I called up the dealer I usually use for a 30k maintence and was quoted ~$600.

That includes replacing all the fluids, filters, and an oil change, battery service, rotate and balance tires, checking exhaust (damn it I could just look at it too), etc.

What could I expect to pay for that? Is that a reasonable price or would I be much better off doing it myself? If I did it myself it would be a learning experience and I'm fearful I may screw something up.

Any advice?

 

I had a coupon for an oil change 19.95, rotation 9.95, tranny service 89.00 and a free quality check. I changed the fuel filter myself, takes about 10 minutes, filter cost 13.00. So I did it all for about 130.00

 

What about replacing all the fluids? I'm keen on this because I bought the car used and haven't had everything flushed yet. Get the fuel injectors cleaned etc.

I was thinking somewhere in the range of $400 for the whole shabang so I was a tad taken aback by the $600 price tag.

I guess what I'm wondering is this me just getting scammed or is this around a reasonable price?

 

What fluids are you speaking of. I had the oil and transmission serviced, what other fluids would you change at 30,000? My dealer has a recommended service at every 30,000 miles that cost $610. No way I would have all that stuff done when it is not needed. Just a waste of money in my book.

 

Honestly, I have no idea. I'm just starting to dive into the whole car stuff thing.

I do know I want everything that can be replaced replaced since I bought it used. No idea what the previous owners did to it.

But yes, I'm probably just blabbering on and what not like a bumbling fool -- like I said, I really don't have the experience with vehicles to know what I'm talking about with a lot of stuff.

 

Ok, maybe in your case the peace of mind is worth the $600. If they are flushing radiator, oil change, new transmission filter and fluid, new wiper blades, cleaning the fuel injection system, changing fuel filter, etc., then the $600 is about what my dealer would charge. It is just overkill in my estimation. Most vehicles should not need all that, and if it needed wiper blades and fuel filter, I would do that myself. To answer your original question, some dealers would charge $600, some would do it for less.

 

I think the dealer was getting the vasoline out and ready for you. Look at your warranty manual and see what it recommends at 30k. Then go to a quick change/lube oil place and get the fluids/filters changed. They will do the battery inspection, wiper blade inspection, etc free of charge. Then stop by Midas or another muffler shop and they will check you exhaust system free of charge if you tell them that you think you hear an exhaust leak.
Also, check the paper for dealer coupons and coupons from non-ford dealers, lots of times the ford dealer will match the coupons to keep your service business. If they don't, remember the Bowtie or chrysler dealer will even service a good truck if you carry it to them.

 

$600 seems pretty steep without knowing exactly what services you are getting. You should never have to pay for a visual inspection, especially if they are going to be the ones to fix a problem if it exists. Then you are double paying. What exactly is battery service? Turning the key to see if the engine starts? Take it to AutoZone for battery testing, its free. If you are physically able then you should at least change your own windshield wipers and air filter.

Lets review what you are getting here:

Current Service: 30000

*Inspect brake pads/shoes/rotors/drums, brake lines and hoses, and parking brake system
*Inspect engine cooling system and hoses
*Replace engine air filter
*Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise
*Rotate tires for optimal tire life
*Perform multi-point inspection
*Inspect complete exhaust system and heat shields
*Inspect and lubricate steering linkage, ball joints, suspension and, if equipped, half shafts drive shaft and u-joints
*Change engine oil and replace oil filter (Up to 5 qts of motor oil)
*Replace fuel filter
*Change automatic transmission fluid

Now take out everything that says inspect (because it cost the dealer nothing and to fix is an additional charge)

That leaves you with:
*Replace engine air filter
*Rotate tires for optimal tire life
*Inspect and lubricate steering linkage, ball joints, suspension and, if equipped, half shafts drive shaft and u-joints
*Change engine oil and replace oil filter (Up to 5 qts of motor oil)
*Replace fuel filter
*Change automatic transmission fluid

Locally Oreilly sells a Fram air filter for 12.99, R&B should be no more than $25, Ball joints and such should be lubricated for free with oil change, Oil Change say $30, Fuel Filter $20, and ATF $80. So that puts us at $142.99. Even with changing fluids in the rear and front (if 4wd) dif and a radiator flush you would be in the $300 range if all purchased seperately. Basically they are trying to charge you FULL HIGH prices for all of the services when you should be getting a discount when all are combined.

With that being said. Peace of Mind is priceless and if this is the only way you will sleep good at night, do what feels right.

 

Especially when some of the items state "inspect" and they deem it looks ok, they still charge you the BIG bucks for not really replacing anything.

 

I'm going to talk to them tomorrow and have them spell out exactly what they do.

Do you all have any recommendations for places that will replace all the fluids?

 

Personally, I would stick with a dealer, if I did not know a good independent shop. If i were you, I would check with another dealer. Try to find one that is lolally owned and is not a part of some national chain. Most of our Ford dealers are owned by AutoNation and they really try to stick it to you on this type of maintenance. Also, have them spell out what they are going to do and the total cost.

 

How do the lube the sterring linkages? Mine are sealed with no grease fittings. I have to carry mine in tomorrow for a power steering hose replacment and will probably get the tranny serviced then, but thats it...I can do the rest.

 

Are the ball joints sealed as well? I know Dodge had problems with their sealed ball joints failing.

 

I think so...I was under there and didnt see a single grease fitting (thats when I found my leaky power steering hose).

 

LOL...before I pay $600 for "preventive maintenance" I would just trade it. Hell I could care less if the tranny lasts 75,000 miles or 275,000....in either case it will belong to somebody else by then anyway.