Took wife's v70 in for 22,500 service today. Met with service writer. Told him I wanted done what needed to be done to maintain warranty. He totals up $185 of service for oil & filter change, plus various inspections. Unknown to him, I'd read the manual and questioned him. He looked very hurt, and said "we recommend these inspections". I then told him that I'd read the manual and didn't see anything other than fluid inspections and brake pad inspections which since I was having tires rotated, would take about 5 more minutes.

He then looks into the computer and tells me that I blew it at 15K since I'd only had an oil change. I replied, "that's strange since the salesman of this lightly used car told me the 15K service was done at 13,800 with the touted Volvo Certified Warranty". Oh, he replied, I guess you're right, as he checked what had been done at 13800 miles. (I had it done again shortly after 15000 because the car had been sitting on the lot and who knew how much condensation had occured in the crankcase).

I felt like Errol Flynn duelling with Basil Rathbone in Robin Hood or something -- you know -- the swordfight scene in the castle. Simply being armed for the duel by reading the manual saved me $100.00. I know how to check brake, coolant and windshield washer fluid levels all by myself.

Why do all dealers seem to do this, and more so when new cars aren't selling all that well????

 

I think your last sentence says it all. Lower new car sales result in lower profits, so the service manager is pushed hard to bring in more profit.

 

They should be PUSHED to satisfy customers so they can recommend people to do MORE business with them instead of driving them away.