Car Service at Dealer or Local Garage?

Laek · 08-24-2008, 01:04 PM

My Scion tC has hit 30k miles and I'm wondering about the dealer service for that mileage. I hate car dealerships as I always feel like they trying to do everything possible to rip you off. My local Toyota dealer ship has a 30K service package for around $300 that includes a rental car. They say they check everything, adjust/service the brakes, timing, battery, and replace oil, coolant, plugs and all the filters. Now I haven't checked local shops to see what their prices are since I'm new to the area.

Does $300 sound like to much?

aychamo_aycono · 08-24-2008, 01:23 PM

I'd say do it. That price really isn't unreasonable if they do a comprehensive service, and basically check everything as you said. I know this is slightly unrelated, but Harley motorcycles have a 1,000 mile service that costs about $250, and that's for a simple motorcycle. $300 for a comprehensive vehicle service doesn't sound too bad.

Chanur · 08-24-2008, 04:49 PM

The reason why motorcycle service is so expensive is because its a toy. That's why resale tends to be high on them also.

As for the dealership 300 dollars is not terrible. They wont change your spark plugs though unless there is a bad one, as most last 100k now days. With a rental car I do not think its to bad.

Senen · 08-24-2008, 05:36 PM

I'd do it aswell I bought a FJ Cruiser this year and with all the new tech in the engine theres no way I'm going to let some regular mech shop do any work on it. I actualy paid up front and have the first 3 years of service paid for in full which is a good reminder since I tend to forget aswell it protects my investment in the vehicle.

Kaio · 08-24-2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laek

My Scion tC has hit 30k miles and I'm wondering about the dealer service for that mileage. I hate car dealerships as I always feel like they trying to do everything possible to rip you off. My local Toyota dealer ship has a 30K service package for around $300 that includes a rental car. They say they check everything, adjust/service the brakes, timing, battery, and replace oil, coolant, plugs and all the filters. Now I haven't checked local shops to see what their prices are since I'm new to the area.

Does $300 sound like to much?

That doesn't sound bad at all. But I'll bet all they'll do is make adjustments to what's needed and change the oil. They'll just "check" everything else and bill you more so if any actual work is needed. My local gm dealer wanted 160 dollars for just spark plug cables, just the parts fuck them.

I feel like going to some technical school just so i can do this shit myself. You can get parts, quality parts at like half the cost of most dealers. I've gone to so many different mechanics and they all give me a different story about my suspension. I've yet to find, what i would call an amazing mechanic at a dealer or anywhere else.

Laek · 08-24-2008, 11:55 PM

Well one of the main reasons I'm wondering about spending the money is that this week I keep thinking of getting a new car. I'm positive on my Scion by 4 to 6k when looking at Kelly Blue Book for dealer trade in value. The Volkswagen GTI's have caught my eye for some reason.

The dealer list an every 15k mile service package at $169 and it doesn't really seem like they added much for the additional $140 besides the rental. Plus they list the prices on a "Service Special" coupon but they have had the same coupon for the last 3 months. I can't find a good review for the local Toyota dealership anywhere but then it seems like only pissed off people review dealerships.

Desx · 08-25-2008, 12:41 AM

rofl FJ cruiser.

Chanur · 08-25-2008, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laek

Well one of the main reasons I'm wondering about spending the money is that this week I keep thinking of getting a new car. I'm positive on my Scion by 4 to 6k when looking at Kelly Blue Book for dealer trade in value. The Volkswagen GTI's have caught my eye for some reason.

The dealer list an every 15k mile service package at $169 and it doesn't really seem like they added much for the additional $140 besides the rental. Plus they list the prices on a "Service Special" coupon but they have had the same coupon for the last 3 months. I can't find a good review for the local Toyota dealership anywhere but then it seems like only pissed off people review dealerships.

The GTI is a snazzy car, it would be a good choice. But there have been very different dealership experiences with Volkswagen. I would advise you to try and find out a bit about your dealership before you purchase from them. They can be either great or seriously horrible from what other VW owners have told me.

Vinen · 08-25-2008, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chanur

The GTI is a snazzy car, it would be a good choice. But there have been very different dealership experiences with Volkswagen. I would advise you to try and find out a bit about your dealership before you purchase from them. They can be either great or seriously horrible from what other VW owners have told me.

Friend of mine was horribly dissapointed with his GTI. He bought an 07 and has already traded it in and gotten rid of it. It had more problems then he wanted to deal with.

Mkopec1 · 08-25-2008, 06:48 AM

That $300 to "check your car" Is like taking the 3 bills and flushing them down the toilet.

Go to the local Valvoline and get your oil changed for $30. Or whatever oil place you like. Do it yourself even, if you want. But I dont do it myself anymore because the $30 more than pays itself with the time saved.

You can check your breaks yourself. Either by feel (Just make sure the car has been sitting for a while and cool, doh) OR by taking the wheel off and seeing if they need replacing.

If you do need break pads, they usually cost $50-80 for all 4 wheels and take about 20 min each wheel to change. i cannot believe people take their car in for a break job when its so easy any monkey with a wrench could do it.All it takes is a jack, and some sockets for most car models.

Spark plugs and spark plug wires should not go bad within 30K. More like 100K but if you feel the need, change them out at 60K. Just pay attention to the order of the plugs and wires. Best way is take them out one by one and replace with the new wire at the same time. This way you can not make a mistake in order.

Serpentine belt should not be bad by 30K either. This is not a do it yourself job though, but most oil places can do it for $50.

Air Filters? shit, son, they are $5-$10 at the local pep boys or whatever the fuck auto parts store you have near you.

The only thing that could hamper a do-it-yourself on any of these "checks" is if you do not have space to do it in, ie. apartment or whatever. But surely you can go to a buddies house or parents place?

Anyways like I said, save yourself the $300 and check yourself. You dont need to be a mechanic to do this stuff yourself.

Chanur · 08-25-2008, 09:18 PM

Also most cars now days you cannot change the timing on either. So really they are not going to do a lot other than change your oil, coolant and adjust your breaks if needed. You would likely be better off taking it to an oil change place they will likely do all of that for 1/3 of the price. Thinking back on it, I wouldn't bother if you have kept your car maintained. If you have not then its a good idea.

Criminiminal · 08-25-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mkopec1

That $300 to "check your car" Is like taking the 3 bills and flushing them down the toilet.

I'm with Mkopec, do it yourself if you have the time and tools. If you don't have the tools (and the repair manual), buy them this one time, and yeah, it will cost you a few hundred for the right stuff but every time after that when you need to do maintenance, you'll be looking at much <$100 for anything you need to do. And when you do something, use google calendar to make a note of what you did that day and set a reminder for whenever your car needs it again.

At 30k, i'd say you should be good with oil/filter change, air filter (replace it with k&n), brake pads, windshield fluid and coolant.

Rythonn · 08-25-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mkopec1

You can check your breaks yourself. Either by feel (Just make sure the car has been sitting for a while and cool, doh) OR by taking the wheel off and seeing if they need replacing.

If you do need break pads, they usually cost $50-80 for all 4 wheels and take about 20 min each wheel to change. i cannot believe people take their car in for a break job when its so easy any monkey with a wrench could do it.All it takes is a jack, and some sockets for most car models.

I hate it when I brake my breaks...

Mkopec1 · 08-25-2008, 10:28 PM

:/ Fucking spellchecker did that not me :P

Rhuobhe · 08-25-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chanur

The GTI is a snazzy car, it would be a good choice. But there have been very different dealership experiences with Volkswagen. I would advise you to try and find out a bit about your dealership before you purchase from them. They can be either great or seriously horrible from what other VW owners have told me.

my wife is currently leasing an 08 jetta. VW dealership suck monkey balls. look out for those.

08-24-2008, 01:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
Laek Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 590 -1 Internets	Car Service at Dealer or Local Garage? My Scion tC has hit 30k miles and I'm wondering about the dealer service for that mileage. I hate car dealerships as I always feel like they trying to do everything possible to rip you off. My local Toyota dealer ship has a 30K service package for around $300 that includes a rental car. They say they check everything, adjust/service the brakes, timing, battery, and replace oil, coolant, plugs and all the filters. Now I haven't checked local shops to see what their prices are since I'm new to the area. Does $300 sound like to much?

08-24-2008, 01:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
aychamo_aycono ... Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 4,332 -86 Internets	I'd say do it. That price really isn't unreasonable if they do a comprehensive service, and basically check everything as you said. I know this is slightly unrelated, but Harley motorcycles have a 1,000 mile service that costs about $250, and that's for a simple motorcycle. $300 for a comprehensive vehicle service doesn't sound too bad. __________________ Hope you have a great day!

08-25-2008, 06:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
Mkopec1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Detroit Posts: 5,221	That $300 to "check your car" Is like taking the 3 bills and flushing them down the toilet. Go to the local Valvoline and get your oil changed for $30. Or whatever oil place you like. Do it yourself even, if you want. But I dont do it myself anymore because the $30 more than pays itself with the time saved. You can check your breaks yourself. Either by feel (Just make sure the car has been sitting for a while and cool, doh) OR by taking the wheel off and seeing if they need replacing. If you do need break pads, they usually cost $50-80 for all 4 wheels and take about 20 min each wheel to change. i cannot believe people take their car in for a break job when its so easy any monkey with a wrench could do it.All it takes is a jack, and some sockets for most car models. Spark plugs and spark plug wires should not go bad within 30K. More like 100K but if you feel the need, change them out at 60K. Just pay attention to the order of the plugs and wires. Best way is take them out one by one and replace with the new wire at the same time. This way you can not make a mistake in order. Serpentine belt should not be bad by 30K either. This is not a do it yourself job though, but most oil places can do it for $50. Air Filters? shit, son, they are $5-$10 at the local pep boys or whatever the fuck auto parts store you have near you. The only thing that could hamper a do-it-yourself on any of these "checks" is if you do not have space to do it in, ie. apartment or whatever. But surely you can go to a buddies house or parents place? Anyways like I said, save yourself the $300 and check yourself. You dont need to be a mechanic to do this stuff yourself. __________________ When I am working on a problem I never think about beauty. I only think about how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.

08-25-2008, 10:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
Mkopec1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Detroit Posts: 5,221	:/ Fucking spellchecker did that not me :P __________________ When I am working on a problem I never think about beauty. I only think about how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.

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08-24-2008, 04:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Chanur Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 1,354 -20 Internets	The reason why motorcycle service is so expensive is because its a toy. That's why resale tends to be high on them also. As for the dealership 300 dollars is not terrible. They wont change your spark plugs though unless there is a bad one, as most last 100k now days. With a rental car I do not think its to bad.

08-24-2008, 05:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
Senen Old School ! Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 732	I'd do it aswell I bought a FJ Cruiser this year and with all the new tech in the engine theres no way I'm going to let some regular mech shop do any work on it. I actualy paid up front and have the first 3 years of service paid for in full which is a good reminder since I tend to forget aswell it protects my investment in the vehicle.

08-24-2008, 11:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
Laek Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 590 -1 Internets	Well one of the main reasons I'm wondering about spending the money is that this week I keep thinking of getting a new car. I'm positive on my Scion by 4 to 6k when looking at Kelly Blue Book for dealer trade in value. The Volkswagen GTI's have caught my eye for some reason. The dealer list an every 15k mile service package at $169 and it doesn't really seem like they added much for the additional $140 besides the rental. Plus they list the prices on a "Service Special" coupon but they have had the same coupon for the last 3 months. I can't find a good review for the local Toyota dealership anywhere but then it seems like only pissed off people review dealerships.

08-25-2008, 12:41 AM	#7 (permalink)
Desx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 549	rofl FJ cruiser.

08-25-2008, 09:18 PM	#11 (permalink)
Chanur Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 1,354 -20 Internets	Also most cars now days you cannot change the timing on either. So really they are not going to do a lot other than change your oil, coolant and adjust your breaks if needed. You would likely be better off taking it to an oil change place they will likely do all of that for 1/3 of the price. Thinking back on it, I wouldn't bother if you have kept your car maintained. If you have not then its a good idea.