Car Servicing (insurance, how much, maintenance)

[collinsl]

How often do you service your cars in AZ, where do you normally take them, and how much does it normally cost?

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by collinsl

How often do you service your cars in AZ, where do you normally take them, and how much does it normally cost?

What kind of service?
What kind of car and what year?
How much do you drive?
Where do you live?
Do you tow anything or operate off road?

Last year I paid around $200 for car maintenance for two synthetic oil changes and a couple of self-installed parts like air filter and wipers, but I only drove 5000 miles, and most of that was a few trips. This year I anticipate it could reach as high as $1000, and that will include a major service due to mileage interval being reached.

This question needs a more finite range to get you a good answer. Your costs can vary greatly. Do you drive a Toyota Corolla or an Audi A8? Your oil change could be $30 or well over $100, depending. A battery could be $48 or $278.

There is also an automotive forum that will probably be of some assistance.

[dc1225]

Let me re-phrase this...does anyone know of a good car mechanic in phx area? Not stealerships either, thanks!

[collinsl]

Originally Posted by 43north87west

What kind of service?
What kind of car and what year?
How much do you drive?
Where do you live?
Do you tow anything or operate off road?

Last year I paid around $200 for car maintenance for two synthetic oil changes and a couple of self-installed parts like air filter and wipers, but I only drove 5000 miles, and most of that was a few trips. This year I anticipate it could reach as high as $1000, and that will include a major service due to mileage interval being reached.

This question needs a more finite range to get you a good answer. Your costs can vary greatly. Do you drive a Toyota Corolla or an Audi A8? Your oil change could be $30 or well over $100, depending. A battery could be $48 or $278.

There is also an automotive forum that will probably be of some assistance.

I was trying to find information across the range, as I live in the UK and am below driving age. However, I am planning on moving out to AZ and was trying to find information on general car servicing practices.

[Rick Lee]

I've never taken my cars to a pro shop for anything other than warranty or insurance work. I DIY everything and probably spend a lot less per year on maint. for a fussy, old, high-perf. German toy than most folks spend on their Japanese or American car the first year out of warranty. The stealer gets over $450 for an oil change on my car. I DIY it for about $80 (13 qts. of synthetic oil and two oil filters). Spark plug wires are about $1900 in a pro shop on my car. I DIY'ed it for under $500 in total parts (two caps, two rotors, twin dizzy rebuild and 28 wires.) Believe me, if you don't at least know something about your car, you're begging to get raped at a dealer or even indep. shop. They really have two price lists - one for the totally clueless and one for the folks who know exactly what they're doing, but might not have the time to DIY it and might refer them some more business or write nicely about them on car chat boards.

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I've never taken my cars to a pro shop for anything other than warranty or insurance work. I DIY everything and probably spend a lot less per year on maint. for a fussy, old, high-perf. German toy than most folks spend on their Japanese or American car the first year out of warranty. The stealer gets over $450 for an oil change on my car. I DIY it for about $80 (13 qts. of synthetic oil and two oil filters). Spark plug wires are about $1900 in a pro shop on my car. I DIY'ed it for under $500 in total parts (two caps, two rotors, twin dizzy rebuild and 28 wires.) Believe me, if you don't at least know something about your car, you're begging to get raped at a dealer or even indep. shop. They really have two price lists - one for the totally clueless and one for the folks who know exactly what they're doing, but might not have the time to DIY it and might refer them some more business or write nicely about them on car chat boards.

Hey rick, if i move there, can you do mine too please? dog dinner's on me, promise!

[Rick Lee]

Oh, I screw people far worse than any stealer or indep. shop. Better go to them.

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Oh, I screw people far worse than any stealer or indep. shop. Better go to them.

scared of the dog meat dinner are we?

[TurcoLoco]

You two might want to get a room!

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by TurcoLoco

You two might want to get a room!

you threee!