Infiniti dealer service prices

[JPK Omaha]

I have always tried to have service performed at the dealer because I figure they should know what they are doing, and would stand behind their work. Here is what I was quoted today by the local Infiniti dealer on my 2003 Qx4 146K miles, which is considerably higher than a couple years ago. I know prices are rising everywhere despite what our government says, but it's very hard to justify performing service on an older vehicle.
Oil & filter $57
Engine air filter $56
Replace valve cover gaskets $523
Replace coolant bypass pipe gaskets $1220
Replace coolant $140
Power steering fluid $130
Brake fluid $110
Replace all drive belts $285
Replace trans fluid $250
Shop fee $95
Of the above I can handle the air filter myself.

In general I don't trust most oil change and tire places. Is everyone else being gouged in a similar way? Are Nissan dealers cheaper? Or do we just pay it.

[Buzzman]

That's insane.
Why are you getting all this work done? Are there problems, or is it the dealership trying to sell you a bill of goods?
$56.00 for an air filter? Wow.

[JPK Omaha]

I took it in for a coolant leak. That's the thing it really needs fixed. Then they recommended the other stuff, which according to the maintenance schedule is all overdue.

[yeldogt]

I take it you don't have a good independent?

The coolant bypass is what the dealer determined is causing the leak? They have to change the coolant to do that!

Dealers have higher costs and charge full labor rates and only use OE parts sold at full retail.

The OE belts are under $50 -- and < 1hr to replace. You may or may not need the brake fluid depending on the prior service -- the PS fluid is most likely fine. The trans fluid cost is way too high -- the air filter is $15 dollars. Anyone can do the oil for $35 ... are the valve covers actually leaking or ... maybe showing some weeping? If they are not leaking -- don't fix them.

My independent did my front and rear differentials with M1 gear oil and we used the proper D magic Nissan Fluid for the transmission and the auto transfer case. I think you need 6 quarts. You have the auto transfer case with the dial on the dash? I had this done when the oil was changed one time. They also did the coolant -- very easy.... It all very easy. The service for the trans is a simple fluid drop -- not all the fluid gets changed -- more of a refresh. The pan is not removed. Use the correct fluids from the dealer if you are the original owner and the truck still has factory fluids. The M1 gear oil is fine -- especially if you have the limited slip rear.

[atraudes]

I guess the question is how much are you willing to do yourself? We have guides here for all of those things, and doing it yourself will save you a heap of money. The only one I may not recommend doing yourself is the coolant bypass pipe because it is not for the faint of heart (I do pretty much all of the work on mine but will likely bring it to a shop to have that done when it comes time).

My recommendation as to which to take care of is all of them, except maybe the valve cover gaskets. yeldogt is right, unless you have a significant leak, it's probably not a big enough problem to tackle. Mine leaks ever so slightly which just means I have a faint mist of oil in the engine compartment. I'll deal with it at some point when I have the time.

Unless you know the consumables (fluids, belts) have been replaced recently, they're probably due.

Bring it to another independent shop and get a second opinion on what needs to be done and how much it'll cost. All of the things you listed can be done by any shop worth their salt, and for noticeably less.

[99Qx4GroundUp]

I second atraudes. $ saved and knowledge learned is priceless if you have the available time and patience to get them done. You can save a few hundred dollars by DIY'ing just a few of those listed. And some are pretty entry level mechanic work. There are some great How-To's on just about everything here. Scotty Kilmer has great guides on YouTube for the home mechanic if you can't find a solution here.

That price is outrageous...

Best of luck

[JPK Omaha]

Here is an update on my coolant leak repair (2003 Qx4 with 146k miles). Coolant was dripping down from rear of engine. I took it to the local Nissan dealer to compare prices with the local Infiniti dealer. I had the crossover pipe gasket replaced (they had to drop the transmission), replaced coolant, replaced trans fluid. Total including taxes was $1396. This price was $263 less than the Infiniti dealer price quote for the same services.

[Pathy415]

I recently got my car back from my local mechanic for similar repair work:

- All crossover pipe gaskets including the 2nd thermostat (water valve)
- New OEM valve covers (both sides),new gaskets, and new PCV valve and hoses . I have the plastic valve covers
- 4 hard to reach hoses near the firewall
- New upper/lower manifold and throttle body gaskets
- New front thermostat and gasket assembly
- replaced coolant
- Install new rear springs,kyb shocks, and new bumpstops (I supplied the parts)

Main thing was I didn't want to deal with the bypass pipe gaskets. My local mechanic has had a good reputation for being honest and does good work and stands by it. Hopefully I can get another 100K out of this truck!