Do I really need routine dealer service?

DrEvil

I've looked over the service schedule in my owners manual and other than an oil change, what is really done at an official "Dealer service"?
I get my oil changed at the Mobil One quick change place with full synthtic oil and high perf oil filter @ 5k miles.(they fill the washer fluid clean the windows and vac the car at the same time)The manual states that the car is reset to factory standards, whatever that means to those who have done some modding or alot.
Am I missing something here? Been working on cars since I was 14 years old(I'm 54 now) so I know my way arround the car.
I was just so turned off by the dealer when the finance guy tried to push the extended warrenty on me " ... why the oil change cost $95.00. With the warrenty it's free..."
I just don't know if I need to go back.
Any input?

SoCal 370Z

If you purchased an extended warranty, it does not hurt to have the majors done at a Nissan dealership as it is entered into Nissan's database.

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shadoquad

Most garages will do the usual X-thousand mile services, and they vary by car and by mileage. As the car ages, some of these things need to happen. Replacing plugs, fluid flushes, alignment, etc. I don't plan on going to the dealer for any of this, as they're all insanely marked up at dealerships.

VCuomo

The minor services really don't amount to anything other than checking fluids and brake pads. Anyone can do those things themselves and save a lot of cash.

Major services are a different story.

onzedge

I do all of my own maintenance (and upgrades) -- so far for maintenance it is just oil changes and tire replacement and alignment. For these activities, I keep all receipts and a detailed maintenance log.

I do, however, take my car to the dealer every 3,700 miles or so for a free multipoint inspection. It takes a whole 1/2 hour and I do it on the way to my office so it is no big deal.

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spearfish25

Even the major service items aren't difficult to do at home. Flushing a radiator is simple. Draining and filling the transmission and rear diff are simple. Only thing I haven't done yet is change the spark plugs. But from the looks of the service manual, that's not difficult either.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

Waiz

Keep your receipts and find a good shop nearby to take your Z for services or just do them yourself.

The last time I took my Z to a dealer for an oil change they got oil all over my engine bay and I haven't been back!

kenchan

follow the manufacturer's maintienance plan, NOT the dealer's rip-off plan. dealers make money from service, not so much from selling the car itself. kinda like mobile phone carriers... they sell phones for cheap, make profit on service.

i do my own maintenance up to 30K miles when i sell the car.

Mt Tam I am

Nissan offered me $500 cash or a 5 year maintenance agreement because I needed a new short block. At $90 ester oil change 4 times a year alone made it a no brainer. Plus any other filters, etc. The only down side is that the dealer is 40 miles away. Without this distance I might never use 6th gear.

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cfweber

having the service done at the dealer

at least for the few years

is a no brainer

it should be easy to become CPO

thus worth more

when I sell and trade up

SPOHN

I didn't know they offer a free multiPoint inspection. Ill have to check that out.

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tonmed123

So they said your oil changes are free if you purchased the extended warranty?

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DrEvil

Maybe not "free" but they said it would be covered under the mucho $$$$ warranty plan and I wouldn't have to pay out of pocket.
When I asked how much if I paid for the plan outright it was something like 18k +/-. No thanks.

2011 Nismo#91

Yeah dealer plans are just scams, follow the book and keep records regardless where it gets done. Who knows what could be lost on someone else's computer system.

When I first got my previous car the dealer wanted to change out every fluid on the car at 15k according to "their plan" for $800 or so dollars. All the manufacture wanted was an oil change and to inspect things and check fluid levels.

11Thumper

You only keep your cars for 30k miles?