24,000km maintenence-all necessary?

[rostafoya]

I am at 24,000km on an 08 AWD EX35 and have an appointment to get the 24,000km service completed. The service dept quoted for $430 + tax which I find expensive.

Below is what my guide states is part of the preferred service package. What is really necessary?

This is what the maintenance guide says:-replace engine oil and filter-lubricate all locks, latches, hinges and steering stops-replace engine air filter-replace in cabin microfilter-replace wiper blades-rotate tires (just had my snows on so no point)

Inspect:-air conditioning system-automatic transmission fluid-axle and suspension parts-brake lines and cables-brake calipers, pads, rotors-brake light and cruise control switches-differential oil-drive shaft boots-engine coolant level/top off-engine drive belts-exhaust system-front suspension ball joints-manual transmission oil-propeller shaft-steering gear and linkage-steering linkage ball joints-tires/adjust air pressure (just had snows on so don' need this)-transfer case oil (4WD/AWD)

Modified by rostafoya at 3:38 AM 12/17/2009
Modified by rostafoya at 3:40 AM 12/17/2009

[jmess]

Go with the longest service interval recommended in your owners' manual or get an oil change and do the inspections yourself.

Safety inspections that cover 90% of the inspections you listed are bundled with oil changes these days. The safety checks have a good hit rate for generating additional repair revenue from the mechanically challenged folks.

[EXceptional]

Find out if your Dealership will honor any Warranty Work that might need to get done, if you do NOT get these inspections done ?

I know it's a scam... but if something breaks or malfunctions... and you didn't have all that checked off... you might be in for a surprise.

[jmess]

If your engine fails they can't deny the warranty because you didn't ever check the axle and suspension parts.

Make a photo copy of the service checks page then check them off as you look at them. Sign and date the copy with the mileage/Kilometers and keep it in your records. You now have the documentation required for the warranty.

Unfortunately the majority of dealer's have proven not to be a good source of unbiased information about the cars they sell. The service department has turned into a sales department. The mechanically challenged are often preyed upon and manipulated for profit by the service sales folks. This is no different than people who are plumbing challenged be taken advantage of by people in the plumbing trade.

[EXceptional]

Make a photo copy of the service checks page then check them off as you look at them. Sign and date the copy with the mileage/Kilometers and keep it in your records. You now have the documentation required for the warranty.

Is this method proven, or is this your own way of doing things ?

Do you have this in writing anywhere, saying this method of yours will hold up, when things start screwing up ?

[jaboz]

Any of these cars should last 5 years if you keep them lubricated and don't drive like a dork. I did all the maintenance on my FX35 (04) for 4 years and never had a problem. Used Mobil 1 for every oil change (3,500 mi interval). Don't forget to replace the copper drain plug gasket. Get a can of white grease for the hinges. Be sure to check the breaks, I never had rear breaks wear out as fast as they did on FX35. Probably due to VDC using them to control the car. Never needed differential lubricant. Added a little coolant - brough a gallon of Nissan coolant at the dealer. Cabin air filter was the biggest pain in the A**. There are diagrams on the net that help, but it's a knuckle buster of a task. And the dealers mark-up the filter more than a department store marks-up sweatshop clothing - mine wanted $68 it cost $22 at autozone...Never needed trans fluid or PS fluid or brake fluid. Finding a rear wiper was a challenge. Don't forget to fill your BATTERY with distilled water periodically!!!! Don't ever want to lose electrical in one of these gems!!!

[EXceptional]

Yaddy, yaddy, blah, blah, blah...

Is this method proven, or is this your own way of doing things ?

Do you have this in writing anywhere, saying this method of yours will hold up, when things start screwing up ?

We all know the Dealers rip us off... but when it really comes down to it all... and something major happens, something expensive... will the dealer/Infiniti say, ya sure you're good to go, we'll replace everything and we won't charge you a dime, even though you never brought it in for it's prescribed checks.

By the way, have you also considered that for re-sale, whether it's a good idea to do your own checks ?

I challenge anybody to finder a Dealer that will be OK with fixing something, even though you took photo's and wrote something in a Book. Good Luck, my friend.

[jmess]

You need to maintain documentation and keep receipts. This is stated in the owner or warranty manual when they talk about doing self maintenance or not using a Nissan shop.

I am not saying to fake or ignore the recommended inspections or service. I am saying don't let the service sales people fool you into doing more than is required. You can also do a lot of it yourself if you have some basic automotive skills and knowledge.

So for legal advice lawyers are your friends and forums are full of opinions.