Likely cost of 15,000 mile service?

[bruticus]

I'm taking my '03 WRX to a local dealer for the 15K checkup and want to prepare myself for whatever $$ rapasizing they try to do.

I live in northern NJ, which I imagine will have some effect on the cost.

TIA

DjB

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[bluesubie]

Originally posted by bruticus
I live in northern NJ, which I imagine will have some effect on the cost.
DjB

Yep, that's for sure.
Flemington's prices on the major services are about $100 cheaper that what I used to pay (at the now defunct Bell Subaru).

If you can't do any of it yourself, ask the dealership for a list of what they do for the 15k. Then cross out everything that is not in the Subaru warranty booklet.

These are some of the add-ons that Bell Subaru had when my wife's OB went in for the 30k:

Replaced plugs (platinum not required until 60k)
$2.00 windshield washer fluid
$8 oil treatment
$8 fuel treatment
There were a few more that I don't recall.

-Dennis

[bruticus]

Originally posted by bluesubie

Yep, that's for sure.
Flemington's prices on the major services are about $100 cheaper that what I used to pay (at the now defunct Bell Subaru).

If you can't do any of it yourself, ask the dealership for a list of what they do for the 15k. Then cross out everything that is not in the Subaru warranty booklet.

These are some of the add-ons that Bell Subaru had when my wife's OB went in for the 30k:

Replaced plugs (platinum not required until 60k)
$2.00 windshield washer fluid
$8 oil treatment
$8 fuel treatment
There were a few more that I don't recall.

-Dennis

Thank you, friend. I'll spend some minutes with the manual during lunch. I actually read the thing (that's how I know the rear-view mirror goes full-clear when the tranny is shifted to R) but don't have the "milestone" service items memorized.

DjB

[bluesubie]

Sign up for my.subaru.com Here's mine:

Vehicle: 2003 IMPREZA WRX SPORT WAGON
Interval: 15000 miles / 15 month service

Action Description

Inspect Steering and suspension

Inspect Clutch operation

Perform Inspect brake lines and check operation of parking and service brake system

Inspect Disc brake pads and discs, front and rear axle boots and axle shaft joint portions

Replace Engine oil filter

Replace Engine oil

-Dennis

[bruticus]

Um. I think I just got rapinated. I dropped off the car this morning, looked at their list (it seemed to match the manual) and signed off.

They just called to tell me the car's done, and the bill is $280.

FTW did they DO for $280, you ask?

As far as I can tell, they did what's listed in the manual.

Do I have to call my local hotline to report this, or is this normal?

DjB

[bluesubie]

Ouch! I'll be at Flemington tomorrow so I'll let you know what their prices are for comparison.

I actually got a partial 15k done a few weeks ago. Since I have an Amsoil air filter and do my own oil changes, they charged me $40 for a 25 point inspection.
That included the above inspections, plus a few more items including rotating/balancing the wheels.

Each dealer sets their own prices, so there's nothing you can do. In the future, you should just call around asking prices over the phone. Also, check out AZP installs in the Tri-State Forum.

-Dennis

[Zola]

Wow. $280 seems outrageous, if not absurd. Let's say the oil change part of it was $30...that leaves $250 for various inspections that really don't take that long. Either their labor rates are $$$$$ or they were really lazy and took 3 times longer than they should have. If they replaced other parts, shouldn't they have informed you?

This is why I do nearly all of my own maintenance. $280....ye gods.

[bruticus]

I plan to raise some issues when I go to pick up the car. They swear their work only included the manual-listed items and didn't reference replacing any parts, so either they used some of that $20/qt Porsche-certified oil, it took them THREE HOURS to complete the work, or their labor rates are $200/hr.

I'll be checking in here from time to time and, if it does seem that I got rodgered, I'll post about it in the dealer forum.

DjB

[bluesubie]

Originally posted by bluesubie

Flemington's prices on the major services are about $100 cheaper that what I used to pay (at the now defunct Bell Subaru).

I was at Flemington today. Their 15k service is $180. That includes the PCV value, fuel conditioner, along with the rest of the items in the book.

Worth the drive to save $100 IMO.

-Dennis

[MarkA]

Wow…we can get the 15k for $90 here in Southern California (http://www.irvinesubaru.com/newcust/.../intermsvc.gif). Of course, our $2.50/gal gas evens it out in the long run.

[SubaruImpreza_power]

I wonder what Subaru charges for the 60K is it? mile check up.. I way pass that.. Im almost at 71K miles in the Forester.. I think Dan perkins here wanted $300+ something with $60 per hour labor.. This damn Diffy fluid is bothering me but my mom and her beeing a Woman. is scared of me to touch it So Im going to have to change it when she is sleep or something Not unless she wants to waste money at the dealer which is not a good option right now.

[oxtox]

Got mine yesterday at Glanzman Subaru in Jenkintown, PA (50 min. from Flemmington) for $155.00 (tax included).

[chris908]

I just flipped 15K on my WRX, and was also wondering cost for the services. Basically its an oil/filter change with an inspection. I think Ill take my chances on just getting the oil/filter change, and then do all the rest at 30K. I wouldnt complain at the costs, when I had my BMW (1999 323i), i had my 60K service and it cost $800, then my clutch and flywheel needed replacing 1500, all four window regulators were fried, 1000, so all in all to own a Rex is much cheaper than my BMW

[Mike Wevrick]

Shouldn't the tires be rotated at 15,000 too?

Anyway, my 15k service cost about $10. That's for the oil and filter, which I changed myself. I checked all the other stuff myself too (some of it while rotating the tires).

[Matt]

Originally posted by SubaruImpreza_power
I wonder what Subaru charges for the 60K is it? mile check up.. I way pass that.. Im almost at 71K miles in the Forester.. I think Dan perkins here wanted $300+ something with $60 per hour labor.. This damn Diffy fluid is bothering me but my mom and her beeing a Woman. is scared of me to touch it So Im going to have to change it when she is sleep or something Not unless she wants to waste money at the dealer which is not a good option right now.

Its usually around $400 at most dealers, though it depends if you need a timing belt. I usually depds on year and model.

My 1.8L cost about $438 for my 60k service.

[Mulder]

When you look at the items listed for the various services, they consist mostly of inspections and checks, with a few replacement items. The high cost charged by the dealer is usually out of proportion to the actual work that needs to be done. In most cases if you are reasonably knowledgeable and have the proper tools you can do it all yourself. Of course every individual owner should know their limits as far as what they are able to do on their own and at what point help is needed. Even if you can't do it yourself, the dealer isn't the only option. A competent independent shop can perform any of these services and will probably charge less, and this will not affect your warranty as long as you can document that the work was done.
"Extras" such as additives, flushes and so on are not necessary and just increase the final cost to you.

[mach_six]

I went to Town Motors in Englewood and was charged $200 for a 15k mile service. Half of that is labor and most of it can be done for a lot cheaper by bringing it to a competent mechanic or doing most of the work yourself assuming you're able to.

[SubaruPartsGirl]

A 15k here at Wilkins is just under $110.00. You get an oil change, tire rotation and a good inspection.

[Piecode314]

here is what I deal with Natick Subaru in MA

After reading the prices some of you pay I feel stupid. But this is a good place from what I hear and is the norm for pricing around here....




*TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT-Timing belt fatigue cannot be detected. Avoid unnecessary breakdowns. Recommended by manufacturer every 60,000 miles. Computerized 4 wheel alignment.....$71.95

Tire Rotation.....$29.50

Computer balance 4 tires.....$54.95

Brake inspection.....$34.50

Minimum Diagnostic Charge.....$37.50

*replace ignition wires add.....$90.00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SERVICE LEVEL A every 3,750 miles.....$24.95

OIL & FILTER CHANGE
INSPECT AIR FILTER
VISUAL INSPECTION OF BATTERY
INSPECT AND TOP OFF ALL FLUIDS
LUBRICATE CHASSIS & ALL HINGES
CHECK OPERATION OF ALL LIGHTS
INSPECT SUSPENSION & STEERING
Back to top

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SERVICE LEVEL B every 7,500 miles.....$73.95

All Service Level A items PLUS:
INSPECT BRAKES
INSPECT ALL HOSES AND BELTS
INSPECT TIRES FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT
ROTATE TIRES & ADJUST TIRE PRESSURE
INSTALL FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER
INSPECT CATALYTIC HEAT SHIELDS
Back to top

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SERVICE LEVEL C every 15,000 miles.....$255.95

All SERVICE LEVEL A & SERVICE LEVEL B Items PLUS:
SERVICE BATTERY TERMINALS
INSTALL FUEL SYSTEM CLEANER
INSPECT BRAKES & ADJUST AS NEEDED
LUBRICATE BRAKE CABLES & LINKAGE
REPLACE AIR FILTER
REPLACE FUEL FILTER
REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
REPLACE CUSHION FILTERS
Back to top

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SERVICE LEVEL D every 30,000 miles.....$435.95

All SERVICE LEVEL A & SERVICE LEVEL B SERVICE LEVEL C Items PLUS:
TRANSMISSION SERVICE
REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
INSPECT IGNITION WIRES, COIL & CAP
ADJUST BASIC IGNITION TIMING
COOLING SYSTEM SERVICE
REPLACE PCV VALVE
INSPECT ALL VACUUM LINES FOR CONDITION & PROPER CONNECTION
>>includes<<

FLUSH & CHANGE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID
REPLACE TRANSFER CASE OIL
INSPECT FRONT AXLE U-JOINTS
LUBRICATE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
FLUSH & CHANGE BRAKE FLUID
* 2.5 Slightly higher for 60K

[oxtox]

thanks for clearing things up. my post earlier included tire rotation also.

[jamz]

The hardest thing to do in a service is to change the spark plugs, and the WRX doesn't require that for 60K miles. The RS requires it every 30K though. Everything else you should be able to do at home, if you are even a little competent, or have a couple of friends who are.

[2.0]

Originally posted by Piecode314
here is what I deal with Natick Subaru in MA
*TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT-Timing belt fatigue cannot be detected. Avoid unnecessary breakdowns. Recommended by manufacturer every 60,000 miles. Computerized 4 wheel alignment.....$71.95

How much is the timing belt replacement? I replaced the TB on my Miata and it took me an entire day and the belt cost $30-40, not to mention the other necessary parts.

[Mulder]

Probably not cheap if the dealer does it, but you have a loooong time before you have to think about it. The official service interval for your timing belt is 100K.