dealer service inspections
 

I am now due for my 6000 km service. I understand that a lot of us prefer to replace parts and fluids on our own (and keep receipts as proof for warranty), but what about the stuff that has to be inspected? Do you guys just inspect whatever you can on your own? Do people ever have warranty claim issues because they chose not to have the dealer carry out these regular scheduled inspections? I suppose one route would be to get the inspections done at the dealer but do all the part/fluid replacements on your own. A lot of people say that if you are loyal to the dealer, they will return the favor if anything ever needs to be repaired either in warranty or post-warranty.

It all depends on the dealer and, more specifically, their service department. After having to argue with my local dealer (where I purchased the car) over every little thing (and a few not-so-little ones), I started going to another dealer and have been getting top-notch service. ~70 miles one-way, but worth it to me - and there are some nice, windy winding roads on the way.

In general, is the 370Z prone to many issues within the first 3 years under warranty?

Yep. But so are most cars. Browse through the forums (I'd start with the Tech Area) and look for topics with words like "problem" "broke" "won't" &c in the title. The DIY Section has a lot of good info on how to fix, and, more importantly, prevent many of the known problems (eg, the dreaded Steering Lock failure).

Right now I am just contemplating the whole dealer-customer loyalty thing. I'm assuming you would have a much easier time claiming something under warranty if you service your car at the dealer vs. if you didn't? I guess there are pros and cons to both servicing your car yourself and servicing your car at the dealer.

It appears that this fits the "you're screwed if you do, and screwed if you don't" policy.

From my past experience and reading on this site and others, most dealers will not hold it against you if you do you own oil changes or other minor maintenance. There are some dealers that might give you a hard time about it, but you don't have to give them your business. It would be wise to keep receipts.

It not really a SIYDSIYD situation, you just have to be careful who you do business with - just like having anything else you own serviced. If you don't like the way one Nissan dealer is treating you, go find another - your warranty is with Nissan, not a specific dealer. I no longer use the dealer I bought my Z from.

The first service doesn't seem to bad ... I was quoted about $50 for the service with Mobil 1 conventional oil and about $100 for service with Mobil 1 synthetic. The cost of the synthetic oil and a Mobil filter would be about $75 (regular price) if I were to change the oil on my own. I will get quotes from a few more dealers.