My 10K checkup and oil change

[SuperGeek]

Originally Posted by unicycle

My thoughts exactly. In my old car, I'd have to change the oil 3-4 times more often and would have needed more frequent maintenance. It's still more with the smart, but not unreasonably so. Also, it should be cheaper at 20,000 than at 10,000; I think the next checkup is really just an oil change, filter change, and fluid update. It would be about $50, based on today's bill.

Plus... Four oil changes vs. one means four times as much of your time spent waiting at the dealership, arranging schedule, etc. A single annual trip is worth the extra dough for those who consider time = money, whether for convenience or potential earnings during the workday.

I'm not so sure that you can expect $50 for your 20k followup... don't most service intervals include whatever lesser multiples (i.e. 20k = 10k service + 20k service above whatever's done at 10k)? How often should transmission fluid be replaced? I didn't see a single mention of it in manuals for either the Smart or my Ford Explorer (auto trans), and yet the Ford dealer told me every 60k at the latest... replacing the fluid at 56k solved a rough shifting problem that was present for 20k miles and I thought was normal. Granted, that's an auto trans, and I don't know manual trans service.

[jefferios]

I thought I read once that the brake fluid is checked and bleeded at the 20K or 30K service. I wouldn't skip out on that. If so that service just for the brake fluid is well over $200. So a 20K service could cost $300+

[RodneyW]

Just a quick question. You mentioned the"inside-handle trick". What is this? I'm having no trouble closing the door.

[unicycle]

Originally Posted by RodneyW

Just a quick question. You mentioned the"inside-handle trick". What is this? I'm having no trouble closing the door.

need-to-know basis only...

[kwagar]

I can't speak for other dealers but Orlando has published a list of charges for maintenance services at various mileage levels.
They are:
5000 Miles- Basic Oil Change for those wanting an early change=$69.95
10000 Miles = 139.95
20000 Miles = 299.95
30000 Miles = 225.95
40000 Miles = 399.95
50000 Miles = 139.95
60000 Miles = 349.95
70,000 Miles = 139.95
80,000 Miles = 399.95
90,000 Miles = 225.95

20,000, 40, 60 and 80 includes Brake Fluid Exchange and new Air Filter
40000 and 80 include coolant exchange

[unicycle]

Originally Posted by jefferios

I thought I read once that the brake fluid is checked and bleeded at the 20K or 30K service. I wouldn't skip out on that. If so that service just for the brake fluid is well over $200. So a 20K service could cost $300+

Dang, Jeff, I think you must be right. I guess I'd was wishful thinking on my part. Looks like the checkups only get pricier every 10,000 miles.

[AnitaInKC]

I got a maintenance schedule book with my manual. It's a separate little booklet, and it says what's to be done at each scheduled maintenance visit. Maybe the dealer would be able to quote you what they would charge for each?

[jefferios]

Wow these services seem pricy, but I wonder whats going on. Do they schedule brake pad replacements too, cause when mine go out I want them replaced, not 10K miles early because they are "almost" needing a change.

Also when we get to 90K miles, our car is set and will never need service!!! Woohoo I'm putting mine on a treadmill to skip on on all of those charges!!!! Bwahahah...you cannot stop me Smart USA!!!!!


*Disclaimer: ^^^Above is a joke.

[Old smart]

It may be well to follow or exceed smart's regimen during the warranty period, but after that you should feel free to have your maintenance done by anyone you want and on whatever schedule you want. Those who chose extended warranties may be hamstrung for a longer period.

I will waive an oil change at 10K (doing it myself at 6 month intervals), but add a one-time transmission oil change instead. If I find that this transmission has an atmospheric breather, I may change the T. oil again at about 60K and 120K miles.

[donald1]

Don't want to start a rebellion, but my dealer was good enough to give me the first oil change etc. gratis. He felt bad for some inconveniences I experienced in previous trips. Will start another bank account for the 20k trip.