manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule...yes or no.

[Buzzman]

Hey everyone.Just took my 06 Altima in for an oil change. I'm at 25,000 Kms. right now.My dealership has an oil change drive through that I use (10 minutes in and out), and of course the guy says my car is due for it's 24,000 km. checkup and maintenance. So just for the heck of it, I walked over to a service adviser and asked him what it involved and how much it costs. For around $150.00, they'll check about a 100 things, and throw in the oil change "for free". I looked at the list, and I didn't see anything of value that actually gets done to the car, except maybe a wheel rotation. I said thanks but no thanks. If I don't do anything, the warranty is still good, so I basically saw this whole maintenance thing as a money maker for the dealership, and a ripoff for me.Do you guys bother going to the dealership for these maintenance intervals outlined in the manual, or do you think they are a waste of time and money? Just curious.

[MagicM]

it's exactly as you said, "money maker" for dumb people who will only dealership service thier car. Everysingle car i have ever owned never goes back to the dealership, unless there is some problem during warrenty time.My previous Truck a 01 nissan pathfinder had 210,000+ km, bought brand new, never once saw dealership, let alone service check, just the normal oil change/new tires, and brakes when needed.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

I also never take it back to the dealership unless I need something fixed that is under warranty or if I need to pick up an oil filter. I have a reliable mechanic that does all of my services.

NOTE: Make sure you keep all records/receipts for warranty purposes.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

$150?? You have to be kidding me. Thats robbery.

Thats like you wearing a sign around your neck that said "take advantage of me".

Car NEVER goes back to the dealer unless a warranty issue. All maintenance done by me.

[generic808]

Those "maintanence schedules" are just a guide. You can do most of the things listed by yourself. I believe the manual has all recommended services listed. The Stealership basically does an oil change, rotates tires, and checks fluid levels/hoses/belts/etc. and charges an arm and a leg. Save your money and do it yourself or go to a local shop which will probably charge 1/4 of what the Stealership does.

[bembol]

$150 is nothing compared to what Acura charges for their "Type C" service. I can't exactly remember what's involved but most were just "Inspection." This has been asked several times @ ClubRSX, if they should get it done.

Service Advisors: "May Void Your Warranty." I heard this enough times when I'm waiting at Parts Department @ Acura. My sister was scared into doing it, paid $270 @ Mazda.

[D-Roll]

We all seem to agree, on self maintaining our cars it seems. I never go back to the dealership unless its for a recall or warranty issue. They are way overpriced for their services.

[LongBeachCoupe]

Ok but im gonna have a friend doing these oil changes n stuff for me... (hes a nissan tech)... can i have him just make up an invoice? does it get checked?

[SHIFT_2.5S]

$150? You guys haven't been to Mercedes Benz's service...

[generic808]

Ok but im gonna have a friend doing these oil changes n stuff for me... (hes a nissan tech)... can i have him just make up an invoice? does it get checked?

No, a tech is only a tech. It's the service advisor who writes up the invoices. Have you ever thought about doing the oil changes yourself? It'll only take about 15-20 minutes. The hardest part is lifting your car. After that, it only takes 10 minutes, and most of that time is waiting for the oil to drain. Let me know if you need a how-to and the next time I'm due, I'll take pics along the way.

[LongBeachCoupe]

i dont do manual labor lol... what im concerned about is warranty stuff.... i wont have any paperwork if i dont bring it to a shop.. wont that burn me?

[MagicM]

WHy would you need paperwork?. It doesn't matter where you get your oil changed, or if you do it yourself.

[SHIFT_COUPE]

If your hung up on having paperwork for everything and you do your own maintenance just save the receipts from what you purchase.

[Buzzman]

If your hung up on having paperwork for everything and you do your own maintenance just save the receipts from what you purchase.

Exactly. You should at least keep some kind of a record of your oil changes, even if it's just a receipt for the filter. If you have engine problems, the first thing a dealership will do is try to get out of it by implying abuse and/or lack of maintenance. Been there done that.By the way, I had no intention of biting on the $150.00 regular checkup "deal", but I was interested in what others had to say and do. Just as a precaution, I also asked about warranty coverage, and the warranty will not be voided if you don't go back for these checkups. Like everyone said, it's a money grab for the dealer. As for do it yourself oil changes, I'm beyond that stage now. Quick Lubes are everywhere, and cheap now, it's just not worth the time and effort to do it in my driveway. Besides, it's getting really cold up here, and it snowed last night. More coming tomorrow.Whoopee. I hate it. Time to head south again.