Wheel alignment ripoff

[tkkam]

I purchased my 2014 Genesis base almost a year ago. As part of the negotiation, I received free oil changes and tire rotations from the dealer. I just took the car in today for oil and rotation. They informed me that I needed a wheel alignment, as 3 of the 4 wheels were out of alignment. They pulled the same thing on me in September, and I went along with it (for $140). I find it odd that the car would need another alignment 5 months later (almost all my driving is highway, and there is no pull or anything that would indicate an alignment issue). I reminded the dealer that this was just done, and they backed off of it right away. Told me that they would keep an eye on this and sent me on my way.

It appears that I caught them trying to rip me off for unnecessary work. Has anyone else had this experience? Very disappointing.

 

[kn5owa]

Actually, in my experience cars rarely need alignments - esp. front wheel drive cars. Unless, less they've been bashed, of course.

Probably, a little nitrogen in the tires would fix it.

 

[homeofstone]

I purchased my 2014 Genesis base almost a year ago. As part of the negotiation, I received free oil changes and tire rotations from the dealer. I just took the car in today for oil and rotation. They informed me that I needed a wheel alignment, as 3 of the 4 wheels were out of alignment. They pulled the same thing on me in September, and I went along with it (for $140). I find it odd that the car would need another alignment 5 months later (almost all my driving is highway, and there is no pull or anything that would indicate an alignment issue). I reminded the dealer that this was just done, and they backed off of it right away. Told me that they would keep an eye on this and sent me on my way.

It appears that I caught them trying to rip me off for unnecessary work. Has anyone else had this experience? Very disappointing.

Yes I have. And also I know first hand that they are told to sell alignments. Years ago when I worked with Goodyear Tire and Rubber, our store managers were told to sell alignments and shocks to every customer. Its best to know how to identify tire wear and how a tire is tread suppose to feel when you rub your hand across it; with that knowledge you know when you need an alignment even if the car does not pull to one side.

 

[Mark_888]

It appears that I caught them trying to rip me off for unnecessary work. Has anyone else had this experience? Very disappointing.

I have never experienced, nor ever heard of, a car dealership (new or used) ever lying to a customer. I find that shocking.

 

[Mark_888]

I received free oil changes and tire rotations from the dealer.

I bought my last set of tires at Costco, and they do free wheel rotations (with nitrogen refill) every 7500 miles (if I remain a member).

Costco does not do alignments, although when I asked about one, they referred me to a suspension shop that did a great job on an alignment for me right after I had Costco put on new tires (which the best time to do one). The suspension shop set the alignment to specs, and then proceeded to test drive the car 3 times, and made minor adjustments each time until the car drove straight.

 

[AgentSmith007]

I bought my last set of tires at Costco, and they do free wheel alignments (with nitrogen refill) every 7500 miles (if I remain a member).

Mark, did you mean "rotations"?

 

[Mark_888]

Mark, did you mean "rotations"?

Oops. Yes, I meant rotations. Costco does not do alignments. I fixed my post above.

 

[amartz]

I have never experienced, nor ever heard of, a car dealership (new or used) ever lying to a customer. I find that shocking.

 

[The Ruckus]

It's been a couple years since I purchased it, but for right around that same $140, you can get lifetime alignment from Firestone auto centers. I've purchased them for two of my cars-- most notably my 4runner that benefits from alignment every few months due to lift kit and offroad shenanigans. I could take it in every week if I wanted, they'd do it. I've used it in several cities, too. Seems like a no-brainer, paying even money for a lifetime service, vs a single occurrence.

 

[landtuna]

I have never experienced, nor ever heard of, a car dealership (new or used) ever lying to a customer. I find that shocking.

THANKS! I just splashed my whole monitor with a fresh cup of coffee....

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