I'm taking care of my mom's used 2005 Neon and I'm trying to figure out why the dealer wants over $400 for the 24,000 mile maintenance. (It's actually closer to 18,000 miles on the odometer.) I don't have any documentation showing what the manufacturer recommends. Is that available online?
The dealer's low-end maintenance includes the oil and filter change, lube, and tire rotation for $35, so what magic do I get for the rest of the money? (A friend already suggested that I get a free can of new car smell.)
Here's the dealer's website:
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Check out the "schedule service" link to see the prices.
You must be leaving something out, what else did they tell you the vehicle needed? Brakes? Alignment? Tires balanced? there has to be more to this...if not, I would find another dealer
"maxpower" wrote in news:JaidnRMitPO1e9DanZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com:
My eyeballs don't see the difference between the $35 service and the $400 service. These are a couple of the options I see in the service scheduling menu:
3K Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance Package (All Years & Models)
Our scheduled maintenance services meet or exceed factory recommendations for vehicle mileage, age, and local operating conditions and include the following:
? Replace engine oil and filter ? Inspect brakes ? Adjust tire air pressure ? Rotate Tires ? Inspect fluid levels and top off as needed ? Check operation of horn ? Check exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights ? Check windshield washer spray & wiper operation ? Inspect exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts & remove any foreign materials trapped by shielding ? Inspect radiator, heater, & air conditioning hoses for leaks or damage ? Lubricate chassis as necessary ? Inspect Tires
Additional tax and hazardous fees may apply
We will always perform a multipoint inspection and battery test when your vehicle is with us for service.
24K Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance Package (All Years, Makes & Models)
Our scheduled maintenance services meet or exceed factory recommendations for vehicle mileage, age, and local operating conditions and include the following:
(And they have a "30K *PREMIUM* Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance Package - All Wheel Drive Cars & Mini-Vans (also @ 60K & 90K)" for $999.95! What could that possibly be?!)
I see quite a difference, particularly important is:
But $400 seems a bit high to me. After all it isn't a BMW or Mercedes.
Based on my experiences they don't do many of the inspections and minor things, such as brake fluid and door lock lube which I have to follow up on myself.
The difference is a transmission flush, a bunch of snake oil crap you don't need or want and the improvement in gas mileage achieved by removing all the paper from your wallet.
Look in the owners manual for what the factory recommends and at what mileage and follow it. The only thing I would do outside of that would be a trans fluid change every 30k miles with the proper ATF+4 fluid (make sure this fluid is used - don't allow them to use a different fluid with a modifier that makes it "as good as atf +4"). This service will run you around 100 at a good independent shop.
No offense to the members of the group that are dealer techs but this is the reason I would never take a vehicle back to the dealer for anything other than warranty service. Find yourself a good independent mechanic (no that doesn't mean the Goodyear or Midas store) and use them. Ask friends who they use, call AAA and ask for a reference or just look for a small shop with a ton of cars in for service.
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