Dealership experience

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Cornbread

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Wanted to share this: I`ve been happy with my `07 Hyundai Sonata. Been back to dealer a couple of times for tire rotation and a transmission computer reflash. Been doing and keeping records for my own oil changes (PP). Now time for 15,000 mi. service. Thinking this is more than just an oil change interval I call to schedule with the dealer. Granted, I am not happy about letting them mess with my meticulous oil change technique.

Anyway, the cost is quoted at $199.99! For what? I ask. "We do an injector flush that involves hooking the car to an IV for 40 minutes", says service advisor. Call another dealer. They say 15,000 mi service involves inspection, check fluid levels, and oil change. The second dealer quotes about $55.00. Nothing in my owner`s manual about injector flush.

Y`all think that is really necessary on a 15,000 mi engine or is it a way to pad the bill a little in order to make something on "servicing" modern cars that really don`t need much compared to the old days?
 
I would call a couple more dealers to see what is actually needed for that 15,000 mile service, I would figure that it is likely just a thorough inspection plus regular service, and the first dealer is trying to hose you.
 
That's like the Ford dealer that charged my wife's cousin for a four wheel alignment on an Expedition with a solid rear axle. I told him after looking under the truck that there is nothing to align on the rear. I showed him the stamped steel control arms with bolts going through them. He went back and the service manager apologized and explained that some trucks have an independant rear. Yeah... I'm sure he was mistaken.
 
what does the owner's manual specify?

I worked at a saturn store some years ago, and that svc dept had their own service interval regimen, more intense that what the mfgr called for. they pushed BG additives, all kinds of 'flushes', and 3K OCIs. only reason is to get you in more; more money for the svc dept, and more chances for a salesman to get ahold of you, see if you are ready to 'trade up'.
 
My wife's 05 Sonata has hit 30k miles and the dealer never mentioned any injector cleaning. Sounds like wallet cleaning to me....

John
 
Sounds like sqeezing some extra out of ya. I am waiting right now for the dealer to call on a estimate to check the valve clearence on the wifes 06 Sonata. Its recommended at 60000 mile service.
J.D.
 
What does the owners manual say in their maintenance schedule? Anything more than that is optional service. Do you need the injectors cleaned? I doubt that, just dump in a bottle of BG 44K into the gas tank and drive happy.

The big service for most cars is 30K, so save your nickels for that. For now, I don't see the reason for a 15K service at all. Do your own OCI. Unless the car is having problems that need dealer attention, you can do most of the work yourself. Maybe have the dealer do a tire rotate and balance or change the fuel filter if you want it.
 
I have never ever seen an owner's manual that calls for injector cleaning! as routine maintenance. Especially at 15,000 miles. Service manager needs a boat payment this month!
 
Originally Posted By: bretfraz
What does the owners manual say in their maintenance schedule?


That is the only thing that matters. If a specific operation during a required service interval is not in the book, then it is not required.
 
Injector cleaning? Oh heck why don't you just send me your money and I'll use for something important like beer and soda.
 
I'd pass on the nothin' but profit injector cleaning. Do you have another Hyundai dealership nearby to see what they recommend @ 15Kmi? Like the other fellas say, I bet the recommendations will vary greatly. This is the problem with these long factory warranties. You need to have services on record, or any coverage down the road will be a hassle to achieve. I'd do the bare minimum dealer visits.

Joel
 
You misunderstood. He said Credit card flush. Go buy a bottle of injector cleaner but not until everyone here tells you which one is best.
 
$55 for a 15k service is cheap.

In my area, dealers, quick lubes and most independent shops charge around $40 just to do a regular oil and filter change.

A 15k service usually involves an oil/filter change, tire rotation and more in-depth inspections than the ones that are done at the 7500 mile intervals. Some dealers may also replace the engine and cabin air filters, which I'd do as well. I'd expect to pay around $150.
 
The newer Explorers DO have IRS.

Still no excuse for charging for a four wheel alignment on one that doesn't have it.

Originally Posted By: NYEngineer
That's like the Ford dealer that charged my wife's cousin for a four wheel alignment on an Expedition with a solid rear axle. I told him after looking under the truck that there is nothing to align on the rear. I showed him the stamped steel control arms with bolts going through them. He went back and the service manager apologized and explained that some trucks have an independant rear. Yeah... I'm sure he was mistaken.
 
No, injector service is not required in any manual I've ever seen. However....

There are some really bad quality fuels out there. If you use nothing but top tier fuels, you probably never need injector service.

Say one morning while you're still in basic warranty the check engine light comes on and the engine is running rough. A thorough diagnosis shows clogged fuel injectors. Since the fuel clogged the injector, and there's no defect in the injector guess who pays?



It's not in anyone's routine maintenance to put fuel in the car either, but even if you don't drive a lot eventually you have to.

I've seen intake manifolds have to be replaced because you couldn't chip all the carbon deposits out of them. Imagine what that does to the smooth flow through your intake runners.

A good injector/fuel flush at a reasonable price is cheap insurance.
 
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You can inspect the items and do what's called for on any service and sign/date the owner's manual (or start a service log) yourself. Save receipts.

Stealers are only for warranty and recall work.
 
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