shinyblack

So I got the A12 maintenance reminder pop up the other day. I'm just under 30,000 miles on my 2010. From what I've been reading, dealerships are looking for nearly $300 for this. Looks like the pollen filter is an easy change. I've found some videos on Youtube. What about the Air Cleaner? Is it pretty easy to do. As for the filters, I assume I can get what I need from Autozone...either that or maybe OEM on the web or something, cheaper than what a dealership will want. I'll bite the bullet on the oil change and belt inspection. but if I can, I'll do the filters and tire rotation.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

really??!!!

seriously, an A service is an oil change ($40 if you just ask for an oil change). the A service itself....$120.

1=tire rotation ($30)
2= engine air filter and cabin filter (filters=$40, labor$120).

save yourself the aggravation. ask for an oil change and a tire rotation. cost $70. hunt around for service coupons on the dealer website...goes down to $60 (maybe). whiile you're waiting for your oil change ask the parts counter for the cabin and air filters for your car (again search for a coupon for parts on your dealer website) $40 then go home and DIY.

if you can DIY your tire rotation then you just saved $25-30 and then just pay for the $40 oil change. so really your A12 will only cost $80 vs $300, you you choose to DIY the 1 and 2.

most dealers will do a courtesy inspection anyway plus you only have 30k mi on your car.

you really want to deprive the dealer of a few more bucks, then bring your on oil and filter in, have them change the oil with what you brought in...$20.

just a few suggestions on how to "work" the maintainence codes in favor of your wallet. know your car and what it needs, then be smart about what you specifically want done to the car when you go to the dealer.

i've done this and they've tried to sell me the "A" service...i say that's just an oil change, so i want an oil change. my dealer stopped trying to sell me on unnecessary crap for my car when they realized i know my car very well. so they do what i ask them to do and they do it...happily.

MrOtocinclus

The air cleaner is super easy to change. Pop the hood, then flip back the 4 clips holding down the air box cover. You may want to loosen the hose clamp near the MAF sensor in order to nudge the cover off. Remove the element and replace with one of your choice. Done!

Note: I suggest wearing gloves to prevent scratching yourself when squeezing your hand in to pop the innermost clip, as it's pretty tight in there.

And lastly, some part #s for you:
Intake air filter element: 17220-RL5-A00 or Purolator A36061 or Wix 49200

Cabin air filter: 80292-SDA-A01 or Purolator C35519 or Wix 24815 or Fram CF10134

shinyblack

Thanks for the info, folks. And thanks for the tip on knowing what to ask for from the dealership....essentially, I'll go in to the dealership and ask for the oil change...nothing else. The last two service trips I took it in for was for an oil change only. This would be the first time it's 'due' for something more. It will be interesting to see how they respond. It wont matter going forward, as a competiting dealer is putting in a new dealership a few minutes from home...hopefully eliminating the 40 minute trip to the dealer I bought the car from.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

your car won't ask for much in the first 100k anyway. if you wanna do the B service with ALL of the inspections (usually $180) plus the oil change and a tire rotation...not bad for peace of mind knowing all the mechanicals are ok. i do this. mostly for peace of mind. always check for coupons and then make nice nice with the same SA (if you like him/her) every time you go there...they might cut you break from time to time.

as a girl, my dealer is very surprised to find how knowledgeable i am about my cars. i've been going there for over 6 yrs and they treat me well. so...i dont mind paying a little extra for that type of service. i'm usually pretty easy going and light hearted when i interact with them. yeah i'm anal but...they tolerate that b/c of my attitude when i'm in for service. i'm sure they will fine with it. you just tell them i'll take care of the others myself.