Hi all,
I just brough my car in to the dealership for a check engine light. I was quoted $300.00 for diagnostic fees if the cause was not under warranty (extended). It turns out that the cause was not under warranty and they wanted to charge me for the repair as well as $150 for the diagnostic.

At that point, I couldn't take the car out and have the repair done much cheaper someplace else becuase I was in for $150 no matter what.

Is this really how warranties are supposed to work? You are essentially forced to go to the dealer and have the repair there. It doesn't seem right to me.

How do you know if something is covered under warranty unless you bring it in and have them look at it? Seems very unfair to me.

Anyone have similar stories?

did they not share this tidbit with you in advance?

That there was a fee yes, but not that it would be charged if I had the repair done there. The larger issue is that you get locked in to the dealership if you want to use the warranty. That or go some place for a free estimate and then bring it in once you know its covered by the warranty. Seems strange.

and say at a minimum you were mis-led. and possibly

go right to the top and if he/she refuses to help-find out who owns the dealership and move up the food chain
threatening to badyelp might also help

i suspect if you rant hard enough they will do something for you

do not bother with MBUSA as they don't give a shid about anybody

That's the way extended warranties work for all vehicles (that I know of), especially considering the problem was not under warranty. That was nice they lowered the diagnostic fee.
So your suggestion is that the dealership should diagnose your vehicle problems for free? It's not an autozone.

Unfortunately the diagnostics do cost the dealership, somebody has to pay the employees for the time, etc.. Somewhere along the line the money spent needs to be recouped.

The only way the dealer can get rebated is under warranty. Otherwise it's their money. It's a thin line and some dealers will give goodwill, it's all really based on your relationship with the dealership and the SA and SM. My dealer is very upfront about the process and their overhead and costs, and is willing to work with me. I've had a good relationship with them.

If you have a choice then maybe shop around at other dealer franchises and pick a different one.

Even a indie charges a minimum diag fee... why do people think anyone should look at a car for free. If someone waste 1-2hr looking at your car why souldnt they get paid. Most times if a shop diags a car they include it in the repair but that policy is there to protect the dealer/ indie from cheap asses that go and get diag and than leave and go some where eles..... try to thinks of it in your profession doc, lawyer, construction ect.. do you work for free then why should techs

A warranty is a contract and the terms are in writing. Things are only a surprise to those that don't do their reading homework.

There's very little similarity between the original factory warranty and any warranty available at mileages/times past that.

well said