Funny how car maintenance works

[Reefhawk1]

The major problem with new vehicles these days is the dealerships scam you. They tell you you need this service or warranty is void. My Nissan was to have a complete service at 48000 kms and the cost was $800 plus tax. Included was a transmission flush in cab air filter,coolant flush and a general mechanical inspection. At 50k a coolant flush is a waste of money. I did the transmission service (oil was dirty) and blew the clean filter out.

In general all work at a dealership is a rip off. From parts mark up to the 100-120 dollars an hour labour. I am a Commercial transport mechanic and I see all the mark up on parts. It is a joke.

Changing the oil in the transfer case is a good idea since you probably use 4 wheel drive on a regular basis in Edmonton. Next time ask for all the original parts including a sample of the oil if you think you are being ripped off.

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by Reefhawk1

The major problem with new vehicles these days is the dealerships scam you. They tell you you need this service or warranty is void. My Nissan was to have a complete service at 48000 kms and the cost was $800 plus tax. Included was a transmission flush in cab air filter,coolant flush and a general mechanical inspection. At 50k a coolant flush is a waste of money. I did the transmission service (oil was dirty) and blew the clean filter out.

In general all work at a dealership is a rip off. From parts mark up to the 100-120 dollars an hour labour. I am a Commercial transport mechanic and I see all the mark up on parts. It is a joke.

Changing the oil in the transfer case is a good idea since you probably use 4 wheel drive on a regular basis in Edmonton. Next time ask for all the original parts including a sample of the oil if you think you are being ripped off.

Basically as soon as the snow hits the ground and until the snow is gone I keep it in 4x4.

I think they did the work they said they did, I just didn't think that the work was going to cost so much. $732.96 in labor alone *ouch* They told me that they would start working on it first thing in the morning (shop opens at 7am, jeep was there from yesterday drop off) and they called me at 4:50pm and said it was done. I'm not sure how much an hour they charge but I think most places around here are around $65/hr.

[banditpowdercoat]

Originally Posted by fishoholic

Basically as soon as the snow hits the ground and until the snow is gone I keep it in 4x4.

I think they did the work they said they did, I just didn't think that the work was going to cost so much. $732.96 in labor alone *ouch* They told me that they would start working on it first thing in the morning (shop opens at 7am, jeep was there from yesterday drop off) and they called me at 4:50pm and said it was done. I'm not sure how much an hour they charge but I think most places around here are around $65/hr.

I pretty much keep my Dakota in 4x4 too. Otherwise, its scarry. Even with great snow tires. 2WD on dry pavement tho. Love the shift on the fly... BUt ya A TON of great advice and help here. Next time, just ask, and we will all help you do your own services. Just promise to wash hands thourally before going into the tank Its all really easy, and we'll show you how.

[Slick Fork]

A car dealership is no better or worse then anybody else in the retail world. I have friends and family in many retail stores and you would be sick if you saw the mark up in clothes or electronics.

[dsaundry]

As for how much you get paid an hour, I'm just jealous! I'd love to make $90/hr

Remember that is the door rate; the tech does not make anywhere close to that. Neither do I.
I still think the transfercase service is a bit high. If they did the differentials and transfer case service which on a Liberty would include removal of skid plates if equipped the labour is still too high imo.

A car dealership is no better or worse then anybody else in the retail world. I have friends and family in many retail stores and you would be sick if you saw the mark up in clothes or electronics.

Definately agree!!!

[Parker]

I have two cars in the shop right now - 01 Focus Wagon with a broken timing belt ( I don't think I'm going to fix it ) and my back up, my 92 F-150 with a problem somewhere between the ignition and the starter. ( That pops up the second I need to drive it, the thing hasn't moved in three months and now it breaks! ) I'm cringing waiting to see what the bills are going to be.

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by dsaundry

Remember that is the door rate; the tech does not make anywhere close to that. Neither do I.
I still think the transfercase service is a bit high. If they did the differentials and transfer case service which on a Liberty would include removal of skid plates if equipped the labour is still too high imo.



Definately agree!!!

Good point, I guess a lot of it goes towards parts and everyones salary. BTW I don't have skid plates.

[Slick Fork]

Just a word of caution from one of your other posts... running your vehicle in full 4x4 when on dry pavement or even wet pavement with decent grip as well as driving in 4x4 at speeds over about 80km/hr will damage the system.