I dropped my Honda Element off at the local Honda Dealer to have the 25K Servicing done. They charged me $360. There were no unusual issues or maintenance according to them - it was all "what they do no matter what."
Apart from charging me for the tire rotation, which I agree is proper, they charged me another $80 in labor for "computerized four wheel alignments." First, the car didn't need this and second why would this take 1.5 hours. When I looked at their original work order they had this in there "no matter what." The car's alignment was absolutely fine. They merely checked it.
They also charged me a total of $104.26 for "VPS fuel rail injector cleaner." According to them this cleans out my injector system and removes deposits to restore economy and performance. This was done even though the car runs great and my mileage is the same as the day I picked the car up.
Lastly, they charged me almost $13 for oil and fuel additives. Since, I just changed the oil, by them, with synthetic, I see this as padding, unfriendly to the environment, and basically a way of forcing me to buy Valvoline products at a healthy markup.
I've researched the Honda literature, including the manuals provided, and none of the above is called for when doing "scheduled maintenance." When I asked if something was "wrong" with my alignment they said "no" but they check it anyway.
If this was your wife's car would you tell her "they ripped us off honey?"
Apart from charging me for the tire rotation, which I agree is proper, they charged me another $80 in labor for "computerized four wheel alignments." First, the car didn't need this and second why would this take 1.5 hours. When I looked at their original work order they had this in there "no matter what." The car's alignment was absolutely fine. They merely checked it.
They also charged me a total of $104.26 for "VPS fuel rail injector cleaner." According to them this cleans out my injector system and removes deposits to restore economy and performance. This was done even though the car runs great and my mileage is the same as the day I picked the car up.
Lastly, they charged me almost $13 for oil and fuel additives. Since, I just changed the oil, by them, with synthetic, I see this as padding, unfriendly to the environment, and basically a way of forcing me to buy Valvoline products at a healthy markup.
I've researched the Honda literature, including the manuals provided, and none of the above is called for when doing "scheduled maintenance." When I asked if something was "wrong" with my alignment they said "no" but they check it anyway.
If this was your wife's car would you tell her "they ripped us off honey?"