R56 Service B*llshit
Back in the day it was the some inde shop with the rep of squirting oil on shocks then bringing customer over showing them a "leaking strut"....never seen a MINI tech or SA do what you describe.
I do not work at a dealership, nor am I apologizing for them.
I'm simply saying that using prejudicial terms like this is unacceptable, like calling someone a liar when you simply disagree with what they say.
What you're complaining about is akin to being angry because Nieman Marcus charges $10,000 for a watch. Don't think anyone should pay that much for a watch, don't buy one from them. Just carry on with your Timex from Target and be happy.
No dealership I've ever patronized has ever said you have to have service work done at their facility to keep your warranty in effect. And furthermore, your argument is specious because MINI pays for all the service work required during the warranty period, even oil changes.
Nope, this appelation is without basis in fact, it just makes you feel better and gives you a target for your misplaced frustations. You don't like the fact that labor rates in your area are $165/hour, neither do I. But railing against them on an internet forum is not going to change that fact. Deal with it.
In the meantime you demean and disparage all those people who - just like you - work hard for their living fixing and selling cars. They aren't stealing anything from you. There is no conspiracy against you. No big, bad "They" .....
Just someone too cheap to pay the going rate at their local service center. It's not their fault if you can't afford your car repairs. It costs what it costs.
It's not outrageous at all that a dealer wants $55 to hook up to and scan your car's computer, they have overhead to pay. Deal with it. Or buy your own scanner so you don't have to use them.
Life is not free, not for you or anyone else.
Furthermore, let me point out once again that all new cars come from dealerships - including yours. So do all used cars, at one point in their lives. if a dealership can't survie, where are you going to get your next new or used car? If you can' afford your car, you can't afford it - there's no shame in that. But screaming that they're "stealing" from you just because you can't afford it or are too cheap to pay their rates is wrong.
I'm simply saying that using prejudicial terms like this is unacceptable, like calling someone a liar when you simply disagree with what they say.
What you're complaining about is akin to being angry because Nieman Marcus charges $10,000 for a watch. Don't think anyone should pay that much for a watch, don't buy one from them. Just carry on with your Timex from Target and be happy.
No dealership I've ever patronized has ever said you have to have service work done at their facility to keep your warranty in effect. And furthermore, your argument is specious because MINI pays for all the service work required during the warranty period, even oil changes.
Nope, this appelation is without basis in fact, it just makes you feel better and gives you a target for your misplaced frustations. You don't like the fact that labor rates in your area are $165/hour, neither do I. But railing against them on an internet forum is not going to change that fact. Deal with it.
In the meantime you demean and disparage all those people who - just like you - work hard for their living fixing and selling cars. They aren't stealing anything from you. There is no conspiracy against you. No big, bad "They" .....
Just someone too cheap to pay the going rate at their local service center. It's not their fault if you can't afford your car repairs. It costs what it costs.
It's not outrageous at all that a dealer wants $55 to hook up to and scan your car's computer, they have overhead to pay. Deal with it. Or buy your own scanner so you don't have to use them.
Life is not free, not for you or anyone else.
Furthermore, let me point out once again that all new cars come from dealerships - including yours. So do all used cars, at one point in their lives. if a dealership can't survie, where are you going to get your next new or used car? If you can' afford your car, you can't afford it - there's no shame in that. But screaming that they're "stealing" from you just because you can't afford it or are too cheap to pay their rates is wrong.
Umm wow, I am going to guess you work for one?
They are called Stealerships because they take advantage of a falsehood they help perpetuate. That falsehood is that if you get your routine service done ANYWHERE other than a dealership it will void your warranty. Now most people on this forum are smarter than that, but the vast majority of drivers are not. So they charge $165 an hour when the going rate for most service centers in my area is about $65 an hour.
Doing the math... carry the one... divide by pi... they are over charging people $100 an hour with NO REAL BENEFIT OTHER THAN PEOPLE THINK THEY MUST PAY IT.
Sounds like stealing to me...
They are called Stealerships because they take advantage of a falsehood they help perpetuate. That falsehood is that if you get your routine service done ANYWHERE other than a dealership it will void your warranty. Now most people on this forum are smarter than that, but the vast majority of drivers are not. So they charge $165 an hour when the going rate for most service centers in my area is about $65 an hour.
Doing the math... carry the one... divide by pi... they are over charging people $100 an hour with NO REAL BENEFIT OTHER THAN PEOPLE THINK THEY MUST PAY IT.
Sounds like stealing to me...
Folks you need to use common sense no matter where you take your car. That is the bottom line.
Be an informed consumer, do your research. If an employee from any auto dealership says something to you and you know it to be false, then challenge that statement ! Ask to see it in writing and/or to see the service manager. Exercise your rights as a customer and consumer and then move on. Hopefully they will see the error of their ways and not make the same mistake on the next customer.
Act/walk like a victim, you end up being a victim.
I do not work at a dealership, nor am I apologizing for them.
I'm simply saying that using prejudicial terms like this is unacceptable, like calling someone a liar when you simply disagree with what they say.
What you're complaining about is akin to being angry because Nieman Marcus charges $10,000 for a watch. Don't think anyone should pay that much for a watch, don't buy one from them. Just carry on with your Timex from Target and be happy.
No dealership I've ever patronized has ever said you have to have service work done at their facility to keep your warranty in effect. And furthermore, your argument is specious because MINI pays for all the service work required during the warranty period, even oil changes.
Nope, this appelation is without basis in fact, it just makes you feel better and gives you a target for your misplaced frustations. You don't like the fact that labor rates in your area are $165/hour, neither do I. But railing against them on an internet forum is not going to change that fact. Deal with it.
In the meantime you demean and disparage all those people who - just like you - work hard for their living fixing and selling cars. They aren't stealing anything from you. There is no conspiracy against you. No big, bad "They" .....
Just someone too cheap to pay the going rate at their local service center. It's not their fault if you can't afford your car repairs. It costs what it costs.
It's not outrageous at all that a dealer wants $55 to hook up to and scan your car's computer, they have overhead to pay. Deal with it. Or buy your own scanner so you don't have to use them.
Life is not free, not for you or anyone else.
Furthermore, let me point out once again that all new cars come from dealerships - including yours. So do all used cars, at one point in their lives. if a dealership can't survie, where are you going to get your next new or used car? If you can' afford your car, you can't afford it - there's no shame in that. But screaming that they're "stealing" from you just because you can't afford it or are too cheap to pay their rates is wrong.
I'm simply saying that using prejudicial terms like this is unacceptable, like calling someone a liar when you simply disagree with what they say.
What you're complaining about is akin to being angry because Nieman Marcus charges $10,000 for a watch. Don't think anyone should pay that much for a watch, don't buy one from them. Just carry on with your Timex from Target and be happy.
No dealership I've ever patronized has ever said you have to have service work done at their facility to keep your warranty in effect. And furthermore, your argument is specious because MINI pays for all the service work required during the warranty period, even oil changes.
Nope, this appelation is without basis in fact, it just makes you feel better and gives you a target for your misplaced frustations. You don't like the fact that labor rates in your area are $165/hour, neither do I. But railing against them on an internet forum is not going to change that fact. Deal with it.
In the meantime you demean and disparage all those people who - just like you - work hard for their living fixing and selling cars. They aren't stealing anything from you. There is no conspiracy against you. No big, bad "They" .....
Just someone too cheap to pay the going rate at their local service center. It's not their fault if you can't afford your car repairs. It costs what it costs.
It's not outrageous at all that a dealer wants $55 to hook up to and scan your car's computer, they have overhead to pay. Deal with it. Or buy your own scanner so you don't have to use them.
Life is not free, not for you or anyone else.
Furthermore, let me point out once again that all new cars come from dealerships - including yours. So do all used cars, at one point in their lives. if a dealership can't survie, where are you going to get your next new or used car? If you can' afford your car, you can't afford it - there's no shame in that. But screaming that they're "stealing" from you just because you can't afford it or are too cheap to pay their rates is wrong.
You also have the option of not replying to a thread you find offensive
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
6th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 10
From: Kansas City
I'm not offended by the thread, I am concerned that people are perpetuating myths and bringing their predjudice onto this forum and making non educated folks into believers - so in essence I'm only trying to counter the B*llshit you're posting. They whole premise of you post was that you were screwed because the dealer is the only one that can reset your service indicator computer - which isn't true. You'd know that if you read your owner's manual. Your dealer knows this, he's probably read the book......
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you certainly are entitled to yours. My question is why you went to the dealer in the first place, if you believe they're all crooks and morons?
I also want to know why you think it's OK to use this kind of derogatory term on a national forum, when doing so implies that all dealers and all dealership employees are liars and thieves. Is this what you're saying? Cause if it's not, you certainly owe them and everyone on this forum an apology.
If it is, then good luck getting any dealership anywhere to ever do anything for you when you need it, after all - they're all liars and thieves. I should also point out that a LOT of dealers read this forum every day, including yours. How do you think they feel about you slandering their good name and work?
Once again, I think you're entitled to your opinion about costs - I think they're pretty damn expensive here in the midwest too, where my MINI dealer charges $125/hr. But I understand why they are, and I don't let anyone take advantage of me financially, nor do I think my dealer does, despite what he charges. No one can steal from you if you don't let them.
I equate this term to racial slurs, and I want it to stop. You're maligning innocent people whom you don't even know, people who work as hard at their job as you do yours, and who don't deserve to be treated this way just because you're too cheap.
I always want to hear about good or bad dealer experiences, and people's experiences with their MINIs, what I don't need to see is profiling and salacious slurs. It makes you look small, sir
I would also like to answer countryboyshanes comment about chargine $255 to reset his steering angle sensor when it only takes 60 sec to do so - per him. First of all, I don't buy the only takes 60 sec claim, but even if I did, sometimes what you are paying for is not how long it takes, but what they know how to do.
Ever have surgery? a 10 minute procedure can cost $10K. In this case, you pay because the surgeon knows what he's doing, and you don't. Same thing here......
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you certainly are entitled to yours. My question is why you went to the dealer in the first place, if you believe they're all crooks and morons?
I also want to know why you think it's OK to use this kind of derogatory term on a national forum, when doing so implies that all dealers and all dealership employees are liars and thieves. Is this what you're saying? Cause if it's not, you certainly owe them and everyone on this forum an apology.
If it is, then good luck getting any dealership anywhere to ever do anything for you when you need it, after all - they're all liars and thieves. I should also point out that a LOT of dealers read this forum every day, including yours. How do you think they feel about you slandering their good name and work?
Once again, I think you're entitled to your opinion about costs - I think they're pretty damn expensive here in the midwest too, where my MINI dealer charges $125/hr. But I understand why they are, and I don't let anyone take advantage of me financially, nor do I think my dealer does, despite what he charges. No one can steal from you if you don't let them.
I equate this term to racial slurs, and I want it to stop. You're maligning innocent people whom you don't even know, people who work as hard at their job as you do yours, and who don't deserve to be treated this way just because you're too cheap.
I always want to hear about good or bad dealer experiences, and people's experiences with their MINIs, what I don't need to see is profiling and salacious slurs. It makes you look small, sir
I would also like to answer countryboyshanes comment about chargine $255 to reset his steering angle sensor when it only takes 60 sec to do so - per him. First of all, I don't buy the only takes 60 sec claim, but even if I did, sometimes what you are paying for is not how long it takes, but what they know how to do.
Ever have surgery? a 10 minute procedure can cost $10K. In this case, you pay because the surgeon knows what he's doing, and you don't. Same thing here......
Last edited by MINIdave; Aug 6, 2012 at 03:06 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
I actually feel sorry for the dealerships that have to deal with people who assume they're evil and just there to soak them. I've serviced a lot of cars over the years and have dealt extensively with a fair number of dealerships. You want them on your side. For example, they can can be a helpful ally to the manufacturer and can tip things your way when it's a judgment call. Especially true with BMW/MINI. You want to make these guys your friend not think of them as an enemy. It's just naive and self-defeating. Sure, there are things I would never get at a dealer - like tires. Find another shop. (A BMW dealer told me to do that.) But it's simply mis-guided to have one or two bad experiences and paint the whole industry in a bad light. It's a self fulfilling prophecy. You have that chip on your shoulder and you're going to get what you deserve. I've had good and bad experiences with my dealerships but I find that when you assume they're human beings you're way ahead.
Last edited by NoHoR56; Aug 6, 2012 at 03:14 PM.
I don't know. I kind of look at it like this:
Minis are just as complex as any other BMW or European car. Just because it's small doesn't mean the service done to it is. That $10K computer that scans your car doesn't grow on trees, and I bet that mom and pop shop down the road doesn't have one. I would much rather be hooked up to the $10K computer than someone banging a wrench on my alternator to see if that helps...
BMW/Mini service school (STEP) is one of if not the hardest to get into. Not sure if they ONLY hire STEP grads, but if someone went through the program, there is and should be a premium for their skills. Of course part of that we as consumers help pay for.
Mini Dealerships aren't everywhere, so they have a market share which allows them to ask those prices. Simple economics. Do I pay $40 more for an oil change here or drive 3 hours to get one for $40 less? What is MY time worth?
There should be a common sense expectation that when you dive into the purchase of a german car, there is (and always have been) the expectation that service will cost more. If you lived in Germany, you wouldn't be complaining, because everyone over there knows how to fix them; while here in the states, most shops want to fix only US cars or Japanese cars where the parts are dirt cheap. (In most cases)
This is why I opted for the service contract. It didn't take long for me to justify the initial up-front cost of it after you get a sense of what the routine maintenance of the car requires. Outside of whatever the labor rates are at any shop, the parts as well help justify it. Do I think their prices are excessive? When compared to a Nissan Versa, sure. But I don't drive a Nissan Versa, and I don't expect my service to cost the same as one.
I will say this. Finding a personal mechanic that doesn't rip you off, tells you exactly whats wrong, doesn't upsell you, and stands behind his quality work, is getting harder and harder to find these days. And most times, when you do, most of them wouldn't even touch our cars for anything over an oil change. The beauty of these forums is that it gives us the opportunity to reach out to a community and ask for help in doing it ourselves. But for many, and most Mini owners, some people like (and need) the peace of mind having it done by the dealer provides. Hence why more and more dealers are offering service contracts.
-Z
Minis are just as complex as any other BMW or European car. Just because it's small doesn't mean the service done to it is. That $10K computer that scans your car doesn't grow on trees, and I bet that mom and pop shop down the road doesn't have one. I would much rather be hooked up to the $10K computer than someone banging a wrench on my alternator to see if that helps...
BMW/Mini service school (STEP) is one of if not the hardest to get into. Not sure if they ONLY hire STEP grads, but if someone went through the program, there is and should be a premium for their skills. Of course part of that we as consumers help pay for.
Mini Dealerships aren't everywhere, so they have a market share which allows them to ask those prices. Simple economics. Do I pay $40 more for an oil change here or drive 3 hours to get one for $40 less? What is MY time worth?
There should be a common sense expectation that when you dive into the purchase of a german car, there is (and always have been) the expectation that service will cost more. If you lived in Germany, you wouldn't be complaining, because everyone over there knows how to fix them; while here in the states, most shops want to fix only US cars or Japanese cars where the parts are dirt cheap. (In most cases)
This is why I opted for the service contract. It didn't take long for me to justify the initial up-front cost of it after you get a sense of what the routine maintenance of the car requires. Outside of whatever the labor rates are at any shop, the parts as well help justify it. Do I think their prices are excessive? When compared to a Nissan Versa, sure. But I don't drive a Nissan Versa, and I don't expect my service to cost the same as one.
I will say this. Finding a personal mechanic that doesn't rip you off, tells you exactly whats wrong, doesn't upsell you, and stands behind his quality work, is getting harder and harder to find these days. And most times, when you do, most of them wouldn't even touch our cars for anything over an oil change. The beauty of these forums is that it gives us the opportunity to reach out to a community and ask for help in doing it ourselves. But for many, and most Mini owners, some people like (and need) the peace of mind having it done by the dealer provides. Hence why more and more dealers are offering service contracts.
-Z
The issue of costs of service at the dealership vs independent shop is magnified by the fact dealerships often have access to proprietary tools and technologies that the independent shop doesn't have access to, thus allowing dealerships to charge higher fees because they have a monopoly on the tools and technologies. This is especially true with new vehicles that rely so much on computer technology. It is also more common in small, less populated areas of the country where there is less competition, and where there may only be one dealership of a particular model within a reasonable driving distance. Several states have legislation pending that would require automotive manufacturers to make available to all independent shops the same service tools and technologies that the dealerships have available to them. Needless to say the dealerships organizations are lobbying to prevent passage of such legislation, and even if passed, many smaller service shops probably either couldn't afford some of the tools or technologies or would decide the investment wasn't worth the return. At least then the playing field would be more level for automobile owners looking to have their car repaired.
Right there that is what I am trying to say.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 283
From: Melbourne, FL
No dealership I've ever patronized has ever said you have to have service work done at their facility to keep your warranty in effect. And furthermore, your argument is specious because MINI pays for all the service work required during the warranty period, even oil changes.
technical foul
MINI warranty and MINI pre-paid service have different time/mile constraints last time I looked. 3 year maint, 5 year warranty?
but as I've mention my talk with a MINI dealership GM B4 .... I don't make money selling cars ... I make my money in the service bays .
##############
sadly I HAVE caught dealerships in silly rip-off attempts: you need new brake pads ..... hmmmm I put new ones on last week . . .
my only recommendation is looking for an AAA approved garage (I know a guy that issues those certificates) but must admit that finding one of those for MINI is a very very small subset.
technical foul
MINI warranty and MINI pre-paid service have different time/mile constraints last time I looked. 3 year maint, 5 year warranty?
but as I've mention my talk with a MINI dealership GM B4 .... I don't make money selling cars ... I make my money in the service bays .
##############
sadly I HAVE caught dealerships in silly rip-off attempts: you need new brake pads ..... hmmmm I put new ones on last week . . .
my only recommendation is looking for an AAA approved garage (I know a guy that issues those certificates) but must admit that finding one of those for MINI is a very very small subset.
I'll add my experience into the mix. I've called 3 different dealerships and asked about doing some post warranty work. I got three different quotes. The high one being nearly 2X the low (1100 versus 600).
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
I'm not offended by the thread, I am concerned that people are perpetuating myths and bringing their predjudice onto this forum and making non educated folks into believers - so in essence I'm only trying to counter the B*llshit you're posting. They whole premise of you post was that you were screwed because the dealer is the only one that can reset your service indicator computer - which isn't true. You'd know that if you read your owner's manual. Your dealer knows this, he's probably read the book......
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you certainly are entitled to yours. My question is why you went to the dealer in the first place, if you believe they're all crooks and morons?
I also want to know why you think it's OK to use this kind of derogatory term on a national forum, when doing so implies that all dealers and all dealership employees are liars and thieves. Is this what you're saying? Cause if it's not, you certainly owe them and everyone on this forum an apology.
If it is, then good luck getting any dealership anywhere to ever do anything for you when you need it, after all - they're all liars and thieves. I should also point out that a LOT of dealers read this forum every day, including yours. How do you think they feel about you slandering their good name and work?
Once again, I think you're entitled to your opinion about costs - I think they're pretty damn expensive here in the midwest too, where my MINI dealer charges $125/hr. But I understand why they are, and I don't let anyone take advantage of me financially, nor do I think my dealer does, despite what he charges. No one can steal from you if you don't let them.
I equate this term to racial slurs, and I want it to stop. You're maligning innocent people whom you don't even know, people who work as hard at their job as you do yours, and who don't deserve to be treated this way just because you're too cheap.
I always want to hear about good or bad dealer experiences, and people's experiences with their MINIs, what I don't need to see is profiling and salacious slurs. It makes you look small, sir
I would also like to answer countryboyshanes comment about chargine $255 to reset his steering angle sensor when it only takes 60 sec to do so - per him. First of all, I don't buy the only takes 60 sec claim, but even if I did, sometimes what you are paying for is not how long it takes, but what they know how to do.
Ever have surgery? a 10 minute procedure can cost $10K. In this case, you pay because the surgeon knows what he's doing, and you don't. Same thing here......
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you certainly are entitled to yours. My question is why you went to the dealer in the first place, if you believe they're all crooks and morons?
I also want to know why you think it's OK to use this kind of derogatory term on a national forum, when doing so implies that all dealers and all dealership employees are liars and thieves. Is this what you're saying? Cause if it's not, you certainly owe them and everyone on this forum an apology.
If it is, then good luck getting any dealership anywhere to ever do anything for you when you need it, after all - they're all liars and thieves. I should also point out that a LOT of dealers read this forum every day, including yours. How do you think they feel about you slandering their good name and work?
Once again, I think you're entitled to your opinion about costs - I think they're pretty damn expensive here in the midwest too, where my MINI dealer charges $125/hr. But I understand why they are, and I don't let anyone take advantage of me financially, nor do I think my dealer does, despite what he charges. No one can steal from you if you don't let them.
I equate this term to racial slurs, and I want it to stop. You're maligning innocent people whom you don't even know, people who work as hard at their job as you do yours, and who don't deserve to be treated this way just because you're too cheap.
I always want to hear about good or bad dealer experiences, and people's experiences with their MINIs, what I don't need to see is profiling and salacious slurs. It makes you look small, sir
I would also like to answer countryboyshanes comment about chargine $255 to reset his steering angle sensor when it only takes 60 sec to do so - per him. First of all, I don't buy the only takes 60 sec claim, but even if I did, sometimes what you are paying for is not how long it takes, but what they know how to do.
Ever have surgery? a 10 minute procedure can cost $10K. In this case, you pay because the surgeon knows what he's doing, and you don't. Same thing here......
Perhaps I should've been more tactful, (and put the asterisk in the right place
) and just asked how to reset the computer without a scan tool. That was really what I was after. I was just SHOCKED they looked me straight in the eye and quoted $550 for pads. I've had great experiences with dealerships. I definitely have had some awful ones.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
I often wonder if the same people who complain about "stealership" rates are the same ones who are posting these "How can I nickel and dime the cost of my new car from the dealership to below invoice by playing one against the other?" threads.
I don't know about you, but in my area the BMW/MINI dealership is a nice place. It's a huge, new building on good real estate with a gorgeous showroom. If you think they can keep the doors open and the lights on (and the coffee and cookies out.) on selling cars for a few hundred bucks profit, you're dreaming. The service bay is a big contributor. Of course they are profitable, but it's hardly stealing. Everyone wants something for nothing, geez.
I don't know about you, but in my area the BMW/MINI dealership is a nice place. It's a huge, new building on good real estate with a gorgeous showroom. If you think they can keep the doors open and the lights on (and the coffee and cookies out.) on selling cars for a few hundred bucks profit, you're dreaming. The service bay is a big contributor. Of course they are profitable, but it's hardly stealing. Everyone wants something for nothing, geez.
Hardly, I just am tired of paying for something that I can go to an independent shop and get for half the price. I had a shop in Melbourne, Fl do the death rattle fix and it cost me $900 where the dealership would not even warranty or even work with me to fix it.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, VA
I hate people that side with the dealership.... There's not one affordable dealership! I can say this, I can say that...but I've got my hookup, diff not a dealership...
And to the people that stick up for the dealership...just plain fools!
And to the people that stick up for the dealership...just plain fools!
Last edited by wandrur; Aug 8, 2012 at 08:17 AM. Reason: edited for vulgarity
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
So, I just took my 2009 Cooper S to Universal City Mini, and they told me the current labor rate is $165/hr. On top of that, they get $55 for plugging in the scan tool, and recommended I change the rear pads because they only had 3k miles left in them. For my convenience, (!) they would be happy to replace the pads for $550! PADS??? The service advisor then had the ***** to say, "Well, just be glad it doesn't need rotors, or the brake job would be over $900."
Now, I can do all of this work in my garage. No problem. And, they can charge whatever they want. But, what REALLY pisses me off is that without their handy-dandy scan tool, there is no way to reset the car's computer. Which, if I'm understanding correctly, means I either bend over and take it from the dealer - or I do the maintenance myself, and the car's computer never gets reset!
Am I missing something here?
Now, I can do all of this work in my garage. No problem. And, they can charge whatever they want. But, what REALLY pisses me off is that without their handy-dandy scan tool, there is no way to reset the car's computer. Which, if I'm understanding correctly, means I either bend over and take it from the dealer - or I do the maintenance myself, and the car's computer never gets reset!
Am I missing something here?
...or you can go to Minicorsa in north hollywood and pay a fraction of the cost. It's like 7 minutes away from universal city. Are you just to lazy to search?
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 1
From: Graham, NC
Glad I could join the club of people that you hate and that are the subject of your name calling. I'm fairly certain that is a sign that I'm doing something right with my life.
Last edited by wandrur; Aug 8, 2012 at 08:18 AM. Reason: edited for quoted vulgarity
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,334
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
Sounds like you're not forced to go to the dealership, then.
To the clown calling names for "siding with the dealership," are you kidding me? Clearly you can't refute any of the logical points made as to why it costs more. No one is forced to go anywhere. Vote with your dollars, I don't care where you take your car. I don't always go to the dealership. Some things I do myself, some things I take to an independent. When I go to MINI, I pay what it costs and I don't ***** and moan about it.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 2
From: Washington
I often wonder if the same people who complain about "stealership" rates are the same ones who are posting these "How can I nickel and dime the cost of my new car from the dealership to below invoice by playing one against the other?" threads.
I don't know about you, but in my area the BMW/MINI dealership is a nice place. It's a huge, new building on good real estate with a gorgeous showroom. If you think they can keep the doors open and the lights on (and the coffee and cookies out.) on selling cars for a few hundred bucks profit, you're dreaming. The service bay is a big contributor. Of course they are profitable, but it's hardly stealing. Everyone wants something for nothing, geez.
I don't know about you, but in my area the BMW/MINI dealership is a nice place. It's a huge, new building on good real estate with a gorgeous showroom. If you think they can keep the doors open and the lights on (and the coffee and cookies out.) on selling cars for a few hundred bucks profit, you're dreaming. The service bay is a big contributor. Of course they are profitable, but it's hardly stealing. Everyone wants something for nothing, geez.
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
From: Fl Panhandle
I worked as an assistant service manager for a BMW dealer for a couple of years following my USAF career. The profit from the service side is amazing, with parts marked up 200% when purchased from local parts stores and 100% built in on OEM, the techs only getting $15 an hour of the $120 labor rate. Most of the big money came from the basic labor jobs(no special equipment) such as replacing wear items; pads, body mounts, light assemblies, struts etc.
The dealer service departments have a tendency to work on customers agnorance because people just don't know there are cheaper and just as professional repair centers that will charge them half the dealers price. I had to quit, was just not able to look people in the eye and say "it will be $500 to replace your front brake pads".
Had to go back to operating big jet aircraft, much easier on true self esteem.
My $.02 worth
The dealer service departments have a tendency to work on customers agnorance because people just don't know there are cheaper and just as professional repair centers that will charge them half the dealers price. I had to quit, was just not able to look people in the eye and say "it will be $500 to replace your front brake pads".
Had to go back to operating big jet aircraft, much easier on true self esteem.
My $.02 worth
6th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 10
From: Kansas City
I'm hoping bakerbrdz was trying to be sarcastic......
To me it's not about siding with the dealer or an independant, it's about stopping the use of the perjorative term "stealership".
As to getting the work done that you need, go where ever you choose....but don't ***** about your choice, we're supposed to be adults here, responsible for our own decisions.
Ya picks yer choice and ya lives wit it.
To me it's not about siding with the dealer or an independant, it's about stopping the use of the perjorative term "stealership".
As to getting the work done that you need, go where ever you choose....but don't ***** about your choice, we're supposed to be adults here, responsible for our own decisions.
Ya picks yer choice and ya lives wit it.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 37
From: Honolulu Hawaii
It's a known fact that all dealers charge more for service. The extra cost hopefully comes with the peace of mind that those people know your car inside and out and should do quality work. At the same time there are shops out there that do good work for less money. I just had my Mini aligned by Sears for $115, Mini wanted $350 for their "special alignment". I talked to Sears and explained my concern about them scratching my wheels and the car bottoming out on their lift. They took the time to show me how the alignment sensors would rest on the wheels and how their lifts wouldn't damage my car. I was very pleased with Sears. Shop around, no one is twisting your arm and making you go to the dealer.
Last edited by Benibiker; Aug 7, 2012 at 08:53 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Why are you tired? Have you continued paying dealership prices when you didn't have to? "Tired of it" implies you've continued to do something you didn't want to do to the point of exhaustion. Paying once I understand - you have to learn somehow - but enough to tire of it...? If you've found an independent mechanic your problem is solved. Please don't wear yourself out paying for things over and over at double the price.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Based in Mini-apolis, Mn.
Remember your quote when your Countryman needs warranty/good will assistance, karma has a way of coming around.
Last edited by wandrur; Aug 8, 2012 at 08:19 AM. Reason: edited for quoted vulgarity