Re: 30K mile maintenance - dealer ripoff?
-Change engine oil and filter I can do myself, although I usually just pay a shop to do it to save time.
-Rotate four tires. Check and adjust tire pressure (including spare), and inspect tires for damage or uneven wear. The shop that changes my oil usually includes this service for me.
-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. Ok, so check all fluid levels and grease up some hinges... can't be that hard.
-Replace engine and cabin air filter. I'll do it myself.
-Replace limited-slip differential fluid. Can I do this myself? What's involved?
-Lubricate steering knuckle; lubricate propeller shaft (re-torque bolts) I have no idea, what's involved?
-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. The shop that does my oil changes will look at this stuff for free.
-Inspect fuel lines, connections, fuel tank mount straps, fuel vapor emission control hoses, and fuel tank cap gasket. The shop that does my oil changes will look at this stuff for free.
-Check all warning/indicator lights, interior and exterior lighting. I'll do this.
-Reset "Maintenance Required" light. The oil change place will do this for free.
Package Price $359.95 My cost so far: est $100, sound right?
For vehicles with standard spark plugs: Replace spark plugs: $69.95 Do I have standard spark plugs? I didn't realize there were "non-standard spark plugs"
For vehicles with standard coolant: Replace engine coolant: $69.95 If it's just a drain/refill, I'll do it myself.
"Dealer Recommended Service"
Includes all Items in Minimum Factory Required Service, Plus:
-Install premium engine oil treatment - helps reduce friction and engine wear. Sounds like a fuel additive or something. $5 at a gas station?
-Install premium fuel treatment - helps reduce engine carbon deposits, helps remove gum and varnish deposits from fuel system. Sounds like a fuel additive or something. $5 at a gas station?
-Remove battery cables, clean and install anti-corrosion pads and protectant. Reseal terminals and connections. So, disconnect the terminals and clean the up a bit... that about it?
-Balance four tires. Oil change place I got to will check the balance for free. Not sure if they'll make any repairs.
-Automatic transmission service - Drain and refill Can I do this myself?
-Cooling system Drain and Fill I know I can do THAT myself.
-4 x 4 service - drain and fill front & rear differentials & transfer case How hard is it to do this yourself?
Package Price $629.95 My price: est $200, sound about right?
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. Doesn't sound like it's even remotely need at this point.
-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. Doesn't sound like it's even remotely need at this point.
-Perform fuel induction throttle body service - Helps remove gum and varnish from intake runners, decarbonizes intake valves and combustion chambers Sounds like a seafoam treatment.
-Power steering flush service - Provides wear and rust protection, high shear and oxidation stability. Doesn't sound like it's even remotely need at this point.
-Brake system fluid flush - Meets or exceeds Federal requirements. Meets OEM and SAE specifications. Doesn't sound like it's even remotely need at this point.
-Road Test vehicle. How kind of them....
-"On the road" Roadside assistance program. Receive complimentary towing, jump start, tire change, delivery of gas and more. I think I already get this through my insurance company.
-Includes COMPLIMENTARY one day rental car Yeah, cause if they're going to bend you over without any lube, you might as well be back in your own bed. ROFL
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.
Does the timing belt really need to be replaced? And what's the deal with the spark plugs?
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