Pleeeeese help AM I GETTING RIPPED OFF?

[ptm03m45x]

Hey Guys,I have a M45 and wanted the sirius sat radio. I went to the dealer and asked for a quote in which I was told it was going to be 64.00 because I had the prewire and sat button in the car. All I needed was a harness. At that point I was told 64.00! So I go pick up my car tonite and get a bill in my face for 736.00 I WAS LIKE HOLY CHRIST!!!! If I was misquoted (and I know they do this for commision bases screwover) than am I obligated to pay the bill? Its the object of the whole thing..like some kind of trickery! This is expected as I live in NJ.....How do I handle this?Pete

[maxnix]

Tell them you were quoted $64.00 with no mention of any additional charges, nor were they authorized. Many states require customer authorization for any amount beyond $100.00 over the quoted work. Maybe not NJ, though.

[A_Rivers]

WOAHH.. I work for a contracted company that installs mobile electronics for a Chevy/Isuzu/Subaru dealer and we charge $249.00 for XM Satellite Radio (FM Modulated). THe price of that bill is absurd. Is it the same guy that quoted you the $64.00 thats trying to stick you with the bill? I need more info, did you pay the bill? where are we at right now?

Aaron...:uzi

[ptm03m45x]

No I did'nt pay the bill, I left the car there as the service manager left for the day, also... so I can think of a way to handle this tomorrow. I'll make sure I'm dealing with the same dumbass that quoted me 64.00 tomorrow.

[DAEDALUS]

What are NJ laws? In a lot of states, you they need to give you a written estimate first, to which you sign your name.

[jtesensky]

Reasonably speaking, I doubt you'll get the bill down to $64.00. It was probably some rookie that quoted you. I will say this, the SAT radio unit itself is $346.00, it sounds like you were pre-wired so the install should only be $100.00. With that known you should tell them to give you the radio unit for $290.00 & cut the labor to $75.00, which would bring you down to $365.00, which would be a steal for a dealer installed SAT package. Don't get me wrong, you were misled but it always boils down to your word against theirs

[A_Rivers]

If you were quoted $64.00 then the bill should be for $64.00. I had a Nissan dealer try to do me this way about installing a steering rack in my 1987 Maxima, they quouted me $145.00 over the phone, I got there made sure I spoke with the same person and he quoted me $365.00 and acted like he had no idea about the original quote(I was 16 at the time and I think he thought I would say "well it has to be done"and agree to the price). I basicly said I would take my buisiness elswhere and inform others to do the same, left and called the service manager, explaned to him my problem, gave him my name and the offending service persons name and he told me to bring the car back the next day and they would do it for the price quoted. Long story short, the customer is ALWAYS right! What good is a qoute if your not going to honor it? Just remember to stay calm, explain your case, if they have any concept of customer service they should go with the $64.00. If not then you get to yell and curse, have them remove it and tell them your not paying anything for thier misrepresentation.

This s*** pisses me off to no end...I hate stupid people.

[ptm03m45x]

Thanks everyone I willl use your suggestions tomorrow morning regarding this mishap. Hopefully it will get str8tened out. I'll keep you posted.Pete

[keystone]

Was it Circle Infiniti?

[dezm45]

Pete, let me know how you make out -- I was looking into getting the satellite option turned on in my M45 as well. I was under the assumption that we are already wired, we just need the harness, and it shouldn't be more than the $400 option that it was on the car, if you wanted the car that way. When I asked my service guy the last time I was there, he said 'a couple hundred dollars' ... so, I guess we'll see ...

[ptm03m45x]

The saga is over....I called a few Infiniti dealers here in Jersey first thing this morning before I picked up my car and come to find out that the kit for the satellite installed is around 750.00. The first one I talked to was Ray Catena and they straight up told me 750.00 installed. Ok, so I have no problem with that. That must be what it costs.But when I took my car to Circle Infiniti and asked for a quote I ASKED FOR A QUOTE! Instead I got bullsh1tted! I was told it was satellite ready ( but that means ready, not installed with a receiver! ) Then to throw the proverbial salt in the eyes I was told I needed a harness (after I told them I needed it-see below)and my satellite radio install would cost 64.00. I had no problem with that.....64.00 was the quote and I asked "So this will cost me 64.00 to get installed" and the service girl said YES. But unfortunately forgot to tell me the price of the whole damn kit. The thing that kills me is that is the dishonesty that was used to get my car in, (these service consultants make a commision) and hold my car hostage.This dishonesty prompted me to tell the service manager this morning to pull system out of the car. Then they had the nerve to say well we have still have to charge you for the install and uninstall of the unit, that would be 400 dollars! So now the car is for ransom pretty much. Bottom line is I paid for the unit which was just because it was the right thing to do. It truly costs 736.00 (like the 750.00 quote from the other dealer) but it was the way they went about their business and their dishonesty of service. I asked for a quote and got 64.00 and was surprised with a 736.00 bill.Yes it was Circle Infiniti of West Long Branch, NJ. Unfortunately I won't buy my new 2006 M from them even if they were cheaper so I hope this dishonesty was worth it. Of course I won't tell you how I first told them that my VIN number showed I needed a harness (I got this info from on here) and they disagreed I brought my car in and I lost my car for a day there. Then they had to reorder and call me back when the harness came in just to inconvenience me more. Yes I knew more than their own parts guy.Complete total a$$holes, they wouldn't even consider what I told them!! Of course all this and the fact the mechanic forgot to reset my trans after the reburn (thanks god someone on here told me to unplug the battery and let it reset after the reburn) would make this dealership as the worst that I have ever heard about. All the while though I've been civil thru this whole thing.Thank God for this forum or I would of not even be driving the car anymore.I'm sure this post will hurt their business and its ashame it has to. But I know that overall Infiniti USA has usual great service so I know this is an isolated case. I will prompt both corporate Infiniti USA and the management at Circle Infiniti this post and we'll see what happens. I'm sure corporate will at least care!Pete

[BadQ45t]

Call Infiniti customer service and tell them about this and how tihs dealership will NEVER see you again nor are you sure you'll ever buy another Infiniti. They will probably pony up something.

[jtesensky]

If you ever need a "real" quote again throw me a PM, I'll let you know ahead of time so you can go into your dealer armed & ready to battle any potential rip-offs. I'm still sorry to hear about it though. Those dealers are the reason why the car business has such a bad reputation.

[dezm45]

Does anyone know the VIN# range that has the pre-wiring done, and ALL you need is the harness ???

I think I may fall into that category, as my VIN# is in the 4000 range ...

To anyone that knows, THANKS !!! I'm thinking about getting the satellite turned on.

Plus, under options when configuring the car on EDMUNDS.COM, it was only a $400 option on the car, so I can't see how they can charge you much more than that to get it 'turned on' ....

[Q451990]

...and hold my car hostage

Didn't you have a loaner car? I would have held it hostage (limits the amount of work they can do) rather than paying! I once drove a loaner car for three weeks while we "negotiated" some of the items that were covered under my 100K warranty. They finally saw it my way.

I'm sure you did the right thing, and the world is a better place because everyone isn't as much of an a$$hole as I am - but I wouldn't let this rest. I'd be sure to call corporate, talk to the dealership manager, owner, district manager, etc. You should be able to get at least half of what you paid back.

Heath

[russg]

Does anyone know the VIN# range that has the pre-wiring done, and ALL you need is the harness ???

I think I may fall into that category, as my VIN# is in the 4000 range ...

To anyone that knows, THANKS !!! I'm thinking about getting the satellite turned on.

Plus, under options when configuring the car on EDMUNDS.COM, it was only a $400 option on the car, so I can't see how they can charge you much more than that to get it 'turned on' ....

I asked the same question when I purchased my M. I was told that they charge more for the dealer-installed option than the factory-installed option because the labor is more expensive after the fact than on the assembly line. Made sense to me. I was quoted $500 to have Sirrius installed at the dealership. I passed, knowing I could have it done anytime later for the same cost. My car is pre-wired and doesn't need the harness. Don't know where the line is drawn with respect to VIN numbers and the harness. I was also concerned about the aesthetics of the antenna. Still haven't seen on installed on an M, so I really have no idea what it looks like.

Personally, even though I like the concept of sat radio programming, the audio quality of the Bose stereo in the M is so disappointing that I have a problem paying for the receiver and the subscription and then running the digital quality music through such crappy audio gear. I never listem to commercial radio because of crappy programming and the commercials, so I just rotate and reload CD's among several cartridges. I have about 1,000 CD's in my collection so there's plenty of variety, and at least they're paid for. With better audio gear in the car, I would have popped for the sat receiver and subscription in a heartbeat. I really wish Infiniti would terminate their relationship with Bose. Lexus has the right idea with their relationship with Mark Levinson.

I'm a huge music fan, but I'm very particular as to content and audio quality. The big reason for a sat subscription for me would be introduction to new music and artists, with the benefit of text messaging regarding artist and album names. Since I don't listen to comercial radio, I have to rely on other sources for exposure to new stuff.

[APEXi240]

And just so you guys know, any work done to the car must first be authorized by you (in NJ). So, while you technically have authorized the work, it was for a different amount than you were quoted for, you do indeed have a legitamate gripe. As everyone said call corporate and talk to someone in the customer service department, and talk to the general manager/owner of Circle Infiniti itself.

While I may not be buying an Infiniti any time soon, myself and my families business will have to go elsewhere. Ray Catena seems to be the best bet, as my father has never had any problems with their customer service.

[dezm45]

I asked the same question when I purchased my M. I was told that they charge more for the dealer-installed option than the factory-installed option because the labor is more expensive after the fact than on the assembly line. Made sense to me. I was quoted $500 to have Sirrius installed at the dealership. I passed, knowing I could have it done anytime later for the same cost. My car is pre-wired and doesn't need the harness. Don't know where the line is drawn with respect to VIN numbers and the harness. I was also concerned about the aesthetics of the antenna. Still haven't seen on installed on an M, so I really have no idea what it looks like.

Personally, even though I like the concept of sat radio programming, the audio quality of the Bose stereo in the M is so disappointing that I have a problem paying for the receiver and the subscription and then running the digital quality music through such crappy audio gear. I never listem to commercial radio because of crappy programming and the commercials, so I just rotate and reload CD's among several cartridges. I have about 1,000 CD's in my collection so there's plenty of variety, and at least they're paid for. With better audio gear in the car, I would have popped for the sat receiver and subscription in a heartbeat. I really wish Infiniti would terminate their relationship with Bose. Lexus has the right idea with their relationship with Mark Levinson.

I'm a huge music fan, but I'm very particular as to content and audio quality. The big reason for a sat subscription for me would be introduction to new music and artists, with the benefit of text messaging regarding artist and album names. Since I don't listen to comercial radio, I have to rely on other sources for exposure to new stuff.

Thanks Russ for the detailed response. I'm still going to check with my dealer and see what they want to charge.

I do have some concerns with the unit as well. Sounds like we're both audio buffs !!! I was just hoping that MAYBE the Satellite would sound good, since I never listen to the radio either, mainly CD's and figured the satellite would be OK.

Speaking of the radio, I mainly listen to the AM sports station when I DO have it on .. and my speakers 'squeak' so to speak, when it's on .. NEVER does it on FM or CD's though .. has anyone else experienced this ??

Also, is there anyone that DOES have the satellite radio activated, I'm curious as to how you think it sounds ... thanks !

[russg]

Thanks Russ for the detailed response. I'm still going to check with my dealer and see what they want to charge.

I do have some concerns with the unit as well. Sounds like we're both audio buffs !!! I was just hoping that MAYBE the Satellite would sound good, since I never listen to the radio either, mainly CD's and figured the satellite would be OK.

Speaking of the radio, I mainly listen to the AM sports station when I DO have it on .. and my speakers 'squeak' so to speak, when it's on .. NEVER does it on FM or CD's though .. has anyone else experienced this ??

Also, is there anyone that DOES have the satellite radio activated, I'm curious as to how you think it sounds ... thanks !

I would expect the sat receiver to have the same audio quality as the CD player. The sat receiver connects to the head unit via a direct line-level connection. Doesn't use a stupid FM modulator. The sat receiver and CD player are both digital devices, although I beleive the digital sat data is compressed. But I wouldn't expect the compression to have a serious effect on audio quality. The limitations of the Bose system has nothing to do with the quality of the receivers or CD player. It has everything to do with cheesey amplifiers and ridiculously inadequate speaker drivers. That thing they call a subwoofer is a frggin' joke.

I can honestly say that I've never listened to the AM receiver, or for that matter, the cassette player.

Russ

[ptm03m45x]

Yes guys the Sirius satellite quality is great! It does sound like a CD burned at 192 bps which is high quality, hence the reason I got it. It sounds nothing like a radio. No static or anything just clear digital. I really like it, not 736.00 but I really like it....LOLThe FM is bad with the bose, I don't really know why it just is. Living in Jersey I get allot of static with all the high tension wires (and cancer rates) for that matter. But with satellite it is much better in fact it will blow you away how much better...no comparison so don't get hung up on the bose.

Dezm45 your VIN on your M45 needs to be 5899 and above to have the prewire. If below you will need the harness, tell your dealer to order one prior to you bringing your car in to delay the waiting if you get a system.

The aethetics of the antenna are ok, kinda small on the roof like a beamer. I wish it were rounder, kinda squared off but I will look into a nicer bigger cover.

JT, any other work won't be done at Circle and If I need anything in the future I will get your advice on it and get a real quote first. Thanks I appreciate it!

Heath and BadQ I wrote a detailed letter to Infiniti Corporate...Lets see how they respond......Thanks Pete

[IvoryJ30t]

ray catena infiniti of new jersey is where my J30t is originally from.

[zinkie13]

Pete,

I feel your pain. I probably would have argued with them a bit more, but when you have things to do its hard to find time. I was put in a similar situation about six months ago. I went to my infiniti dealer because I had a service engine light and i needed my 60,000 mile check up, my throttle needed to be checked because it was sticking, and i needed an oil change/ tire rotation. I ended up with a bill over 2000 dollars. They charged 400 dollars labor to replace the 100 dollar O2 sensor that was bad. The throttle was sticking, so they did a "throttle rebuild" or they just ran some cleaner through it for abou 200 dollars. They also charged me nearly 100 dollars for an oil change. When i talked to them following the repairs I was thinking, o well i have a better car right now then i did before, no big deal. They emphasized the fact that they made the most extensive suspension check humanly possible and that ran me about 250 dollars. It cost me 50 dollas to get my ecu read to figure out that my O2 sensor was bad. On my way home i noticed the car was pulling pretty hard to the right and soon discovered that on top of one of my tires having less that 25 psi my right front tie rod had been broken somehow within the nearly 20 miles they drove the car while they had it. When i had the car checked, the people i talked to said there was no was they would not notice that broken tie rod unless they did not even look at it. So that cost me another 200 dollars to get fixed. So, i come out of the matter 2200 dollars poorer and with a car that was somehow a second slower on its zero to 60 time. I called them and they denied the fact they messed up. All they offered to do to fix my problems was to look at the broken tie rod.....to confirm it was really broken.

SAM SWOPE INFINIT MAKES ME WANT TO SHOOT MYSELF

[ptm03m45x]

Man Zink that does suck..my gawd! 2200.00!! That is a really bad ripoff!! But ya know all we can do is warn others about scammers/people like these and trust me man your goodness will come back to you 10 times more. I really believe that!!Infiniti has a great product and its not their fault they have a few bad apples like Sam Swope and Circle that ruin their rep.But if we all help each other nothing can go wrong. In the future if I need any work I will PM the people on this board and ask for some advice first.Thanks manPete

[AZhitman]

Great thread... Please make sure to link someone (the GM at that dealership, perhaps) to this thread. When these dealerships (and COrporate) realize we are 12.5K strong, perhaps they'll start taking us seriously.

BTW, I, too, am an audiophile (on a budget:))...

After driving a G35 loaner for the past month, I can tell you that the audio quality in the new Infiniti's is horrible. Even my wife and kids like the sound in the 95 Q better... The new systems are much too "booming", not enough true bottom end.

Inexcusable.

[russg]

Greg:

Prepare to have your ears blown away if you make it to the lake on Sunday. Bring your favorite reference CD.

Russ

[AZhitman]

Oh, buddy.

Hope you (and everyone within a 2-mile radius of the "yacht") like to listen to Queensryche.

[nuQ]

OPERATION MINDCRIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jtesensky]

M45 pre-wire VIN range: 005899 & higher.

[AZhitman]

OPERATION MINDCRIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

... a HITMAN for the Order, when I couldn't go to schoolHad a skin-job for a hairdo, damn I looked pretty cool...Had a habit doin' mainline, gotta watch that dragon burnNo regrets, you got no goals - nothing more to learn.

So take my number... and Welcome... to Operation Mindcrime!

[dezm45]

pete, my VIN is BEFORE the pre-wired VIN range, so I called up my service dept casually, just to see. At first, my sales guy (who is REALLY cool) told me, just go to Circuit City/Best Buy and let them do it for $200, since it will cost you $400 to let us do it. I told him I didn't think that was even an option, so he proceeds to tell me it will cost me $400 (like it's listed as a $400 option) but I'm thinking it will be more.

So, I talk to the service manager, and after he explained to me that I'm NOT in the VIN # Range (which I already knew), it's gonna cost me $945 !!! So Pete ... it looks like you got a DEAL !

I told him, why isn't it $400 (I figured I'd take a shot) ... and he said that's only if you get it FROM THE FACTORY ... so, I said, but it's $545 MORE to get it done now ??? And he said yeah ... I said thanks, but no thanks !!!

Damn, $64 sounds REAL cheap now .. and so does $700, in my case !!

Needless to say, I will NOT be getting the satellite radio 'activated' ...