I'm a complete idiot when it comes to cars so bare with me haha. I have a 2008 Mazda 6i touring 4cylinder that I purchased from the dealership back in October 09' with a 48k mileage. I brought it into the dealership service department to fix the cracked valve stem on my back right tire which they did, but afterwards they informed me of 'other work' that needs to be done to my car. Here's what they told me needs work:

1. Transmission service (they gave me no details on that) $240.00

2. 2 new tires because the ones I have are completely worn out even though I've only had the car for barely 3 months. $510.00+

3. Pollen Filter with Evap Cleaning $225.00

4. Throttle body cleaning $140.00 ( no details either)

5. Injector Service $160.00 (no details giving on this)

My question is, is the dealership trying to rip me off with these prices? Is this something I can get done by grabbing some friends who are knowledgeable with cars?

 

Seems a little high. I would take it to another dealership or a private shop to get a quote.

 

Those services should have been done prior to it being sold. Dealers always say they give the car a complete service before they sell them, which is B*llS**t. I've caught many dealers lying. Most of those service requirements should have been done at 30,000. I only take my car to the dealer for warranty work, If I cant fix it myself I take it to a local shop.

 

to break it down a little more, here is what i can put in;

1. trans service - they are probably only going to do the filter, flush, and fluid at that price. they might not even do the flush, really. this is something that you could do yourself with a few tools and a little knowledge.

2. 2 new tires - the oem tires are crap. go ahead and get a decent pair from discount tire and get an alignment with the money that you save.

3. pollen filter with evap cleaning - i am not sure what they mean by evap cleaning, but i assume that the pollen filter is the cabin filter. it is fairly easy to change and costs around $20. again, a few tools and a little knowledge.

4. throttle body cleaning - this all depends on how they intended to do this. you can access the throttle body with basic tools and you could hand clean it once you get to it. cost? at the most, a rag and a can of brake cleaner. i don't see a reason why the throttle body would be that filthy though. it isn't really exposed constantly to the elements. i wouldn't even bother with this one.

5. injector service - once again, depends on their methods. you could pour a bottle of injector cleaner in at your next fuel-up and probably do about the same as what they are planning. i doubt, at this price, that they were planning on pulling the injectors to service them. there isn't a ridiculous amount of service that you can do to them while they are installed.

if you know people who will help and have a decent tool collection, go ahead and attempt some of these things on your own. they really aren't that hard and you will at least be a little more confident with your car after that. i, personally, have seen people go in for service and the dealership didn't turn a single bolt on their car but to change the oil. didn't forget to bill though.