FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Real bad dealership experience/Replacing shocks...

Hey all, gonna be my first post here, and probably not the best. So i'll keep it brief, but recently had the worst interaction with a dealership possible. (Putnam Toyota in Burlingame) I took my 08 mostly stock FJ in for 70k service thinking it'd be a harmless service appointment. But sure enough, I was told my C/V boots were all leaking, and my shocks were in pretty bad shape (The guy told me they were a 1 out of 5 on their "shock scale") . To my surprise after everything seemed fine to me. Even drove over 500 miles w/o a problem recently.

I have the Gold warranty, but found out only the CV boots were covered after a fiasco of dealing with the dealership, when they told me the shocks were covered when actually they aren't, and the Toyota warranty company. This service guy at the dealership quoted me at $1700 for all four shocks. Probably the worst customer service ever. I can go into detail if people really want to hear how bad this guy was and how awful he represented Toyota. Don't think i'd ever go back.

I went back to the dealership in PHX where I got it (jan of this year) and asked them why my shocks would be in such bad shape after only 5 months after purchase of a Toyota Certified car. I talked with a guy in finance (since he was helping with my warranty issue) he said that shouldn't happen and when I mentioned how much they were going to charge me, he explicitly told me not to get them repaired at the dealership as they should be no more than $700. So I didn't. Now I'm no shock expert so I'm not sure who to believe here. Hence why I'm seeking shock advice here...

Any recommendations what I should do with my shocks? (i'm in the San mateo area)

- Go with stock at a separate auto shop? If so, how much should I be charged/recommended shops?

- Take the opportunity to upgrade to aftermarket? If so how much should I spend?

Appreciate all the insight. Sorry if this was a little long.

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on August 28, 2013 at 5:35pm

Just got the OME 2.5" light kit today! Was going with the Ironman kit but apparently they are moving facilities to another state on the east coast and have delayed all orders for at least a month on some parts. Just a heads up. Can't wait to get these bad boys on the rig.

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Permalink Reply by Lagwagon on August 28, 2013 at 10:25pm

Congrats on the new shocks! Are you going with a shop to install or arrange with a member here to help?

Total BS on your Putnam stealership experience. I've gone there for all my service so far - 5k, 10k and warranty - just because they're the closest to me. But I won't use them beyond basic/warranty service.

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Permalink Reply by Frank_the_Tank on August 29, 2013 at 7:12am

Thanks! I was looking to get them in as soon as possible since the stealership guy told me "they are in terrible condition(stock shocks)" I am open to either a shop or member install. Bz had shot me a message saying he could help so I may connect with him. Im in the San Mateo/Burlingame area so anyone in the nearby vicinity would be great.

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on August 28, 2013 at 11:01pm

I've had the OME's on for some time now. They seem to do well for what I need but the MOD bug is biting hard again... From all the research I've done... OME's are truly bullet proof. They may not be the best in ride quality (decent enough really) but for the price, they are truly a great purchase! Enjoy them!