This a little bit off the subject, but what can I expect to pay the dealership to replace an inner axle seal? This would be for my 93 Land Cruiser.

 

i dont trust anyone to work on my truck as i work in the automotive repair industry... there are a lot of people out there who have ASE certifications that are book competant, but total morons out in the shop...... im a tire tech, and i had to help an ASE certified brake technician do a set of typical drum brakes! i had never befroe worked on a set of drum brakes, however knew more than him! thats bad!!!!!

 

Finding a good local mechanic is always better than going to the dealer, unless you're still under warranty and can get it done for free.

 

Service (whenever I take my truck there), is so-so at certain places, other places just good lord watch out.

It's the sales that bothers me, sometimes you throw an offer down and then the dealership refuses, okay no biggie, but don't make a freakin case out of it, let me go and don't insult me by asking stupid questions like "what's your goal today?", or walk out of the booth in a furry giving me dirty looks and not even say "goodbye"...˟˟˟˟ers!!!

 

Somethings I lke the dealership to handle but spending 8 seasons at the dragstrip I got to know alot of good mechanics and I know where they work so I have alot of reputable choices.
Brakes plus did my rear axle seals and it cost me over $200 less than the dealership would've charged so it's good to search around and get opinions on local businesses.

 

Sunrise Toyota in Oakdale LI NY has always been good to me in 15+ years. Any problems I've had we resolved quickly. Even when they had to replace me engine.

 

I dont trust dealer mechanics. Luckily for me, my father has worked as an auto mechanic for the past 30 years, so if I have any questions I can always ask him.
When I bought my '99 F-150 4 years ago, I went to change the oil and found a oily rag sitting by the filter (about 1" away from the engine).
Ford has enough problems with vehicles catching on fire, they dont need another one caused by dealer mechanic complacency.
If I can do the job myself, I will. I dont really enjoy working on vehicles (Id rathar be driving than wrenching) but at least that way I know the job was done RIGHT!
Cap'n

 

For San Diego peeps, I would highly recommend SDTrux. 1 year or 12,000 mile warranty on parts and labor.

 

And in North County Eddie's Automotive in Escondido....

 

it's not the service departments that bother me, it's the sales/financing departments that suck. maybe i'm biased, however, since i'm a tech at a Mazda dealership.

-Mike

 

I do all of the work on my 4Runner myself, but from my experiences with the dealership here in town (Underdahl Toyota of Winona, MN), I have no complaints. Parts counter has excellent service!

 

I've recently broke down and had Burt Toyota here in Denver do some work for me and they are one of the few dealerships I'd trust and they didn't seem all about trying to squeeze every dollar they could from me.