Bayside Chevrolet

What a dealer is legally entitled to do is sometimes very different from what a dealer should do. The dealer may have the "right" to make charges for services rendered, but "right" is not always the best st different from what a dealer should do. The dealer may have the "right" to make charges for services rendered, but "right" is not always the best strategy for dealing with a client and maintaining a happy buyer.<br><br>In the past, I have been a loyal Chevy user. I was even going to trade up my S10 for a larger Chevy truck this summer. However, due to a recent incident at Bayside Motors in Prince Frederick, Maryland, I am no longer going to purchase GM vehicles, in spite of the fact that I had purchased my last two GM vehicles from this dealer.<br><br>On 4/19/04, while driving to the Calverton School (a private, college preparatory school here in Southern Maryland) where I work, my "Service Engine Soon" light went on. After the school day, the light still on, I went to Bayside Chevrolet to arrange for service.<br><br>To their credit, the service technician told me that they could work on my car that afternoon, if I'd be willing to wait. This, I did so gladly.<br><br>Shortly thereafter I was informed that I only had a loose gas tank cap; there was no other problem. I was again glad, but that happiness was soon thwarted when I was then handed a bill for $85.50. This bill included $75.00 for labor for tightening the gas cap and an additional $3.00 for "hazardous waste," and an additional $7.50 for "shop supplies."<br><br>That Bayside Chevrolet has the legal right to charge for these services I cannot deny. However, I wonder about the wisdom of having a dissatisfied customer tell all his colleagues at work--as well as all the parents of the students at his school whom he can reach--and tell them that Bayside Chevrolet charged $85.50 for the tightening of a gas tank cap. <br><br>Too often, the conception of many people is that authorized dealers simply "rip you off" whenever they can. Perhaps this perception is grounded in truth.<br><br>Yes, what a dealer is legally entitled to do is sometimes very different from what a dealer should do. Positive word-of-mouth, and maintining a happy customer, and being a "friendly dealership" can be worth far more than to a company than what I was charged. Regretably, Bayside Chevrolet chose the $85.50 More

I have a 2001 Impala base model that really didn't need service, but had an annoying problem of the check engine light being on. So I took it in to the dealer (after repeated clearing of a 01414 code). May service, but had an annoying problem of the check engine light being on. So I took it in to the dealer (after repeated clearing of a 01414 code). Maybe because I am 16, but I never heard of charging for a check engine light! That was $85 bucks. After that they determined that it needed to be reprogrammed $35 + $150 for labor :<. On top of all that I had a low coolant light which I know I just filled it a month ago. Pressure treatment $35. So they found the problem a bad cap!, $14. A GRAND TOTAL OF ......... $200. They cut me a break after speaking to my dad and reasoning, but for a little job that took little effort they sure drained the wallet. I suggest unless it is serious do it yourself and make sure you can bargain or they will take of advantage of you! The nicest person you will meet is the woman at the register, who will take your money with a smile and a thankyou. More