Wow that’s nuts. These guys did admit that they’re “a bit more expensive than the other shops.” lol

 

I think a lot of the outrageous pricing is simply demand management. They've sold enormous quantities of cars and SUVs over the last few years. Half their techs probably quit during COVID, but they still kept selling everything they could get their hands on. So now, when you need your oil changed, will you be angrier if they tell you, "We can maybe fit you in next quarter," or "That will be $800?" Everybody will be pissed off when they hear the former, but a large proportion of customers will shrug at the latter and hand over their credit card.

Doesn't justify it, but it does explain it. And it certainly doesn't justify charging top-dollar prices and doing $#!+ work.

 

Very solid point indeed. If I’m going to pay the prices they’re asking though I better get good service without damage to my car. They don’t seem to get that…their response was very monotone. Not even apologetic.

 

Exactly. I'm not one to haggle over service prices as long as the work is done right. I've already resigned myself to the notion that I'll have to 'buy' my current cars twice, because there's nothing new for sale that I like.

Historically the Bellevue dealer has done OK by me. Which is why I don't like to hear about lying, or about workmanship that is indistinguishable from vandalism.

 

Glad to hear that you’ve had a good experience with them. I honestly wish I had the same. It’s unfortunate because now I have to find another location because I don’t want to bring the Macan or the 991 to them anymore.

Got a quote from another dealership and waiting on another one from an indie shop. Fingers crossed…

 

I work in electronics but I'm curious why there must be a programming? I made sure that my 991 was never unhooked from the original battery as I was installing the new one. Am I missing something?

After hearing the story of the OP getting big $ service quotes, and subsequent damage to his car, I've figured it out: They have to charge more so they can cover the cost of the damages they cause. Rusnak scratched my 996. Walter's cracked my 997 carbon fiber center console.

I support good indies.

 

The programing comes into play with the voltage charge level of the new battery. STD Flooded vs Lithium vs AGM are all different. If you replaced your OEM AGM battery with a different non OME AGM battery you should not need to re program. if you start switching battery types then a re program might be needed.

 

Haha that’s a great theory. Maybe that’s all there is to it.

I’m sorry to hear about your 996 and 997. Did they make it right?