The only thing I let a mechanic take a test drive for afterwards is an alignment. In fact, that's the only thing I've taken the car to a shop for in a long time (aside from tires, but they don't drive afterwards).

 

The only reason i can see them taking your car off the lot when doing a diff fluid change is to heat up the diff oil so it flows out better. Thats pretty much the only reason i could see them driving the car

 

 

My local dealership takes my car out any time they remove the wheels for a quick run around the block, then they re-torque the lugs.

They did this with my s2000, prelude, and my civic

 

For the amount of money you paid for the service you could have bought a set of tools and fluid to last you for years to come.

Always assume the worst unless you know the person and the mechanic working on your car or the dealership is reputable.

Personally I don't see a reason to "test drive" the car at all after a Diff change. That's like "test driving" after every oil change which they wouldn't dare do if I was there waiting.

Short story.... I was at a bar stopping by for a quick game of pool. While I was parking I heard a car roaring through the street at about 60+ mph in an industrial area. It was a brand new rx8 with dealer plates.(Dealerships are one block up the street.)

So I'm thinking hmmm test drive? I stop by the Mazda dealership and tell them what I saw. Guess what? It was a mechanic that was suppose to be only moving the cars in the lot to another position. This guy was taking the cars off the lot and ripping them open for a few blocks before returning to park them. The Mazda people were pissed at the mechanic and rightfully so. I left telling them that his conduct was totally unprofessional and I felt sorry for whoever bought that car as it was not broken in properly.

DIY... or don't worry about it....just deal with it.....

Tim

 

DAMN THATS EXPENSIVE! I ordered my LE 607 fluid form rick's which was about $18 including shipping, and i got it changed for $10. I also knew the guy so he cut me a deal. It was funny thought becaus ehe is a private shop owner, so he doesnt have the latest and greatest lifts. The arms on it where a little thick, so he had to jack my car up with a hand jack before he could get it on the lift. My car isnt even lowered.

 

[QUOTE=DEEZ,Mar 7 2006, 01:57 PM] Just got Oil and Diff fluid changed- $107 and I brought them the Mobil 1 gear oil for the diff- So 127.00 in parts and labor-

 

diy
or if you dont have the tools diy with other local members tech day
or if you have to get it serviced. post it note with your current mileage and 'no test drive'

www.dealerrater.com

 

Seriously, it doesn't take long too change your own fluids. Hell, I didn't even have to jack my car up to change the differential fluid. DIY all the way, the only way you can be SURE it's done correctly.

 

x2