Service Coupons: Competition is a Wonderful Thing
Service coupons – if you’ve ever bought a vehicle from a new car dealer, you’ve probably received them. Sometimes they even provide you with helpful reminders that your vehicle may be due for service.
Colorful flyers containing these service coupons are mailed to me on what seems like a monthly basis from the dealership where I bought my 2005 Toyota Prius. I have been taking it back there for service since I bought it. I have used those coupons to try to save some money.
Occasionally I also receive coupon flyers from other dealerships’ service departments so, when I received a particularly good one in the mail from Kearny Mesa Toyota, I saved it too. It offered me a one-time lube, oil and filter special for only $9.95. That was too good to pass up. Since my Prius was due for an oil change, I decided to try Kearny Mesa Toyota.
I arrived at the dealership shortly before 4pm. Their service department was supposed to close at 5pm, so I knew that I was cutting it pretty tight. Nevertheless Doug Kane, the Service Manager of Kearny Mesa Toyota Scion, welcomed me to his dealership, took my coupon and wrote me up.
As promised, Kearny Mesa Toyota serviced my car for the agreed price. They even included a free 18 point inspection. They did not try to upsell me at all, although I did buy something from their parts department. I noted that the receipt included a coupon for a 20% parts or accessories discount that stays good for over three months. I’ll keep that in mind.
To further encourage my future business, they gave me a convenient key ring tag that said “We Appreciate Your Business” and offered me “15% OFF accessories,” “FREE Safety inspection,” “FREE car wash with any service” and “Buy 3 oil changes – get 4th FREE!.” They stamped my card for this oil change as the first of the three.
Oil changes notwithstanding, vehicle service is expensive over the long term. Like any other company, car dealership’s service departments should earn the business that we give to them. If a new car dealerships’ service department offers you a special discount so that you can check them out, perhaps you should take them up on their offer.
Thanks to a discount oil change coupon, I learned by first-hand experience that Kearny Mesa Toyota has a modern, spacious service facility. I was very impressed with that and their courteous, efficient service. Furthermore their dealership is closer to my home, so that is a bonus. Competition is a wonderful thing.
My very positive experience at Kearny Mesa Toyota leaves me strongly inclined to give them my service business going forward.
Drive safely and do join me again next time.
Copyright © 2007 & 2021 by Jan Wagner – AutoMatters & More #234
