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New Tires - Excessive "Misc" Charge by Dealer?

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by jjtrindc, Jan 13, 2017.

  1. jjtrindc

    jjtrindc Junior Member

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    Purchased a set of new tires for my 2013 Prius V (and got a 4-wheel alignment) at my Toyota Dealership.

    I noticed that there were two charges in the "misc" category:
    5.99 - Reg/Hazmat/STD Disposal Fee
    33.82 - Regulatory Complaince/Expendables

    Now I know that there is Tire recycling fee -- but here in Virginia that is only .50 per tire. I can't figure what it was about just replacing tires and doing an alignment requires an additional $40 in charges. I'm going to question the dealer but curious if there is something I just don't know.

    In looking back at past service, those line items typically are there for much cheaper, but I assumed it had to with fluids, etc.

    Thanks
     
    #1 jjtrindc, Jan 13, 2017
  2. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Dealer profit padding, mostly.
     
    #2 Air_Boss, Jan 13, 2017
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  3. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    Christmas and summer party fee and, or owners kids college fund.
     
    #3 bat4255, Jan 13, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2017
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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I got a new key for our daughter's vehicle, they need to program it, not quite as complicated/expensive as the Prius, but getting there. Anyway, the service writer tells me, somewhat conspiratorially, that he was being a nice guy, waiving the "shop supplies" fee. I should bloody hope so.
    Anyway, per @Air_Boss: a lot of it is just a cash grab. With tires there's some mandated recycling fees, but the rest is bs. The new one is TPMS refurb.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jan 13, 2017
  5. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    That was your first mistake. Dealers charge excessive amounts for tires, and you didn't need the alignment in the fist place. The money you would have saved at a good tire shop far exceeds the junk fees the dealer charged.
     
    #5 rdgrimes, Jan 13, 2017
  6. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Usually Costco, Sams or Discount Tire will easily beat dealer prices. Costco throws in nitrogen, $70 rebates and rotations.
     
    #6 rjparker, Jan 13, 2017
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    $70 rebates at the till, at least up here. So sales tax is reduced, and no delays/hassles. Someone was saying it's not quite the same in the States?
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Jan 13, 2017
  8. jjtrindc

    jjtrindc Junior Member

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    For what it's worth, I did price out the tires against Tire Rack, Costco, NTB, etc. Dealer was having a Buy 4, get one free deal (which extended to mounting). So price was competitive with or beat most options. Costco in my area seem to have crap ratings on the labor side and while I could have eventually found a good local tire shop, time/schedule was not in my favor. I'll definitely be in touch with the dealer about their slush fund though ;-)
     
    #8 jjtrindc, Jan 14, 2017
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  9. jjtrindc

    jjtrindc Junior Member

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    So just curious. Why no alignment. Honestly I've never quite known when/why on that type of service.
     
    #9 jjtrindc, Jan 14, 2017
  10. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    1st, seriously, the fact the dealer suggested it means you don't need it.
    These cars almost never need alignment. Unless you note odd tire wear or handling/tracking issues - its fine. Some shops will check it for free if you're getting other work done - like new tires. You should have gotten a complete report on the alignment telling you what the measurements were before and after and what the tolerance is.
     
    #10 rdgrimes, Jan 14, 2017
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I believe only front toe is adjustable too. Yeah, if you're not noticing anything odd, leave it be.
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Jan 14, 2017
  12. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Rear toe and camber are adjustable, but only via the use of thin plastic flanges inserted in an intricate and time-consuming rebuild of each hub. Unlike front alignment, which is standard tie rod and eccentric upper/lower MacPherson mounting bolt stuff.
     
    #12 Air_Boss, Sep 21, 2017
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