I’m a bit concerned about “dirty pool” at my local car dealership where I bought my car 5 years ago.
Last August I contacted GM Financial about my payoff figure (which I just paid off in full in November) after I contacted GM Financial the very next day and weeks (texts and email) I got bombarded by this dealership about buying a new car.
Since I bought the car at this dealership I get free inspections for life, my state (Pa.) requires an annual inspection.
I have been getting the car inspected there since then and have had no problems, I have an appointment in mid January, my worry now though is that they’ll find ’ issues’ with my car to try to get me to buy a new one since they must know that it’s paid off.
In my opinion, if you get bad news in Jan and they want $$$ to fix it, or buy a new one, then get detailed info on the problem.
Then take it to a reputable shop and have them check over the car. [but you probably shoud not tell them what your dealer “found” If it’s legit, they will find the same problem]
You could just pay to have the vehicle inspected at a state-approved site. Here, I take mine to a place which does not do repairs. I would expect that your cost might be $25 to $50 for an inspection.
Car dealerships make more money servicing cars than they do selling cars. If I bought every service and maintenance their “specialists” recommended that I buy, I’d spend twice as much as I currently spend.
If it were me, I’d get the state-required inspection from a another provider, get the sticker, and then take it to the dealership for your “free” inspection.
I had a Honda Passport that would stall. The speedometer was intermittent at the same time. The dealer service writer said I had to have the dashboard replaced (as the speedometer was intregal). I disagreed. While not a car mechanic, I knew the problem had to be the sensor in the transmission because of how the vehicle was performing (I understand computer closed loop systems). I finally had to take the unrepaired vehicle back, replaced the speed sensor and the problem was solved.
Not all mechanics or service writers are experts and I began doing my own repairs.
I don’t know if that service writer was just hoping to increase sales or was totally clueless even after I explained why his diagnosis was totally wrong.
I do not take my vehicles for safety inspections at any repair shop.