that makes Mobile1. He did say all the oils come from 3 companies in the US. They put in different additives. I think he felt he overwhelmed me with flimflam.
I asked If the oil is Dexos rated, GM specification for the oil for GM engines. He said it is. I don't believe him.
The store has a pot of old caffeine coffee. It has a water dispenser. No sandwiches or soup.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
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You didn’t say whether you allowed them to proceed with the oil change. So my question is, if they did the oil change with what you think is out of spec oil, when do you plan to have it drained and done with the correct oil?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I have read many places that the SuperTech engine oil from Walmart that says it meets Dexos current ratings is fine for use in GM engines and that the Dexron VI transmission fluid that is SuperTech and says it meets some requirement for GM testing also has been used without problems.
The salesperson seemed to improve his attitude beyond the grey-hair attitude before I left. The reason I was at their store was to have the two front wheels RoadForce tested on their balancer. Both passed, but one was marginal. I only learned that after asking again for RoadForce results before I left indicating I knew the difference between road force testing and the amount of weight needed to balance a tire/wheel assembly. He took me back to the balancer and showed me the results from the last run. He explained the balancer doesn't show both results because we didn't check all 4 wheels.
I had asked for the RoadForce results when he did the writeup of the work order. I wanted to know the actual numbers which should be <18 in the early days of RoadForce balancing.
It was kind of a fun visit. I think when I asked about "Dexos" rating and when I probably had a puzzled look when he said only 3 companies produce auto engine oils which other companies label with the other companies additives, he decided I wasn't your dumb old guy. Well at least in re auto oils and tires.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
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So, long story short, you had nothing to worry about, right?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
But, I'd probably choose the dealer if at all possible....less chance of something going wrong and it could help at trade-in time if they have the records and serviced your car all along.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Or so I’ve been told…..
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
My ford dealer in philly is the easiest. At least in a custom order (no clue about walking in to haggle). They advertise every model at a % off (invoice). Just email or call the internet manager with what you want, he enters order and sends a detailed preset sheet via email, and if you like it just sign it and send it back. Then you are good to go. Not even a deposit required.
They do all the logistics for financing and registering with you in advance also electronically (email, phone or website link) and when it arrives assign a sales person to handle delivery. Just show up at dealer and see the unit, then off to finance guy who has all the paperwork prepared already. Sign and leave.
Zero add ons too unless you asked for accessories. Quick, easy and painless.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
When I asked why they were using non-certified non-VW compliant 5w-30 instead of the oils meeting VW's highest spec standard (and as per the manual should be 5W-40 or 0W-40), I was told it was because San Diego had a mild climate. Dealers say the funniest lies. I'd respect them more if they just bluntly said "We are cheap bastards!"
A body shop with 5.0 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google Reviews (over 100 reviews) tried to return me the S4 with good paint work, but with the hood still noticeably misaligned with the fenders. I made a point with both insurance and with him the hood didn't fit right. It was completely ignored. When I told him the fit and finish was bad, he said "it's your hood."
Plus or minus 1/4" might work in construction in the US, but for a product made in Ingolstadt you better get it perfect down to a +/- a millimeter. I was pretty upset but I didn't have time to get mad, I just had to leave and we agreed I'd be back tomorrow at the same time (around 4:30-5 PM).
I also mentioned to him today at 8 AM that the left headlight he got out of a junkyard thanks to Geico specifying a used replacement was in unacceptably poor condition. The lens looked like it had been shaken in metal wheel barrow full of sharp objects for a year or two. Unusual scratches and blemishes all over it. I lost sleep over it and can't believe I didn't say something right then and there (I was rushed as I had to be home at 5 PM).
Acceptable for a 25 year old 200,000 mile car maybe. For a replacement on a car that is in very good condition with only 60,000 miles? It's infuriating. What happened to refurbishing and reconditioning used parts? I'm worried as the last time I paid for a headlight restoration the blemishes all came back months later.
What are the chances this headlight will match the intensity, brightness, color, and temperature of my other headlight at night like it used to?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
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@driver100 likes his dealer and the soup they serve. So, if he wants to soup himself to death, that’s his choice.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Maybe that will make them get my car serviced faster!
Nice to have you back Mike. What does the Genesis dealer serve while waiting?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250