Description of service
I took my car in for its annual inspection and emissions check, and to also have them check out my rear brake lights, which only seemed to work intermittently. It was NOT the bulbs, so it had to be something else. My Toyota facility provides free inspections if the car was purchased there, so I was not expecting a large bill. Well, it turns out there was an electrical short that was affecting the brake light, plus I also needed new tires (they wouldn't pass it without new tires). If you get new tires, you also need the tires balanced and an alignment, so I had to go with "the works." By the time I walked out of there, I was $961 poorer! (That included my "free" annual inspection, taxes, mandatory state fees, etc.) Apparently there was some sort of "special" going on, so this price reflects a 15% discount that was applied to my even greater balance.
Review of Service
Although the price of the service was pretty outrageous, I have to say that this particular repair facility is extremely polite and doesn't talk down to you when explaining what needs to be done. There are no "high pressure" tactics and they tell you how long it is going to take. Overall, the "honesty" factor is high. They have a well-appointed waiting room with a nice coffee center, plus several free Internet-ready computers. It's a pleasure to hang out there while you're spending all that money!
Tips
I guess if I had known that I was going to need new tires, I would have shopped around before saying "yes" to their offer of outfitting the car with their recommended brand. I am sure I would have been able to get the tires cheaper elsewhere. In fact, a few tire dealers had "buy one, get one" deals going on, rebates, etc. I didn't notice that until the next week, but of course, you can't take "used" tires back!
I also wish I hadn't agreed to the new tires and alignment on the spot. I believe I have 10 days from the date of a failed inspection to recticy the problem and be reinspected. I could have gotten less expensive tires in that interim period.
Hope this helps.
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