did i get ripped off (cost to change PCV valve/pollen filter q)

[dirtyfrank557]

hey,i went into a dealership recently and they told me that i needed a new pollen filter (aka cabin air filter i believe) and a pcv valve. they told me that the pcv valve should be cleaned or changed immediately and would cost 116 bucks. they also said that the pollen filter could be changed later for a cost of 97 bucks. after doing a little research it seems like both of these could be done very easily and cheaper then that. can i get a little bit of input from you guys? it would be greatly appreciated.

[ou.grizzly]

Sounds like they over charged on the parts/labour (labor)What dealer did the work and who was the service tech who took care of you?

[DeClerq]

Overcharged is an understatement. I got a PCV valve from Autozone for no more then $10 and got a filter off of ebay for not much more. You could replace both yourself in about 30 minutes.

[silverbullet]

Cabin air is easy. You can buy them online much cheaper, some people even just clean them. And pct valves are usually easy. I have not done one on the vibe yet. But very easy on other cars I have done, and only cost a few bucks at the auto parts store. Without looking up prices I would guess you could do both things yourself for around twenty bucks.

[A Psycho Martyr]

....ouch

[TONY TAT2]

Did ya happen to notice the current shop rate per hr?been awhile since I've been at my dealers.then theres the markup on parts prices to the general public.

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by dirtyfrank577 »hey,i went into a dealership recently and they told me that i needed a new pollen filter (aka cabin air filter i believe) and a pcv valve. they told me that the pcv valve should be cleaned or changed immediately and would cost 116 bucks. they also said that the pollen filter could be changed later for a cost of 97 bucks. after doing a little research it seems like both of these could be done very easily and cheaper then that. can i get a little bit of input from you guys? it would be greatly appreciated.Both quotes are absolutely ridiculous !As everyone else has said, the cabin air filter is super easy to change. I actually take mine out and use an air compressor to blow the dirt, etc. out of it every time I change the oil. It helps prolong the life of the filter and keeps it from getting really nasty. I have only replaced the cabin air filter on my 09 once so far (15,000 miles - which is what the owner's manual suggests). I paid about $20.00 for a Toyota one, but when I change it again in another few thousand miles (30,000), I will be installing a FRAM Fresh Breeze cabin air filter which I paid just over $15.00 for and then got a $3.00 mail in rebate. The FRAM ones are infused with baking soda that is supposed to absorb more odors, etc. There are also ones that are infused with charcoal. Even if you buy one of the "fancier" air filters, you're still looking at nowhere near what the dealer quoted you.

[cptnsolo77]

Yes they overcharged you. Turn it into a positive and learn how to do basic maintenance on your own. How are your mechanical abilities? Do you have a freind that can help you? We all start somewhere !!!

[jake75]

My recollection is that GM Dealers generally are required to send out a satisfaction survey. They usually send a letter that says something like if you are not completely satisfied to give them a call. They do not want GM to know that they had a dissatisfied service customer. That is your opportunity to make it right. Midas Muffler is the home of the $50 unnecessary PVC value replacement. Hard to believe a dealer has escalated that to over $100.

[SeattleJeremy]

Thanks for making this thread. I've got more than 115k miles on my car and the PCV valve has never been replaced. I'll replace it next chance I get.I wasn't sure where the PVC was on this engine, and I found this guide. Enjoy.http://www.paulstravelpictures....html

[dirtyfrank557]

Thanks for all the replies. I really appreciate it.ou.grizzly, I went to Paul Masse in Woonsocket, RI and dealt with Luis Desousa. My salesman, Mike Dipalma has been just as useless in the past. I've had other problems with this dealership during the limited time i've had this car.Jake, thanks for the idea, I tracked down a survey online to complain.cptnsolo77, you're absolutely right. I've never even changed my oil or a light bulb on a car. Not because i don't trust myself. I just never saw the point when it costs 15 bucks to get an oil change and i could do something else in the meantime. But i do need to start doing at least this basic stuff. The cabin air filter sounds really easy to take care of.Thanks again guys. I'm going to start

[ou.grizzly]

What year is your Vibe?I just called Paul Masse in their other location and talked to Sam, price of the parts are:PCV $7.92 part onlyCabin Air Filer $43.96 part only Labour:Labour $18.99 per item installedI just called the location you went to and talked to Stephanie in service and was quoted the following prices for labour:Labour to install PCV $15.00 dollarsLabour to install Cabin Air Filter $ 47.00 (1/2 hour for work)I you PM me your name and VIN, I will call the dealer on your behalf

[lovemyraffe]

Seems pretty steep to me. Like the others have said PCV valve is < $10 and the cabin air filter is ~ $40. Less than 30 minutes for the install.

[keithvibe]

the cabin air filter is 4 bucks athttp://www.logical-source.com/index.htmlThe PVC is 4-7 bucks at a local parts store so for 8 to 11 bucks and 10 mins of your time you could have saved 200 bucks.

[jake75]

Those guys at Midas would remove the PVC Valve and show it to the sucker owner while shaking it so the mark can hear it "rattle". Well a brand new one would make the same sound. The sellers of windows do something similar - they have a device that shows the heat escaping from the area of the old windows. But they never show you the same test on the new windows they install.

[Capt.Vibe]

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »the cabin air filter is 4 bucks athttp://www.logical-source.com/index.htmlAm i missing something? I'm getting a price of $5.53 not 4 bucks, not sure which currency it is. Anyone from Canada order from them before? Do they surprise you with duties/brokers fees when the package arrives? Price of $5.53 is still a bargain but the shipping is another $10.12, but if you order 5 filters shipping only goes up by another $1.