Went to take my 2002 Nissan Pathfinder (my first Nissan)in for its 30K service -- I called to ask the price ($538.00) and to ask what was included for this price -- was told - "all that was in the service book".

Just went to drop it off -- I ask again -- they pull out generic service sheet. Basically -- tire rotate & balance/lube - oil & air filter/ drain radiator (not flush)/ lots of inspect and adjust with "when applicable" after it/ It lists the fuel filter but I was told "you do not need it" so I think I was not going to get it.

The funny thing is Nissan lists the service for coolant as 3years or 60k.

I have run into this before -- I must say this has never happened at the different Mercedes dealers (3) I have taken my cars to over the years.


People are taking cars in for service -- thinking they are doing the right thing -- really nothing much was being done -- nothing close to $538.00 ( really $468.00 -- I went to get the manual from the car -- when I came back they said that the price I was given over the phone was wrong -- maybe it had included plugs. It was also not listed -- or needed!

have others had the same problems!!

Just to add -- I love the Pathfinder -- it has been flawless -- have spent $0.00 except for oil/air filters -- oil and a few sets of blades.

These dealer services are designed to be profit centers. There isn't much money in new cars nowadays so dealers have to make up for it in service and parts. Your service was proabably about $40 in parts and no more than 2-3 hours in labor. I would recommend finding a good independent mechanic who will do the same work for $250-300. Or, do the work yourself if you are so inclined.

Nissan does make a very good product that is reliable. Just watch the timing belt. I forgot whether they need to be replaced at 60k miles or 100k.

never trust a timing belt beyond 60,000 miles.

If its under warranty, that 30k service MUST be done at the dealer. It sucks, but that is how it goes.

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http://comp.uark.edu/~dmgill/signature.jpg

Not true - If you do the maintenance yourself make sure you save the receipts for the fluids and filters and keep a log of all maintenance performed. I do recommend that factory fluids (transmission, brake, & coolent) be used to prevent warranty issues.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles