Dealer Rip-offs

[RonNJ829]

I bought my 2007 Infiniti at Ray Catena in Edison New Jersey about one year ago. I've had about 4 oil changes since owning the car and everytime, I get the invoice back, there's a $1.50 charge for Windshield Washer Fluid. I purposely topped it off the last time I went to see if I would be charged...I was! They took it off when I complained. I realize a buck fifty isn't much, but like I told the service advisor, if there are any additional charges associated with the oil change, you can find me in the waiting room..Just ask! Don't take anything upon yourself, unless authorized by me. I have a feeling this is not an isolated incident, does anyone know where or who is th right person to complain to?

[xerexabante]

Give the service manager a call. That is why I grease my service writer, a couple of movie tickets did not fail.

[mazz]

my wife makes the finest choclate chip cookies in the world i bring a plate of those when i get service no xtra charges and they let me know how to save a buck when doing maintenace

[szh]

Or buy many cars from them!

My dealer in San Jose gives me great service and cost breaks all the time. But, I have also bought three Infiniti's from them, have been a customer since 1991, and the Service Manager has been the same guy I see for about 12 or 13 years now!

Z

[Manok]

you shouldn't have to bribe service dealers to avoid getting scammed. Find a less shady shop.

[maxnix]

you shouldn't have to bribe service dealers to avoid getting scammed. Find a less shady shop.

Gratuities that show you appreciate the extra careful service are always appreciated.

Most customers are llike the quoted poster. Distinguish yourself!

[Manok]

Gratuities that show you appreciate the extra careful service are always appreciated.

Most customers are llike the quoted poster. Distinguish yourself!

Once again, you shouldn't have to bribe shops to get careful service.

[M45-Zero260]

I will definitely have to agree with Manok on this one. Good service should be rewarded, but earned. You shouldn't have to kiss @$$ or buy a certain number of vehicles before you earn good service. We all have a choice of where to go, and if that dealer is ripping off his customers by padding extra charges into service that was not performed, that is just plain wrong.

[Manok]

I will definitely have to agree with Manok on this one. Good service should be rewarded, but earned. You shouldn't have to kiss @$$ or buy a certain number of vehicles before you earn good service. We all have a choice of where to go, and if that dealer is ripping off his customers by padding extra charges into service that was not performed, that is just plain wrong.

thank you. Being that I'm in the military, I am rarely in the same town for long. I can't rely on relationships to guarantee good service. The infiniti name should be good enough...if it's not, then I'll go somewhere else. More than one Infiniti/Nissan dealer looking for your dollar. Don't be a sucker to scams.

With that said, there is nothing wrong with forming a good relationship with people, especially those that work on your vehicles. In fact, I wish I could. I'd like to think that my car is always being cared for regardless of how good my wife's pancit is, and she makes some good pancit and lumpia. If that could get me better service, I'll tell her to get in the kitchen right now, lol.

[szh]

Generally agreed!

In my case, I get the good service because I have been such a long-term customer. Not because of any special stuff per se.

But it does not hurt!

Z

[Q45tech]

Unfortunately 1/4- half of a services writers income comes from bonuses on things they up sell!

Charging you an extra $100 can add $10 in their pocket.

See why I cut out the dealership and give the money/gifts directly to the writer.

[MagicM]

This is exactly why i never take any of my cars to the dealership or any service. I did a Oil change once to see the price difference, and it was 103 dollars for a oil change, and on top of that they washed my car with some sh**y towl and left crazy swirl marks and it showed up good on a black car.Unless it's for warrenty purpose ill never go there, trusted independent mechanic for me all the way.

[maxnix]

Once again, you shouldn't have to bribe shops to get careful service.

True, but in the declining state of our civillization, what was once competent is now regarded as outstanding. Git er done is now good enough for almost everyone else.

Recognition of competence especially is a good thing.

[maxnix]

Being that I'm in the military....

Military presumes competence, civilians do not.

Tipping in uniform doubles the value of your tip.

[M45-Zero260]

True, but in the declining state of our civillization, what was once competent is now regarded as outstanding. Git er done is now good enough for almost everyone else.

Recognition of competence especially is a good thing.

No offense, but I think you might be missing the point. You are posting that this is an acceptable practice, and to get superior customer service (i.e. not getting EXTRA CHARGES on your bill for service that was not performed) you need to "Tip, Bribe, give gifts, bake cookies, etc". The last time I checked, there were quite a few automobile brands out there to choose from, so if Nissan/Infiniti service shops continue to be arrogant, then they shall fall with the other once strong brands that chose to ignore the customer <--------the ones who pay their salary, by the way. If this kind of service continues down this path, you will surely see more pre-owned Infiniti's on Lexus car lots. I'm sorry, but I don't settle, and I don't think anyone else here should either. If I go to a fine restaurant and order a medium rare steak, and they bring me steak jerky, do I say, "Well, that's just the way civilization is going, I guess I should give the waitress a fifty dollar tip anyway so next time maybe I will get treated better". C'mon, that is just crazy. Stand up and stop taking this kind of crappy service anywhere you go. I've gone through years of taking crap service, and I've finally had enough. Now, I refuse to "accept" anything unless I am a pleased customer. The business world is competitive, and customer demands are constantly changing. For Infiniti to allow their dealer service networks to allow this unethical form of business practice is unacceptable. I am an 8 year Navy veteran myself, so perhaps I presume competence. Na, I'm probably just an angry consumer who got screwed in the drivethru too many times ...As I search for some Twisted Sister on Youtube "Were not gonna take it"

[antzrus]

A coupla'Prozac in the right hands might be useful...

[maxnix]

I'm probably just an angry consumer who got screwed in the drivethru too many times

My dad was in the army and Air Force for 37 years and didn't adapt real well to civilian life either. Out here, one cannot demand or order comptence. One has to encourage and reward competence. It's called the free market.

Good luck adjusting. Remember, honey works better than vinegar.