Holden Ripoff

[whitessute]

I had the car down at holden yesterday for some warranty issues and asked about prices for a standard 1200kg tow bar and electrics fitted, they quoted me $600. When I got home I called 2 different tow bar dealers and both quoted me $295 for the exact same service, how the hell can holden get away with their rip off prices.

While I had the car down there i had the 80,000k service done this was $415 all up including $102 for mobil 1 oil. When i dropped it off they recommended an injector clean/flush for $100 and also a A/C clean/service for another $100, I said yes not really thinking too much of it but when i got home i did a search on here and found that they were just money making scams that holden try on everybody so i rang them up and cancelled them both, luckily or the the days bill would have been over $600. From now on I will take everybodys advice and visit one of the local forum sponsors, may be the last time holden see my car unless some major work has to be done under warranty.

[lee ls1]

hi

just come back from Newcastle city Holden, just left my vz ss ute for it 30k service! hope there good with her! but when i asked the service man about cost for this he said about $250ish for standed service does this sound about right?

[Sonnymad]

I had the car down at holden yesterday for some warranty issues and asked about prices for a standard 1200kg tow bar and electrics fitted, they quoted me $600. When I got home I called 2 different tow bar dealers and both quoted me $295 for the exact same service, how the hell can holden get away with their rip off prices.

While I had the car down there i had the 80,000k service done this was $415 all up including $102 for mobil 1 oil. When i dropped it off they recommended an injector clean/flush for $100 and also a A/C clean/service for another $100, I said yes not really thinking too much of it but when i got home i did a search on here and found that they were just money making scams that holden try on everybody so i rang them up and cancelled them both, luckily or the the days bill would have been over $600. From now on I will take everybodys advice and visit one of the local forum sponsors, may be the last time holden see my car unless some major work has to be done under warranty.

You would be much better of at one of the sponsors in ur area as they will take much great care of ur car instead of tryin to sell you addidtives that never make it into ur car and you can also have a peice of mind that they will actually service ur vehicle and not watch the oil drain then plug it up.

:)

regards sonny


hi

just come back from Newcastle city Holden, just left my vz ss ute for it 30k service! hope there good with her! but when i asked the service man about cost for this he said about $250ish for standed service does this sound about right?

Whats on the invoice ? can you list it ? as a standard service is round $170 mark

regards sonny

[whitessute]

The cars getting the tow bar fitted at the moment and the invoice is in with the service books, be a few hours before i can post it.

[lee ls1]

You would be much better of at one of the sponsors in ur area as they will take much great care of ur car instead of tryin to sell you addidtives that never make it into ur car and you can also have a peice of mind that they will actually service ur vehicle and not watch the oil drain then plug it up.

:)

regards sonny



Whats on the invoice ? can you list it ? as a standard service is round $170 mark

regards sonny

not sure whats on told them standed servive all the info is still at the dealers, but there will be hell to pay if they think there ripping me off! but al keep you post and thanks for the info sonny

Cheers

Lee

[Dacious]

Seems to me you should have got some quotes on the work before handing the car over. And also checked that the quality of parts provided by the aftermarket suppliers is the same as the Holden stuff. You asked them to fit the towbar.

As far as the other stuff, like all the scotchguarding and corrosion protection presales stuff I just ask them is it in the official Holden service schedule - if they say no I refuse it.

Standard service is $170 minor, $220 major + consummables. You can obviously buy oil cheaper at a discount place than at Holden and supply it yourself.

Thats not a ripoff - ripoff is when they quote you $200 and charge you $600. No one forced you over the counter with your arm behind your back - caveat emptor.

[DK-3800]

Stay away from heritage holden maitland and Newcastle city holden. Kelly holden however i cannot speak highly enough of their service, as for the pricing, well..... its like any genuine holden dealer, its gonna be more expensive than a generic mechanic, but their service and support has been outstanding over the last few years for my car and my familys commodores.

[macca33]

whitessute - I put a 2100kg Hayman Reese hitch on my Senator for an all-up price of $500, thru a towbar centre in Dandenong, possibly Dandy Towbars.

Cheers,

Macca

[VE Calais v 60l]

Remember that these dealerships are privately owned and not unlike any other dealer network. Remember that it is almost "automatic" to take your car back to where you bought it for servicing etc. Dealer servicing survives on the ignorance of the masses.

I was quoted $290.00 for a genuine 12 kg towbar fitted in central Qld. So the problem you have is with the dealership and not Holden.

[lee ls1]

not sure whats on told them standed servive all the info is still at the dealers, but there will be hell to pay if they think there ripping me off! but al keep you post and thanks for the info sonny

Cheers

Lee

hi Sonny just got the ute back, white oil/gease all over the clean engine bay, they must have washed it with old bath water its so dirty and $236 for just oil filter and oil! also the blok was a dick and machanic diffent have a clover on my leather seats! no happy, but hear is the sheet they gave back like you asked for!

[Pilbara SSV]

$9.02 looks expensive for a drain bung o ring when the filter is the same price? If they even changed it. That service wouldn't probably be much cheaper at a servo or autotune etc,maybe $30-40 cheaper but thats all, and price of the towbar is probably including there mark up, most places mark things up at least 125% that is if they buy it for a $100 they sell it for $125. That pretty normal as every out there is in it to make money. When we had a 60000k service done on our WH they nicked the oring on the trans line when they flushed the trans and luckily i had it at the exhaust place for new exhaust and while under the car notice red fluid dripping off the cooler lines. Took it back and they apologised and i queried the quality of test drive and workmanship and if i hadn't stopped for exhaust we would have driven from Osborne Park straight (give you an idea of which dealer) back to Paraburdoo and i reckon the tranny probably would have pumped all its oil onto the road or caught fire buy the time we got to Bullsbrook doing who knows what damage to the internals of the box. I have never gone back and bought our latest car from the blokes in Cannington. Cheers

[CV8UTE]

It does sound a bit of a rip off. I would just get a sponsor to put organise one

[jerrel]

wats the best service place (or best forum sponsor) to carry out a service? (melbourn southeastern suburbs)

[macca33]

wats the best service place (or best forum sponsor) to carry out a service? (melbourn southeastern suburbs)

I am yet to hear of a negative experience from any of the SE Melbourne sponsors. Chev's, HP-F, G & D, APS Frankston (excuse me if I left anyone out) all do good work.

Cheers.

[loudvtss]

I queried the dealer the quote they had given me for a 10,000 km service on my 06 VZ SS. Quoted $260 and the service book said for 10,000km service:

1.1 hr labour
Oil
Oil filter.

I got told there were hidden costs. No sh@t sherlock. One dealer even offered a service at bare bones price. It came to $164. That's almost $100 of hidden costs. So it pays to shop around, query the price and if it's extreme keep looking around. I've almost had enough of Holden dealers also. I've had my car for 5 months and I'm still ironing out issues. It takes multiple visits to get things fixed. My cup holder broke. Got told can't be done under warranty and would cost $230.00. For that I can pay someone to hold my drink or use the other 3 cup holders I have in the car.

[Micks]

I recently had the same 30K service on my VY with brake & clutch fluids change no other extras for $398. Ouuch.

Cheers

VYT

[whitessute]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k94/davey3378/service1.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k94/davey3378/service2.jpg

[Y2kGoofball]

hey guys

a) I would be careful when uploading scanned invoices, especially Lee Ls1 because youve listed your name and the dealers name ... its easy for a service advisor or manager to attach a note to your file and next time your in watch out.

You never know who your going to piss off in the industry, you never know who is reading such forums and you never know when your going to need to rely on them in the future.

b) dealers generally tend to cost more but there is sometimes more to it.

Our cars (non holden) are a classic example. The cars are European made and shipped to Australia. towbars are made in Australia by hayman reece to comply with our regulations etc. Their the traditional square removable tounge type. When brought from a dealer they are branded with the car brand logo tho.

We charge about $600 for the towbar. Independant places do it for $250. Now Holdens arent as complex as these cars that I work on BUT you know where the extra price comes from ??

Theres an additional control module thats needed for the lights to work. This has to be plugged into the car, then hooked up to our diagnostic systems to have trailer lights activated. We've seen a few dodgey attempts at hardwiring the cable harnesses to the rear light harness and guess what, theyve all clapped out, burnt out expensive control modules in the process and therefore they become non warranty as theyve been damaged due to a non genuine bar being fitted.

One such installation managed to spike the RSE (rear seat entertainment) module which in turn fried the module and the 2 head rest mounted screens when the customer plugged their trailer in and drove with headlights on for 20 minutes.

It then makes it harder down the line to obtain warranty on similar electrical items because at some point the aftermarket towbar comes into the equasion and it is grounds for the manufacturer to refuse to replace certain parts, especially expensive control modules, under warranty.

I also know of other brands that repace certain rear suspension components as well when they replace towbars.

Simple answer is already mentioned : not happy, go to a small mechanic who relies on repeat business to survive.

[ssgirl2]

I would be careful when uploading scanned invoices, especially Lee Ls1 because youve listed your name and the dealers name ... its easy for a service advisor or manager to attach a note to your file and next time your in watch out.

You never know who your going to piss off in the industry, you never know who is reading such forums and you never know when your going to need to rely on them in the future.

Yes, guys... please be careful. Our reynolds system had capabilities to make little notes on customers so when they made a booking or when their details were put in the computer upon arrival, we could see notes other advisors had made about them - some nice, some pretty nasty.

SS :)

PS...I only put nice comments, unless you really were a pr***!!!

[planetdavo]

How surprising a thread about a towbar has turned into a free for all.......NOT.

[Y2kGoofball]

my comments werent a "free for all", all I was saying is that people need to think before they upload paperwork which identifies themself and the dealer. I know if someone was whinging about my dealership on a public forum I wouldnt be too eager to have them back.

ssgirl glad your system gets used properly, I have to battle "service follow up call" which has nothing to do with me, that quickly becomes annoying :whip:

As for my explanation Im just saying that people whinge about our prices for the genuine towbar when someone else can do it cheaper, yet our price is because it includes additional components that an aftermarket installer doesnt include in his prices. I dont agree with the system but its a worldwide setup and its a typical Ford based system used across a few ford owned brands.

[planetdavo]

my comments werent a "free for all", all I was saying is that people need to think before they upload paperwork which identifies themself and the dealer. I know if someone was whinging about my dealership on a public forum I wouldnt be too eager to have them back.

ssgirl glad your system gets used properly, I have to battle "service follow up call" which has nothing to do with me, that quickly becomes annoying :whip:

As for my explanation Im just saying that people whinge about our prices for the genuine towbar when someone else can do it cheaper, yet our price is because it includes additional components that an aftermarket installer doesnt include in his prices. I dont agree with the system but its a worldwide setup and its a typical Ford based system used across a few ford owned brands.
Not aimed at you Y2k.

[Sonnymad]

[QUOTE=lee ls1;806033]hi Sonny just got the ute back, white oil/gease all over the clean engine bay, they must have washed it with old bath water its so dirty and $236 for just oil filter and oil! also the blok was a dick and machanic diffent have a clover on my leather seats! no happy, but hear is the sheet they gave back like you asked for!

That exact service you got there,we would have charged you $179 to the dollar,its not worth anymore than that,so yeh this dealers charges are pretty steep,for the ppl who are asking bout the sump plug o'ring,they are actually $6.50 from memory,if you dont change them frequently during oil changes,the sump plug ends up digging into the aliminuim as the o'ring acts as cushion as well.

regards sonny

[6.0]

The Holden dealer I took my car to had a big sign out the front "$99 service, most makes and models" when asked why my service cost over $200 I was told that for the $99 service they dont top up any other fluids. So I'm paying over $100 for someone to fill up my washer bottle!

The only reason I went to a dealer (I know they are a rip off) is because I bought my car second hand and I will only get 2 services done before the warranty runs out, I figure getting ripped off a couple of times might be worth it if there are any warranty issues, they can't argue if the servicing has been done by a dealer.

[ssgirl2]

Not aimed at you Y2k.

Aimed at who planetdavo?

SS :)

[planetdavo]

Aimed at who planetdavo?

SS :)
Aimed at the people that turned a thread about a towbar into what it's become.
Back to the original question, of course it's easy for a manufacturer to spend the millions testing a towbar to make sure it meets every standard, which of course adds to the costs of every towbar, and then have "Joe's" towbars come along, copy it with just a tiny change so it's not "the same", and charge much less, without all that pesky testing to pay for. Also factor in the dodgy "cut-n-shut" wiring, not the plug-n-play, won't blow up anything expensive original one, and it is SO EASY to see where the majority of the price difference is!
Obviously not for a number of people......:hide:

[Y2kGoofball]

sorry Davo, you know me lol, we've been through this a few times already in the past few months with a few other posts :yahoo: Ive taken a general comment personally and I shouldnt have.

the other thing Ive found with Holden service is they tend to be pricey. $200 odd for the 15 000 kay on the Adventra and it was just a basic oil filter change, wasnt impressed. Its a personal choice tho.

Sonny - some manufacturers specify it must be changed as part of the routine servicing. ALL our cars have them changed as soon as the sump plug is removed. For the price of it and the fact the plug is off the car, is it worth risking anyway?


So I'm paying over $100 for someone to fill up my washer bottle! not always, a "top up" can also include the dropping of fluids and re-filling from empty. Dont forget, fluids include coolant, battery acid, transmission oil, diff oil, angle gear/final drive oil (if AWD), brake fluid (although if alot of these are leaking theres a problem especially brakes) yes washer bottle fluids :lmao:

[Cosmo Kramer]

b) dealers generally tend to cost more but there is sometimes more to it.

Theres an additional control module thats needed for the lights to work. This has to be plugged into the car, then hooked up to our diagnostic systems to have trailer lights activated. We've seen a few dodgey attempts at hardwiring the cable harnesses to the rear light harness and guess what, theyve all clapped out, burnt out expensive control modules in the process and therefore they become non warranty as theyve been damaged due to a non genuine bar being fitted.

One such installation managed to spike the RSE (rear seat entertainment) module which in turn fried the module and the 2 head rest mounted screens when the customer plugged their trailer in and drove with headlights on for 20 minutes.

It then makes it harder down the line to obtain warranty on similar electrical items because at some point the aftermarket towbar comes into the equasion and it is grounds for the manufacturer to refuse to replace certain parts, especially expensive control modules, under warranty.




I had a mobile phone kit installed (not by the dealer) into a brand new R8 back in 1999 and eventually the entire wiring behind the dash was fried. Naturally, warranty didn't cover it as they blamed the mobile phone installation and it cost me around $3000 to have it rewired.

Sometimes it pays to use the dealer even if it is more expensive. At least you have some guarantees.

[Dover]

Aimed at the people that turned a thread about a towbar into what it's become.
Back to the original question, of course it's easy for a manufacturer to spend the millions testing a towbar to make sure it meets every standard, which of course adds to the costs of every towbar, and then have "Joe's" towbars come along, copy it with just a tiny change so it's not "the same", and charge much less, without all that pesky testing to pay for. Also factor in the dodgy "cut-n-shut" wiring, not the plug-n-play, won't blow up anything expensive original one, and it is SO EASY to see where the majority of the price difference is!
Obviously not for a number of people......:hide:


Hayman Resse (sp) is still Hayman Resse, Thats all my "holden" tow kik is.

[Animal]

Remember that these dealerships are privately owned and not unlike any other dealer network. Remember that it is almost "automatic" to take your car back to where you bought it for servicing etc. Dealer servicing survives on the ignorance of the masses.

I was quoted $290.00 for a genuine 12 kg towbar fitted in central Qld. So the problem you have is with the dealership and not Holden.

Totally agree - people still associate Holden with a Holden Dealer.

Educating client on this is vital. Holden lose many a sale due to dealers.

[BossV8]

A few years back my work ute was a new Rodeo and I had lost the spare key. I went to a dealer to get a replacement (no alarms, just a key with a holden logo) and they wanted $45 for a blank key, plus key cutting. Said you could only use that key for the car.

Walked out, went to the mister mint at the local shopping centre and got 3 spares cut for $12!

[Y2kGoofball]

once again on more expensive european cars ...

Mr Minit can cut a key which will open the drivers door cylinder no worries.

a) will not switch off the alarm though because theres no transmitter telling the car this is the correct key

b) will not turn the car on because theres no transmitter telling the immobiliser to switch off.

cheapest alternative is - customer buys key from ebay and has it cut at Mr Minit, then comes in to have programmed to car (although we're charged for the software from the dealer which we cant override so it still costs big time which is crap but what can we do? you pay for the security system as part of the car)


***

-Then theres always the models that have 2 different keys with 2 different frequencies on the transmitter (315 and 433 mhz) depending on chassis number

-Then theres always the models that only have 1 way to get a key, special order from the manufacturer overseas which requires a VIN and 3 proof of ownership/ID of the car and about 5 or 6 weeks and costs close to $600 :whip:

- Then theres the models that on top of this have to have all other existing keys at the dealership during programming as the transmitter code is wiped on all existing keys and replaced with a new one. This is pure security so that if a key is lost (as most replacements are) and someone picks it up and knows where the cars parked the key becomes useless as it'll unlock the drivers door barrel and set off the alarm, but it wont start the car. But its the only way to program a new key.

Luckily Holden isnt this difficult, Ive never had to but I belive Mr Minit can now clone a key or a newbie can be programmed to the car without needing to visit a dealer? Holden dont charge for the software to be programmed to the key head, I dont know about up spec models but surely theres not a 6 week wait VIN specific key for about 600 bucks? As far as I know Holden dont force you back to the dealer to have new keys programmed? I might be wrong.

Sorry for changing the subject, but a few people are upset at Holdens pricing for various things and Im simply trying to say that its 10 times worse in other brands ;) Trust me, I cop the other end of it. You try tell a customer a side mirror is worth $1100 and they legally need to replace the one the bus knocked off in CBD traffic, or a key is $600 and theres only 1 way to get them, or the $30 key they brought needs a $64 software downloaded into the head so the car recognises it.

[spanks]

Getting back to the towbar issue,i too work for a dealer(not holden)and we fit either genuine or nongenuine towbars at the customers request.The main difference(which gets reflected back to the cost)is that the factory tow bars are engineered at the factory.The way that they are intergrated into the chassis and not just bolted to the end of rails like the non genuine bars.So yes they may cost more but they are more suited to the car and often can take up to 2 hours longer to fit the genuine bar.I would much rather fit the genuine bar to my own car.

[lee ls1]

hey guys

a) I would be careful when uploading scanned invoices, especially Lee Ls1 because youve listed your name and the dealers name ... its easy for a service advisor or manager to attach a note to your file and next time your in watch out.

You never know who your going to piss off in the industry, you never know who is reading such forums and you never know when your going to need to rely on them in the future.

b) dealers generally tend to cost more but there is sometimes more to it.

Our cars (non holden) are a classic example. The cars are European made and shipped to Australia. towbars are made in Australia by hayman reece to comply with our regulations etc. Their the traditional square removable tounge type. When brought from a dealer they are branded with the car brand logo tho.

We charge about $600 for the towbar. Independant places do it for $250. Now Holdens arent as complex as these cars that I work on BUT you know where the extra price comes from ??

Theres an additional control module thats needed for the lights to work. This has to be plugged into the car, then hooked up to our diagnostic systems to have trailer lights activated. We've seen a few dodgey attempts at hardwiring the cable harnesses to the rear light harness and guess what, theyve all clapped out, burnt out expensive control modules in the process and therefore they become non warranty as theyve been damaged due to a non genuine bar being fitted.

One such installation managed to spike the RSE (rear seat entertainment) module which in turn fried the module and the 2 head rest mounted screens when the customer plugged their trailer in and drove with headlights on for 20 minutes.

It then makes it harder down the line to obtain warranty on similar electrical items because at some point the aftermarket towbar comes into the equasion and it is grounds for the manufacturer to refuse to replace certain parts, especially expensive control modules, under warranty.

I also know of other brands that repace certain rear suspension components as well when they replace towbars.

Simple answer is already mentioned : not happy, go to a small mechanic who relies on repeat business to survive.

i understand what your saying thanks lee

[German Statesman]

I heard a full set of keys for an Audi A6 were $3500 including a new anti-theft module....4yr old boy flushed the originals down the toilet :lmao:

Saabs are the same - we had to wait 5 months for an anti theft module for a 9-5 because it wasn't a service part and had to be manufactured.

Cheers

[brentonsav]

ive just voided my certifdied used car warranty and taking my car to chev's from now on.
service is second to none and i dare say he knows a hell of a lot more about my ls1 than holden 1st yr "technicians"
as far as warranty work goes, if something does go bang, like a clutch or diff etc, ill be putting an aftermarket one in anyway.
chev did my 80k service this week and put some comp 918 valve springs in to correct my valve float issue, then he did a free dyno run to show mew the diff on the dyno curve
holden are thieves from my experiences

[planetdavo]

Good to see a few people that do actually understand the reasons why some genuine things cost more getting on here lately....

[German Statesman]

Good to see a few people that do actually understand the reasons why some genuine things cost more getting on here lately....

You pays for what you get, and with genuine parts, that's a nationwide warranty backed up by 350 Holden dealers around Australia. With who else could you roll into a country town with a fitment/part problem and have it fixed on the spot for nix?

Everything should be judged on its merits - price is not always the determining factor. My grandmother who turns 100 on Tuesday, firmly believes that with the current obsession with price in modern retailing, no-one knows how to recognise quality anymore. What's more important these days is what you paid for it not what you got for your money.

[BigFella]

i used to hate takin ,my ls1 to my holden dealer for service as i knew it would cost heaps, but i did only for the remainder of the warranty. In that time i needed a few things replaced and they did that except for the rear boot garnish that was leakiing, it took me 3 trys to get a new one bit in the end i got it at no charge...

Every dealer is different, i think from my experience holden are the worst for after care and customer relations...i couldnt wait for my calais to run out of warranty so i could take it to my local mech...

Its funny how i work for honda, service depts are kinda the same, they all have different service costs and its amazing the difference in price it is to say service an accord at 4 different dealers! Every dealer is different and it pays to shop around for price and for good customer service...

Im lucky as my dealerships service dept has won best service dept in Vic for 2 years in a row...it is tops as in facilities but the customer service and pricing is second to none! Its also funny how most of the hondas i sell ranging from 18k to 81k are cheaper per service compared to most new holdens! (excluding older hondas yes they cost heaps for spare but not its not so bad) i know the service and parts costs are cheaper than they were when i had my calais serviced at holden!

i have no point to my convo at all, but just givin a point of view from inside he industry.....just remember Holden and the Dealer are very different, if u have a prob at ur service with the costs or anything like that, its not holdens fault, its the dealers.....

jimmy

[chrishsv]

One of my mates that works at ford tells me they sell washer bottle flushes on a daily basis :lmao:
At the dealership i used to work at we used to sell fuel injection flushes on vz commodores with 10,000kms on them, guess it really comes down to the person i guess before they realize they're being taken for a ride

[markone2]

Everything should be judged on its merits - price is not always the determining factor. .


Too damn right :thump: 5 Litres oil…….a filter ….a pretty generic checklist. ...the warm fuzzy glow of knowing an apprentice is servicing your car at 90.00 an hour….. and I still don't get how the $200 is charged :shock: ..but then Im only the consumer.....

[Dickie Knee]

Good to see a few people that do actually understand the reasons why some genuine things cost more getting on here lately....


It's because the dealers have to pay their parts staff the over the top wages. :lmao:

[Typhoon]

ALL CAR DEALERS ARE RIPPOFFS FOR AFTERMARKET GEAR.

My mum just bought a Honda Euro Accord and they told us about the protection pack. Outside, inside and underbody protection was $2,295, but for this month $1,850.00. My mum was convinced she needed it, but I told her NO.
We then priced the whole kit from a local place and it was $595 and they did the work for the Honda dealer.

[spanks]

ALL CAR DEALERS ARE RIPPOFFS FOR AFTERMARKET GEAR.

My mum just bought a Honda Euro Accord and they told us about the protection pack. Outside, inside and underbody protection was $2,295, but for this month $1,850.00. My mum was convinced she needed it, but I told her NO.
We then priced the whole kit from a local place and it was $595 and they did the work for the Honda dealer.

Yep that aftermarket crap is a killer...but the pollies love it cause by putting all that crap on cars sometimes tips them into the LCT bracket...woo hoo more tax and stamps....

[Y2kGoofball]

It's because the dealers have to pay their parts staff the over the top wages try telling that to our guys if you wanna hear someone seriously laugh :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:


My mum just bought a Honda Euro Accord thats one problem, Honda is mid prestige mid performance/sport and I know first hand their parts are expensive no matter who you get to work on the car ...so be prepared when the time comes.


ALL CAR DEALERS ARE RIPPOFFS FOR AFTERMARKET GEAR thats an unfair generic comment based on a decision you made for your mums car caused by an add on by the sales people. Aftermarket is different to sales, what you described is simply a sales add on ... the aftermarket guys dont see any money from the sale of that whatsoever nor does it concern us.

It appears Holden like to oversell the upsells from what I read and working with a few fresh ex-Holden techs I can sadly say I understand, which is a practice not carried out by all dealers nor brands and if the dealers doing it are caught watch out.


but the pollies love it cause by putting all that crap on cars sometimes tips them into the LCT bracket ah LCT my friend!!! I love it because some of our more popular cars are priced just under the LCT limit so things like floor mats, luggage space mats, bluetooth kits, ipod kits, towbars etc put them over the limit at sale time, so the customer doesnt get it done as part of the sale so they dont pay the tax.

They then see me about buying the varous mats, having the towbar and various kits installed :woot: Problem is unlike the salesperson they dealt with I'll acctually care and understand their future business is important, but lets not get into that one.

[planetdavo]

It's because the dealers have to pay their parts staff the over the top wages. :lmao:
Yep, that extra fat wad of green backs I got on my last pay rise means I can afford a nicer lunch these days....:yahoo: The next pay rise should get me a holiday mansion in Port Douglas!

[VE Calais v 60l]

- Then theres the models that on top of this have to have all other existing keys at the dealership during programming as the transmitter code is wiped on all existing keys and replaced with a new one. This is pure security so that if a key is lost (as most replacements are) and someone picks it up and knows where the cars parked the key becomes useless as it'll unlock the drivers door barrel and set off the alarm, but it wont start the car. But its the only way to program a new key.

Luckily Holden isnt this difficult, Ive never had to but I belive Mr Minit can now clone a key or a newbie can be programmed to the car without needing to visit a dealer?
.

I think you will find that this is now the case with VE. If you lose a key you have to take the remainig keys with you to be programmed because they won't work when the new one is setup. :hide:

[DaveHAT]

hi

just come back from Newcastle city Holden, just left my vz ss ute for it 30k service! hope there good with her! but when i asked the service man about cost for this he said about $250ish for standed service does this sound about right?

Hmm ... found this thread a little late.

Sorry to say it Lee but there's the problem highlighted for you above. :1peek: I've also had dealings with them in the past and the words "overrated and expensive" spring to mind. Not an overly customer friendly bunch either. As said, not all dealers are like this thankfully.

My advice ... if you're going to stick with dealer servicing, take your car to Kelly Holden at Cardiff I've had work (non warranty) done by them in the past and (for Holden anyway) prices were reasonable. A few of the Newcastle LS1 members have had their cars worked on by K.H.C and of all the local dealers they appear to be the best of the bunch. Just my opinion.

Although ... as Sonny has indicated, he charges $179 for the very same work and you could drive down and get the work done by him to an exacting standard, drive back and have saved yourself $$$ compared to the Holden prices. Even if you factor in fuel costs.

Well worth your time and effort IMHO. He might even convince you to "upgrade" some parts while you're there ! :nyuk:

[lee ls1]

Hmm ... found this thread a little late.

Sorry to say it Lee but there's the problem highlighted for you above. :1peek: I've also had dealings with them in the past and the words "overrated and expensive" spring to mind. Not an overly customer friendly bunch either. As said, not all dealers are like this thankfully.

My advice ... if you're going to stick with dealer servicing, take your car to Kelly Holden at Cardiff I've had work (non warranty) done by them in the past and (for Holden anyway) prices were reasonable. A few of the Newcastle LS1 members have had their cars worked on by K.H.C and of all the local dealers they appear to be the best of the bunch. Just my opinion.

Although ... as Sonny has indicated, he charges $179 for the very same work and you could drive down and get the work done by him to an exacting standard, drive back and have saved yourself $$$ compared to the Holden prices. Even if you factor in fuel costs.

Well worth your time and effort IMHO. He might even convince you to "upgrade" some parts while you're there ! :nyuk:

hi

yeah i found out the hard way after dealing with them letter regarding the service has been sent, but i have cooled down a little now, the girl friend had to sit in the other room when i got home :flamin: (then had to take her out to dinner to make it up to her), but will def take to kelly next time, i have heard really good things about them (after my service from Newcastle)

cheers

Lee

[nang3]

haha yeh i love some of the dealers prices etc..

my old man had a merc 4wd which was always going to be $$$ to have anything done to it.. services were around $700-1000 each time, although they were only about once every 18 months... and a little crappy nudgebar was quoted at about $2200 including spotties.. we took it to a place up the road and they admitted to being the place MB had their cars done and it came to about $600-700 for the exact same install.. a nice $1500 markup for MB haha!!

as for the window tint fabric/paint/rust protection stuff, what a load of bollocks!!! il stick with my claybars and Zaino

[ssgirl2]

haha yeh i love some of the dealers prices etc..


You should see Porsche and Ferrari servicing costs. My entire family could eat for two years on the same money!

SS :)

[VooDoo]

ALL CAR DEALERS ARE RIPPOFFS FOR AFTERMARKET GEAR.

My mum just bought a Honda Euro Accord and they told us about the protection pack. Outside, inside and underbody protection was $2,295, but for this month $1,850.00. My mum was convinced she needed it, but I told her NO.
We then priced the whole kit from a local place and it was $595 and they did the work for the Honda dealer.


and a professional detail would do the same for $300 and do a better job :stick:

[RARASV8]

back in 02, i had car serviced for 80k, rang to say brakes were very low and should replace pads atleast. asked price-$640:00 fitted.(shit in pants) i asked how much are the pads, reply $180:00 front & $120:00 rear plus labour. i said NO, i'll wait till next service thanks.. i bought new pads thru a friend spare parts manager of another dealership $120:00 front/rear
got another friend who services m/benz to fit $25:00.
as we took original pads out, measured against old set and a WHOPPING 2 MM DIFFERENCE.......
plus said fitter asked why i got original when he could have supplyed same for $50:00 a set, just not in HOLDEN BOX but manufactured by the same company...
always check out prices b4 being ripped off:flamin:

Garry

[Dickie Knee]

.......... plus said fitter asked why i got original when he could have supplyed same for $50:00 a set, just not in HOLDEN BOX but manufactured by the same company...




While you maybe able to buy a $50 set of brake pads that are manufactured by the same company that Holden use. The compound used in the holden pad is not the same as the one supplied direct by that manufacturer. The manufacturer is licensed to make it for Holden only. The manufacturer is allowed to make their own brand of pad but they do not use the same compound.

So not all parts are equal.

[Da Burb]

I'll never take my Burb to another Holden dealer agian.
Quoted $1000.00 for a fuel pump and $500.00 to install.
Did it myself for around $300!

[kompiler]

Remember that it is almost "automatic" to take your car back to where you bought it for servicing etc. Dealer servicing survives on the ignorance of the masses.

So all servicing doesn't have to be done at the purchasing dealership for new warranty to remain intact? What about the *extended* warranty that kicks in after new car warranty? You only get that if you've had all servicing done at that same dealership right?

Maybe I'll stop driving all the way to Sydney from the central coast each 6 months to get a service then.

Komp

[EddieVE06]

So all servicing doesn't have to be done at the purchasing dealership for new warranty to remain intact? What about the *extended* warranty that kicks in after new car warranty? You only get that if you've had all servicing done at that same dealership right?

Komp

I have rarely taken my car back to the original purchasing dealer and have never had problems with warranty work. I always take it back for the first free service and then look for a dealer close to home or that can offer me a car service for the day.
The extended warranty part i'm not sure about

[ssgirl2]

So all servicing doesn't have to be done at the purchasing dealership for new warranty to remain intact? What about the *extended* warranty that kicks in after new car warranty? You only get that if you've had all servicing done at that same dealership right?

Maybe I'll stop driving all the way to Sydney from the central coast each 6 months to get a service then.

Komp

New Car Warranty - Don't have to go to the selling dealer or even Holden, but they must be authorised repairers.

Used Car Warranty/Extended Warranty/Harrier Warranty... - You MUST go back to the dealer every 6 months if you want to keep the warranty. If you go elsewhere, they can void your warranty, as it is their warranty...not Holden's. If you modify your vehicle and they PROOVE the mods caused part a to fail, you will not be covered either.

SS :)

[Commakrazy]

The last time my girl took her car into holden...oh dear...

asked for the basic oil and filter...mmmmm

she got a call an hr later, your brakes need doing and you need the wiper blades changed...

she ok'd it without even thinking, final bill $645.00.... saw that one coming ouch

[xploit]

They get away with it because they can say its genuine GM,

anyone knows that as soon as its genuine you pay 200% more than normal.

[Da Burb]

New windscreen for my Burb.
Holden dealer-$1000.00
O'Briens - $246.00 installed in my front yard! (no running around)
Do the mechanics at GMH install the screens? Of course not.
They call O'Briens or Pilkington's and have them come and do it (probably for less than the $246.00) and just whack an enormous mark-up on it!
If I owned a Monaro, I'd be looking to buy my spares from the US! (Where applicable of course..RHD/LHD issues). It would most likely still be cheaper to have parts shipped here than to buy them here!

[lukey73]

$49 to get Wheels balanced

$98 to get the Handbrake adjusted

$49 to get a battery changed

Got to love zupps :cussing:

Not going back there unless i really have to!



thats an unfair generic comment based on a decision you made for your mums car caused by an add on by the sales people. Aftermarket is different to sales, what you described is simply a sales add on ... the aftermarket guys dont see any money from the sale of that whatsoever nor does it concern us.




Dont know what dealersship you work at but i know for a fact that the aftermarket consultants get a commission from there sales, same as you would for selling a car.

I have been through the training for one of the major suppliers and know how the consulants are trained and the prices they charge v profit made. The people in my class told me about there commission program at there dealership.