This Forum isn't the greatest to get information on Kia Telluride service

[Cal]

I honestly didn't even read the rest after seeing the title...

Yes, but you're being much more civilized that Gordon would have been. You know he would have dropped the F bombs a few times while questioning the fellow's genetic pool quality. lol

 

[Hangfire]

I honestly didn't even read the rest after seeing the title...

Gordon just about sums up my emotions anytime I have to engage with the public.

 

[Hangfire]

Also, I guess if we were to take the title in it's most literal sense, the OP isn't lying. So we could look at it as he is being negative, or he's just that acutely aware of the obvious. I mean, the forum never claimed to be the greatest at anything really.

 

[Cal]

True enough. I like to think of forums (I belong to a few that are dedicated uniquiely to each of my vehicles), as a combination of a sanity check combined with a (sometimes global) base of experience and useful resources. When you experience something with your vehicle and have one of those "whisky tango foxtrot" moments, and want to find out if anyone else has experienced something similar to that, and if it was problematic, if they also found a solution. Or in those scenarios where you're trying to find some information that isn't in the owner's manual. Or, in the case of where you have a feeling that your relationship with your dealer's service department isn't quite one of integrity. That's where I think owner forums are really useful. Sure, sometimes you get picked on (especially on forums where you've been a member for a long time, and your fellow members who know you like to yank your chain on occasion... but usually in jest and with friendly intentions)... but that's all part of the fun of belonging to the group. It also feels good when you can help another member find a solution to a problem they're experiencing, or a resource for some special "bits" they might want to add to their vehicle to make it more unique and truly theirs.

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[PNWmood]

You guys are all falling for the oldest trick on the Internet.

Tell people they're wrong or give wrong information, and floods of people will come to correct you

You'll get a ton more replies than simply asking a question.

 

[Cal]

You guys are all falling for the oldest trick on the Internet.

Tell people they're wrong or give wrong information, and floods of people will come to correct you

You'll get a ton more replies than simply asking a question.

Not entirely clear where you were going with that witticism, but sure... okay... lol

 

[Esto70]

Dealer wants to do coolant , tranny fluid, brake fluid..plus normal maintenance items.. wondering if owners are following dealer recommendations or manual?

I can’t speak specifically on the telluride since I’m not an owner yet (I have an order in). I can, however, pass along my experiences with my current Honda passport and a handful of previous Toyota 4Runners. My experience is that dealership service departments almost universally disregard the recommended services in the service manual. They try to get you to purchase service that is unneeded and at faster than recommended intervals.

For instance, my previous Vehicle (2013 4Runner) had a straight 10,000 miles oil change interval. 10k synthetic, no exceptions. And EVERY time I took it to a dealer (different area dealers) they would put 3k or 5k oil change sticker on the window. I asked about it a couple times and got the standard explanation that the factory publishes MINIMUM service requirements but THEY recommend a more frequent service interval. Honda does that same thing. It’s a deceptive and disrespectful practice.

 

[beato1]

@Bmiesle I just completed my last free oil change at the dealer that I negotiated with my purchase. Along with my free oil change, I was dealer recommended three preventative maintenance services marked for "Immediate action" and two marked "Attention soon" by the service writer/"advisor" all from a courtesy inspection that I didn't ask for. They were:

• IA - Replace Air Filter for $68.80 -- However, I have a K&N that I just cleaned 1,000 miles ago. Had they inspected they should have noted it was a washable one and not bothered to make the recommendation. Even if I didn't have the K&N a new Kia one is $24 on Amazon and my 12 yo could replace it.
• IA - Cabin Filter Replacement for a whopping $73.09 -- I just inspected it and figured I had a few more months before buying one on Amazon or my local auto parts store for $20 and taking 3 minutes to install it myself.
• IA - Fuel Injector and Induction Service for $241.37 -- I mentioned that I use the Chevron Techron Fuel additive recommended in the manual regularly. The advisor told me that additive bottle "just cleans the fuel tank" (WTF?) and that this service cleans the injectors which were a little dirty. The description of the Chevron Techron Fuel Cleaner mention that it cleans the entire fuel system which includes the injectors. I have no doubt the injectors are dirty, but that's because gas burning engines do that and I drive it. The vehicle is driving fine, idling fine and the fuel efficiency is not a problem. My tires are dirty too, should I replace those as well? So I know that was a load of nonsense.
• AS - ABS Brake Fluid Flush Service for $219.38 -- Absolutely unnecessary at under 60k mile if I'm having no problems with brakes.
• AS - Coolant replacement drain and refill for $208.45 -- Absolutely unnecessary at under 60k if I'm having no engine problems.

I guess the moral of the story is that I went in for a free oil change and a minor cosmetic seat clip repair under warranty and got pitched $811.09 worth of recommended dealer services. This further supports that Edmunds article I referenced above. All I did was politely decline and I was then immediately told my vehicle was ready because they already completed the items I went in for. I might go back to the dealer for a Kia purchase in the future, but my trips to the service department will be for warranty issues should they arrive. Otherwise, I'm going to my local shop that I trust which happens to be a Firestone. The folks at the Firestone shoot it straight to me and I appreciate it so much that they are my first stop when I have to drop $1,200 in tires. I might be more acutely aware of these types of company cultures and values because 30 years ago I worked in retail for some crappy managers and some that preached the value of customer service and learned a lot from both types. I think because of this I happened to notice that in the Firestone waiting area they have quotes by their founder on the wall talking about customer service. Maybe it's a gimmick to trick people like me, but the people I interact with seem to buy into treating people how they would want to be treated. I'm not saying all Firestone Autocare Centers are like the two near me and there plenty of other good local shops around, but if you won't want to be sold a bunch of extras, I suggest not going back to the place that treats you like a credit card swipe.

My advice to anyone reading this thread, read the manual and stick to the guidance from the manufacturer unless you notice a problem with the way the vehicle drives or the engine runs and even then do research. I do appreciate that the service writer (advisor) didn't try to hard sell me, I know they were just doing what they were told to do by their job training. That's where I have the biggest problem. Had I nibbled on the line a little, I'm sure there was a strategy they are taught to say to try and reel me in. As buyers who made a significant purchase of a brand for which the manufacturer and dealership would like some loyalty in return, we (buyers) shouldn't have to play these games.

This forum is not an official authority on anything. But it is feedback and thoughts from real owners who have nothing to gain other other than the satisfaction that they helped someone else from getting screwed over. I would consider this valuable feedback over a company trying to get me to open my wallet.

This! Most dealerships assume their customers don't know anything about their vehicles (unfortunately, this is often true) and they are treated as such. The dealerships also have high turnover rate of staff (mechanics included) so they are always short of staff and time, hence, the lack of consideration toward customers (pressure reveals the best and the worst among us and many choose the easier path which is making the most money in the shortest time possible--hence, the slew of "recommended maintenance or repair" which is their standard operating procedure). One of the best answers to this issue is finding your own trustworthy mechanic/shop as recommended or referred by family, friends or google search. Dealerships depend on us being fearful of the unknown (no name or generic brand shops versus Kia/Honda/Toyota, etc dealerships). Like anything else, due diligence is the key here! Just my two cents! Thanks.

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