Pressure from dealer to get "4X4 service" and "exhaust service."

If the service book doesn't mention it... it's bull. I'd ask them what they do on a 4x4 service and am intrigued by an 'exhaust service'! Please post answers.

-- Clive Norris Selectron (UK) Ltd Musical Equipment Distribution

I had a Nissan dealer try to pull this crap on me. Even had the nerve to show me a hand marked up service schedule. I told them to show me service schedule in print before I would believe it. Of course they didn't and forever lost me as a customer. You can do some service items yourself and have rest done by people you trust. Just keep good records to maintain your warranty. Frank

Yikes! At the risk of being crude, I fear that it's _your_ exhaust that they're hoping to service :-P Find a good independent shop and stay away form that dealership. If you'll post your location, I'm sure someone on the group can make a recommendation.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB Laboratory Manager Microelectronics Research University of Colorado (719) 262-3101

I'm in Staten Island. ONE Subaru dealer on whole Island, of course it's run by that mob-owned monopoly, Manfredi.

You need the service schedule laid out in your handbook. It not only tells you the mileage/timing of the services, but also details the work which should be carried out. Anything else is an 'extra' which you are being offered by the dealer, but is not 'needed'. When booking in for a service you should tell the dealer that you require them to carry out the work detailed in the handbook and to phone you for permission, with an estimate of price, before doing anything else.

David Betts snipped-for-privacy@motorsport.org.uk

4x4 service usually refers to changing the oil in the rear axle and perhaps transmission final drive oil, and maybe a check of the rear axle boots, drive shaft etc. I don't think fluid replacement is mentioned in the maintenance schedule, especially at this mileage, maybe a visual inspection of the components and fluid levels, a 30 minute job at most. Ed B.

I have yet to have the dealer do anything to my car. I just had 4 pistons replace and my trans fixed by warranty at 51K They replace the brake fluid and a number of different expensive at 30K. This can be done my ANY place, just don't get suckered by haveing them charge you and not do the things. I'll do the fluid in the spring 63K or so.

Oddly enough, I got my WRX from their Brooklyn dealership, SAFE. So far they've been pretty straight with me, but then I was probably their most boring sale ever as I didn't let them do anything but the paperwork and get the car.

With their service dept, I go in prepared with all the details of what needs to be done/looked at, exactly what the repair procedure would be if needed. All they have to do is write it up and do the work.

I'd get a hold of the service manuals for your car as well as an official maintenance schedule and most importantly take control of your cars maintenance. You tell them what you want checked, what you want done, and what you expect it to cost.

The Subaru dealers in the area are kind of spread out so you'll probably need to drive a bit to see another one.

As for independent shops, I haven't really looked yet, as my last car was and 86 Taurus, which pretty much anybody handy with tools could fix.

If you find a decent one nearby, let me know, as it's good to have alternatives to the dealer.

Hi there Jamal. I bought my Outback from Beltway Buick/Subaru on Cropsey Avenue, and had all service done there for the first year and a half until I moved to Staten Island. Their service department always treated me right - Steve at the desk is very good. No one ever contacted me about ridiculous things like this exhaust and 4X4 stuff until I got to the Manfredi boys. So if you ever have a problem with SAFE, give Beltway a try.

My dealer pulled the same crap on our 30k service a month ago. They kept insisting that my 5 speed needed a trans flush and new filter. I said "its a manual transmission. It doesn't have a filter". To which they replied "sir our computer reccomends a trans flush at 30k".

I ended up getting them to change the spark plugs and that was it. I'm going to do the coolant flush, fuel filter,and rotate the tires.

Just my 2¢