[V8] running the numbers

[cobram at juno.com]

"32vquattro" <allanvega at comcast.net> writes:
> Now try those numbers again to include motor oil changes. the v8 uses 
> twice 
> as much as the honda. Still keep my v8 though. Al

How about $500+ oil changes for new cars?   The wife took my fathers
under warranty Mercury Marquis (yeah, he's in his 80's) with 6000 miles
for the $35 oil change and "service".  I was in Euroland at the time,
when she calls and says the Lincoln/Mercury dealer said the brakes were
unsafe and NEEDED to be repaired, to the tune of $500 (but hey, that
included a free car wash.)  Told her to get the car out of there ASAP and
tell them to pound sand.  So what was the "brake emergency" that would
lead to dire consequences if they didn't repair it.....surface rust on
the rotors.  
Friend with brand new Nissan Maxima, transmission detonates under
warranty, goes to pick up the car for the "free" warranty repair and gets
hit with an $1800 bill.  "Well, if we didn't change all the cooler lines,
including the radiator, the new transmission would not be warranteed
because there may be metal particles."
Next door neighbor takes her Honda in for an oil change and service, of
course they gave her dire warnings about the warranty being voided if
anyone but they touched the car.  $800 worth or "service" in addition to
the oil change.  From a quick inspection, they did NOTHING on the service
slip, except change the oil.
I could go on and on, I suspect dealer service writers and time share
salesmen train at the same facility.  Sell the work, whether it needs it
or not is their mantra.
An acquaintance was the Range Rover Service Manager for a
while...standing order was to average $1500 per vehicle in the door or
you're fired.  He got fired, then sued the dealer for wrongful
termination, they settled.
Of course these may be exceptions, but in my experience they're the norm.
I dare say it most on this list wouldn't stand for this kind of stuff or
get suckered so easily, but most do.

Besides, if you buy filters on sale and do your own oil changes, it's
still cheaper than a Corolla oil change @ any of the chains, especially
since that $24.99 "special" doesn't include environmental fees, shops
fee's etc.

BCNU,
http://www.geocities.com/cobramsri/
Developer: Someone who wants to build a house in the woods.
Ecologist: Someone who has already built his house in the woods.