Dealer Servicing = Disappointing

**Rooboy** · 08-12-2012, 05:47 PM

My leasing company provides a Caltex starcard. So long as the service centre accepts starcard, and most VAG centres I've seen do, no problems. They just call starcard for pre approval and the work is done with the benefit to me of trade pricing on parts

**K1W1** · 08-12-2012, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Rooboy

They just call starcard for pre approval and the work is done with the benefit to me of trade pricing on parts

What actually happens is that the leasing company tells the dealer straight up that they are only prepared to pay $x for the service and if the dealer will not agree to that then they cannot do the work. The result is that because the dealer is being short changed on what they would normally get for a service they cut corners and skimp wherever they can. The "benefit" to the driver of the car is negligible at best and not a benefit at all at worst.

**Rooboy** · 09-12-2012, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by K1W1

What actually happens is that the leasing company tells the dealer straight up that they are only prepared to pay $x for the service and if the dealer will not agree to that then they cannot do the work. The result is that because the dealer is being short changed on what they would normally get for a service they cut corners and skimp wherever they can. The "benefit" to the driver of the car is negligible at best and not a benefit at all at worst.

If that were completely true then no dealer would accept the starcard lol. Why would you sign up to it to be screwed over?

**K1W1** · 09-12-2012, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Rooboy

If that were completely true then no dealer would accept the starcard lol. Why would you sign up to it to be screwed over?

Perception of increased business based on the sales pitch and a fear that they will somehow miss out if they don't. Many do sign up and then after a reasonably short period cease to accept the cards. It works for some dealers but doesn't for an awful lot.

**Turtl** · 09-12-2012, 03:06 PM

They just ripped you off. Typcial really. Next you'll need brake pads and rotors. Tell 'em get nicked and provide measurement proof of the disc wear and pad remaining - directly compare with new parts.

My advice, get a wheel alignment every 15,000kms from a specialist wheel alignment and suspension specialist (eg. Penrith Wholesale Suspensions), make sure your tyre pressures are 3-4 psi higher than recommended setting, replace air with Nitrogen, and NEVER rotate tyres. I'm get at least 120,000kms+ from a back set of tyres, and that's with a lot of towing. Fronts, I get 30,000kms and I'm fine with that as it's diesel with lots of torque, and I typically flog the crapper out it anyway.

But, it means I'm getting about 30,000kms more for the same amount of tyres worn...if they rotate each service cycle.

**Antiplastix** · 09-12-2012, 04:16 PM

Replace air with Nitrogen ??? Oh and dont forget to add snake oil to the sump.

**donweather** · 09-12-2012, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by Turtl

replace air with Nitrogen

OMG.....the % of Nitrogen in air is already 78%!!!! So the tyre places that tell you to put 100% nitrogen in your tyres (and they charge you $10 per tyre) as it has all these wonderful magical powers/benefits don't tell you that you're only getting an additional 22% of nitrogen compared to what you get for free at the petrol station tyre inflator!!!!