My 350Z is approaching 30k, so I went to the stealership, and the quoted me $525 (!!!) for the 30k service. I looked at the list of things that they do, and man, it's a couple things extra to a normal oil change. Damn!

I don't have the skills to do the maintenance myself; would you recommend a shop around Seattle that wouldn't want an arm-and-leg, but would do an OK job for a 30k service?

 

I think the majority of the cost is labour for inspecting brakes, differential oil, transmission oil, drive shaft, transfer case etc. And if you take it to an independant shop that might void your warranty (I'm guessing).

Wonder if there's a trustworthy mechanic that works on Z's in Seattle area.

 

It is better to let the dealaer do the service. Think about the long run when you get to sell the vehicle. Most people look at the maintenance record

 

repeat

 

Thanks for your replies, guys.

First of all - doing maintenance at an independent shop legally can not void your warranty (search WA state law, I've seen a thread on this).

Secondly - about maintenance records and stuff - very valid point, thanks. But. I still don't want to pay $525 for a $100 job. So I would still appreciate any pointers to good maintenance places around Seattle area, please.

 

Are you saying once you drive your car off the dealer lot and you take it to your trusted mechanic, it won't affect your warranty at the end of 3 yrs?

And when it comes time for you to sell, I think all the money you save (over the course of life of your car) from not taking it to the dealer will be greater than the premium you can sell your car for if you had it 'dealer maintained' vs 'trusted mechanic' maintenance. Since there's not much difference between a Nissan Cert. Mechanic and a trusted mechanic who worked on Z-cars.