30K service = an "expensive oil change"?
08-13-2010, 03:52 PM
#1
30K service = an "expensive oil change"?
I know, there are plenty other checks/replacements that are made beyond oil... but local dealerships in the SF Bay Area charge nearly $800 for this service. I'm not a DIYer - but i'm also not an unsavvy consumer and recognize stealership fluff when I see it.
Thoughts? What are the most "vital" services in the 30K that I might consider getting done a la carte? And maybe at an authorized nissan/infiniti shop vs stealership? Or maybe a fellow G owner who is a DIY? I can change my air filters myself no prob - and i'm not due for oil for another 2k miles....
The economy sucks eggs, these dealerships are bleeding, and they're out to juice customers for every possible cent. What to do.
Thoughts? What are the most "vital" services in the 30K that I might consider getting done a la carte? And maybe at an authorized nissan/infiniti shop vs stealership? Or maybe a fellow G owner who is a DIY? I can change my air filters myself no prob - and i'm not due for oil for another 2k miles....
The economy sucks eggs, these dealerships are bleeding, and they're out to juice customers for every possible cent. What to do.
08-13-2010, 06:19 PM
#3
Registered User
^^ what he said.
If you can do your own air filters you've already knocked a bit off the price. Cabin filter might be a bit harder but there are plenty of instructions for that. But as you said, if you don't want to DIY you'll end up paying a bit for that.
But you can probably get a better deal at a local mechanic just asking for those things above. Probably a good time to inspect the brakes too. Many places including the dealership will include those kinds of inspections complimentary at every oil change.
You certainly don't have to go to any authorized service center to maintain your warranty coverage. Any place will do but keep your records.
If you can do your own air filters you've already knocked a bit off the price. Cabin filter might be a bit harder but there are plenty of instructions for that. But as you said, if you don't want to DIY you'll end up paying a bit for that.
But you can probably get a better deal at a local mechanic just asking for those things above. Probably a good time to inspect the brakes too. Many places including the dealership will include those kinds of inspections complimentary at every oil change.
You certainly don't have to go to any authorized service center to maintain your warranty coverage. Any place will do but keep your records.
08-16-2010, 02:13 PM
#5
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I just ran into the same exact question. My '08 G37 S just turned 31k so I did not want to go to the dealer and get nailed for unnecessary work. However, I didn't want to compromise the legitimate aspects of the 30k service itself.
After a bunch of research, I decided on the following:
-Oil Change and filter (if necessary)
-Manual Transmission flush
-Differential flush
-Anti-freeze/coolant flush
- in-cabin air filter (if necessary at this time)
- engine air filter (if necessary at this time)
For whatever it is worth, I replaced all of the fluids (oil/filter; tranny; coolant, differential) with Amsoil products. I purchased all of the fluids and filter, including tax and shipping to me, for about $165.00.
I found a local guy where i live (Florida Keys) and he charged $100.00 to flush/replace all of the fluids I brought him. All in all, I paid $265.00 to flush out the above fluids and the labor. I think it was definitely worth it since the dealership in Miami wanted to charge me $595.00 and I know it was going to be with dyno fluids and not synthetic.
I think that at 60k, I will bring in many of my own Amsoil products to the dealer and let them work on my vehicle. I believe that the 60k service is much more comprehensive and would justify the extra cost at the dealership. Some of the other members who have much more knowledge than I do will most likely chime in here if my 60k evaluation is incorrect.
Good luck,
~V
After a bunch of research, I decided on the following:
-Oil Change and filter (if necessary)
-Manual Transmission flush
-Differential flush
-Anti-freeze/coolant flush
- in-cabin air filter (if necessary at this time)
- engine air filter (if necessary at this time)
For whatever it is worth, I replaced all of the fluids (oil/filter; tranny; coolant, differential) with Amsoil products. I purchased all of the fluids and filter, including tax and shipping to me, for about $165.00.
I found a local guy where i live (Florida Keys) and he charged $100.00 to flush/replace all of the fluids I brought him. All in all, I paid $265.00 to flush out the above fluids and the labor. I think it was definitely worth it since the dealership in Miami wanted to charge me $595.00 and I know it was going to be with dyno fluids and not synthetic.
I think that at 60k, I will bring in many of my own Amsoil products to the dealer and let them work on my vehicle. I believe that the 60k service is much more comprehensive and would justify the extra cost at the dealership. Some of the other members who have much more knowledge than I do will most likely chime in here if my 60k evaluation is incorrect.
Good luck,
~V
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08-17-2010, 08:56 AM
#8
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MadLove,
I think you'll realize that you can't go wrong in this scenario. Sure, ordering your own materials and finding a local guy is a little more work, but is certainly worth it if you can save $500 in your case. A while ago, I replaced my in-cabin air filter with a carbon one that I found online for less than $20 and the engine air filter with an HKS drop-in that I can re-use. Although a little more expensive up front, it will save $ down the line assuming I keep my car (which i plan to do).
Take care!
~V
I think you'll realize that you can't go wrong in this scenario. Sure, ordering your own materials and finding a local guy is a little more work, but is certainly worth it if you can save $500 in your case. A while ago, I replaced my in-cabin air filter with a carbon one that I found online for less than $20 and the engine air filter with an HKS drop-in that I can re-use. Although a little more expensive up front, it will save $ down the line assuming I keep my car (which i plan to do).
Take care!
~V
08-17-2010, 02:17 PM
#12
I did a 30k mile service with my own products. I used Motul 75-90 for the transmission flush, OEM charcoal in-cabin filter, Motul X-Max 5w30 ester based full synthetic for my oil change. It ran around $200 labor included. The only thing I didn't change was the differential fluid or do the coolant flush (doesn't need to be at 30k).
08-18-2010, 02:05 AM
#14
Registered User
For the cabin filters:
Cabin Air Filter - Cabin Filter, Cabin Air Filters, Replacement Car Cabin Air Filters
The price went up a bit recently, they were about $5 less a few months ago. But free shipping. Some people say the activated charcoal works better also.
Cabin Air Filter - Cabin Filter, Cabin Air Filters, Replacement Car Cabin Air Filters
The price went up a bit recently, they were about $5 less a few months ago. But free shipping. Some people say the activated charcoal works better also.
