Servicing Costs

[Pusbum]

I just had my car in for the 48000km service and it cost $1008.80 including an injector service. They didn't charge me for the loan car either which was good. I didn't even have to ask for it :-)

I had them look at a couple of issues which have parts on order so I will just have to wait for them to come in.

[Michaelr]

Originally Posted by Pusbum

I just had my car in for the 48000km service and it cost $1008.80 including an injector service. They didn't charge me for the loan car either which was good. I didn't even have to ask for it :-)

I had them look at a couple of issues which have parts on order so I will just have to wait for them to come in.

Are you happy with the service Pusbum?
regards Michaelr

[Pusbum]

Yeah I have nothing to complain about. I don't know if that is a good price or not but my previous service costs have been inline with what others have posted so I have no reason to think it is too high. You just might want to remember to save your pennies for the 48k service :-)

So far I can say only nice things about my dealer. They have been very helpful over the last year and I believe they have gone out of their way on a number of occasions. While it is only a small thing they replaced the door courtesty lights with blue LED's (which I supplied) for no cost as part of one of my services. I know this is about 1 minutes work but they didn't have to do it and certainly could have charged. For me it is the little things that make the difference.

[Hot Black Hemi]

Ripped off bad!!!!
Why do you guys get your cars serviced at Chrysler dealerships??? As long as you take it to a licensed mechanical workshop and they stamp the service book the warranty is not voided...
I get mine serviced at the BP in North Manly for about 1/2 the cost of any Chrysler dealer - outcome is better. I know that the mechanic is highly experienced rather than a 1st year apprentice and the service has a garantee...

[markg]

How does your local BP service outlet carry out software drivability updates, and DTC checks.
Oil level in transmission can not be checked either, you need a special tool to do this.
I don't believe that your service can be carried out as per "manufactures specifications" unless you do go to a dealership. So maybe your warranty could be voided??
Dealerships charge a premium, because not only are the techs on higher rates, but overheads outlayed for these specialist tools, designed for our vehicles cost a lot, and are only available at dealerships.
You pay a premium for a vehicle and then complain when you have to pay a premium to keep the vehicle maintained.
$60,000+ on the vehicle ( not to mention wheels / stereos ETC ) and then you complain about a measily $200-$300 extra dealerships charge, for a true log book service.
Come on guys and girls, Think about it
Where do you go if your local mechanic scratches his head cause the engine light is on.
To the dealership that has all the tooling and information available the fix our cars.

[Spectre]

~scratches head about the dealerships having all the information about our cars~

LOL

[Pusbum]

I agree markg....I don't mind paying a bit extra as long as everything is don right!

By the way what dealership are you from? :-) Just figured you might be from one as this was your first post and you seem passionate about it :-)

[markg]

I am ex mechanic from a holden dealership in Melbourne.
Not to detract from the ability of most mechanics ( I completed my apprenticeship at a local Joe in Ascot Vale, mostly working on pre 90's european vehicles. ) I have seen to many butchered vehicles from mechanics that do not have a equipment or tooling to service vehicles correctly.
I've had too many phone calls from workshops ( while at Holden ) How do you ?????, whats this?????? How do I???????
I've had too many mechanics asking to look at wiring diagrams, or to even lend them the Tech2 diagnostic tool, cause the VT they just serviced now will not start.
I've had to many customers have vehicles towed from there local mechanic to the dealership, because they did not have the ability to diagnose the concern properly
These were from very reputable outlets too!
Its becoming a very specialist trade and the ability of the local guy to carry all the required tools and information for every make and model is impossible, and getting harder.
I just personally believe that with how much attention to detail some people pay to there vehicles, not to mention the hard earned dough oulayed. Why would one skimp on a couple of hundred dollars not to have their vehicles serviced by the manufacture that specialises in that particular product.

[Hemi57]

Originally Posted by markg

How does your local BP service outlet carry out software drivability updates, and DTC checks.
Oil level in transmission can not be checked either, you need a special tool to do this.
I don't believe that your service can be carried out as per "manufactures specifications" unless you do go to a dealership. So maybe your warranty could be voided??
Dealerships charge a premium, because not only are the techs on higher rates, but overheads outlayed for these specialist tools, designed for our vehicles cost a lot, and are only available at dealerships.
You pay a premium for a vehicle and then complain when you have to pay a premium to keep the vehicle maintained.
$60,000+ on the vehicle ( not to mention wheels / stereos ETC ) and then you complain about a measily $200-$300 extra dealerships charge, for a true log book service.
Come on guys and girls, Think about it
Where do you go if your local mechanic scratches his head cause the engine light is on.
To the dealership that has all the tooling and information available the fix our cars.

Welcome and thanks for your explanation. It is easy for the customer to not appreciate the overheads, special tools and specialisation. The transmission dipstick is a classic.

I have been an advocate for dealer service since I got support over & above and beyond the period of the warranty, in the past due to "history".

[Black SRT-8]

Originally Posted by Hot Black Hemi

Ripped off bad!!!!
Why do you guys get your cars serviced at Chrysler dealerships??? As long as you take it to a licensed mechanical workshop and they stamp the service book the warranty is not voided...
I get mine serviced at the BP in North Manly for about 1/2 the cost of any Chrysler dealer - outcome is better. I know that the mechanic is highly experienced rather than a 1st year apprentice and the service has a garantee...

I like the Chrysler dealer, as if they stuff it up I can go and complain to DC Head Office.

If BP stuff it up, BP Head office won't care and DC may not assist.

It's probably only a few hundred dollars differance anyway, that one night at the pub.

The lesson here is : Dont' go to the pub one Friday night and BP Manley = the same cost as DC.

Cheers , Bruce