Dealer installed accessories ripoff?

[azaustin]

I’m in process of purchasing the new Gladiator Rubicon diesel I ordered a couple of months ago. When I ordered the vehicle I added a spray-in bed liner, the headliner padding, a brake controller, and a tri-fold hardcover. I was told that none of those items were available from the factory at that time, but that they could be installed later when the vehicle arrived. I agreed to this, but the cost of installation wasn’t really discussed in detail. Now that the vehicle is here, I was given a sheet with the item costs plus labor for installation. The labor charges were pretty high. For example, the tri-fold bed liner shows a 1 hour installation time on the mopar genuine parts page, but the dealer wants two hours to install it. Had these items been factory-installed there would have been no labor charges.

My question is this: Has anyone heard of dealers telling customers a factory-installed accessory isn’t available, but can be installed when the vehicle arrives, so the dealer can make an extra profit on the items? I’d really like to know. It may not be the case here, but I think the potential for a rip-off is great. This is the second Jeep I’ve bought from my dealer in the last four years, but my first one wasn’t ordered like this one.

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[kevman65]

Personally, if it isn't factory, then I will do it or have someone do it. Dealer won't touch mine unless there is a warranty issue.

 

[Moe_Fugga]

Do it yourself and save the money. You’ll probably save money buying the parts from somewhere other than the dealer as well. Unless the dealer will price match what you can buy online for cheaper I wouldn’t buy anything from them. Stealership safe in the business of making loads of money from people who don’t know how to source their own parts for cheaper.

That’s just my opinion.

 

[azaustin]

Do it yourself and save the money. You’ll probably save money buying the parts from somewhere other than the dealer as well. Unless the dealer will price match what you can buy online for cheaper I wouldn’t buy anything from them. Stealership safe in the business of making loads of money from people who don’t know how to source their own parts for cheaper.

That’s just my opinion.

I could do that. If the dealer installs the parts they are covered under warranty. The prices they charged me are the same as the Mopar parts prices online, more or less. On my 2017 Rubicon I did install the brake controller because Mopar didn’t offer one at that time. The bed liner price was also competitive. Installation isn’t a problem. I’m a former professional mechanic and my home shop is fully equipped, including a 10,000 pound lift. I’m getting older, and want to save my energy for the cars I’m restoring. I just thought it was funny that none of the accessories were available from the factory (although they were supposed to be) when I ordered the car, but there was no problem getting them when the car arrived. In fact, the dealer has them all in stock, with the exception of the spray-in bed liner, which they farm out to a shop that specializes in that.

 

[punk'n]

If they weren't available from the factory, then how did they know they would be available for install upon delivery?

If they are the same OEM factory parts, it sounds like an up-charge to me. No way would I have them install anything if they wouldn't let me put it in the order/build.

As mentioned above, I would order the parts from one of this sites sponsors/online supplier to save on item cost and install myself (except the spray in liner which I would price myself elsewhere).

 

[kevman65]

Dealer installed parts may have a limited warranty on parts, but you're going to pay for labor again. Not a good deal.

 

[Moe_Fugga]

I don’t believe that whole “covered under warranty” BS. That’s a line of nonsense they sell to folks. A Line-X bed liner warranty is covered by Line-X. That’s probably who they send it to and charge you more than Line-X charges them. The bed cover itself should have a warranty on it. If not, don’t buy MOPAR. The brake controller should be the same. Being that you don’t want to install, I would find a shop or buddy to do it cheaper. There will always be someone cheaper and just as competent (or more) than the dealer.

 

[David.G.T.]

Depending on what accessories you are talking about, it is cheaper and better to check the box when building. For example, I wanted to get the hardtop headliner, and Satin black grill after taking delivery but am finding that it is more expensive to do it myself.

 

[MrZappo]

Every one of those things is a factory option. If you simply look on the website that is clear as day ... I bought my truck with several of those options from the factory ...

Basically a car dealer (thugs and thieves) told you that they weren't available and you believed them ...

I would trust the local drug dealer before id trust my local Jeep/Dodge dealer ...

It is awful that they do this stuff to people ... But, you know ... fool me once .....

Next time call Jeep corporate and verify before trusting a dealer ...

 

[johnparjr]

They are ripping you off and should have added all that to your order. Those are all easily done as I did them except the brake controller

 

[azaustin]

Kind of what I thought. I am going to contact the corporate office.

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