Costly oil changes

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by Benitoe

The problem with the Smart Cars before 2008 is the you have to suck the oil out..no drain plug...makes it that much harder to do it on your own.

Extracting used oil during an oil change in a boat is similar to a W450 smart. Because of restricted bilge clearances under the engines, we commonly use an extractor through the dipstick hole (oil must be at least warm if not hot). Not only is it efficient, it greatly reduces the possibility of a marine oilspill incident. Any of these available on-line will work well except for the JABSCO Little Pal: West Marine: West Marine Search Tool

Personally I use the West Marine "Manual Oil Change Pump," both for my sailboat's auxiliary (Mitsubishi) diesel and the home generator.

N.B. There are West Marines located in both BC and ON.

[SmartTech]

maybe i missed something but we are talking about oil changes for a 451 right? there is no need for a suction pump to get the oil out, car has a drain plug on it not to far from the oil filter... its an easy oil change...

[smark]

It was about the new 451. I don't use a beast pump. Dealers cost on my other cars:
• 2007 Honda Fit oil/filter change, tires rotated /check out the car $50.00 at tops
• 1998 Honda Accord same as above
• 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil change 6 Qts. filter and free tire rotation $30.00 they check out the car.
Smart car they don't even rotate the tires, you pay BIG $$$$$$. Do the work yourself. On this car it's a piece of cake. Cabin filter, like changing a filter on a furnace. Boys and girls save money, get you hand dirty.

[Old smart]

Originally Posted by SmartTech

maybe i missed something but we are talking about oil changes for a 451 right? there is no need for a suction pump to get the oil out, car has a drain plug on it not to far from the oil filter... its an easy oil change...

Yah, you missed something big; this is all about a pre-'08, Canadian W450 diesel with a cartridge filter.

[jediknight36]

Originally Posted by smark

It was about the new 451. I don't use a beast pump. Dealers cost on my other cars:
• 2007 Honda Fit oil/filter change, tires rotated /check out the car $50.00 at tops
• 1998 Honda Accord same as above
• 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil change 6 Qts. filter and free tire rotation $30.00 they check out the car.
Smart car they don't even rotate the tires, you pay BIG $$$$$$. Do the work yourself. On this car it's a piece of cake. Cabin filter, like changing a filter on a furnace. Boys and girls save money, get you hand dirty.

AMEN! Can you even rotate the tires? I know that was the subject of another thread...

[Turbo42]

My dealer in tampa charges 200 for the service and all the do islook at the air filter and change the oil. Im sorry im not going to pay a guy that know less about a car than me do my oil. I am doing it myself again for the 3rd time. I just hit 10,000 miles in exactly 6 months. First changed at 1500, second changed at 5500, third at 10,000. The last time was a little harder to change due to the factI have lowered my car, it leaves very mininmal space to push down on the ratchet

[meaux61]

At smartcenterIndianapolis, it is 270 for the 10k service. I think they charge 98 for "just" an oil change.

M

[RocketJohn]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

AMEN! Can you even rotate the tires? I know that was the subject of another thread...

not the stock ones... front and rear different sizes...

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by Benitoe

Hi there. I am absolutely new to blogs and in particular this sight so if I am doing something wrong please let me know.
My big complaint about our Smart Car is the cost of oil changes. We live in Edmonton, Alberta and loved our car...little less love after our first oil change.
We have to bring it to the dealer and were charged about $270.00 the first time and $290.00 the second time. Highway robbery if you ask me.
I did complain when they phoned for their customer survey but was told that is what the are told to charge.
Any comments or contacts that I can complain a bit more to ?
It seems odd to me that they would do something ...other than that we love the car.
Thanx
Benitoe

You say oil change. I belive you mean service which should include other items along with the oil change. How often are you paying lets call it $300 once a year twice a year once a month. Following recommended service intervals I spent $300. for the year. Not bad, but I believe they charge too much as well. Even at $100 an hour labor rate the work on the check list is not worth over $100 IMHO.
karl

[belkin666]

dealers always charge more:

here's another example and a fantastic solution:

Bought a spare from Tire Rack.

I repeat:

support independents