My wife's outback is creeping up on 30,000 miles and is scheduled for a major service. Most of the items to be done are DIY things, oil/filter change, air filter change, tranny fluid etc. no major parts replacements are included.The 30K service costs around $620.00. I can do most of the things on the schedule but get the impression the dealer is still going to hit me hard with the price doing the inspections etc and if I don't pay, I'm sure that getting any warranty work will be much more difficult if I don't play the game.
Does anyone know the price of the 30k service at other dealerships., $620 seems kinda steep for what is getting done here?
#1 You are not required to go to the dealer for ANY maintenance and still be covered by warranty. You will not void the warranty by doing maintenance and inspection work yourself or getting an independent shop to do it. Just make sure you keep your records. For denial of warranty claims they have to prove abuse/accident in most cases to deny you, your records can help prove your side if there is a question.
#2 If you have the CVT it is recommended NOT to change the tranny fluid. There is no recommended interval for fluid changes and SOA has suggested the premature fluid changes might cause problems (member said SOA said that in another thread, I tend to believe it but you can make your own decision). Well unless you tow, then yea it needs to be changed and you are actually late because that should happen at 24k miles. The fluid can only be purchased at the dealer as there is no known aftermarket replacement CVT fluid yet.
#3 never buy "packages" from the dealer. They are designed to take your $$$ and give no real benefit. (imo)
If you're dead set on going to the dealer order service a la carte like buying off the dollar menu at a fast food place. Have the dealer "inspect the CVT" or whatever else and do all the other stuff yourself.
Things I plan to do myself when the 30K comes:
Spark plugs
Oil
Air Cleaner
rotate the tires
inspect belts
inspect coolant
inspect fuel system
inspect brakes
The only thing I'll need help for or have my indy shop do is the brake fluid change.
You can find most of the info you need to do all of those things online... even how to inspect the CVT fluid.
Most of the time you won't get a "master tech" working on your car but some poor under trained kid told to do a 2 hour job in 45 minutes.
IMO only go to the dealer for warranty work itself (which in most cases IS required). You are far more likely to get a trained tech for that kind of work because it is a higher risk job for the Dealer.
