How do you know?

[photo2001]

I'm the guy who had the tree fall on his 2000 Forester. The body work

is done (haven't seen it), and I decided to have it serviced while it's there, which it is overdue for. The

basics, oil, filter, drain and replace coolant, plus a few other things, the additive 'recall' which was never done, and the fog light switch needed replacing. So they tell me some seals are leaking from the axle onto the exhaust system and need replacing for $200. I tell them to do it, although

I've never noticed leaks, but I don't have the car garaged and rarely look

for leaks. But the car only has 36,000 miles on it so I am suspicious, but I

say go ahead partly because I've read so much about leaking seals on this board. Then she asks if I want them to service the fuel injectors for

about $300, and I'll get better mileage. I said no thanks. What kind of

fuel injector 'service' costs $300 when there's nothing wrong with them?

This car is driven about 5000 mi. a year, mostly highway, never off-road.

How do you know when you're being taken for a ride?

[jon38iowa]

I'm the guy who had the tree fall on his 2000 Forester. The body work

is done (haven't seen it), and I decided to have it serviced while it's there, which it is overdue for. The

basics, oil, filter, drain and replace coolant, plus a few other things, the additive 'recall' which was never done, and the fog light switch needed replacing. So they tell me some seals are leaking from the axle onto the exhaust system and need replacing for $200. I tell them to do it, although

I've never noticed leaks, but I don't have the car garaged and rarely look

for leaks. But the car only has 36,000 miles on it so I am suspicious, but I

say go ahead partly because I've read so much about leaking seals on this board. Then she asks if I want them to service the fuel injectors for

about $300, and I'll get better mileage. I said no thanks. What kind of

fuel injector 'service' costs $300 when there's nothing wrong with them?

This car is driven about 5000 mi. a year, mostly highway, never off-road.

How do you know when you're being taken for a ride?

 

Howdy,

Six years is a long time for rubber seals regardless of mileage;

I had my fuel cleaned( wynnService) for about $ 150.00. It does run a little smoother, but Than my Forester has many more miles than yours.

I recomend having the Transmission fluid changed as well, but thats just me , I would rather go a little over board with maintenance, than have to replace or repair( The Transmission is about $ 4000.K ).

Glad to hear your car is almost back on track!

[OB99W]

[...]How do you know when you're being taken for a ride?

That's easy (continuing your metaphor): When you're in a vehicle, and someone else is doing the driving. If you don't like the feeling that you're not in control, and/or you don't trust the driver, perhaps it's either time to learn to drive for yourself or at least find a driver you trust.

 

I suppose the issue is whether your distrust is based on previous poor experience with this (or another) dealer, or just general concern that you don't know enough about the item being repaired. If you've had previous bad experience with a particular shop, try to find a different servicer with a good reputation. If you're lucky, there may be an independent shop in your area that does good work at prices significantly less than the dealer, and who won't try to sell unnecessary jobs to you; ask friends, neighbors, relatives, etc.

 

If the problem is unease because of lack of knowledge, you can start by just asking questions. For example, in the case of an external leak, have the shop demonstrate physical evidence of the leak. Ask what will happen if the leak is ignored, both short-term and long-term. If there's no real emergency, ask here before committing to the work. Even if you can't (or don't want to) do your own work, reading up on automotive systems a bit should help you feel somewhat more empowered.

 

As to the need for fuel injector cleaning, if you have noticed no loss of performance or gas mileage, $300 for cleaning would seem to be excessive. Again, asking questions might help with decision making. If the dealer claims you'll see improved mileage, ask them what mileage you are getting now and what to expect after the cleaning. If you don't get a reasonable response (I doubt they've actually checked how the injectors are currently functioning), then you should be leery of approving the work. A can of quality injector cleaner added to your gas tank periodically might be all that's required, if even that is needed. (Of course, if performance or mileage were down significantly, a thorough injector cleaning could be appropriate.)

 

Good luck; I hope the repairs get things back to "pre-tree-incident" condition.

[photo2001]

Makes sense about the rubber gaskets going after 6 years. I

have trusted the dealer in the past, however the business was

sold recently and I don't know if any of the same employees

are there, but I purchased the car there, (at the end of a lease)

and am still paying for it, so am going on semi-blind faith.

 

I would work on my car myself, but since I suffered a spinal

cord injury, not possible. Also why I only put on a few thousand

miles a year. Also one of the main reasons I bought the Forester. Ease of entry/exit, heated seats with lots of adjustments. The most

comfortable of the vehicles I tested.

 

The car has shown no performance issues, and

I mentioned that to the shop person who agreed with me. $300

is excessive for a fuel cleaning no matter what. This Forester

doesn't get the mileage I got with my '98 Forester, but that has

been the case since it was brand new. I believe Consumer Reports

gives a black mark to mileage for the 2000 model year also. Phase

II engine issues?

 

The transmission fluid change is a good idea, maybe I'll call them

to ask about that tomorrow.

 

Thanks for the replies!