I paid $40 w/ a 18point inspection (which i didn't ask for). I thought oil changes were $20-$25?? I didn't have time to ask why it was so high because i had to bounce and pick up my friend

 

uhhh, you got taken my friend. My dealer charges $24.95. And as far as the 18 pt inspection, take a look the next time a dealer or anyone else says that. Watch them closely, all they do is change the oil/filter and thats it.

I change my own oil, don't trust anyone. If you can't change it yourself, find a quick jiffy lube, ect, and Gl on finding a good one.

 

hmmm yeah i thought so. I don't know why he would charge me that much... maybe cuz i'm only 21 and thought he could take advantage.. but i'm mah go back and see whats up. This is the second time that particular advisor screwed up my service. gonna see if i can get another service advisor next time

 

got oil change at Mossy Nissan in San Diego for $25 and if your bring your own oil, they will deduct the cost of the oil and charge you around $15

 

A lot of dealers have this sort of "thing". There is the "recommended by Nissan service" and then there is the "premium service". This is a way for dealerships to make more money on service.

Technically they probably do more checks and such, but mostly it is a money maker. My dealership had a version of the owners manual with the nissan service schedule AND their special premium service schedule printed on the same pages! Sneaky.

If they can't treat you right, go to another place.

One word of warning, the Z does have some unusual maintenance items like lubricating the drive shaft. Make sure you get that stuff done and document it if you want you warranty to hold up.

 

One of the negotiation items I made was free oil changes for as long as I keep the car. ALthough I haven't gone in for one yet because I don't have the time to wait for the car. I do my own oil changes and check ups. Like Andy said, make sure you keep all receipts to prove you did the work otherwise they may hassle you if you go in for some real work.

 

Mine are free for the 50K miles.

 

$60.00 w/tax for Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil, 18pt inspection and courtesy wash at Scottsdale Nissan in Scottsdale, AZ. I'm sure I'm getting raped

 

Gardena Nissan has coupon specials, i'm sure other dealers send out similar stuff. 19.95 with coupon, or if you have a regular service advisor, they will give it to you automatically without coupon. This is castrol gtx 10w30 oil and nissan oil filter and 27 point inspection. Next time ask the service guy if there are specials.

 

I believe the oil change with full synthetic oil are about 50 to 60 bucks.

 

Consider that a hook-up deal, my mom brought in her 03 Pilot at a local Honda dealership and got charged $75 for an oil change, $57+ for the labor!!! This is beyond greed.

Sleezy service department.

Dealer maintenance will not make the car more robust than Joe bloe's mechanic shop service.

Consider this, my old man's Civic was maintained by Honda dealership throughout the warranty period (2 bills plus/service average) and the ECU failed shortly after the warranty expired, costing him 3 bills plus.

I owned an Integra LS for almost 6 years with frequent trips to the dragstrip for the first 3 years and did not have a single mechanical problem. I maintained the car myself with an ocassional trip to the lube shop (when I'm busy) for $8 cuz I provided the synthetic oil.

High maintenance/bone stock/mom&pop driven Civic - something BROKE anyway
drag raced/modified Integra WITHOUT the glorified and expensive dealer 999-pt inspection crap - NOTHING BROKE

For the smart folks. Yes there are many other variables involved such as Acura is supposedly more refined but the point here is that the 200-500% premium that the dealership charges over a comparable Joe's garage does not guarantee a flawless mechanical operation. In other words, if it's going to break, it will break regardless who touches it. On the other hand, if one gets lucky with the car then whoever maintains it properly will ensure an optimized use of the car.

I only have a few cases that support my claim above. I'm sure there are advantages of having a car serviced at the dealership so I would like to invite anyone to share their stories that justifies the dealer's expertise and the associated cost.

 

n10zt - I agree. I've done the same with my 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee and have had to replace only the water pump about 70K miles ago and am at 130,000 now with no problems. I've even been negligent in changing some things (hmmm, maybe it's time for the differential fluid now? ) In reality, the dealer oil change is no better (and possibly worse) than the do-it yourselfer provided you know what your doing. I know I'm far more **** about my own car than I would be about anybody elses.

That being said, my first oil change was free from the dealer so I took them up on it (got a free roadside emergency kit from them as well) but the regular price is $21.95 for the oil, filter and 18pt. inspection. One advantage while it's under warranty though is they can inspect for the TSB's and perform any recall work at the same time.

 

My dealer Slidell Nissan does the 18 point inspection, oil change and oil filter for $17.95+ tax.

 

mine is free for 5 years under the extended service plan

 

Has anyone taken their car for the minor maintenance(7500miles)? if so, how much & is this necessary for the warranty to be valid?

 

something to the tune of $100-something, if not more.

and no, it's not necessary for the validity of the warranty.

 

With other cars I take them to the dealer every now and then so that they can check and apply TSBs. Otherwise I do my own minor maintenance work. For example take the car for oil change with coupon for 19.95 at about 7.5k

But the 350Z has had too many problems that the dealerships calls me because I have not been in that week!

 

I thought that too, until I got home and found out they charged me for 5 years worth. Needless to say I canceled it and got my $ back.

 

That's what I pay for the synthetic oil.

az240z