Nov 29, 2016 05:27 PM
7409 Views
At the outset let me say that this kind of issue is epidemic across all the showrooms and since I had an experience from this showroom I am writing this.
I bought a Honda Dio last month from Vijaya Honda. The purchase experience was very smooth and since it was Diwali time, I guess I had a good deal also .
I got the service manual during purchase which clearly stated I have 4 FREE services spanning for the next one year. The first service to be done within 30 days of purchase and it had a cap of 750-1000 kms.
Since it was only 30 days, and since I dont use the vehicle much, I had spent only 250 odd kms while giving the vehicle for service.
To my shock, the service person told there is an estimated Rs.350 for this service. I asked what is the reason. He said " we need to apply oil". I asked him what oil - what is going to change within 250 kms and what is the need to change oil.
He said, I was handed over the vehicle without any oil and hence we need to apply this for sure.
When I took the vehicle back, he had charged around 250 for the oil for the new vehicle and he had also charged Rs.75 towards "Consumables" - when I asked what is a consumable, he said " we have applied grease all over".
My question to him was what is the need for a change in the vehicle which is not even one month and that too at an exorbitant rate of Rs.350. He said, they charge this for all customers and I am no different.
Long and short is this. such showrooms make more money in "service" than in sales. All the free services are humbug. they charge you anyway.
But what I dont understand is what is the need for making Rs.350 onto a vehicle which was just taken from your showroom. and if within one month if you are able to keep hands on the vehicle for Rs.350, how much would be your vehicle cost after 4 services?
I could not argue with them since they would not release my vehicle for me. So I gave the money.
But Lessons Learnt:
Always ask "what is the break up of the cost.
Give strict instructions - nothing should be added without your permssion.
Know your vehicle before you hand over so that they cannot manipulate with lack of your knowledge.
