mmarshall

You could probably learn to do it yourself, as I did for many years. It is one of the most simple of engine-maintenance chores, and, in most cases, requires only a few basic tools/supplies, the specs for the engine's oil capacity and type, a rudimentary knowledge on how much to tighten the drain plug/oil filter, and a place to properly dispose of the old oil and filter (most local service stations have containers for that). The only real problem comes when you have a very hard-to-get filter location on the engine block, though, Corollas, by today's standards, are generally pretty basic under the hood. Some cars, though, require a lift and/or getting at them underneath.....ramps won't work because of low bodywork, or the drain plug is otherwise unreachable. BMWs with cartrage-type oil filters are sometimes an exception, but most cars use a simple spin-off filter. The old Saturn S-series even used a simple, spin-off transmission filter, IMO an excellent feature.

RX_330

From the sound of everything so far, it sounds unlikely that your dealership is going to start charging.

I think what your SA described makes perfect sense for the change in verbiage to rental from loaner. They probably changed the name on the back of the cars to rental so they can add the rate to the sheet. You can't put a rate on a "loaner", but you can put a rate on a "rental".

The intention may not be to actually charge or even lead into future charging for the loaners, but it's just a psychological tactic to get customers to return the cars sooner, so there is quicker turnaround so more customers get access to them.

SW17LS

We shall see...

Maikerusan

You stated you don't care what they call it, as long as it is free, and it looks like it was free. So why the angst?

Now if they attempt to charge you for that, that's a whole other issue and I would get very upset over that.

SW17LS

No angst. Just an observation shared with the group since we've discussed other members dealers beginning to charge for loaners in the past. My guess is that they're going to start charging for loaners and they're just not quite ready to make the formal policy change.

If that's not something that concerns you, you don't have to participate in the discussion.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I understand where you're coming from and agree. If you have feelings about a particular issue, don't let anyone tell you those feelings are wrong. No one has the right to be the "thought police" when it comes to personal feelings about an issue.

Toys4RJill

This has turned into Cry Baby stuff....if they charge you for it going forward, just don't go back....you could wait for the service to be performed, take a shuttle, or just go to your independent garage. Ugh! Petty, petty, penny pinching.

SW17LS

Who's crying? Not me.

Whenever you see a company that you've been a customer of for a long time and enjoy being a customer of start to devalue you as a customer by charging more and delivering less is always frustrating. I posted this because as a Lexus owner who had participated in discussions before about dealers ceasing to offer loaners, I thought it would be of interest to fellow members. To many of which it was. Again, if you don't want to participate in the discussion...don't. You don't even own a Lexus so no skin off your nose.

Like I said before, plenty of other dealers if my suspicion turns out to be right or I have a great independent mechanic.

rxonmymind

Perhaps
Used vehicle vs per owned
Loaner vs rental
Is the verbage sexier from a business perspective to say "rental" than loaner? Idk could they have used different terminology for Lexus owners? Just throwing that out there.

SW17LS

Personally I would think a "loaner" gets them more credibility out on the street because a loaner is something given as a perk or a benefit for free vs a "rental" which is typically something you have to pay for.

The point of the banner on the loaner car is to advertise that if you have your Lexus serviced at Lexus of Rockville you get this loaner. "You can rent this car" is less impressive.

Like I said though, as long as it stays included with the service they can call it whatever they want.

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

The Lexus dealership I've been going to, suddenly started servicing all other brands. Let me tell you, it is very strange to see a Benz or an Acura on a lift next to my car. I stopped going to Lexus for regular service, I only go there for recalls now.

Maikerusan

That seems strange. Heck, even when I go to my Toyota dealer, I only see Toyota's being serviced.


Does the owner of your Lexus dealership also own MB and Acura dealerships?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that is very very weird for a lexus dealership?!

SW17LS

Yeah I can't think of any that are shared with other brands...

rxonmymind

Wonder how they decipher service codes of other vehicles? Wait....I know the Mercedes dealership that I bought my RX from can service my vehicle as they sold it to me and they "warranty" any work on it for a year. Otherwise they send the vehicle out to my local Lexus for any extensive work. In fact it's going back to the Mercedes dealership this Monday for work done on it when I bought it.