30,000 mile maintenance – Budget is tight, asking for suggestions - Altima Forums.net - The Nissan Altima Enthusiast Talk and Discussion Forums

dmark1867 · 08-04-2010

I have a 2008 Nissan Altima with around 27k miles and I purchased it around 23 months ago. It is our first new car and we want to take proper care of it, which we do. I called the dealer (the only one in the area where I live) and they said it would be “around” 600 dollars for the 30k service. For me to come up with $600 dollars right now it would be really rough and it would mean sacrificing a lot. A lot of stuff for my kids as far as back to school stuff, stuff they need for sports, etc, etc. Money is really tight right now. We need to watch every penny.

Below are the items in the maintenance log to be done at 30,000 miles and I have added my comments below each of them. I have also uploaded a scan of it to here: webpages.marshall.edu/~deutschl/scan.jpg

I am trying to figure out what really needs to be done and what is a fair price.

Replace engine oil and filter
I already do this myself

Lubricate all locks/hinges
Is this really necessary?
Replace automatic transmission/CVT fluid
I can see this being needed, but does really need to be done at 30k miles?
Replace differential oil
Again, I can see this being needed, but at 30k?
Replace engine air filter
I do this myself
Replace engine coolant/flush system
I though coolant in new cars lasted a lot longer then this
Think I can purchase a kit and do this myself?
Replace engine drive belts
This seems a bit overkill, maybe have them inspected but not replaced?
Replace in-cabin microfilter
I can do this myself, its kind of a pain, but not to bad
Replace radiator cap
Again, seems unnecessary, maybe inspect, but not replace (unless needed)
Replace transfer case oil (4WD/AWD)
Does not apply to me

Replace wiper blades
Seems foolish to have the dealer do this
Rotate tires
I already take care of this
Optional: flush automatic transmission (flush with ATF)
Seems unnecessary
Inspect the following
All lights
eCVT fluid (HEV)
Brake lines & cables
Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings
Cruise control vacuum hoses
Drive shaft boots
Exhaust system
Front suspension ball joints
Fuel lines/connections
Fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
Headlights/adjust if necessary
Propeller shaft (4WD/AWD)
Steering gear and linkage
Steering linkage ball joints

I am a little bit surprised that the fuel filter is not listed anywhere there.

Also we did purchase the Nissan Security Guard Plus Gold Preferred (84 months, 100,000 miles, zero deductible). I was looking at what it covered and I noticed that both the drive belt and radiator cap covered, so would I need to pay for these?
Here is the link: nissanextendedwarranty.com/docs/NissanWarrantyComponentCoverageChart.pdf

The guy at the dealer always seems in a rush and honestly doesn’t seem to care if I take my money somewhere else; I figured I would get more honest answers posting here. It seems silly to replace the radiator cap and drive belt at 30k miles if they still both look fine?

At any rate I am just looking for some help in trying to decide what to get serviced and what is a fair price.

Thanks

xxitalia12xx · 08-04-2010

I would change the oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid (should change that every 6 months), the brake fluid, power steering fluid and rotate tires. But the main ones to worry about are the oil, transmission fluid and radiator fluid for now

**mikejamesbyma** · 08-04-2010

Fuel filter is not serviceable. All the items listed in the service are preventative maintenance items. You can choose to leave them, but be aware of your warranty and what would not be covered if something goes wrong.

Belts, blades, rad cap, lubing locks and hinges are all unnecessary. You can do that yourself. (Unless they are covered by your warranty, then you might as well)

Replacing your diff fluid and tranny fluid I would do. That is something I wouldn't mess around with given the current rate of CVT failure.

You should be able to test the rad fluid with PH test strips from your local parts store. If it is not up to spec then the answer is obvious.

Your car is getting older. It may still seem like your "new" car, but to keep it that way you have to spend a little money.

**mikejamesbyma** · 08-04-2010

Does your warranty say anything about having it serviced at a dealer? I would take it to a good shop in town and have them give a quote. The dealer will get you for every penny they can.

MurphDurph · 08-04-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikejamesbyma

Does your warranty say anything about having it serviced at a dealer? I would take it to a good shop in town and have them give a quote. The dealer will get you for every penny they can.

x2. Most all of that can be done by you if you buy a service manual though. How much are they now like $15?

Berg · 08-07-2010

Since when does radiator fluid get changed at the 30k mark??trans fluid yes .oil yes.ait cabin filter yes but radiator fluid must be using some crap if its done at 30k

MurphDurph · 08-07-2010

Berg, that does seem strange, but like someone else noted most of the stuff on that list is preventative maintenance and not a necessity. I'm about to roll over 40k in a few weeks here and when it's not god awful hot outside I'll have to get some of this work done to mine haha.

Berg · 08-08-2010

When does the owners manual state the Coolant needs to be changed?