Auto Repair Service - 30k, 60k, 90k, Automobile Dealership Rip-Offs
I had a friend call me recently because he bought his 2007 Nissan in for a 90k auto service (90,000 mile service). Most of these services are the largest scams I have ever been apart of (yeah sorry). As a flat rate mechanic I absolutely loved them (back in the day). My friend paid through the nose for crap, he knew it after wards, and at least reduced the BS up-sells.
Thirty thousand mile services are a glorified oil change with a tire rotation. I used to get paid 3 or 4 hours to do a 30k service (Done in 1 hr tops). Oh, you sure inspect a lot of stuff, stuff that does not need inspecting. The original 30k's, before we had 100,000 mile fluids and spark plugs, you actually had to do some work.
Here's the deal! You go in for an oil change every 3000 miles, and a oil change and tire rotation every 6000 miles or so. If you need repair work, like brakes or front end work, they will notice. They crawl all over your car looking for an up-sell, you do not have to pay them for these routine inspections, that's all these services are, routine inspections. Most shops give you free 16 point inspections for free with an oil change.
I recommend getting your oil changed and tire rotations by "certified mechanics", not jiffy this, or sooner that. Whether in a dealership or private auto repair facility they have "guys" , they give this easy work to. Do not let sub par mechanics work on your car. The labor rate does not change depending on who's working on your car, so ask for a certified mechanic (your already paying for him).