leftykev wrote:So, today the Dearly advises that I replace the main serpentine belt, because there are some visible small cracks.
I'm not sure how much warranty you have left but if you're out of warranty you do have the option of having a different shop install the belt to avoid the high dealer rates. Otherwise I don't think anyone can tell you whether it's time to replace the belt without actually seeing it. That said, it's one of those items that would be a big hassle to break in the middle of nowhere.
And, the CVT tranny fluid is getting dark. The service advisor told me they generally recommend changing the CVT tranny fluid about every 30k miles. He said they dump half the fluid and add new fliud to replenish the supply. REALLY? I couldn't believe that and just told him next time.
The service manual indicates that for the "Optional Premium Upgrade" you change the fluid at 30K, so it doesn't seem wrong that they offer that up as their timeframe for doing the fluid change.
However, I would not just replace the fluid. They have the ability to hook it up to the computer and tell you whether it needs to be changed. The manual also makes no mention of draining only half of it, I would think that's the service advisor talking without knowing the procedure.