FYI: No more courtesy inspections at SC

[drstancpa]

I know they weren't super thorough or anything, but I was surprised to learn at my trip to the SC today that Courtesy Inspections are no longer a thing. I asked about its absence on my work order and was told they are no longer offered with routine service, and they suggested I add the Comprehensive Inspection at 18,000 miles (I'm only at 5k on my R1S).

Not a big deal, not throwing a fit or anything, just thought I'd share!

Sponsored

 

[forestwalker]

For a low-milage unit like yours, I could see this making sense. I would be shocked if that is an across the board policy though, as its the best way to maintain service customer satisfaction AND generate repair revenue...

 

[VandalSibs]

Last service appointment I had they did a quick check after doing the work. This might be a per-location policy (heck, individual techs might do it if they are feeling nice!).

And I'd be curious to see what the mobile techs end up doing - I know that the few times I've had my truck looked at by them they always did a quick look around and check of the basics.

 

[CANCERDOC]

The courtesy inspection was basically checking tire pressures, I am not sure they actually did anything else.

 

[CrazyOne]

I have paid for inspection 1-2x over last year or two. I didn't know they were free. They also have 2 tiers of inspections. One in $200 range and another that costs even more.

 

[VandalSibs]

I have paid for inspection 1-2x over last year or two. I didn't know they were free. They also have 2 tiers of inspections. One in $200 range and another that costs even more.

What's being talked about here are the basic inspections that some service centers (Rivian or not) do when wrapping up work on a vehicle - tire pressures, wiper fluid, etc. Not the more comprehensive inspections that Rivian recommends at particular mileages.

 

[CrazyOne]

What's being talked about here are the basic inspections that some service centers (Rivian or not) do when wrapping up work on a vehicle - tire pressures, wiper fluid, etc. Not the more comprehensive inspections that Rivian recommends at particular mileages.

So, there is a third tier of inspection now, or the basic one is gone?

 

[VandalSibs]

In my experience there have only been two 'inspections' that are done - the curiosity inspections that are usually free, and the comprehensive ones that are paid for and recommended at particular mileage intervals.

 

[River Ghost]

I guess it would depend on the work being done. But for many things I would expect them to check the diagnostics to make sure that any error codes are gone. Since everything is connected (software defined vehicle) they can discover unrelated problems. This is much more thorough than a visual inspection for an ICE vehicle. For some work they will take the vehicle out for a test drive to verify that the problem has been fixed. I also have had them notice leaking parts from the suspension and replace things under warranty. I do not know what else would be considered a courtesy inspection that would not be a comprehensive inspection.

 

[Dasoss]

For a low-milage unit like yours, I could see this making sense. I would be shocked if that is an across the board policy though, as its the best way to maintain service customer satisfaction AND generate repair revenue...

I had a MINI for 22 years. The dealer did an inspection every time they got their hands on my car. They checked, tire wear, fluid leaks, fluid levels, brake rotors and pads , CV joints and half shafts, suspension parts, engine mounts, other rubber parts, window wipers, and exhaust system parts. The key fobs record OBDC data. They were obviously looking for wear items and commonly damaged items that would generate more service revenue. They would send me a narrated video with a repair estimate for additional work.
EVs don't even have most of the stuff that they inspected. Rivians don't have many of the failure modes and wear items that are common on ICE vehicles. Things like suspensions on Rivians are hard to inspect. Rivians have firmware that proactive monitors the health of stuff that a visual inspection won't catch, like batteries. They email you service recommendations. There just isn't much to be gained from the courtesy inspection.
.

Sponsored