National Tire And Battery ,NTB, NTB installed an overpriced unneeded alternator in my 2006 Toyota Camry. They took advantage of an uninformed senior citizen woman. Cedar Park Texas
When I replaced the car battery, I was told that the alternator should also be checked. I went to the Cedar Park NTB because I like to patronize local businesses (even though I recently paid them an outrageous $135.00 for one tire for my 2006 Toyota Camry).
Mike showed me an alledged test result that said the alternator was low. It was late, I was tired, and so I said OK. They installed an after market alternator. Its price was $250.00; the total bill was $395.00 including a "shop charge" of $30.00.
The car has only 38,000 miles (practically new for a Toyota), so the next day after thinking things over, I called Champion Toyota. I was told that alternators almost never go out on Toyotas.
I called NTB to ask for my removed alternator so that it could be checked. They claimed to no longer have it; it was being refurbished. When I asked if that entitled me to a rebate or anything, I was told I got a new alternator! My conclusion: they took advantage of me because I am a senior citizen and a woman who was alone, tired, and uninformed.
Mary
Cedar Park, Texas
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Karl
Highlands Ranch,Colorado,
U.S.A.
A QUESTION FOR MARY: WHY DID THE.....
#3Consumer Comment
Fri, June 19, 2009
BATTERY ON A 2006 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH ONLY 38,000 MILES NEED TO BE REPLACED?
It seems odd that the battery would need to be replaced on a 2006 Toyota, but then again, it is a TOYOTA. Toyotas no longer have the quality as they used to have years ago. The early Toyotas, prior to 1990, seem to have been much better in quality. It seems as though switching to CHEAPER PARTS has been a bad move for Toyota, right?
I'd be interested in knowing why you needed a new battery.
I hope that your AIRBAGS aren't defective. That's a CRUCIAL safety feature, wouldn't you agree?
Thank you.
P.S. Make sure to 'Google' this- ENGINE SLUDGE, and go to the consumeraffairs website about 'Toyota Engine Problems' and read all of them. Make sure to click on 'Airbags' when you're there and read those complaints too.
BE SAFE!
Brokentrust
Long Beach,California,
U.S.A.
information.
#3Consumer Comment
Fri, June 19, 2009
even if you asked for your alternator at the time you picked up your vehicle, they still wouldnt have given it to you. you would have to pay the core charge... even if they gave you a new alternator. just because the toyota dealer said they never go bad just means it is unlikely. however, parts fail all the time. there is no immunity to any part. they are all subject to go out sooner or later due to time, heat and mileage. did the alternator fix the problem ? if you have any concerns with the price you should consult the bureau of automotive repair to get some money back. they have to go by a standardized labor time guide.