Subaru Brake Line Recall Service Experience

[wjmst]

Yesterday, I took my 09 Subaru Impreza to the dealer where I purchased it for a recall on the brake line. They completed the work and did a multi-point inspection for free. Here is what they recommended to be fixed on the car:

1. License Plate Light Bulb was burnt out replace bulb $10
2. No oil on the dip stick oil/filter change $30
3. Air Filter dirty replace $40
4. Cabin filter dirty replace $55
5. State Inspection - $30
6. Windshield cracked, won稚 pass inspection no price listed
7. Needs four new tires, won稚 pass inspection no price listed

I told them not to do any of the work. I maintain my own vehicles and would do the work myself. While I was there I purchased an oil filter and crush ring from them. The price of the filter was $7.25, normally I purchase it from a dealer near my work for only $5.50.

I drove to the autoparts store to get the other parts I need.

1. I looked at the license plate bulbs and both were working just fine, so didn稚 need that part.

2. I checked the oil, it was a little low, but there was oil on the dipstick. I am due for an oil change in about 1,000 miles so I just decided to add some oil when I got home. I put in about ｽ a quart.

3&4. Next I pulled the air filter and cabin filter. While there was some dirt on them both, they were mostly white. I replaced them in May, but didn稚 use Subaru parts.

5&6. The state inspection is due in December which costs $20 at the local garage I use and the windshield has been cracked for two years and passes the state inspection with no problem.

7. I do need tires and it is on the agenda after my next pay.

So, the question is: Was I being taken advantage of or is this just the way businesses (especially car dealers) work these days? I mean $95 to change two air filters that take about 5 mins to do!

I was thinking of writing the owner of the dealer a letter and sending a copy to Subaru as well. Any thoughts, or should I just drop the issue and not return with my business?

Thanks
Wes

 

[tman1020]

To me the biggest issue is the oil. Any chance when you checked it you were on unlevel ground to show more in there than what the dealer saw. Or misunderstood him. That's kind of a big deal I'm not sure why they would lie about something like that just to get an oil change out of you. And the lightbulb that's odd maybe it's sporadic. The filters I can understand because everybody could have a different opinion on when to change them but best to err on the side of caution and change them sooner. As far as the crack in the windshield just because you've got through an inspection with it doesn't mean it shouldn't be changed windshields playing important part in crash protection a damage one can compromise the way a car can protect you in the event of a crash. As far as the tires sounds like he was right on.i'm not a fan of car dealerships in general but Subaru does have an excellent reputation. Hopefully they were just trying to watch out for your best interest but it does sound questionable with the oil. Hope this helps

 

[s219]

It's very common for dealers to pull baloney like this nowadays. I would check to be sure as you did, then ignore and move on. I have heard the same exact baloney from people who go to quicky oil change places. No doubt they make a lot of money replacing filters/etc way sooner than needed. What a waste of materials and money.

I had a Honda dealer fail me for inspection because the rear brakes (drums in that era) were too dusty. This on a nearly new car. They wanted hundreds of dollars to fix. I bought a can of brake cleaner and cracked the drums to find they were absolutely fine, and did nothing. Took it back for the reinspection and passed no questions. They always try this bs, and I think most unsuspecting consumers fall for it.

Most recently, a BMW dealer failed me for a windshield chip, which I knew was not right. They wanted $1300 for a new windshield. So I complained to the VA State Police who oversee the inspection program. They called me the next morning and a trooper met me at the dealership. He looked at the chip with the service manager and mechanic, and overrode their decision.

 

[Mendonsy]

So, the question is: Was I being taken advantage of or is this just the way businesses (especially car dealers) work these days? I mean $95 to change two air filters that take about 5 mins to do!

Thanks
Wes

The answer is yes to both!! A lot of dealers operate this way because they can get away with it.

Most people today don't have a clue what is under their hood. A "service advisor" can tell them anything and they will just say "fix it"!!

 

[Scooby074]

Cracked windshield is no pass here.

 

[2458n]

If you had came into the Ford dealership I used to work at you would have left in a new car if your credit was any good. They did not pressure you to do anything, so drop it.

 

[reb]

Sounds like standard operating procedure. A couple of years ago my wife was visiting her folks when the service light came on indicating it was near time for an oil change. She immediately went to the local dealer and it cost her about $385 before she got out of there.

 

[turnkey4099]

Sounds like standard operating procedure. A couple of years ago my wife was visiting her folks when the service light came on indicating it was near time for an oil change. She immediately went to the local dealer and it cost her about $385 before she got out of there.

My local Ford dealer seems to be fairly sdtraight but... They serviced the car per the manual since new. One oil change they said the front breaks needed redoing. This on a car with less than 60,000 and driven very conservatively (only driver in his 70s (me)). Also Power Sterring fluid dirty. (dthat last hasn't been mentioned again in two years!). I didnt' have it done. Coupel oil changes later, same thing. This time I had my local tire shop (Les Schwab - one fine outfit!!) check it. They agreed and got the job. To say that I am less than impressed with Ford quality where the brakes wear that badly and discs so thin they can't be turned is an understatement.

Harry K

 

[radioman]

I never take my car to dealers or best mechanics for inspections. Thier idea of high standards do not fit right with inspections. What one inspection station says is ok what another station say it fails. You cannot get a good standard. One stations says failure for brakes. pads are not even close to the wear squealers but rotors pulsates a little due to age. its not bad, still fully stoppable - but you go to another station it passes just fine. Same goes for tires - using a tire indicator or looking at tread wear marks shows its still has life left, but sometimes they say it fails. THIS IS BS. Its always something - you cant even get a honest opinion FIRST before they do an inspection. Its like they are trigger happy to fail cars.

 

[Garandman]

I have two Subarus under the recall and haven't brought in either.

For any make, whatever yo do do not tell them you want a "30,000 mile service" or "60,000 mile service" or whatever. Dealers are allowed to specify what is included and will vacuum your wallet.

Instead, look in your maintenance manual and just read off the required items. "Oil and filter change, replace air cleaner" etc. You will save hundreds.

We have a company fleet of 8 and two POV's. We NEVER take them to dealers or anyone else who does flat rate repairs. They rush and replace too many parts.