You have to read the fine print. The coupon states 5 quarts of oil are included in the oil change. The oil filter charge on the other hand should have been disclosed before service. The oil filter on your make is not just an "ordinary" toyota filter. It is a canister style filter (not a typical "spin on" filter) wich requires special tools and extra time to service. They also come at a higher cost to the service center, so unfortunately it does get shifted to the consumer.
Unfortunately it happens. Its not a matter of ignorance, but a lack of training. Saturns have to types of external filters, one for the oil (wich is "hidden" above the passenger side a arm) and one for the transmission (wich is extremely visable and easily accesable) This is a complete lack of training. To imply that VIOC would intentionally damage your vehicle is extrordinarily arrogant. As for the service advisor, his attitude sucked. But to refer to bringing general maintinance to your attention as a bait and switch sales pitch is quite rude. Thats his job, thats what he gets paid to do. He isnt trying to pull a fast one on you, hes just giving you general information. Its your call, not his. Most of the services that he recommended probably were not unnecessary, you just didnt want them. Some guys just dont know how to handle the word no.
Im not saying that ATI is crooked, but after reading all of these comments Im leaning to the side that they may be. I recently graduated from campus 50 in Dallas and I have not had any luck as of yet. Im still looking for my exciting career in the medical field, phlebotomy and MA certifications in tow, but no job offers or interviews for that matter. Its a shame that any business can operate in such shady fashion and get away with it.
I think that i was given good general information from my instructors, however 11months to absorb all that information and retain it I thought was a little rushed. The instructors were a bit catty, but who in the working force is'nt? Im not a big fan of where I work, but it pays the bills. I tried to befriend most of instructors and pick their brains a bit more so I could try to understand their side of the business, what I found were very passionate teachers yet very discruntal employees. They were massively understaffed or the classes were too big for the one instructor and they pretty much lived on that property.
In my time there I noticed that it wasnt really the professional institute I had hoped for. The students or "clintel" did not hold themselves in a professional manner, and rarely was anybody ever held accountable. Dress code violations, tardiness, outbursts in the classes, foul language in the halls, this was high school not a professional institute.
If you plan to attend any "professional" institute or for profit school, do a few things first. Research the facility, most of them will have a govrning body appointed by the state. Verify their graduate to employment numbers, most will fudge nunbers for government money though. Speak with the students, get their feedback. Make sure that this is the facility for you. Use common sense, if it sounds to good to be true; it probably is. Dont let the admissions rep pressure you into signing anything. And finally, before you sign it, read it twice ask questions and read it again, make that rep really earn his paycheck!
Heres the deal folks, the automotive indutry is just as crooked as the health care industry. The nature of the business is genuine, its the people running the business that is the problem. At some point the owners forget what its like to be an average consumer, not the $150, 00 millionare consumer. Even as employee I dont pay our costs for an oil change. I go to the part store and get everything I need and do it on my break at work. I wont take my car to the dealership because of their costs.
The nature of this business is to ensure the reliability and dependability of your vehicle. Yes we are going to make suggestions for additional services and we will probably make money off of it (if we do it) Yes we will be presistant in acquring these services, as we will ask you many times over the course of your visits. Yes some of our paychecks depend on how many extra services we can sale, and yes some people will lie to get what they want. But you have to understand that this is our job, its nothing personal. I dont take it personal when bill collectors call me at dinner, thyre just doing their job; thats all. We all have the right to say no, especially as a consumer.
Not everyone in this business is out to get you. Some of us are actually trying to take care of our customers. I try to make sure that people know that have the option and feel free to take advantage of our services at their convienence. Its no sweat off my back if you dont rotate your tires or get that airfilter, its not my car, its yours. You do what best for you.
In society, if we feel attacked we take the defensive real quick. In business we do the same thing. As a consumer you have many choices, where to eat, where to get your oil changed, where your kids go to school... just remember if someone wants to talk to you about the state of your car, its not personal and you have the right to decline anything you dont want to do.
