Dealer Maintenance & Tires

[dwebbbusiness]

I have a 2000 Outback and I've let the dealership do the regular
maintenance so far. But I've lately become disenchanted with them,
since they have raised their labor rates to $80/hr. That's too much to
pay someone to do an oil change and rotate the tires. Also, last time
I was there for maintenance I told them that the check engine light had
lit up for a couple of hours a month or so ago, and and asked them to
download the electronic code that should be stored in the car's
computer. They informed me there would be an additional $80 charge for
downloading the code. I thought those codes were there for the service
mechanics catch problems, not just to soak the customer for another $80
just to find out if there is a problem or not. What should I look for
in a repair shop to do my regular maintenance? I'm approaching my 60k
maintenance and want to be sure everything gets done properly.

Also, the OEM tires are going to need replacing pretty soon. They are
the Bridgestone Wilderness ones and I've currently got about 55K miles
on them. I've been satisfied with the way they ride & handle, and they
aren't very expensive, so I thought I'd just replace them with the
same. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

 

[Jim Stewart]

I have a 2000 Outback and I've let the dealership do the regular
maintenance so far. But I've lately become disenchanted with them,
since they have raised their labor rates to $80/hr. That's too much to
pay someone to do an oil change and rotate the tires. Also, last time
I was there for maintenance I told them that the check engine light had
lit up for a couple of hours a month or so ago, and and asked them to
download the electronic code that should be stored in the car's
computer. They informed me there would be an additional $80 charge for
downloading the code. I thought those codes were there for the service
mechanics catch problems, not just to soak the customer for another $80
just to find out if there is a problem or not. What should I look for
in a repair shop to do my regular maintenance? I'm approaching my 60k
maintenance and want to be sure everything gets done properly.

Also, the OEM tires are going to need replacing pretty soon. They are
the Bridgestone Wilderness ones and I've currently got about 55K miles
on them. I've been satisfied with the way they ride & handle, and they
aren't very expensive, so I thought I'd just replace them with the
same. Any thoughts on this?

Can you learn to do your own oil
changes? The Outback is the easiest
car in the world to change the oil
and filter on. All you need is a
17mm 1/2" drive socket and a 1/2"
breaker bar for the drain plug. You
*might* need an oil filter wrench,
though I've never needed one.

That and a drain pan. Buy the filters
and crush washers from Auburn Subaru
4 or 6 at a time and keep most of your
money in your pocket.

 

[H]

I've just fitted my 04 Forester with Goodyear Triple Treads. Comfortable
tire, very good grip (A) and wear ratings (840) about $160CDN/each. Huge
improvement from the stock Yokohama Geolandars (Traction B, Wear 340, Harsh
ride, skis on snow).

 

[Edward Hayes]

The dealer is ripping you for reading codes. My dealer has done it for
nothing and it takes about 10 minutes. AutoZone will do it for free
but, they do not have all the codes for every car so go to
www.scoobymods.com and get the information. ed

 

[John Rethorst]

I've just fitted my 04 Forester with Goodyear Triple Treads. Comfortable
tire, very good grip (A) and wear ratings (840) about $160CDN/each. Huge
improvement from the stock Yokohama Geolandars (Traction B, Wear 340, Harsh
ride, skis on snow).

That's supposed to be a terrific tire, and either it or Michelin's new HydroEdge
will probably be the next set of tires on my 01 OBW. Out of curiosity, did you
compare the TT to the HE?

 

[H]

The Triple Treads out rated the Hydroedge on Tire Racks rating system. Note
the positive reports on the tire. Grippppppppy!

 

[H]

I went to our local Fountain Tire dealer and he bought what was left of the
Yokohamas for $50/each (CDN). I live on the West Coast of Canada (Wet
Coast), for rain, I have never driven a better tire.

 

[David]

I went to our local Fountain Tire dealer and he bought what was left of the
Yokohamas for $50/each (CDN). I live on the West Coast of Canada (Wet
Coast), for rain, I have never driven a better tire.

If you're referring to exactly the same Geolander tire mentioned below, that's surprising. The traction
rating (B for that tire) refers to wet braking. The B rating for that tire is less than the A rating of many
similar (but apparently better) tires. Online I saw the BF Goodrich Traction T/A (top of it's category in
Tirerack surveys) listed with a traction rating of AA. Not sure if that was a typo, or is actually
a new rating. Either way Tirerack customers really seem to like it.

 

[BlueSTi]

I have a 2000 Outback and I've let the dealership do the regular
maintenance so far. But I've lately become disenchanted with them,
since they have raised their labor rates to $80/hr. That's too much to
pay someone to do an oil change and rotate the tires. Also, last time
I was there for maintenance I told them that the check engine light had
lit up for a couple of hours a month or so ago, and and asked them to
download the electronic code that should be stored in the car's
computer. They informed me there would be an additional $80 charge for
downloading the code. I thought those codes were there for the service
mechanics catch problems, not just to soak the customer for another $80
just to find out if there is a problem or not. What should I look for
in a repair shop to do my regular maintenance? I'm approaching my 60k
maintenance and want to be sure everything gets done properly.

Also, the OEM tires are going to need replacing pretty soon. They are
the Bridgestone Wilderness ones and I've currently got about 55K miles
on them. I've been satisfied with the way they ride & handle, and they
aren't very expensive, so I thought I'd just replace them with the
same. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

I avoid the dealer like the plague. If they are just changing the oil
and rotating the tire, you can do that yourself. I wouldn't trust the
local Jiffy Lube or dealer to change my oil! After all, who will care
more about doing the job right than you?? Do you really think the
wrench monkey at the local shop cares about your car? I've seen my
share of stripped out oil drain plugs and the such.
I'm no master mechanic but there is very little that needs to be done
to your vehicle. Basic up keep on your Subie is a no-brainer.
I do have a local tire store change my tires for me. I just don't
have the equiptment to do it or I would. And they rotate the tires for
free.
And BTW, I hate to work on cars. I would just as soon have someone
else do the work. But, when I do it, I know it's done right!
BlueSTi
"Scary-Fast"