Service Robbery

[CraZee]

Took my vehicle in for its 60 000 km service and the dealership slaps me with a bill of over R5 000 to replace the breaks.
The same dealer charged me a similar amount the previous year for almost the same thing.

This is ridiculous. Exorbitant amounts for brakes and over a 1 year period they need to be replaced twice.

What kind of recourse does one have on this.

(Bear in mind the first service a separate dealership did not need to change any brakes)

 

[Batista]

Give us more info, Car model, year etc.THey charged my boss R10 k to replace his brakes on his 320i.Ahh robbery.

Dealerships makes money off the servicing and parts, not really off the sale of the car.So they will take chances any time they can.

 

[CraZee]

2012 Fiesta

 

[Batista]

What are they smoking? It should cost less than half to replace those brakes! Fiesta is in the same range as a Toyota Yaris, got my mates brakes done for R1800 at a PRIVATE guy.(Ex toyota mechanic).You might have to go the same route...

 

[ToxicBunny]

Did they confirm the brake replacement and the cost prior to doing the work?

If not, tell them to undo, put the original brakes back on the vehicle and the labour etc is for their account.

 

[Neo_za]

Bought Ferodo front brakes for 600 bucks, replaced em myself, less than an hour's job ....youtube also helps alot

 

[AchmatK]

Surly the dealership would advise on any additional work, provide you with a quote and get your approval before doing the work?

I services my car at dealers and always receive a call for additional work that I decline and get another company to complete. I have never picked up a car and slapped with an additional invoice for extra work that was not approved by me first.

 

[SauRoNZA]

Surely they asked you before replacing the items and then slapping you with a bill?

So surely you approved this transaction beforehand, so what do you want to do about it after?

For brake pads all round + discs it should be about R2500-R3000 in parts.

However they almost never need replacement when the dealer says they do...personally I wait until they make a noise.

 

[froot]

Give us more info, Car model, year etc.THey charged my boss R10 k to replace his brakes on his 320i.Ahh robbery.

Dealerships makes money off the servicing and parts, not really off the sale of the car.So they will take chances any time they can.

Your boss got boned. My dad's last BMW service cost him under 10k (major service including some other replacements) including the brakes.

 

[CB40]

I was quoted R7090.00 to replace front discs and pads on a Mazda 6.A brake shop in Krugersdorp quoted me R1295.00 just for the discs so add on about R450.00 for the pads.
The dealer also quoted me R3500.00 to replace the keyless remotes as they don't just sell the covers which are broken" crap quality"
Complained to Mazda SA and they said they will see what they can do

 

[Sinbad]

Brake pads on my slk: R3500. Front only. Not at a stealer ship.

 

[CraZee]

Surely they asked you before replacing the items and then slapping you with a bill?

So surely you approved this transaction beforehand, so what do you want to do about it after?

For brake pads all round + discs it should be about R2500-R3000 in parts.

However they almost never need replacement when the dealer says they do...personally I wait until they make a noise.

They did let me know before hand but I had to allow them to do it.
I dont have the luxury not to have my car for another day
Also dont I lose the warranty and void the service plan if brakes are changed by a private mechanic?

 

[Batista]

Your boss got boned. My dad's last BMW service cost him under 10k (major service including some other replacements) including the brakes.

Maybe i should show him this post lol

 

[ToxicBunny]

They did let me know before hand but I had to allow them to do it.
I dont have the luxury not to have my car for another day
Also dont I lose the warranty and void the service plan if brakes are changed by a private mechanic?

No you don't...

If they try and tell you that, take your vehicle to a different dealership.
Ask to see the brakepads that were replaced... If they have life in them, then throw a shytefit that they did unnecessary work and you will be reporting them to HO.

 

[Batista]

They did let me know before hand but I had to allow them to do it.
I dont have the luxury not to have my car for another day
Also dont I lose the warranty and void the service plan if brakes are changed by a private mechanic?

Pls explain that bold part? Why couldnt you decline and say put the old brakes back on?You dont loose your warranty on brake changes...

 

[ahoudet]

Did they mention costs when you gave the go-ahead?

 

[Neo_za]

When my car was still under Sercvice plan, i still changed em myself...it did not void any cover

They did let me know before hand but I had to allow them to do it.
I dont have the luxury not to have my car for another day
Also dont I lose the warranty and void the service plan if brakes are changed by a private mechanic?

 

[Batista]

OP, I think you made a decision without thinking it through.They have your verbal go ahead so there isnt much you can do now ,but pay up.I thought that the car was still standing with the old brakes...

 

[CraZee]

Pls explain that bold part? Why couldnt you decline and say put the old brakes back on?You dont loose your warranty on brake changes...

I could have declined but then would need to find time to book in somewhere else. Dont have that time at moment
So yeh kinda my fault as well

 

[Batista]

I could have declined but then would need to find time to book in somewhere else. Dont have that time at moment
So yeh kinda my fault as well

Atleast you know for next time.