PeterEC
Hi everyone, I've just come on board with my Nov. 2007 model KXS Kluger KXS AWD. I've had it since new and will probably drive it into the ground. It's done 76,000 km now and still running like new. I had a bit of a shock recently however when I was informed by my Toyota Dealer that the cost of my next service would be $1350. After my initial reaction over the phone they decided to prune it down to $1150. When I asked what was involved that could come to a bill like that, I was informed that it was mainly due to the 'Inline Fuel Filter inside the fuel tank'.
The Service Manager informed me that unfortunately the filter cost $169.00 and several hours to replace. Plus other incidentals which I readily accepted. I couldn't get over how much a filter change would cost after only 80,000 km and stewed over it for a couple of hours or so, then rang another dealer with the same result. Still not convinced that this was right, I then went onto the internet and sourced the same information from American dealers. Surprise, Surprise, they didn't change over their inline fuel tank filter until the car reached 100,000 MILES!! And, 1 hour to replace the filter. I didn't ask the price of the filter.
I love my car but the Australian Toyota Distributors seem to be doing an 'Ikea' on us. I rang my dealership back and explained what I had done on the internet. Their reply was that 'it's different in America'. When I asked what was different when it's the same car and similar country, they could not respond except to say 'it's different in australia'. Well yes it certainly is, isn't it!
I'm just wondering if anyone else has gone down this path because this was the first new car in 30 years for me and for all I know, all our new car buyers these days may be copping a similar hiding. Won't stop me buying a new Toyota when the time is right but they can forget their service schedules. What's good enough for the Yanks is good enough for me and a lot cheaper.
Still a satisfied customer after all of that.