Re: 30K Service

Jul 01, 2003 4 Replies

a website called cartalk has a database of independent shops indexed by zipcode.i'm sure you could find one in your area that would do the 30k service for much less than a dealer.


Hi,
>
> I have a 2001 Maxima close to the 30K mark. I'd like maintain this car
> well...but I sure hate to spend ~$450 for the 30K service. Is the 30K
> service really worth the money spent - or could I wait until say the 60K
> service? Any other alternatives? Bottom line, is that I want the car
> maintained well...and I will do what is necessary to make that happen - but
> I want to make sure the service is worth it.
>
> Patrick
>
>

My advice is to find a good independent mechanic to do the service. Yes, the regular maintenance will run $350-400, but that's not really much in the long run. I have always had the 30k interval maintenance done. I have 188k on my 92 SE and have never had any major mechanical problems. I like to think that the regular maintenance catches problems before they get to be trouble.

Another less cordial approach would be to say "You paid how much for this car and yet you are concerned with a few hundred dollars every year and a half or so?"

There's a reason that dealers make as much on servicing the car, as they do selling it. Peace of mind is a big part of the marketing equation.

Just what major issues have you sidestepped by doing your "routine maintenance"? There is not going to be a net savings for most people.

JM

I'm just against a lot of "checking," as opposed to doing. The car manual's "must do" list should absolutely be followed. But the dealer's own list is invariably premised on maximizing revenue (no pun intended), and they end up charging top dollar to eyeball items, instead of actually dealing with things that need fixing. And non-dealers often have an even goofier idea of what should be done: I do not think that the independent services they use for guidance on this are very good, by design.

A REAL 60K service should replace transmission fluid, replace power steering fluid, clean out the throttle body, clean battery terminals, and similar messy stuff. Instead the tech runs his fingers over the tires once (your alignment is fine); throws on a new PCV valve (that idle problem is taken care of, see, we plugged your car into our fancy diagnostic computer & here's a fancy print-out); glances at your CV boots (they're developing slight surface cracks and should be replaced immediately for $300, never mind the fact that they're probably fine for 2 more years); and similar silly stuff. Well, not so silly, because they are making their house payments off it.

Thus, 1/3 of the work is necessary like coolant changes (but did they flush it, or only drain it? even an Infiniti tech told me they don't even pull the engine block plug); 1/3 of it is more a mind game than anything; and 1/3 is a search for more (frequently unnecessary) business.

JM

BuddyWh and JM -

I suppose I'm spoiled, but I have a mechanic who, after 18 years of completely satisfactory service, I trust implicitly. If he tells me something's wrong, then by God I believe him, and I don't mind paying him for his expertise. He's had ample opportunities to rip me off, but that's never been a problem. So there.

So, to you guys who think you're so smart and know all there is about dealer manipulation and ruthless profit-taking, please SHUT UP. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.

Have a nice day '92 SE, 5-speed, 188k and now a 2K SE, auto, what a sweet ride!!

Mister Mike

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