I was wondering if anyone has had the same experience with Mitsubishi
service?
According to the severe maintenance schedule for the 15K mile service for my
2007 Outlander the following should be performed:
(1) Rotate tires
(2) Replace air cleaner filter
(3) Change engine oil and filter
(4) Replace air purifier filter (if equipped).
(5) And CHECK the following: auto transaxle fluid, disc break pads and
rotors for wear, break hoses for wear or leaks, drive shaft boots,
inspection system for looseness.
My 2007 Outlander just clocked 15 K miles and just for the heck of it I
called two Mitsubishi dealers in my area for a price on service. I quickly
noticed that they like to push these so-called service packages (7,500 mile
service, 15,000 mile service, etc). So I called a dealer and the service
tech went on and on telling me all the things it included (new windshield
wipers, new spark plugs, etc.). After his sales pitch I explained to him
that my car doesn't require new plugs until 60K miles and I proceeded to go
through the necessary items per my maintenance manual. He then backtracked
and stated the maintenance package wasn't specific to my car and if the
maintenance doesn't require it then they won't perform those items. So
essentially what we have is a glorified oil and air filter change for $300
dollars. He quickly changed the subject by mentioning that they have a
shuttle service and will drive me home or to work within 10 miles while
service is performed on my car. I thought that maybe this dealer was one
of a kind so I called another and got a similiar pitch with a price tag of
$289.00. What bothers me more than the cost for the service is the
deceptive way the Mitsubishi dealers sell the service.
I remember a time when you brought your car to the dealer and on the receipt
they would tell what services were performed. (e.g. Added break fluid,
Added half gallon windshield washer fluid). This was great because you had
a record of exactly what was done and could monitor your car AND when you
later plunked down your hard-earned cash you knew that they did something
and not just CHECKED the fluids.
My 2 cents.
Nirodac - 17 May 2008 17:53 GMT
> I was wondering if anyone has had the same experience with Mitsubishi
> service?
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
> My 2 cents.
As an exercise, I took my Mitsu in for the 25K checkup. But before doing
that I marked my spark plugs with my intials. I asked the Service
Manager for all parts that were replaced, to be returned to me.
When I went to pick up the car, no parts, (as he had noted on the service
order when I brought the car in). He went out to the service area and
returned with 4 spark plugs, except they did not have my markings on them
(and were a different brand). When I pointed this out to him, he looked
at me as if he wished me dead, then went out to the shop again and
returned with the correct plugs, placed them abruptly on the counter,
with no comment, turned and went to service the next customer.
The plugs were in fine shape and did not need replacement.
New cars monitor just about everything in the vehicle and will generally
tell you when service is required. The computer will even tell you when
the oil is dirty (depending on vehicle), and needs replacement.
If you follow the manual that came with your vehicle, you won't have a
problem with service. Problem is most people don't read the manual, or
even follow it. Hence the dealers step in and try to up sell service.
My neighbour, a Nissan service Tech, has said to me that they can tell if
the vehicle has been neglected and that, above anything, will affect the
warranty.
I follow the severe usage schedule for maintenace, even though the car
averages about 7000 Km per year. I also put a sticker on the windshield
to remind me of the next service event.
Just MY 2 cents worth
Henk - 17 May 2008 18:20 GMT
>I was wondering if anyone has had the same experience with Mitsubishi
> service?
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
>
> My 2 cents.
Severe?
My Mitsu Pajero must have new oil (6,5-7,8L) every 7,5k.
The dealers here in The Netherlands just look at the mileage and take out a
kit with the parts according to the maintenance-manual.
I once renewed my airfilter after driving off-road for a week.
Three days later it went to the shop for maintenance.
They actually took out my three days old filter and replaced it!
So they don't look at the state of the parts but just replace it becouse it
says so in the book.
I can go on and on for a year about my experiance with Mitsu dealers AND
Mitsubishi Europe (Importer over here).
They still try to keep factory (and dangerous) faults under wraps.
Made me decide not ever to buy a Mitsubishi again.
speedy - 22 May 2008 03:09 GMT
ANY of the practices mentioned in this thread are typical of ANY dealer
and not just Mitsu. As you know they are trying to get as much of your
money as they can, and you are trying to keep as much as you can.
-SP
> I was wondering if anyone has had the same experience with Mitsubishi
> service?
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
>
> My 2 cents.
Mack - 25 May 2008 02:11 GMT
Yeah, it's that mentality that has earned the dealers their reputation.
Most customers are willing to pay a premium for upfront and honest service
but they won't pay a dime to someone who's goal is to "get as much of your
money as they can." It's about customer service. Period.
-Mack
> ANY of the practices mentioned in this thread are typical of ANY dealer
> and not just Mitsu. As you know they are trying to get as much of your
[quoted text clipped - 42 lines]
> >
> > My 2 cents.
Bob Miller - 20 Jun 2008 01:08 GMT
I can't fault the Mitsubishi service department of our local dealer (and
having said I'd never buy a Jap car, I'd really like to!). When I phoned
for a service on our 'grey import' Chariot (Space Wagon) they asked the age
and mileage and suggested a more bespoke (and cheaper!) schedule might be
more appropriate. On another occasion when I suspected the ECU was playing
up they confirmed it, referred me to someone who could test/repair it,
showed me how to get it out, and didn't charge me a penny. When I queried
why they were so nice their response was that if they treat me reasonably
I'll probably buy another Mitsubishi, and possibly even a new one - and
they're probably right!
Isn't is a bugger when you can't complain!
Bob
Mitsubishi Chariot MX
> Yeah, it's that mentality that has earned the dealers their reputation.
> Most customers are willing to pay a premium for upfront and honest service
[quoted text clipped - 64 lines]
>> >
>> > My 2 cents.