Author Topic: Free GM Oil Change, Part II (Now with Quote) (Read 4809 times)

rrocket · « **on:** January 06, 2009, 12:45:33 am »

Well after learning about the free GM oil change, Trish decided to take them up on their offer with her 2002 Oldsmobile Alero.

After completing her oil change, she was presented with a quote for an eye watering $3,368.92 Most of the items in the quote were not needed despite Trish telling them certain items on the list had already been done..some recently. Nor did Trish even ask for the quote. Worse, I think the quote is worth more than the value of the car.

I would like to refer to this thread here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,60224.0.html

A member in this thread (who is now banned/suspended) was flamed by some who said that GM would never try to sell stuff that wasn't needed and even went as far as to accuse him of NEVER having worked for a GM dealer.

Well here's your proof. It happens. At GM dealerships. Trying to sell you stuff you don't need. I'll scan the quote if anyone says I'm full of it...

How do we contact the banned poster so we can apologize??

Squishy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2009, 01:05:54 am »

I don't think we denied it happened. In fact, that's almost always the reason behind the "free service" promotions, although the smarter shops will hit you with a ~$500 bill instead of $3000 (!!!).

What we disagreed with was his nonchalant acceptance of this practice and his assertion that it was necessary to make a profit as a dealership. There were a few things that I refrained from typing in that thread, but even if I did, I would see no need to apologize.

vdk · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2009, 01:16:25 am »

there's an email somewhere I'm sure..

so GM needs $$$ huh?

rrocket · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2009, 01:20:19 am »

Quote from: Squishy on January 06, 2009, 01:05:54 am

I don't think we denied it happened. In fact, that's almost always the reason behind the "free service" promotions, although the smarter shops will hit you with a ~$500 bill instead of $3000 (!!!).

What we disagreed with was his nonchalant acceptance of this practice and his assertion that it was necessary to make a profit as a dealership. There were a few things that I refrained from typing in that thread, but even if I did, I would see no need to apologize.

I don't think you called him a liar though....

My cynical part of my brain was wondering if the dealership was trying to take advantage of Trish because she's deaf...

articsteve · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2009, 02:38:20 am »

his nonchalant acceptance of this practice and his assertion that it was necessary to make a profit as a dealership

It is/was completely true. Urban dealers and dealers that are part of large dealer groups are the worst offenders.

CyberNick · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2009, 02:39:33 am »

Wouldn't mind seeing that quote... not that I think you're full of it. Just curious...

articsteve · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2009, 02:42:16 am »

It will be all the easy stuff with parts that have high markups.

rrocket · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2009, 02:51:02 am »

^^^^Yes...That's right.

--$32.90 to replace a CHMSL bulb.
--$762....for front shocks!!! Oh wait..you also need the $152 bushing to go with them. And installed for a measely $287!! So for 2 new front shocks $1200. Crazy!!!
--$23.65 for a rad cap ($2.15 to install it!) I asked Trish to unscrew and screw the rad cap back on. She did. In 14 seconds. So doing the math, GM is charging $552 per hr. to install a rad cap.

Those are just some of the highlights.

CyberNick...I'll see what I can do about getting this posted shortly....

airbalancer · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2009, 06:47:12 am »

Is she in Atlanic Canada?
Because I got a letter back saying you have to be in that area to get the free oil service
That does this have to GM, do they own the dealership?
Did she have you look at the car before she took it in?
If she did not like the price on the quote why did she get the work done

quadzilla · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2009, 06:53:57 am »

Quote from: rrocket on January 06, 2009, 02:51:02 am

--$762....for front shocks!!! Oh wait..you also need the $152 bushing to go with them. And installed for a measely $287!! So for 2 new front shocks $1200. Crazy!!!

How long does it take to install front shocks? If the shop rate was $100 they are quoting about 2.75 hours to do the job? I was thinking 1 hour max, am I wrong?

Still, terrible that they did this. You should take the quote back and ask them to explain these items to you and see what they say.

And I'll be fair and say that this is not JUST a GM issue, there are lots of shops around that would do the same thing.

Can you list the name of the shop for others to avoid?

airbalancer · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2009, 06:55:04 am »

Is there not a book that list labour time ?

sailor723 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 06, 2009, 06:56:51 am »

Quote from: airbalancer on January 06, 2009, 06:55:04 am

Is there not a book that list labour time ?

Chilton's

sailor723 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 06, 2009, 06:58:42 am »

Quote from: quadzilla on January 06, 2009, 06:53:57 am

Quote from: rrocket on January 06, 2009, 02:51:02 am
--$762....for front shocks!!! Oh wait..you also need the $152 bushing to go with them. And installed for a measely $287!! So for 2 new front shocks $1200. Crazy!!!

How long does it take to install front shocks? If the shop rate was $100 they are quoting about 2.75 hours to do the job? I was thinking 1 hour max, am I wrong?

Still, terrible that they did this. You should take the quote back and ask them to explain these items to you and see what they say.

And I'll be fair and say that this is not JUST a GM issue, there are lots of shops around that would do the same thing.

Can you list the name of the shop for others to avoid?

I have no data to back this up but certain manufacturers seem to have more bad dealers than others. GM is one.

rrocket · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2009, 08:13:48 am »

She did NOT get the work done. She knows better.

It was merely a quote that she didn't ask for while they did her oil change. Were they hoping she just tell them to do the work? Do they do this to everyone? I have no idea. But the prices for the work and the parts are VERY overpriced.

I need access to a scanner to get the quote up here. Hoping to get it today. Otherwise I'll have to go to Staples to get it scanned. Anyone know what they charge for that?

inco · « **Reply #14 on:** January 06, 2009, 08:54:10 am »

Quote from: rrocket on January 06, 2009, 08:13:48 am

I need access to a scanner to get the quote up here. Hoping to get it today. Otherwise I'll have to go to Staples to get it scanned. Anyone know what they charge for that?

Less than the GM dealer for sure!

Careener · « **Reply #15 on:** January 06, 2009, 09:10:56 am »

If the text isn't too small you might be able to use your digital camera instead of a scanner.

barrie1 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 06, 2009, 04:17:48 pm »

I also received a letter stating that the oil change was for the East coast only so I definitely call BS on that one, It seems AB got one as well. Do you think only the GM dealerships would do this as they All DO no matter who you are or what you drive as well. You probably have a friend who has a scanner and can use his or hers to post the statement of supposive repairs. We can all use a good laugh as we would enjoy seeing it for sure. Of course if it had happened at one of your faverite Brand dealershipsyou would be laughing now and not telling us at all but aince its a GM dealership you naturally spin out. What else could we expect from you of course. Probably Gold plated them shocks for sure:) He never did work for GM and that still a fact as the dealership he worked at was privately owned and not run by GM at all. The owner was just a GM dealer and not involved with GM other then to sell their products on consigment or with some investment of his own money to start. Their employees work for him and not GM at all.

rrocket · « **Reply #17 on:** January 06, 2009, 05:08:12 pm »

Quote from: barrie1 on January 06, 2009, 04:17:48 pm

I also received a letter stating that the oil change was for the East coast only so I definitely call BS on that one,

So you're saying I'm lying?

About an oil change? Please Barrie...put the drugs down. All she did was fill out the info here: http://www.mygmvehicle.ca/
They called US for the appt. No letter, no nothing. You think we'd actually go to a GM dealership and ask for a quote for work we did not want? WTF? The only reason she went to the dealership was because it was FREE. That's the only way she'd step into a GM dealership for an oil change. Otherwise it's too expensive for just an oil change.

Dude...."they" don't all do this. How many times has it happened to you if "they all do this"? NEVER anything like this from my Toyota dealership, Lexus dealership. In for an oil change and out with a huge laundry list of unnecessary stuff? Please.

Sorry you don't like it. But this is the truth. I think this is the exact reason they were doing this "free" oil change. To try and rope people in for big dollar work because they are hurting...

rrocket · « **Reply #18 on:** January 06, 2009, 05:55:28 pm »

Squishy · « **Reply #19 on:** January 06, 2009, 06:52:39 pm »

Did you check all the bulbs listed above? There's a chance they swapped in broken ones before printing that work order.