oil changes and check up

[ganisa]

I got very surprised when for the first oil change the dealer charged me about $180.00 to reset the computer, oil and filters. Now for the second change they want abou 450.00. To check a lot of stuff. I never had a new car that I had to pay such amout of money just to change the oil. Shouldn't all these checkings be covered by the warranty. What we don't spend in gas the dealer makes into a SUV???

The Smart is supposed to be a frugal car not a special Mercedez.

Carlos

[smartzuuk]

This is so often discussed. Who charged $450 for a B service, BTW. It's robbery, IMO.

[bsmart]

Fortunately you live in vancouver and have a huge group of smart car people to fall back on...surely someone from Vancouver and direct you to a dealer that doesn't charge $450. $180 for the first one is about right, higher than I would like but in the ball park of others. The $450 is too high. I think my B service is only $280. Maybe just double check with the service department again for confirmation.

I'd also be tempted to report that high price to smart canada and ask for an explanation.

[smartnhappy]

Just had my first A service on Jan 18 .....cost was $114.96 + taxes.... total was $132.20

Took about 3 hours, plus they flashed the system to improve A/C

and replaced the weatherstrip on driver's door

and replaced tach (it went silly-buggers the instant I scheduled the A service).

On the other hand, on Monday I took my 96 Tahoe in for a fuel pump (wouildn't start - somewhat common on 95's thru 99's)

Parts (fuel pump and a fuel filter) plus labour and taxes totalled $616.93

They also fixed the seat recliners and replaced the wiper module under a no-charge recall.

Took about 5 hours total.

Dealer suggested a major tuneup also, with plug wires. If you can believe it, they wanted $720. more for this !!!!

I don't know if there is a great dealer out there (I've run into mostly liars and cheats everywhere and in all major makes), but the London MB dealer has done right by me so far.

[Leipa]

I was charged 1.2hrs @ $99.00/hr +oil + filter and they replaced a headlamp bulb(I supplied the bulb!) Total was $192.00.( in Surrey.)

I sure will not pay too much more for any other service...definitely not 300+

[Fred J]

Headlight should have been N/C - parts and labour under warranty.

They got you.

From previous postings, Surrey does not have a reputation as a customer friendly dealer. Perhaps other members can comment.

Shop around at other dealers. As you know, you can go to any of them for servicing and warranty items.

[Crooks Hideaway]

Be sure to check out the How To DIY Oil Change thread.

[Leipa]

If you look up DIY in the encyclopedia, you will see my picture!!!!

I did my last 2 oil changes, and have just got a new pan from fast eddy, along with a K&N, and some oil filters. So I will be adding the drain to the pan, and I will be doing all the servicing from now on, unless it needs "sophisticated" diagnosis.