Reason for Visit: Service
I recommend this dealer: No
My Review of Ourisman Fairfax Toyota:
The check engine light on my Toyota Sienna came on. I took the van to a Sunoco gas station near my house. They checked the computer and diagnosed that the oxygen sensors were defective. I asked them to fix it. I left the van there overnight. They replaced the front sensors and told me that they could not get the other sensor out. They did not have the proper tools to do the job.
I took the van to Fairfax Toyota and explained what happened (third day). The first thing I heard "big Money". I asked how big. The sales man said “big big big .” On top of all, they had to do their own diagnosis which was another $115.00, otherwise they would not accept the job. The salesman told me that it may not be the oxygen sensor, and could be other things..., and kept repeating "big money". I asked them to do the diagnostic testing and give me a repair estimate before fixing it. I left the van there overnight. The next day (4th day) I received a call from Fairfax Toyota. I was told that the exhaust manifold was cracked, the oxygen sensor was damaged, and there may be other problems as well. I asked how much was the damage? I was told: “a minimum of $1,800.00 for replacing the one manifold, installing a new oxygen sensor and resetting the computer”.
I called the Sunoco gas station and asked them if the manifold was cracked. I was told: “no way a cracked manifold makes a loud noise and your van did not make any noise”. The gas station mechanic told me that the dealer’s mechanic did not know what he was talking about.’ I asked the mechanic how much did it cost to replace the manifold. I was told by the mechanic around $100 to $200 for the manifold and $20 to $50 for washers, other parts and $200 for replacement, $500 max (without the oxygen sensor, which is an additional $210).
Since I did not trust the gas station and Fairfax Toyota, I started calling around. All other dealerships in the northen Virginia gave me a quote for doing the same job between $700 and $900. Two dealerships service representatives in Alexandria and Arlington told me that they could salvage the manifold and it may cost less to fix the van.
Then, I called Fairfax Toyota and talked to the dealership service manager and asked him why it costed so much to replace a manifold. I asked for a break down of cost. He said the parts are around $300 to $500 and the repair costs $1,200 to $1,500. He said that it was a very tough job.
At any rate, I took my van in the same evening from Fairfax Toyota, paid the $115 for diagnosis, and took it to Alexandria Toyota (25 miles away from my house) because it was close to my work (4th day). Mr. Elliot Abascal, (703) 778-3808, one of the service representatives at Alexandria Toyota took care of the problem. The next day (5th day) Mr. Abascal called me and stated that they salvaged the manifold. I only paid around $530.00 for the job. I picked up the van and the engine light is gone. I concluded that Mr. Abascal was a very honest man and I strongly recommend his services.
I would like to urge all Toyota owners to check the rates at other dealerships before doing business with Ourisman Fairfax Toyota.
I was planning to buy a new car from Ourisman Fairfax Toyota. In fact I had discussed it with one of their sales representatives and had tentatively come to an agreement. But now I have decided not to do any business with Ourisman Toyota, even though they are only 1.5 miles from my house. Also, I called the service manager (Joe .. ) and asked for reimbursement for their incorrect diagnosis of the problem, the manifold was not cracked. They are so dishonest that they did not write that the manifold was cracked, they only referred to the fused oxygen sensor and their repair cost estimate which was even $50 higher than their initial estimate of $1,800. They wanted $1,850.00 for a $550 job. It took my 5 days and three repair shops to fix a small problem.
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