2005 Neon maintenance

I'm taking care of my mom's used 2005 Neon and I'm trying to figure out why
the dealer wants over $400 for the 24,000 mile maintenance. (It's actually
closer to 18,000 miles on the odometer.) I don't have any documentation
showing what the manufacturer recommends. Is that available online?

The dealer's low-end maintenance includes the oil and filter change, lube,
and tire rotation for $35, so what magic do I get for the rest of the
money? (A friend already suggested that I get a free can of new car smell.)

Here's the dealer's website:

http://www.steadauto.com/

Check out the "schedule service" link to see the prices.

 

You must be leaving something out, what else did they tell you the vehicle
needed? Brakes? Alignment? Tires balanced? there has to be more to this...if
not, I would find another dealer

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

My eyeballs don't see the difference between the $35 service and the $400
service. These are a couple of the options I see in the service
scheduling menu:

=========================================================================

3K Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance Package (All Years & Models)

Our scheduled maintenance services meet or exceed factory recommendations
for vehicle mileage, age, and local operating conditions and include the
following:

• Replace engine oil and filter
• Inspect brakes
• Adjust tire air pressure
• Rotate Tires
• Inspect fluid levels and top off as needed
• Check operation of horn
• Check exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights
• Check windshield washer spray & wiper operation
• Inspect exhaust system for leaks, damage,
loose parts & remove any foreign materials
trapped by shielding
• Inspect radiator, heater, & air conditioning
hoses for leaks or damage
• Lubricate chassis as necessary
• Inspect Tires

* Additional tax and hazardous fees may apply

We will always perform a multipoint inspection and battery test when your
vehicle is with us for service.

$34.95

=========================================================================

24K Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance Package (All Years, Makes & Models)

Our scheduled maintenance services meet or exceed factory recommendations
for vehicle mileage, age, and local operating conditions and include the
following:

• Replace engine oil and filter
• Install Motor Oil Conditioner
• Install engine fuel system treatment
• Adjust tire pressure.
• Tire rotation (Dual Rear Wheels Additional)
• Lubricate chassis as necessary
• Install Windshield Washer Solvent
• Perform Automatic Transmission fluid exchange
• Replace Transmission Filter & Gasket
• Add Automatic transmission treatment
• Add Automatic Transmission fluid cleaner
• Perform battery Service

• Inspect the following: Engine oil condition & for leaks, & Adjust fluid
levels, radiator condition, radiator & heater hoses, water pump, drive
belts, tires, brakes, park brake operation, brake hydraulic system for
leaks, alignment wear, rear shocks, McPherson struts, undercarriage for
damage or leaks, steering fluid, Linkage & Suspension, drive shaft joints
& boots, differential & leaks, air cleaner, condition of wiper blades,
wiper & washer operation, heater & AC operation, exhaust system,
transmission fluid & leaks, clutch operation, clutch hydraulic system for
leaks, glass & mirrors, battery cables

* Additional tax and hazardous fees may apply

We will always perform a multipoint inspection and battery test when your
vehicle is with us for service.

$419.95

=========================================================================

Can you see what I'm getting for that extra $350?

(And they have a "30K *PREMIUM* Gasoline Vehicle Maintenance Package -
All Wheel Drive Cars & Mini-Vans (also @ 60K & 90K)" for $999.95! What
could that possibly be?!)

 

I see quite a difference, particularly important is:

But $400 seems a bit high to me. After all it isn't a BMW or Mercedes.

Based on my experiences they don't do many of the inspections and minor
things, such as brake fluid and door lock lube which I have to follow
up on myself.

 

The difference is a transmission flush, a bunch of snake oil crap you
don't need or want and the improvement in gas mileage achieved by
removing all the paper from your wallet.

Look in the owners manual for what the factory recommends and at what
mileage and follow it. The only thing I would do outside of that
would be a trans fluid change every 30k miles with the proper ATF+4
fluid (make sure this fluid is used - don't allow them to use a
different fluid with a modifier that makes it "as good as atf +4").
This service will run you around 100 at a good independent shop.

No offense to the members of the group that are dealer techs but this
is the reason I would never take a vehicle back to the dealer for
anything other than warranty service. Find yourself a good
independent mechanic (no that doesn't mean the Goodyear or Midas
store) and use them. Ask friends who they use, call AAA and ask for a
reference or just look for a small shop with a ton of cars in for
service.

Steve B.

 

i would bet in typical dealer fashion they want you to buy a coolant flush a
trans flush a tune up and a brake fliud and power steering flush and about the
only thing needed is oil change and rotate