Driving an EV pickup

[sly_karma]

Mick went to the dealership yesterday for some recall items and an underbody/front end/brake inspection. $80. I'd already done the tire rotation myself, and I declined their offer to replace the cabin air filter.

These filters are widely available, as they're common with all current series F150s. Changing them is a 2 minute job that requires no tools. At Napa or B2B you'll pay about $30 for the filter. I bought online because I change them twice a year due to dusty jobsites, got six filters for $100. When the dealer called to report the cabin air filter was dirty and should be changed, curiosity got the better of me and I asked how much. "$80, the part alone costs us $50."

Just so you guys know.

 

[-Jim-]

@sly_karma your post remined me of having a Service #3 done on my wife's 2017 Lexus NX-200t a week ago in Port Moody. (It has only 72,000 Kms) The Dealer quoted me $684 for it which included inspection of the engine and cabin air filters, which I assumed would include their replacement as needed. I was wrong. The dealer advised they don't include them (only the engine Oil and Filter) in any of their Services, and wanted an additional $167 (plus taxes) for them. I was so annoyed I declined and went to Canadian Tire and bought both for $61 including taxes, and changed them both out in less than 10 minutes.

I know dealers need to make a buck, but this was gouging. I bet their cost on those filters was less than $30. I can't see how Ford's Cabin Air Filter (which they don't make - none of the OEMs do) can "cost" $50.

Just sayin....

 

[wildmanyeah]

Wow they must of unleashed the cyber trucks, seen a bunch yesterday

 

[sly_karma]

@sly_karma your post remined me of having a Service #3 done on my wife's 2017 Lexus NX-200t a week ago in Port Moody. (It has only 72,000 Kms) The Dealer quoted me $684 for it which included inspection of the engine and cabin air filters, which I assumed would include their replacement as needed. I was wrong. The dealer advised they don't include them (only the engine Oil and Filter) in any of their Services, and wanted an additional $167 (plus taxes) for them. I was so annoyed I declined and went to Canadian Tire and bought both for $61 including taxes, and changed them both out in less than 10 minutes.

I know dealers need to make a buck, but this was gouging. I bet their cost on those filters was less than $30. I can't see how Ford's Cabin Air Filter (which they don't make - none of the OEMs do) can "cost" $50.

Just sayin....

There's going to be increasing pressure on the dealer model in coming years. Service is where their money is, and that will fall off steadily as EVs become numerically significant. Dealer service facilities will eventually find they’re just glorified tire and brake shops, and that's already a competitive space now.

Tesla recognised early on that parts and service will never be the revenue stream they are with ICE, so their prices are modest. Their profit centres are vehicle sales and charging. This sets a precedent for EV parts and service pricing, and owners of other EV brands will learn of it and decline to pay dealer markups on parts they realise cost a fraction. Like what I did this week with the cabin air filter.