Dealer maintenance: what's the difference?

[Deleted]

I had a 60,000 maintenance due on my 2006 Corolla. I was offered two choices--the basic one for $160 something or the deluxe one for $560 something.

I chose the basic one just because I really don't want to be upselled and I can't imagine WHAT the extra $400 could have given me. However, I was also on my way to work and wanted to get there.

Anyone know what I would have gotten for the extra $400 and whether it was worth it?

[Deleted]

60k is when my dealer recommended I replace the timing belt on my car, and that was a pricey repair ($400 sounds about right).

I don't really know anything about cars, but I learned that the timing belt is one of those things that works until it doesn't and then causes catastrophic problems in your car. I opted to replace it at 75k instead.

If that wasn't the deluxe add on, then I have no idea.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

May 12, 2012 17:39:04 GMT -5 southernsusana said:

I had a 60,000 maintenance due on my 2006 Corolla. I was offered two choices--the basic one for $160 something or the deluxe one for $560 something.

I chose the basic one just because I really don't want to be upselled and I can't imagine WHAT the extra $400 could have given me. However, I was also on my way to work and wanted to get there.

Anyone know what I would have gotten for the extra $400 and whether it was worth it?

I'd have asked what the difference between the two maintenance options was. My first thought was timing belt too, since I know of some that need to be replaced a 60k. If that was the case, then I'd have gone head and gotten it replaced.

[Deleted]

Replacing the timing belt when it needs to be replaced isn't "optional." I read the maintenance schedule when I bought the car. They also tried to upsell me at 30,000.

I told the guy I wanted what needed to be done. So he took me back down to the standard maintenance schedule. The guy didn't really push the $500+ maintenance. He sort of offered it quickly as if to say he had offered it. He didn't go into detail.

That's why I was curious as to what it would benefit me. Doesn't anyone else own a Toyota?

[ginpin]

Perhaps ask Rick? He might know what they are upselling.

[8 Bit WWBG]

The devil is in the details. Some of the services they push at my dealership (flush power steering fluid) are pure moneymakers that are not necessary at the frequency they are pushed. Others (timing belt) are critical and as was said... work until they don't then cause problems.

If he pushed it quickly with no elaboration, then maybe he too believes its just fluff fees. But without knowing what is done, one never knows for sure.

[Deleted]

Thanks, Rick. That's basically what I got although they also replaced the "cabin" filter, whatever that is. There is a standard maintenance list for each 5,000 maintenance interval, and I actually just do what they recommend as "standard." It's the only one online and the one in my owner's manual.

[ken a.k.a OMK]

The cabin filter is an air filter inside the car. Many things like timing belts and filters should be inspected and not just changed because the schedule says it's time. I have a 2009 Corolla with 97k miles and just had front breaks replaced and rear adjusted. Both original. Can't believe you only have 60k miles on a 2006. The Toyota dealer here pushes batteries. I caved in and let them replace my original battery on our 2006 RAV4. When I checked they put in the wrong battery and it had less cranking amps then the old one tested at!!!! I had them put in the right one, but wasn't happy with the service.