As a new owner I have to ask. Is it ok to bring your own parts to dealers when doing oil changes or service?

 

They cahrged you for spray and brake fuid and other shop supplies(individually) AND they charged you shop fees($60). Shop fees seem high (Usually 5% of the total bill not to exceed a certain amount) but you don't charge the customer shop fees AND the actual shop use stuff(Sprays etc). I would absolutely call, they should wave these.

 

I found a local shop a mile from my house that generally does great work. They will even drive to my office or office and pick up or deliver the car if I ask them to. A dealer will not do this but no matter what car you have, the dealer will be more. Let me tell you about my recent dealer experience and let me say I will not be going back.

The car was new to me, only about 3 months driving. I attended a "free" clinic sponsored by my car club. You know, put it on the lift, look for issues, meet the mechanic, the service department, etc. I had never gone before. Basically, my car is in showroom condition and I did not think there was anything major wrong with it. I asked how to stop the car from starting up with the AC ON all the time. The answer is quite simple, the key fob contains the info and the car can be programmed to learn what you want to do if the ignition is ON. I did not know this and learned when I got home that day. I demonstrated this concern to the service guy. He double checked it and confirmed it. The next thing I know, the service manage is going to order the electronic module for the climate control system stating it needed to be replaced and they quoted me around $1500. "Lets face it, this is a Porsche and repairs are not under $1000 ever", I am thinking to myself. I leave very disappointed and was later shocked to find if I actually turn the car ON, the info can be properly programmed. My next action is to respond to the Porsche NA email that comes, asking me about their service. I give a (very) bad account of the situation, which prompts a call from corporate HQ a few days later. My argument to them was simple, the inspection that I had should have provided the dealer to demonstrate superior knowledge to a new car owner with a fairly simple situation that would have made them look pretty helpful. Instead of showing me how to change the info on my key fob, they offered to repair/replace a module that was ultra expensive and not necessary. My conclusion was the service technician was either grossly incompetent or this was a scam of the century setup. Either way, my next question to Porsche was how many WARRANTY repairs was this dealer billing them for with service issues that were unnecessary or fraudulent? They were very friendly and helpful, but were especially interested when I brought up the question about Porsche paying for incompetence instead of an unsuspecting owner. Like I said before, I do not ever plan to return to this dealer again. I am sure others have dealer overcharge stories too, but the bottom line is this IS an expensive car and MOST owners probably don't know much about them or how to maintain. Therefore, it is easy for a shop to take advantage of the situation.

 

Good point, i'll pose this question as well to the dealership.

 

double post

 

There legally has to be a disclaimer on the receipt stating that they will charge you shop fees. In some states it is illegal for them to charge you shop fees.
I work at Pep Boys Corporate office. This is part of my job. Talk to them until either the shop fees are credited back at the minimum or the individual cost for the juices is credited.

 

I am assuming this was at Tysons, had a similar experience with that dealer...I now use Intersport for both my cars.

 

that depends on the dealer. Mines ok w/ me bringing in brake fluid for flushes.
I DIY oil and filter changes.

 

No it wasn't Tysons, I was thinking of to switching to them though. I have to say Tysons sales department treated me well when I was there back in 09 they let me test drive the 997 S.

This service was done at Porsche of Arlington.

What is Intersport?

 

Intersport is a indy shop that has a long and good reputation and also sponsor of local PCA if I remember correctly. They also sell high end used car as well and located within couple of miles of Tysons Porsche dealer.

Para82, money already spent so just move on...don't be so hard on yourself.

I was just at the Tysons HBL Porsche recently and changed plug while get some warranty job done. Even with discounted labor from coil pack replacement (done under warranty), the spark plug replacement was about mid 500's incl. $35 shop charge. My 6 plugs cost about $180 or 30/each...yours cost even more.... But my experiences there have been good ....

For DC metro area, what you paid is not cheap but not outrageous either... Thanks to uncle Sam's ever growing size...arlinton area has benefited and so did the whole metro area. Real estate are pricy...a decent SFH in arlington cost probably $700-800K or more? so cost of living and doing business is higher too...so that's just probably just the norm. But for dealership to perform unnecessary work is unethical and totally different topic.

I am not associated with any dealer...but to have a nice facility, quality staffs ready, free loaner cars to service you at a moment of notice cost money and it's reflected in the price. I watch my money carefully so I only do warranty work at franchasied dealerships... unless it's something fairly minor and/or convenient. But If I do go, I am prepared to shell out the $$$...Just like go to a top end steak house...why pay $70 a plate for steaks?

 

I won't go back to the Dealer (Momentum Porsche in Houston) for service....ever. The last time I was there, I paid shop fees on 100% warranty work.

 

I am proud to say I have owned my car for 6 years and 50K miles and I have never paid the dealer for maintenance. This is why. Absolute ripoff, stealer gouging. I almost paid the dealer to change my spark plugs. But when I learned they were going to charge me $35 each for parts and I could buy them for $8.50 each, I walked away and did the work myself. The gouging is truly offensive. Buyer beware. $26 for silicone spray really tops them all. An entire can costs about $4. A few squirts costs about 15 cents.

 

i totally missed that. I think you call PNA. This is a total BS

 

I should have stated that I used that dealer also while my car was under warranty and was please with the service. Once the warranty expired, I found I could get the same steak diner at an indy for a fraction of the price. Sure they don't do rental cars on the spot or offer espresso, but I am not going there for that.

 

Appreciate the info - i'll keep Intersport handy if something is needed when in town again.

Yes the 26 for the spray is really icing isn't it. I have never dealt with such a con from a major dealership before.

I'm guessing I should first start with a phonecall to the servicemanager himself and let him know my complaints. If that doesn't work just go up the chain until it goes to PNA....