Community Chat

[151949]

It has been decades since I've seen a car with separate trunk and ignition keys. A young person may never have seen this. I've also never seen a car that had locks on the hubcaps, though I've seen that on some very expensive  wire wheels they used to put on Jaguars. I'd be very interested to know the model and year of the car.

[Carmie]

@chrystaltree Why would anyone want to take their car to the dealership  for a simple brake install? Dealerships are expensive. 

We only take our cars there when there is a recall.  My DH does most of our car repairs, including the brakes, but when he can't, he takes them to an independent car repair place.

There is no guarantee that the dealership mechanic would know everything about a car that was older than he is, or after market upgrades.

What if the car is a Pontiac or Oldsmobile...what then?

[SilleeMee]

My dad had an old car that had a separate trunk key. When I got old enough to drive, he would hand me only the ignition key so I couldn't open the trunk. I think that's where he and my mom hid stuff from us kids.

[this is my nic]

@duffy2

You are right about quality workmanship by Toyota technicians! 

Several members of our family work for and with Toyota dealerships.  My daughter has her own business doing accounting for a number of dealers, she is able to work from home.  Four other family members work in dealerships in various departments or with my daughter working online.

We have come to realize while the techs' workmanship is excellent, the service writers often leave a lot to be desired.  Service writers are the people who greet you and ask what the problem is with your vehicle. Honestly, some are extremely lacking in the knowlege of how to look up records of prior work done and /or current recalls or programs Toyota is offering.  That can result in the customer being charged for a repair Toyota was responsible for and vice-versa.

To be sure you are not being wrongly billed, call the dealer prior to taking your vehicle in.  Ask to speak to the Service Manager, ask him or her to look up your vehicle's VIN to find out if there are any recalls or special service programs.  

BTW, this should be done with any company, not just Toyota. 

[shortbreadlover]

the car is a 1990 buick century.  i know it is an older car, but it only has 89,000 miles on it.  and i guess i should have been more understanding with the guy. the car is most likely older then he is

the key locks the wheel onto the car.   i hate it and it is a real pain to deal with it.  you have to keep track of the key.

[Allegheny]

@qbetzforreal @BirkiLady  We also put locking (wheel) lug nuts on our cars to prevent theft of the wheels.  Some people replace the standard hubcaps and wheels on their vehicles with very expensive after market wheels (400-500 a piece) so they would use locking lug/wheel nuts.

My brother actually had all his wheels/tires stolen off his 67 GTO.  Perps just jacked up the car, removed the wheels and left the car on cement blocks.  You would be surprised how fast two guys can get the wheels off a vehicle.  He recovered them.  They were marked on the interior of the wheel.  When he saw them on a local kid's car, my brother told him either return them or he was calling the police.

Even the wheels on my 2013 Maxima would probably cost me a couple hundred of dollars a piece to replace if one got bent let alone stolen  They aren't "after market" wheels, but ones that came with my model of car.

[qbetzforreal]

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@Allegheny wrote:

@qbetzforreal @BirkiLady  We also put locking (wheel) lug nuts on our cars to prevent theft of the wheels.  Some people replace the standard hubcaps and wheels on their vehicles with very expensive after market wheels (400-500 a piece) so they would use locking lug/wheel nuts.

My brother actually had all his wheels/tires stolen off his 67 GTO.  Perps just jacked up the car, removed the wheels and left the car on cement blocks.  You would be surprised how fast two guys can get the wheels off a vehicle.  He recovered them.  They were marked on the interior of the wheel.  When he saw them on a local kid's car, my brother told him either return them or he was calling the police.

Even the wheels on my 2013 Maxima would probably cost me a couple hundred of dollars a piece to replace if one got bent let alone stolen  They aren't "after market" wheels, but ones that came with my model of car.

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@Allegheny-I had the same experience as your brother with my first car.  I came out the house to go to work and found my car jacked up on the driver's side.  To add insult to injury, the perp used my jack. lol  Learned my lesson and put wheel locks on that car and the next two.

[BirkiLady]

@qbetzforreal  The things I learn on the QVC forums!  Have worked around my family in dealerships since a teen and no one ever told me about these!!  I know the ins and outs of the financial aspects, financing, sales, servicing, building expansion and remodeling, bldg. maintenance, and so much more. Looks like items I've seen of guys fancy, older vehicles in the '60's, but didn't have a clue what they were - thought they were fancy chrome gadgets for looks only. Who knew they protected against theft? Didn't think we had any theft in Lincoln way back then.  Thanks so much!

[BirkiLady]

@Carmie  Any reputable GM dealer is capable of working on a Pontiac or Oldsmobile. My son still has a 1973 Old Cutlass convertible in mint condition which is serviced by our dealership and I still have a 1998 Grand Prix (43,000 miles) which is serviced by our dealership. Both cars are for pleasure driving only. Mom was the original owner of the Cutlass convertible; I am the original owner of the Grand Prix.

ETA: My grandson and his friends think they are "awesome" as do friends and neighbors! They live in our garages, but are classic vehicles since no longer in production. We also drive them to Nebraska football games and in local parades! My son and DIL's neighborhood also hosts a 4th of July parade for the entire neighborhood; their '73 convertible and other vintage cars provide the little kids with rides around the area picking up children who tire out while peddling their trikes or walking!  

[Allegheny]

@qbetzforreal  Didn't that give you such a sinking, sick feeling.  When I lived in the city someone tried to steal my car, unsuccessfully.  Like you, leaving to drive to work.  As I approached the car I saw the door lock on the driver's side in the up position, I knew....They popped the ignition, but either got interrupted or couldn't get it started.  Stole a few incidentals from the inside, but thankfully didn't trash the car in anyway.  Think they must have been younger teenagers.

Towed the car to the dealership, replaced the ignition and had them put an alarm on the car.