I need a Q45 Mechanic in Southern California

[paxjea]

Hello Gang.

I contacted Infiniti today to schedule my first maintenance on my new (1998) Infiniti Q45. Infiniti offers a "major service," which includes a complete flush and replacing of old/new fluids, changing out all filters, including the interior, tire rotation, etc, etc...all for $690. Included also is a full diagnostic - basically their going to give me the scoop on my Q.

Is this a fair price? Is it too much? Should I look for a local mechanic? PepBoys offers something similar, for $425. But...that's PEPBOYS!

I don't have a lot of information on Infiniti "dealer" service...so please give it to me straight on whether or not to allow the dealer to do their thing with my Q.

Does anyone know of a good Infiniti mechanic in Southern Cal?

Any and all suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

[3Q Jay]

don't take your car to anyone unless you see firsthand their credentials for the fgy33.

i'm not sure where la quinta is (yes i could look at google maps). If you are close to san diego there is always jerry tucker.

$690 is a good price if IF they change ALL fluids and filters, including the fuel filter, the trans internal filter (requires dropping the pan). and ALL fluids, incl differential, brake fluid flush, power steering flush, coolant flush.

don't let them do any less---get it in writing.

[maxnix]

You must have any shop detail their service. For instance, most dealers just drain and refill 4 of the +10 qts. it holds and calls it a "flush."

And just to be clear,

All the flush [should be called fluid exchange] machines depend on the [transmission or power steering or water pump ] to do the pushing/pulling work.The FLUSH part is the chemical solvents detergents which loosen the crud up that the standard fluid has allowed to collect.Wherever there is magnetic material [gears, etc] there is a magnet in each sump [diff, transmission, oil pan] to attract and hopefully hold this worn off material between manual cleanings.

The thread is zerothread?id=578

To read more, read the recent flush vs. exchange thread in IOM. There is pure gold in the old posts.

http://www.jerrytucker.net

will do it correctly as they learned the difficult way that the internal filter had to be replaced.

[qship96]

I would rather purchase the fluids myself {synthetic in my case} and take to a trusted small independant owner/operator type shop where you can enter bay and interact with technician as they perform the work,while you inspect undercarriage with flashlight while they work---the ultimate experience for me as you get to inspect what you expect.