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$250 for a Tune Up? Is this right or a scam?

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Old 05-14-2014, 10:29 PM
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$250 for a Tune Up? Is this right or a scam?

Hi guys, this is my first post. In looking to get an oil change and spark plug change in a 2004 G35, but the shop said it would be $250+ the cost of the spark plugs. Wtf, this doesn't sound right to me but I wanted to check with you guys first.

The oil change is oil and filter with Brad Penn oil and Spark Plugs are NGK iridium.

I can do the oil change with the same oil for $50-70 and the Spark plugs for another $60... Is it difficult to do this in these cars or are these people taking me for a ride? (Yes I am aware of the FAQs and guides)
 
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Old 05-14-2014, 10:42 PM
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Thats the going price. dealership robs ya. Thats how the earned their nick name stealership
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 10:16 AM
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Just found out that the plugs are $60 more than this price. Is that even right? It's not at a dealership, it's at a shop.
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 10:26 AM
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Its a little on the high side but depending on where you live not totally unreasonable. Thats why most people do it themselves... Shops charge $100/hr or so for labor, and I think book time is around 2 hours on a spark plug change
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 11:16 AM
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Ok so it's over $300 for an oil change and spark plugs for these cars?

I ask because I have had BMWs and Audis and those where high when I wasn't able to do it but not $300. But if that is what it cost to service these cars, then so be it, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't getting screwed over lol
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 11:26 AM
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Change the plugs yourself if you think you can
Not too hard at all. Worst part is just squeezing your hands around everything
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 11:45 AM
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Yep. Plus... I can sell you equivalent plugs for $30 shipped (Heads hang in shame). Denso double platinum.
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 12:16 PM
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Thank you everyone for the advice!

I am watching videos on it and trying to see if it's something I can get done in a decent amount of time with the tools I have. I haven't officially purchased the car yet, but I'm getting the appointments made to get it situated. I'm working on figuring out tires but that is for another thread lol!
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 01:17 PM
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If I take my car into a mechanic for an oil change it usually runs about 70-80 bucks. That's if I ask for Mobil 1. If I do it myself it's usually about 50-60 bucks. Wal-Mart has the cheapest price for Mobil 1 that I can find for 30-40 bucks for 5 qts. I then pickup a K&N or Mobil 1 filter at Advance Auto for 10-15 bucks. Your first oil change might cost you a little more since you also need a drain pan, rags, sockets, and strap wrench is easiest for the filter.

Spark plugs I paid about 70 dollars for at AutoZone! I did those in about 1.5-2 hours using a regular spark plug socket and some extensions. Don't forget the anti-seize.

I've done all the maintenance on my G the past two years after the warranty. If you have a garage, time, and start building a tool collection slowly you'll save tons of money in the long run. The past year I have probably saved 3K in labor having to do water pump, timing chain, suspension, and other work on my own.

I just bought a set of four Hankook Ventura for < 600 bucks at TireRack. They're an '09 model that had a speed rating or something downgraded recently, so that's why they're on sale. I couldn't pass up on the price and they're actually really good tires.
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 04:21 PM
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Thank you for all the info.
I'm going from owning DSMs for the past 10 years, so I have tools and ability, it's just IF I have the right tools to work on these cars. I think I will just do the $315 deal because I get a full inspection and a dyno pull included
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 05:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Vivica
Thank you for all the info.
I'm going from owning DSMs for the past 10 years, so I have tools and ability, it's just IF I have the right tools to work on these cars. I think I will just do the $315 deal because I get a full inspection and a dyno pull included
I too come from a DSM (4g63 :roll eyes
 
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Old 05-15-2014, 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by maclovio
I too come from a DSM (4g63 :roll eyes
Haha so you understand where I'm coming from
 
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Old 05-16-2014, 03:39 AM
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Is there a factory service manual such as one can buy for most motorcycles. I have one for my BlackBird.
 
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Old 05-16-2014, 06:00 AM
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Originally Posted by CanadianBird
Is there a factory service manual such as one can buy for most motorcycles. I have one for my BlackBird.
The Haynes manual is one you can get at auto zone with nice real life pictures, othrwise head to the DIY section here and one of our members hosts the FSM's for all years G!!!
 
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Old 05-19-2014, 11:07 AM
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