Needed B16 service at 11,750 miles (Oil, Diff fluid change and tire rotation and balance and lots of checks). Called two dealers. One quoted $310.00 and started closing me for an appointment. Luckily I called the other dealer and got the same service for $175.00. Service writer explained that the higher priced dealer is flush with business and willing to lose customers in order to get higher margins. As others have noted it pays to call around. The dealer got me in and out in 1.5 hours and treated me well. Thanks to those who have recommended calling multiple dealers. It saved me some $$$

 

Yeah, I just paid $140 for my A1 and maybe it's time to call around.

 

I just had my B16 with 12,250 on the ticker.
Labor $181.00 - Parts/Materials $25.00 - Total with tax $232.71

They're sooo close and convieniant, I'll still call around next time

 

I'll do the Tire rotaion and checks myself....I just say to them Oil change and rear diff fluid change....,$150 the last time.

 

I just let them do the differential change and did the rest myself. $82.

 

Isn't it best to let the dealer do the services at least while the car is under warranty? What if there is a problem with the engine, and the dealer checks what service was done, and they say there is no record of oil changes? If you do the services yourself, how do you prove it was actually done if there is a warranty dispute?

 

Okay, I'm confused. I have 16,000 on my RL, and I haven't changed the diff fluid yet.

I would swear the only service reminder I've gotten was "A1", which is oil change and tire rotation.

So is everyone getting the rear diff fluid change message around 11-12,000 miles?

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I now have 28xxx and have yet to get anything but A1. I asked by service tech and he said 30000 is scheduled diff fluid change. I am beginning to wonder if service reminders are accurate.

 

My B16 came up at around 15K miles. I am very easy on the car so I can't explain the inconsistency with what you've had.

 

Most manufacturers will accept register receipts showing that you bough oil and a filter and they use the date on the receipt to make sure what you say you did coincides with the receipts.

I always keep the receipts for oil and filters and store them in my owner's manual.

It's probably illegal for them to require you to have maintenance done by them. The Magnuson-Moss Act protects consumers for this sort of thing.