A word of advice to anyone who takes their vehicle to Earnhardt Dodge - specifically the location referenced here @ Arizona Ave. And Guadalupe (I have no first hand experience with other locations). They charge outrageous shop supply fees on top of their service. Let me give you an example - I brought my truck in for a spark plug replacement job - around $200.00 parts and labor. For my truck, $200 is consistent and reasonable. However, on top of the $200.00, they added on $19.99 in "miscellaneous shop fees". I asked my Service Advisor what this what for, and asked for specific line items - he was unable to provide and simply stated "they make us charge this". I have no problem with reasonable shop and disposal fees; however, 20% of the repair bill??? And for a simple tune up... What shop supplies could they possibly need for a spark plug change that would amount to $20.00! This is clearly a "hidden fee" the dealer uses to make extra profit. I also brought my vehicle in for extended warranty service - supposed to be a $50 deductible and you are done. On top of the $50 deductible, they wanted to add $30 for shop fees - they were kind and reduced it to $20, and again, without explanation as to the ridiculous fees. I asked why they didn't bill this to the warranty company and the response was "they warranty company won't pay this"... Go figure - the warranty company isn't going to pay ridiculous and outrageous fees... And I don't blame them!
On the flip side, I took my vehicle to Airpark Dodge in Scottsdale...$1,760.00 in service to rebuild a differential - my bill was my warranty deductible - $50 out the door, no outrageous fees... I have also taken my vehicle to Sun Devil auto for spark plug replacement - the same $200 parts and labor, and $4.50 in misc. Shop fees - which is reasonable and acceptable!
So, before taking your vehicle to this place for service, ask about the fees... A few dollars is reasonable, but when it adds 20% to your bill, it's ridiculous! I would avoid this place at all cost for service... Places like Airpark Dodge to outstanding work without the "hidden profit tax" on their customers.
I personally will never take my vehicle to Earnhardt, eventhough it is much closer than Airpark. I also recently bought a new Chrysler vehicle - and certainly not from Earnhardt! You would think these people would wake up and realize these outrageous fees are ridiculous and ultimately cost them more in the long run in lost business - "penny wise, dollar foolish".
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