I know that at least 1 fine MNSubaru member actually works @ Morries in Minnetonka, so I'm thinking I'll either get great advice or ripped a new one... here it goes anyway: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I've got a 2010 Impreza Outback Sport and I'm (over)due for my 30K. I've cross checked the Subaru maintenance schedule with the dealership. There are 3 items that are "inspect" on the Subaru schedule, but the dealership wants to outright replace/service (Trans & Diff fluids, brake calipers). The dealership charges $700 for the full service, but I'm doing a very minor thing (cabin air filter) myself, and getting a discount from this fine website, but it's still going to be ~$500. Without the Trans & Diff fluids, it's ~$300. The Subaru schedule also has a footnote saying to replace those fluids at 30k "under severe driving", and I assure you I drive as gently as possible (gentle acceleration - under 3k RPM, lots of coasting, very little braking). I've tried to force the issue with them that I just want them inspected, but they are pushing back saying that it's required for their "Buy Happy" guarantee. At this point, I think the only things that's actually doing for me is free oil changes, so I may tell them to stuff it, but I thought I'd post here and get some other opinions. Am I bring unreasonable? Should these things be changed at 30k no matter the driving habits? Also, should I upgrade to Platinum or Iridium spark plugs? Can I buy my own and have them install them? Thanks in advance for the guidance.
There is an "effective" 10% back if you buy another car from them in the future, everything you spend at Morries (tied to your buy happy account, of course) goes towards that. I am curious what the "brake caliper service" is.
Looks to me like the 30k service calls for it, and doesn't list "inspect." Caliper service is likely checking the boots and pistons and such for wear and tear and proper seal, make sure the pistons are moving freely in the caliper, no leaking or anything, etc. And as was said, anything you spend there is going to go to your buy happy rewards at 10%. Those two services will throw 20 bucks at your next car.
I'm not sure we're looking at the same info. I don't have a Subaru branded image handy, but there's a good reference here - http://www.cars101.com/subaru/subaru_maintenance1.html#maintenance
^ This. I suspect if you have never changed plugs on a Subaru, you will utter $104 worth of cuss words and have to buy a few tools you might not have. I too wonder what exactly "caliper service" is. But after reading the other recent thread about the broken off caliper bolt, if this involves removal of the caliper from its mounting points, this may be a good deal. I see no reason to "upgrade" to any other plug than what Subaru recommends for your engine.
I would not attempt to bring parts into the dealer or any repair shop. They often to not approve of this, also you likely will not receive any "warranty" on the repairs done when installing items you bring in yourself. If you want to save some money you either will need to look at finding shop who has a cheaper labor rate or uses non oem parts(cheaper), or learn to work on the car yourself.
Broke caliper bolts are something I have only came across in the STi on any of the Subarus I have ever done brakes on.
Definitely trans and diff services should be performed at 30k regardless of your driving style/habits. These are things you don't want to attempt yourself unless you're really savvy working with the car yourself, and examining the calipers is never a bad thing considering the Minnesota winter roads (yay salt).
Excellent! Thanks everyone for the replies, this is exactly the reason I joined, because you all know what you're doing! Sounds like I'll be in for the ~$500, but I want this car to last, so it's just a long term investment, really.
