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Oil Consumption: Dealer trying scam ?

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Old 09-29-2009, 12:27 PM
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Mazinger Z
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Default Oil Consumption: Dealer trying scam ?

My bro's G35 has been burning oil for years and at his last oil change, he asked for an oil consumption test.

Today, after 1000 miles of driving, he went in for a check up. The dealer said no oil was burned. Actually, they said "not one drop" was burned.

I knew about this for a long time and for as long as he's had the car, the car burns oil like no tomorrow. His car usually goes through about 4-5 quarts every 3000 miles. The dipstick is basically DRY and below the 'low' line after 3000 miles EVERYTIME.

Could they have done something like add more oil during the last oil change, add more oil during the test today, or anything to try to get away with not fixing the problem?
Old 09-29-2009, 12:31 PM
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Glex25
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Originally Posted by Mazinger Z
My bro's G35 has been burning oil for years and at his last oil change, he asked for an oil consumption test.

Today, after 1000 miles of driving, he went in for a check up. The dealer said no oil was burned. Actually, they said "not one drop" was burned.

I knew about this for a long time and for as long as he's had the car, the car burns oil like no tomorrow. His car usually goes through about 4-5 quarts every 3000 miles. The dipstick is basically DRY and below the 'low' line after 3000 miles EVERYTIME.

Could they have done something like add more oil during the last oil change, add more oil during the test today, or anything to try to get away with not fixing the problem?
I would request for the car to be parked for minimum 15minutes before checking the oil and request that the owner be present while the oil is being checked. I have heard stories of dealers adding oil to make it seem like the car does not consume oil during the oil consumption test.
Old 09-29-2009, 01:05 PM
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Mazinger Z
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Originally Posted by Glex25
I would request for the car to be parked for minimum 15minutes before checking the oil and request that the owner be present while the oil is being checked. I have heard stories of dealers adding oil to make it seem like the car does not consume oil during the oil consumption test.
Yea, in 1000 miles I'm going to go w/ my bro to do the check. Does the dealership get paid by Infiniti when they swap out a motor?
Old 09-29-2009, 01:14 PM
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scotts300
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Originally Posted by Mazinger Z
Yea, in 1000 miles I'm going to go w/ my bro to do the check. Does the dealership get paid by Infiniti when they swap out a motor?
What year G is it? Coupe or sedan?

Infiniti does pay the dealership, but the manufacturer is still going to be tight with their benjamins. Ironically, I've heard of Nissan dealerships replacing "questionable" engines to generate service business. Meaning, engines that may not burn enough oil are getting replaced. I'll have factual data to support this in a few 1000 miles, as I bought one of these engines for my track car.

Last edited by scotts300; 09-29-2009 at 01:16 PM.
Old 09-29-2009, 01:34 PM
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cheshirecat79
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Let the car sit for 15 minutes minimum. Be with the tech when they check the oil.

The dealer is jerking you around.

You can also go to another dealership.
Old 09-29-2009, 01:39 PM
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Mazinger Z
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It's an 03 G Sedan.

Unfortunately, the powertrain warranty expires in Dec. Since they start the test at an oil change, it's not likely he's going to get another test.
Old 09-29-2009, 01:48 PM
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Get a new engine before the warranty is gone!!
Old 09-29-2009, 02:01 PM
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scotts300
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Originally Posted by Mazinger Z
It's an 03 G Sedan.

Unfortunately, the powertrain warranty expires in Dec. Since they start the test at an oil change, it's not likely he's going to get another test.
Given the cost of an engine and the labor to do it, I would make sure I put the appropriate miles on it in time to get it replaced under warranty. As others have said, let the car cool down when you get there, and babysit it the entire time. Check the oil before starting it in the morning to go to the dealership, take a picture, do it all. Document it to the gills.
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