Review of my 1-yr factory maintenance

[vwW12]

Dropped it off at 10:00.

1-yr maintenance on the 9,800-mile, 12month+3week car.

Topped off the windshield washer fluid.
Changed the battery under recall.
Upgraded the transmission software (paddles now work w/o necessarily touching stick).
Replaced a sticker somewhere.
Replaced the entire manual so that the sticker and battery information match the new sticker and new battery.

Picked it back up at 4:00.

Job had been quoted at a bit above $200, final cost unknown b/c they billed prepaid maintenance. I did see an invoice the guy was not keen on showing me that said $1,020 or so. I guess that's what they are going to bill Penske, less probably a hefty 75% discount or so?

They did not wash my smart even though the maintenance is done by the MB guys. My MB-driving colleague tells me his MB gets washed when he gets his maintenance done. Then again, his maintenances are $500—$800.

They did not re-set the clocks even though they changed the battery.

I'd say they get a C-, b/c when I know they are not paying attention to the little details, how do I know they are paying any attention at all?

[John_H]

Did you get the car-wash rider on your prepaid maintenance policy?

[vwW12]

Originally Posted by John_H

Did you get the car-wash rider on your prepaid maintenance policy?

Man, I knew I had missed something....

[mvaldes]

at least you got the washer fluid rider

[SmartDigger]

That is a big bill for so little work. All ov that should be free except the oil change.

[EdwardDennis]

Actually, the items you listed are part of the 2008 model-year upgrade campaign performed under regular warranty. So, the cost is irrelevant--owners aren't billed for it. (Excepting, of course, the washer fluid replenishment.) Any oil/filter change? Cabin filter change?

[vwW12]

Originally Posted by EdwardDennis

Actually, the items you listed are part of the 2008 model-year upgrade campaign performed under regular warranty. So, the cost is irrelevant--owners aren't billed for it. (Excepting, of course, the washer fluid replenishment.) Any oil/filter change? Cabin filter change?

Well, yes, they said they changed the oil and filter and all other items included in "1-yr maintenance on the 9,800-mile, 12month+3week car." Haven't personally checked, though.

[hjvanv]

I had my 20,000 mile service done (about 300 miles late from yet another fun 2000 mile road trip) at smart Center Annapolis a few weeks ago that included all mentioned above as well as some additional milage requisite services and the 2.0 upgrades, my bill was less than $400 and the car was washed too! Great folks there and at the showroom as well.

I was about two weeks early on my 1 year anniversary of ownership this was this past weekend.

[EdwardDennis]

Originally Posted by vwW12

Well, yes, they said they changed the oil and filter and all other items included in "1-yr maintenance on the 9,800-mile, 12month+3week car." Haven't personally checked, though.

Check--or not--it's certainly up to you. The "...$1,020 or so."
is inconsistent with the simple 10k suggested maintenance schedule.

No offense--I'm just not enthusiastic about "prepaid maintenance" programs. One obvious reason: consumers see or receive a big printout from the dealer with lots of dealer tasks and dollar figures. Many of those figures---particularly with new vehicles--- are simply warranty-related adjustments/repairs. Anyone similarly situated can get the same adjustments/repairs at no cost-- without buying into a prepaid maintenance program.

Personally, my concern rests with the legitimate 10K manufacturer-recommended maintenance costs--that's what actually comes out of your wallet.

My humble opinion, of course...

[PerryA]

Did my 10,000 mile today at Bedford Smart (Ohio)
Oil/Filter and Cabin Filter
Flashed 2.0 transmission update
Replaced EPA ID tag
Replaced manual
Swapped out winter tires for regular tires ($89.95)

Itemized:
Labor $169.90
Parts $85
Tax $19.76

Total 274.66

Don't forget that included the tire swap and tax on that charge.
It's a MB service department, so they cleaned the car up - apologized for not being able to use whatever acid product on the wheel rims that gets all of the brake dust off, but the dealership has stopped using it for all cars, including the MBs. I didn't check the washer fluid level, but I will (not that it counts for much more than attitude, which counts).