I need my 60k maintenance and a brake job. Should I take my car to the dealer to get all OEM parts and a loaner while I wait or should I take it to a place like Firestone or BP Procare? I don't have a garage, driveway or the tools to do it myself so I need to take it in. What is the best of two evils?

 

some mechanics use factory parts or you can ask them to use it and pay a bit more. you dont have to take it to the dealer for OEM parts. It is always cheaper than dealers and plus, most of the items in the 60k miles maintenance are useless.....

 

Ok, I've decided to buy the OEM pads and take them to a garage to get them installed and the rotors resurfaced. I need them asap so how much will the parts department of a dealer sell them for? Will I get ripped?

 

$68 for the front and $68 for the rear. Is that too much for pads?

 

That's about right for the pads.

The 60K service doesn't really do anything. Here are the things that I suggest you get done at your local service shop and you'll be good to go.

1. radiator flush (the complete flush is a complete pain, plus your shop will probably not do the radiator and engine block flush. they would say that they did but I'd bet $20 that they just do the radiator anyways.)
2. tranny fluid change (have them use Mobil1 ATF, it's better than the OEM Matic-D)
3. oil/filter change
4. when doing your brakes, have them flush the brake fluid as well.
5. spark plugs are optional. Nissan recomends them at 100K but it'd be good to do it now.

 

Thanks Bryan! About the tranny fluid, my car is a manual, does the same thing go?

 

Yes, even in a manual you should still change the fluid in the tranny.

 

But should I use Mobil1 or Redline or Amsoil?

 

Depends on your preferences, really. I like Amsiol as my personal choice, but some don't feel comfortable dropping the extra cash for it.

You can't go wrong with either one, really, though.

 

Where can I get it in a pinch (tomorrow)?

 

it is different. except for redline, one of the ATF can also be used on the manual tranny. But not for other brands.

ATF is used to transfer power from engine to tranny and also acts as a lubricant.

MT oil is just a type of lubricant.

 

As in a torque converter?

 

got this from maxima.org FAQ

 

Yeah I know. That's why they call it a slushbox. The fluid, as opposed to the physical connection of a manual tranny is slower and drains 10-15% more power.