View Single Post
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 05-03-2008, 09:12 AM
Jester4kicks Jester4kicks is offline
Registered Member
 
My Garage
Jester4kicks's Photo Albums
Last Online: Yesterday 11:36 AM
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Littleton, CO
Posts: 60
Rep Power: 1
Jester4kicks is on a distinguished road.
Default 30K mile maintenance - dealer ripoff?

So my 06 4wd auto DC is about to hit 30,000 miles, and on my last stop by a dealer I got a nice little brochure telling me all the nice things they can do for me. There are three maintenance "packages" to choose from...

Let me see if I can get any jaws to hit the floor.

"Minimum Factory Required Service" (yes, it's in bold on the form)
-Change engine oil and filter
-Rotate four tires. Check and adjust tire pressure (including spare), and inspect tires for damage or uneven wear.
-Inspect coolant level, radiator core, A/C condenser, battery level, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, wiper fluid, and power steering oil. Top off as needed. Lubricate door and hood hinges.
-Replace engine and cabin air filter.
-Replace limited-slip differential fluid.
-Lubricate steering knuckle; lubricate propeller shaft (re-torque bolts)
-Inspect ball joints and dust covers; drive belts; brake lines and hoses; brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs; driveshaft boots (re-torque flange bolts); exhaust pipes and mountings; rear differential oil; steering linkages and boots.
-Inspect fuel lines, connections, fuel tank mount straps, fuel vapor emission control hoses, and fuel tank cap gasket.
-Check all warning/indicator lights, interior and exterior lighting.
-Reset "Maintenance Required" light.

Package Price $359.95
For vehicles with standard spark plugs: Replace spark plugs: $69.95
For vehicles with standard coolant: Replace engine coolant: $69.95


"Dealer Recommended Service"
Includes all Items in Minimum Factory Required Service, Plus:
-Install premium engine oil treatment - helps reduce friction and engine wear.
-Install premium fuel treatment - helps reduce engine carbon deposits, helps remove gum and varnish deposits from fuel system.
-Remove battery cables, clean and install anti-corrosion pads and protectant. Reseal terminals and connections.
-Balance four tires.
-Automatic transmission service - Drain and refill
-Cooling system Drain and Fill
-4 x 4 service - drain and fill front & rear differentials & transfer case

Package Price $629.95
For vehicles with standard spark plugs: Replace spark plugs: $69.95
For vehicles with standard coolant: Replace engine coolant: Included


"Dealer Premium Service"
Includes all Items in Dealer Recommended Service, Plus:
-Cooling system flush service - Helps prevent damage to cooling system due to rust, scale, and acid. Contains corrosion inhibitors and extends coolant life.
-Automatic transmission flush service - Removes virtually all old contaminated transmission fluid. Helps prevent oxidation and acid formation to extend fluid life. Also conditions seals and o-rings.
-Perform fuel induction throttle body service - Helps remove gum and varnish from intake runners, decarbonizes intake valves and combustion chambers
-Power steering flush service - Provides wear and rust protection, high shear and oxidation stability.
-Brake system fluid flush - Meets or exceeds Federal requirements. Meets OEM and SAE specifications.
-Road Test vehicle.
-"On the road" Roadside assistance program. Receive complimentary towing, jump start, tire change, delivery of gas and more.
-Includes COMPLIMENTARY one day rental car

Package Price $ =1059.95
For vehicles with standard spark plugs: Replace spark plugs: $69.95
For vehicles with standard coolant: Replace engine coolant: Included


There's also a note at the bottom:

Additional charge for spark plug replacement for 6 & 8 cyl vehicles. Additional charge for 4x4 vehicles. Replace timing belt on 4.7 engine. Replace spark plugs on 4.0 engine. Where required, replace rear differential oil including limited slip differentials and repack front wheel bearings.



I'll post my own thoughts on this crap in a minute... what does everyone else think? See any complete scams? I'm pretty good with a wrench (did my own cam swap on my old v6 mustang without any previous engine knowledge)... how much of this can reasonably be done myself?

Thanks all!
Reply With Quote