A minor rant

[Dragonrider]

If you want service in my area, and not drive 100+ miles, my dealer has a captive audience. I chose to have them do my first service on my 2014 RT, and the minimum labor bill was $385 - if I had used their oil and parts, it would have added another $185. Laser alignment added another $300 to the bill. While it was my choice to have them do the work, they will only see warranty work, if any, in the future. This is not the way to generate a loyal following.

 

[ARtraveler]

About all I can say is ouch, ouch, and double ouch. :yikes:

Dealer is high on everything. I usually pay $300 for an oil change service, it includes other things and the oil, filter, and parts are part of the total bill.

When oil change kits were not available for the 2014, I bought two from Pitbull. They were about $85 each. My dealer used my kit and only charged labor on that oil change. I have one kit to go when I bring mine in for pre-season service in a bit.

Laser alignments are usually going for $125 to $150 as posted on this site.

I guess the dealer really does feel they have a captive audience.

Ouch, one more time. :yes:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Ouch is right!

 

[JayBros]

Holy:cus:!

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked:
It sounds as if some options need to be examined...
Are you absolutely committed to the 100 mile radius?
I'd look beyond that limit, and try to find decent service within a three or even four hour ride...
Good Luck, and Happy Hunting! :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

Rant away..!!

you have every right to. Bummer you don't have other choices close by. :banghead: plan a trip, make an appointment, visit the town while service is being done, enjoy a good meal then head home with change in your pocket...:thumbup:

 

[joebryanjr]

I was lucky. I got 3 yrs scheduled service with my purchase of my 2014RT at CowtownUSA. The internal invoice for the 3000 mi service including oil change at was $185.00, I believe.

 

[Gator37]

Hope I don't have to ever use that dealer. Again Ouch.

 

[granpa in Cincy]

Did you get a kiss too? :sour:

 

[Dragonrider]

Ann;

That's what happened when we couldn't tempt you to visit Portland!!

 

[MRH]

The question isn't how far away the next dealer is, but how much fun can you make the ride there and back? 250 miles of windy roads and canyons instead of 100 on the freeway? I don't know, but you get the idea.

Call ahead and have them set aside the time so you can wait the day while they do their work, and go home in the afternoon (100 miles isn't that long of a ride). Many dealers will do that for you, especially since you are riding there from out of town.

 

[jimnsusie]

If you want service in my area, and not drive 100+ miles, my dealer has a captive audience. I chose to have them do my first service on my 2014 RT, and the minimum labor bill was $385 - if I had used their oil and parts, it would have added another $185. Laser alignment added another $300 to the bill. While it was my choice to have them do the work, they will only see warranty work, if any, in the future. This is not the way to generate a loyal following.

I am wondering if you and I have the same dealer. I am headed to Vancouver soon for my first oil change. They told me when I bought the bike that the first service would be about $350 or so. Thinking of having them install a trailer hitch also but will see. Oh well, toys are expensive.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

I am lucky in that i have Spyderpops less than 60 miles from me and he can handle most any request, He is in the Hot Springs Arkansas area if you need something fixed, he is a sponsor of Spyderlovers and you can visit his webpage by going to the home page here.


Cruzr Joe

 

[Dragonrider]

Shaun at Pro Caliber is the best of the best. $350 with the oil & filter is still way less expensive than my dealer - it's even cheaper and I supplied the oil and filter kit!!!

Oh well, it's only once. AND - it's 228 miles - round trip - all on freeways. There's no way to get there on back roads..... it's a rivers and bridges thing... There IS another dealer in between, but I wouldn't let that group work on YOUR spyder...

 

[Dragonrider]

Final tally was $560.... 1st service (I supplied the oil, filter, and all "O" rings, etc), and alignment. 7 hrs of labor + 3 warranty service updates.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

What were the warranty service updates? I haven't had mine in the shop in a long time and that makes me wonder if there are any outstanding items on my Spyder.

 

[rev.rr]

diy oil change

Just changed my oil on the 2014 cost 95.00 changed the tire for $112.00 & $20.00 for freight.Iit was the first oil change I did by myself and wasn't that hard with the Sears floor jack. Put a Bf Goodrich G-Force super sport A/S tire 205/50/15

 

[Dragonrider]

I always have the first service done at the dealer - all others, I'll do myself ($60 total, with Ron's kit). I just want to make sure all of the "updates" are done early. Sharing my minor rant serves to provide a "heads up" to other locals. Nothing out here costs the same as those East of the Rockies... Regular gas is over $3/gal...

Ann - what was done was: (1) Replaced the gas cap, (2) Windshield bracket repair (kit), (3) Flashed software/DPS update, & (4) replaced the fuel pump (pending parts).

 

[Dgjason]

SMH.....just learned from my kids it means "shaking my head":yikes:

 

[mtdoragary]

I've bought good cars for less than that, including a 57 Chevy convertible!