Dealership: Wrong Diagnosis AFTER JOB IS COMPLETE - Vehicle Not Fixed

[bizzy928]

Thanks for all of the replies!!! I understand that a small garage could probably rig up the parts but unfortunately I don't have the time, nor do I want to bother getting the vehicle towed away then start back at square one. I was temped at leaving work early... going to Parts Source and trying to "make my own" battery cables by using another starter as a base (to see the connections) etc etc. but after about 5 mins of pondering I decided that it was not worth the trouble at all, considering my technical knowledge.

I got a call back today, and the service manager told my service assistant manager (say that 5 times  ) to offer me this:

Starter - $300
Cables - $240
Terminals - $80
1 Hour Labour - $101
20% off Parts and Labour
Tax 14% (Ontario)
--------------------------
$657.55

Overall, I am happy at what the dealership came up with. Originally, I was already paying $456 total for the starter, so another $200 isn't going to break me.

Oh the joys of owning an old car =)

For the record, and I am sure ANY Previa owner can attest, the Previa has been a DREAM to own! Other than normal wear in tear, it was only in the past YEAR that problems started to occur. Its too bad they don't make trucks like this anymore.

This is going to be our last repair for the Previa. We priced out a Entourage and Sienna over the weekend, and will continue to look out for promotions. We will probably end up with the Sienna in a few months time.

PS: The cables are on order -- 5-7 days from Japan 

[2hondas1BMW]

Very nice to hear! Thanks for the update. 

[AVToller]

Sounds like a pretty good resolution. Congratulations. 

[Trainman]

Well done, they have given you a nice deal (1 hour labour is nothing to sneeze at for the work they are doing).

If if (when  ) you get that Sienna, you will be very pleased   

[torque]

To the posters against the high price for cables. Yes they may be high, but keep in mind when you go to a dealer you are usually looking for a proper, like new fit and fix, they are not likely to make up their own. Your corner garage might.
Sometimes self made, or off the shelf cables are fine. But I have seen where people have done such and run into problems later. OE is more likely to have fasteners in the right place to prevent rubbing on things. Heat protection where needed. Sometimes there are wires coming of the main in odd places, and ya, you might be able to do it, but again what about down the road?

The main thing is they bent a bit, and *you* are happy.

[PJungnitsch]

Could be some fancy stuff with the OEM cables but normally factory cables are poor, thin as possible as the reasoning is most markets are in warm climates and copper is expensive. I used to build my own out of welding cable, thicker and with fine strands.

Those $80.00 Toyota OEM terminals are poor for sure, skeleton steel type that is great at trapping corrosion. Spent quite a while cleaning them up on my Tundra. The marine aftermarket connectors (IIRC copper) are much, much better, although even the ultra cheap lead versions are fine if kept greased.

[barrie1]

I agree as most of the after market terminal ends are much better made then the factory ones and the wires are usually a heavier grade as well.  Dealerships need a lot more profit to keep them open as they have a much higher overhead to begin with.