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Dealer Really Needed???

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Old Mar 31, 2004 | 08:48 PM
  #1  
dansdad's Avatar
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From: Concord, Ca.
Dealer Really Needed???

My 2003 crew lwb diesel goes to the shop only for maintenance. I took it today for the 15000, and the service mgr. wanted me to sign an ok for 400.00
I said FOR WHAT!? He told me the oil change was about 80.00, fuel filter is 125.00, changing the differential fluid was 135.00. You gotta be kidding. Does this sound normal or should I go elswhere and keep the records to protect the warranty. Sure its good for 100,000, but if I have to go to the dealer, that ridiculous. Please let my know your experiences. Thanks, Dave
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Old Mar 31, 2004 | 08:54 PM
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From: Clearwater, FL
That sounds like rape to me! You can change your own oil for about $30.
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Old Mar 31, 2004 | 09:00 PM
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From: Scotts Valley, Ca
fuel filter $125??? I can buy it for about $20 at napa 5 min job maybe 10 minutes
my oil change ( wonder lube, yes it is a quickie place but better)
$50 for oil change w/ rotella
$20 for each diff and transfer
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Old Mar 31, 2004 | 09:03 PM
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From: Richmond Michigan
I think you are paying for the labor more than anything. It sure seems like it is too soon to change the diff. fluids. Also you can get rotella oil for about 6.0 bucks a gallon and it takes just under 3 gals then add the filter at 8 bucks for a fleet gaurd. so it;s 26.00 if you do the oil yourself. it is also not too expesive to do the diffs. with the fluid at about 4 bucks a qurt for the good stuff so only about 30 bucks for the fluids. You can change the diffs on the garage floor without even raising the truck. I don't know about 3rd gen fuel filters but 2nd gen about 10 bucks for the filter and a little screwing around to get the thing off and primed back up again. I think you either get used to paying the dealer prices or do like alot of us here and do your own. you can find out all the tips and tricks by surfing this site. Best of luck
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Old Mar 31, 2004 | 09:04 PM
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From: Tishomingo, OK
I was having the same problem. Cost me 178.00 to have them change oil and fuel filter and check fluid levels in the transfer and differentials. ( which by the way, they did not do). I do my own now. I simply keep all the reciepts paperclipped on the appropriate service page of my maintenance log.
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Old Mar 31, 2004 | 09:08 PM
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From: The Great White North
I DO NOT take mine to the dealer for regular service. $125 for a fuel filter??? and I was complaining about paying $50..... Basic maintenance is really easy, even servicing your diffs.

I keep a very detailed log of everything I do in terms of service (including part numbers, oil brands etc.), and also keep ALL receipts, in case there ever is a dispute.
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Old Mar 31, 2004 | 09:59 PM
  #7  
Lary Ellis (Top)'s Avatar
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If you like throwing away your money, then I suggest you pay the $400.00
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Old Apr 1, 2004 | 03:30 PM
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DPG
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From: Western Michigan
If you like throwing your money away, I'm willing to receive!
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Old Apr 1, 2004 | 03:45 PM
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BigBlue's Avatar
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Tell the service manage where to stick it, pay the money, and then never go back. I do my own maintenance. I don't keep records. Don't care either. If the engine happens to die, then it's up to Dodge to replace it. No if's and's or but's about it. If they want to challenge me, they can take it up with my lawyer.
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Old Apr 1, 2004 | 07:22 PM
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From: Concord, Ca.
Thanks everyone , I got the bill from the dealer and it was 168.00. maybe the screaming I did helped. Anyway I'm gonna figure out nhow to do my on fuel filter changes and the like I'll just keep records, but my truck does'nt need to see the dealer again. Thanks again...Dave
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Old Apr 1, 2004 | 08:50 PM
  #11  
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From: Maple Ridge B.C Canada
Most brand manufacturers nowadays try to intimidate you into using THEIR dealerships exclusively for regular maintanance...some even insist on it. You can go ANYWHERE ( as long as its a certified shop) to get regular maintanance done. You should always enter the particular information with reciepts into a log book or the back of your owner's manual.
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Old Apr 1, 2004 | 08:54 PM
  #12  
Lary Ellis (Top)'s Avatar
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Congratulations Dan!

Now you can spent that other 230 dolllars on a present for your truck Glad it worked out for you
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