New hoses recommended after a "free" tune-up: scam or necessity?

Dear Car Talk | Dec 01, 1992
Dear Tom and Ray:
Vern
TOM: Well, Vern, we've always said that you can't trust anybody even remotely connected with the automotive industry. That includes us, of course. But I'm particularly suspicious of the guys who did the free lube, oil, and filter.
RAY: After all, the lube, oil, and filter are all free. And think about it...if you're losing $20 on every oil change, it's tough to make it up in volume.
TOM: So they have to make money on the "check up." And the only way to do that is to find something wrong during the check up that you'll have to pay for.
RAY: Now, having said all those horrible things about these guys, my guess is that they're absolutely right. This old heap probably does need new hoses. But if you want to be sure, Vern, take it to another shop for a second opinion.
TOM: And if it turns out you do need hoses, go back to the first guy and let him do it. First of all, you'll know he's basically been honest with you. And second, if he's running an honest shop AND giving away all those free oil changes, he's definitely going to need the business.
Vern
TOM: Well, Vern, we've always said that you can't trust anybody even remotely connected with the automotive industry. That includes us, of course. But I'm particularly suspicious of the guys who did the free lube, oil, and filter.
RAY: After all, the lube, oil, and filter are all free. And think about it...if you're losing $20 on every oil change, it's tough to make it up in volume.
TOM: So they have to make money on the "check up." And the only way to do that is to find something wrong during the check up that you'll have to pay for.
RAY: Now, having said all those horrible things about these guys, my guess is that they're absolutely right. This old heap probably does need new hoses. But if you want to be sure, Vern, take it to another shop for a second opinion.
TOM: And if it turns out you do need hoses, go back to the first guy and let him do it. First of all, you'll know he's basically been honest with you. And second, if he's running an honest shop AND giving away all those free oil changes, he's definitely going to need the business.
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