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Alignment at Dealership

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by PriusGuy32, Nov 7, 2014.

  1. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Did I just get ripped off?
    I had a coupon for $79.95 for a 4-wheel alignment, which included a tire rotation. I noticed my tires were wearing unevenly (specifically the fronts) and my steering wheel was off-centered. But, looking at the numbers, it looks like they only adjusted the toe.

    Im thinking, in a perfect world, I should've paid for a front end alignment and not a 4-wheel one. Just sayin'

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 PriusGuy32, Nov 7, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can't feel ripped off if you got what you went to the dealer to get. What are they suppose to do? Say no to your service request?
     
    #2 JC91006, Nov 7, 2014
  3. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Well, actually... I have had an experience before where I brought my vehicle in for service, and the shop informed me that the work wasnt necessary.

    I guess when I think 4 wheel alignment, but all they adjusted was the front 2 tires, shouldnt I have just been charged for a 2-wheel alignment?? lol
     
    #3 PriusGuy32, Nov 7, 2014
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    There's probably no reason to get a 4 wheel alignment, the rear wheels don't go off track. It just goes straight. I normally opt for the 2 wheel alignment if the option is there. My mechanic is pretty sneaky, only has 4 wheel alignments and nothing else.
     
    #4 JC91006, Nov 7, 2014
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  5. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Does the toe in/out significantly affect mpgs?
     
    #5 PriusGuy32, Nov 7, 2014
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can't adjust the rear wheels on a prius. if there is an issue, you have to go to a specialty shop that can install shim kits. the dealer isn't even going to look at them. that's probably a generic coupon for all cars. they do the same thing with the 12 volt battery, then when you show up in a prius, they're like, oh no, it doesn't apply to the prius battery.
     
    #6 bisco, Nov 7, 2014
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    some say it does, but there is no clinical evidence.
     
    #7 bisco, Nov 7, 2014
  8. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Its 4-wheel alignment if they check all 4 wheels. Rear ones on Prius (and many other modern cars) are only adjustable by replacing rear axle. Or using shims witch manufacturer is against.
     
    #8 valde3, Nov 7, 2014
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that would be a front end alignment, and a rear end inspection.:p
     
    #9 bisco, Nov 7, 2014
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  10. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Geez, all that and I didnt even get a kiss on the cheek before I left the dealer! :LOL::LOL:

    I want to add that my steering wheel was off center from when the dealer performed the steering bolt recall - I brought it back twice and they tried to straighten it out each time, but the wheel was still 5-10 degrees off center to the right. :mad:

    OH, and one more thing - do any of those numbers look out of whack or is my Prius in pretty good shape still? I ask because Ive heard about the shims, etc.
     
    #10 PriusGuy32, Nov 7, 2014
  11. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

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    Well that's just not the way it works......everywhere.
    You are paying for the alignment CHECK; adjustments are free. :)
     
    #11 Easy Rider 2, Nov 7, 2014
  12. PriusGuy32

    PriusGuy32 Prius Driver Extraordinaire

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    Wishful thinking on my behalf I guess :D
     
    #12 PriusGuy32, Nov 7, 2014
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