Hi all. We have a 2001 SE and we've been doing regular scheduled maintenance.

However, the dealer made us aware of their 30,000 mile premium maintenance.

This includes:
Replace engine oil & filter
Lubricate propeller shaft
Replace auto trans fluid
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine coolant
Replace engine drive belts
Replace free running hub grease
4 wheel alignment
Replace fuel filter
Replace in cabin microfilter
Replace radiator cap
Replace wiper inserts
Rotate tires/adjust tire pressure
Inspection of various fluids and hoses

The cost of this service is going to be around $400!!! Will this be worth it for the work they're doing? Also, what is a propeller shaft and free running hub grease?

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

 

To each their own. I personally do believe in preventive maintenance. Unfortunately $400 isn't exactly cheap. But if you look at the list, the 30,000 mile premium maintenance does do some important things. Some of them you could do yourself, but I would go ahead and have them do it.

I think the maintenance for the propeller shaft is for an SUV like the Exterra.

 

The two major things I see on here are the belts and the tranny flush. $400 is a little steep but not unheard of. If you aren't comfortable with the price, shop around, I'm sure places like midas can cut give you a better deal. Regardless of who performs this service, be sure to get it done and keep the records.

 

You could go to somewhere else and have them do it for $200. Nissan is overcharging for maintenance. We all know that!


~limsandy

 

Wow!!! Thanks for the fast response guys.

I will call around, we have a Midas in town.

Any other places you may recommend? We have Firestone, GoodYear. Will they be able to do as good a job as Nissan?

Once again, thanks for such quick responses. The internet is truly amazing.

 

I'd try Goodyear first, they can be just a bit more pricey then Midas, but I found their service to be better and mechanics a bit more knowledgeable.

 

Some of those items are not required to be replaced that early. I think it's just a marketing gimmick by Nissan to rake in the $$$$$. Your drive belts should last at least 50k miles and wiper refills are replaced as needed versus mileage intervals. The radiator cap should be good well past 100k miles. The in cabin microfilter can be cleaned by washing it. It is a good idea to do the coolant change if they flush the system also. There is no way in hell that I would pay them $400 to do things that I can do myself. I would use that money to make an extra car note payment. If you DIY, make sure that you have receipts for the oil, filter and antifreeze items. You don't need to worry about the propeller shaft and free running hub grease since you don't have a 4x4.

 

i just paid $360 for the same service 4 days ago!

 

Most of the items listed can be done by you with relative ease. I think that all service departments use these tactics to scare people who are not knowledgible about cars.

I was at a Honda dealership recently and a older lady needed an upper radiator hose replaced. It was a 90 Accord and Honda wanted 85.00 parts and labor.

I told her not to do it and she said no one could do it for her. To make a long story short, we went to autozone and bought the belt for 5.87 and prestone for 4.99 and 12 minutes later I had her on the way.

Dealerships are just there to scare people.

 

Darth I hope you got dinner for helping her out? Older women usually know their way around a kitchen well....

 

And may show you a thing or two in the bedroom....Old people rock !!!!

 

I'm not surprise. I looked at my Owner's manual on the 30k mile schedule maintance and the dealer's service maintance which list almost closely except that the dealer added a few things for "preventive" maintance. It was about $329. It sounds reasonable but some of them things on that list, I can do them myself to save myself few dollars. One of them is no brainer, lubricate the door hinges. Since when that is "preventive maintance".

 

I thought fuel filter did not need to be replaced for the life of car? Or is it just for 2k1s?

 

the filter should be replaced but nissan says it is not a maintenance issue. i plan to change mine around 45k. you could keep the same fuel filter and even spark plugs for 100k but why wouldnt you want the car running to its premium potential. the list that was generated is a generic list and is not true for all models. i would bet money on a 5th gen maxima that they will NOT replace the fuel filter and why would they replace the radiator cap unless it was not functioning? the most important things on the list to me would be the tranny flush which they may do a drain and refill on. if you are due for an oil change and need an alignment then of course have those things done. most of the list is just inspecting items and i believe a waste of money. however, it is your money.

 

I rather do all that stuff my self because at least I'll know for sure that the parts were replaced. Let's just say I've ran into few mechanics who didn't keep their word.

 

Do it yourself and pocket the money...

Pedro

 

milf?

 

I think I got raped at the dealer for the 30,000 service. 499.99+tax (-$50 coupon). Most of the cost was labor, but seriously, I think I got screwed. Anyone else get service in NJ? Namely Sansone Route 1 Auto Mall? Should I call Nissan to complain or what?

 

its kind of hard to complain after the fact. im sure they told you pricing up front and disclosed what would be done. if you are not satisfied, the best thing you can do is not go there again and tell people you know not to. i think my local dealer charges 429 + tax on their 30k so its not that far off. if you have never done the maintenance before, i think you would surprised how easy this car can be to work on, depending of course on the service.

 

Yikes...it's up to $400 now for service? When I had mine done the first 30K by Nissan it was for $280. I haven't had it done by them since. Done it all myself. Those prices are steep....

 

Why do they replace the radiator cap?

 

preventative maintence, but in this case, prevent comebacks (uhh no), ummm because they can charge you for it.