My review is based on my last two experiences.
In the spring of 2018, I took my car in for a routine oil, lube, filter, tire rotation, fluid top up, and safety check. As I waited, the service advisor told me that I had a leak in one of my tires and that they could fix it for $60. I declined. He left. The service advisor later came back to tell me that I needed new brakes and brought his price down for the tire leak repair to $30. I declined both. I told him that my husband could fix the leak (he later did). I left, paying only the service package offer price I received via email.
The following Monday, I took my car to my mechanic, and he advised me that I did NOT need brakes and that my brakes were practically brand new.
This past weekend, I took my car in to GM for the winter maintenance package. Again, lube, oil, filter, tire rotation, fluid top up, and safety check. As I waited, the service representative came out with a print out of $1,250 worth of recommended repairs. Apparently, I needed a transmission flush, a brake flush, cabin filters, and replacement of my cooling tank, which was leaking. I told him $1,250 was too much to spend before Christmas, so I declined the repairs and continued with just the maintenance package. Keep in mind there was NO mention of me needing brakes despite this being an issue during my last visit. I had not repaired/replaced my brakes since my last visit.
I took my car into my mechanic, told him about the issues, and left my car for his review. Off the top, he told me that I did not need a transmission and brake flush, because my car had only 48,000 km on it. He said I didn't need to worry about that until I hit about 100,000 km. He checked my coolant tank and said he couldn't find a leak. He cleaned it up (wiped off the over spill that was there from the GM maintenance visit). He did change the two cabin filters. In total, I paid $127 for parts and labour. I cannot believe (well, actually, I can) that $1,250 worth of repairs, that were not needed, were recommended to me.
To say I am upset is an understatement. Perhaps they think I'm dumb, because I'm a woman. I may not know a lot about cars, but I have other people I can ask. My husband, my co-worker (who knows A LOT), and my mechanic.
I know that dealerships have a quota to fill and that they are required to upsell, but $1,250 worth of extras is overkill.
I did call my original sales associate (another dealership) to ask if the coolant tank was under warranty. I explained what happened. He asked me to send a copy of the quote. I submitted it. He later emailed me to tell me that his service advisor reviewed it and said a lot of the repairs recommended were not needed. He also confirmed that the coolant tank was not covered under warranty. He advised to me to stick with my mechanic going forward.
Old Mill GM, you lost a customer. I only went to the dealership, because my car was under lease (it no longer is), and I wanted to keep my warranty legit (even though I don't really need to, as long as I follow the maintenance schedule, I can go anywhere). Also, this location was very convenient for me.
My service advisors were nice enough. The receptionist had a bit of an attitude when I approached her and asked her if she called me, because I couldn't hear her announcement clearly over the speakers.