Not sure where to put this, so I figured I'd post it here.
The last couple of trips to the dealer haven't gone the best for me. I got new brakes on my Rio5 a couple of years ago (maybe $1100?). The original brakes lasted just over 5 years. I paid a bit extra to have the upgraded rotors (coated, etc) and premium pads, etc. 18 months later, they were shot and I needed new brakes again (all 4 pads and rotors). I told the dealership this was unacceptable that the factory brakes lasted over 5 years and the "premium" ones I paid extra for only lasted about 18 months. They told me they only had a 1 year warranty and there was nothing they would do. I went back and forth with the service advisor, service manager and eventually general manager. After much back and forth, they were willing to replace my brakes with factory replacements for "cost" (it cost me just under $600). Most of my experiences have been relatively positive, so I just filed that under "keep my eye open" for any issues going forward.
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a piece of plastic (wind deflector?) mounted under the bumper had come loose, and was dragging on the ground. I had an appointment coming up later in the week for the oil change/tire swap at the dealer (get it done every spring/fall). I called the dealership and asked if I could swing by to get it fixed so it wouldn't be destroyed by the time my appointment came up. They said no problem, bring it by. I started on my way, but after going around the block, I figured it would be ruined by the time I got there. Instead, I went to an Indie shop around the corner that many people have praised. The shop was busy (it was a Saturday), but the guy came out to have a quick peak. He got down on his knees, grabbed the trim piece, and tucked it back into place. I thanked him for his time and asked how much I owed him, he said don't worry about it.
Fast forward a few days, I brought the Sorento in to the dealer for the oil change/tire swap, and had them check the trim piece to be sure it was put back into place ok. Everything seems to go well and I get a call a few hours later saying I need new brakes all the way around. The car is about 3 years old and has maybe 50k kms on it. I suppose that's possible, but I didn't notice/feel any issues with the brakes (they seem to be fine, but whatever). They give me a price of $1223 plus tax. I told them I'll think about it and just do the oil change/tire swap for now. The call me back again about 30 minutes later to let me know one of the tires has a nail in the middle of it and ask if I want it fixed - it's $47 plus tax to fix it. I recalled when I bought it, there was some sort of "$200 tire warranty" that I didn't argue about on my bill (I removed it off the Rio5, but threw them a bone on the Sorento and let them keep it), so I thought perhaps it would be covered under that. He told me he would look into it. He calls me back about 15 minutes later and said I did have the tire coverage, but it expired mid December 2018. I told him that since the tires were removed in the fall when the winters were put on, if it was caught then, it would have been covered and asked if they would cover it for me. They refused. I knew $47 to fix a tire was too much, but I just wanted to pick my car up in a few hours and be done with it, so I gave them the go ahead.
After work, I visited the indie shop around the corner from house (instead of on the opposite side of the city where the dealer is) that fixed that trim piece several days prior. I asked him how much a brake job would be for my car. $620 plus tax. I told him I wasn't sure what condition the brakes were in, since they seemed ok, but didn't actually see them. He said he would only fix what needs fixing, and the $620 assumes new front and rear pads and rotors. He said if it only needs pads, or just one axle, that's all they would do and charge for. I asked about the quality of parts, since the dealership quoted me a lot more. He said dealers charge over $1000 for brakes and told me to use his shop for stuff like that. I let him know I don't want cheap garbage parts, and that I'm willing to pay a bit more for better parts (thinking perhaps this $620 price is for cheap stuff, but better stuff is available for a bit more money). He tells me he can get cheaper stuff if it's for something you are only keeping for a year, but the $620 price is for the better parts. He said the rotors have a 3 year warranty (the OEM only has a 1 or 2 year warranty) and any parts (if needed) have a lifetime warranty. I've talked to a few people who have used this indie shop and say he is the real deal. The shop doesn't have free Frappaccino coffees and gourmet pastries in the waiting room, but everyone says pretty good things about them. I'm bringing the Sorento in on Friday for them to look at the brakes and do what's needed.
Assuming everything goes well, I'll only use the dealership for any warranty related issues (since I have lots of warranty). Wish me luck with my foray into using an Indie.
