GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I've got a 2003 Vibe with 45k miles on it, get regular oil change, tire rotation. Just took it in for oil change and was also told I need Power Steering flush (which I got for $130) and 1. BG Fuel System Service ($158) and 2. Computerized 4 wheel alignment ($90), which I didn't get either.I use this shop regularly, but I felt skeptical about needing 1 or 2 at this point, and also the prices. Can anyone give me any insight? I'll note I was sold a new serpentine belt for $183 at 42k miles, and had front brake disc service at 34k miles, for $214 and transmission flush for $160 at 33k miles.I always feel like I am getting taken for a ride on maintenance, how on earth do you find someplace that's honest? I had a repair shop I trusted but they closed to make room for luxury condos.Thanks in advance!Chris

Quote, originally posted by crvibediva »I've got a 2003 Vibe with 45k miles on it, get regular oil change, tire rotation. Just took it in for oil change and was also told I need Power Steering flush (which I got for $130) and 1. BG Fuel System Service ($158) and 2. Computerized 4 wheel alignment ($90), which I didn't get either.I use this shop regularly, but I felt skeptical about needing 1 or 2 at this point, and also the prices. Can anyone give me any insight? I'll note I was sold a new serpentine belt for $183 at 42k miles, and had front brake disc service at 34k miles, for $214 and transmission flush for $160 at 33k miles.I always feel like I am getting taken for a ride on maintenance, how on earth do you find someplace that's honest? I had a repair shop I trusted but they closed to make room for luxury condos.Thanks in advance!ChrisWOW183bucks for a 50buck belt HOLLY CRUD!skip the fuel system cleaner at this time. go and buy a bottle of put it in with a full tank of gas.the wheel alinement should be done when you buy new tires. and if you really wanted to have it redone every few years.so unless you recenlty ran over a person, and knocked your alinement out of wack your not in need of a new one done.did they replace just the pads and resurface the rotors for the 200buck price? or did they replace the rotors.

thanks for the info--don't know what they did for the front disc brake service--parts are listed at $115 and labor, $99.they marked up the serpentine belt to $82 and charged $100 for labor.In fact, now I am looking at my repair records, they did tranny fluid flush at 25k and 34k--if they try recommending that again any earlier than 60k miles, I'm gonna really wonder about them...

power steering flush? dang I wouldnt think changing PS fluid would even need to be done till well after 100k, I've never done it on any car that ive owned to 130k miles...+1 to keith - put techron or j&b? theres another good fuel injector cleaner...forgot the name thoughand for #2 only get it if your car pulls, you get a shim driving or your tires are wearing odd.theres a couple pop and shop places that can be honest, try angies list. they use consumers reviews of places to share with others if you should go or stay away...Otherwise you gotta watch out for yourself..its a harsh world out there and there is money to be had :/

Quote, originally posted by crvibediva »thanks for the info--don't know what they did for the front disc brake service--parts are listed at $115 and labor, $99.they marked up the serpentine belt to $82 and charged $100 for labor.In fact, now I am looking at my repair records, they did tranny fluid flush at 25k and 34k--if they try recommending that again any earlier than 60k miles, I'm gonna really wonder about them...They should have records of when they did what - I would complain now about the 34,000 mile tranny flush they sold you. Frankly I thinkyour next tranny flush ought to be at about 94,000 miles.

You got ripped off on the serpentine belt. Am I right that you got 2 transmission flushes in a 9,000 mile span? Every 50,000 miles is fine. Check your records and if the radiator has not been flushed yet, get that done but find a new garage. It should be done every 5 years at most. Also you might want to get a brake system flush. The fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs water from the air) and will eventually cause corrosion. Never get an alignment unless the car pulls , the tires are wearing unevenly, you've lowered it or done front end suspension work.. If it isn't broken don't fix it. My 4x4 truck is 10 years old and has done some rough offroading and I've never had an alignment done because it doesn't need one. +3 on the Techron. I use a bottle at every oil change interval.

Shops must pay a lot of money for those BG machines, every one I see who has them charges exhorbitant fees for services that aren't usually even necessary. If it isn't pulling or wearing tires funny, don't bother with the alignment. For the 4-wheel alignment, unless you have an AWD it can't easily be done without shims. The solid rear axle doesn't have any adjustments. You usually don't have to do any kind of alignment unless things are really out of whack back there. You really have to watch these shops, they'll try whatever they can to get your money.

Quote, originally posted by crvibediva »thanks for the info--don't know what they did for the front disc brake service--parts are listed at $115 and labor, $99.hard to say if they replace the rotors for that price or not. for that price i would EXPECT them to replace the rotors as well as pads.

crvibediva: you are being taken. Since you live in my neighborhood, please IM me and I will point you to a reliable mechanic in your area. If you are a Washington Checkbook customer, you can do the search yourself. If not, I would be happy to do it for you. I hate seeing people waste money. Your mechanics are performing angioplasty on perfectly clean arteries. It is time to dump them and go with a mechanic that has stood the test of many surveys. Talk to you soon.

Quote, originally posted by maxx4me »crvibediva: you are being taken.Sorry to say, but he is right. You don't need all this stuff, especially at those prices.

Wow talk about coincidence, I have had the same thing recommended after getting my oil changed, they also recommended changing the air filter, which is one of the few things I can still do without taking a day.HOWEVER, I actually have been having some fuel issues, I have gotten on average 24-26 mpg fairly consistently since I have had the vibe, I have put near 10 k on her since I got her and she is around 26500k or so. Recently following this fuel shortage, I have noticed she is not starting as well as she used to, and idling a little rough, and sputtering, a bit, it was really evident this morning, but it was 24 outside as well.I have ran a generic fuel system cleaner, as well as a bottle of Lucas cleaner as well, and am still having trouble, so I figure that something is not right.Problem is money is tight., and they wanted like 120-150 or so (cant remember) to run what I assume is the bg fuel induction service (they rattled it off telling me the car was almost ready, but when I went to pay the cashier was clueless),anyhow should I try and get this done elsewhere for cheaper, or get someone to change the fuel filters, or something?thanks again.

I had it done at a Pontiac dealer for something like $89.95... That was probably 3 years ago though. It wasn't this overpriced BG junk either.Last time I brought my Hyundai in for service that dealer tried to sell me the same thing for ~$110-$120 stating it was a recommended service, which it isn't by the manufacturer so I told them I refused. The service advisor was like "we require that this is done when the inside of your tail pipe is black!" uh, yeah, whatever, and mine isn't. They'll tell you anything to make a buck.I dunno, it can do some good but not for the excessive price of admission these shops are charging.