60000 miles - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

240 2NR · 02-07-2002, 05:26 PM

OK, so my car is about to roll over to the magical milage of 60k, where nissan has deemed it nessasry to take $300 of my money to perform a scheduled service.

So any of you think this is worth it?  I have a 93 that was babied until I picked it up at 47900 miles and I have since put on another 8k.  A lot of milage, but still well cared for, I have replaced the brake pads, fuel filter, air filter (k&n), and will be racing in the spring so new plugs, wires, fluids, alignment, exhaust, bushings, spings and shocks are all in the works.

I called up nissan service near me and it turns out to be more of a ford service shop that happens to take an occasional nissan (him: what kind of car is it? me: 240sx (this is shortly after I told him it was a 93 nissan earlier in the conversation)  him: is that a nissan?).  In all fairness to them, they do have a specialized nissan tech who had already left so I have his number and will call in the morning.  

But what is your opinion?  I couldn't get an actual nissan specific answer, the guy just ran though some typical inspections.  If it included a compression test or timing chain adjustment, I could see the value in it, but to change my air filter, fuel filter, oil, coolant, etc. seems pointless.

chickenmanq · 02-07-2002, 05:35 PM

Don't go in.  They'll keep sending you letters, and offering 15% off on genuine Nissan parts.  They usually assume (and correctly) that the 15% off on parts will be in conjunction with labor costs when you drop off your car.  However, if you're a do it yourselfer, you can get a lot of these notices and usually save a buttload on quality parts.  I still have two letters with 15% off on part.  Bought my clutch kit that way.  Only cost me 180 from Nissan.

*Jeff240sx* · 02-07-2002, 05:39 PM

I really dont know much about an s13, as I have an s14.  I would imagine they have the same or nearly equal ease of working on.  So, with that said, I mihgt be pulling this outta my ass.

What is the $300 for?  I know that the s14 uses platinum plugs, and recommend them to be replaced at 60k miles.  Also, in Fl, at the Nissan dealership, I noticed a sign that said $59 for sparkplug changing.  That was rediculous, since I can do it in 5 minutes.  Also, there should be a tranny sluid change and a second radiator flushing.  Quicky-Lube charges $49 for the flushing of the radiator, and $59 for the tranny fluid / gear oil.  This too, is rediculous.  $5 for a can of radiator flush and about 15 minutes solved that problem.  As for the tranny fluid, mine is fine so I haven't checked on do-it-yourself prices on that.
Then there is a possibility that they recommend the belts to be changed, as well as some other stuff.
But, what I am saying is the KA engine is a fairly easy car to work on.  And so you should find out what they would do for $300, and see if you are mechanically inclined to do it yourself and save a buttload of cash.
Whatever you can't do, take it back to them for it.... or ask how, and someone will tell ya.
-Jeff

Bomix · 02-07-2002, 05:42 PM

I got my S14 when it was only 58k, (2years ago)  so at 60k we're suppose to bring it to have a service checkup?  

opps..i'm at 107k now.  lol

Interesting...

twofortysx · 02-07-2002, 05:46 PM

Don't do it.  I got the official check up listing at my Nissan Dealer (I'm at 57k mi) and it was crap.  They change the oil and fluids, then look at the engine and charge you $300.  And when I say "look at the engine" I mean they open the hood, say "Yep, that's an engine alright" and close it.  

$$$$ CHA CHING $$$$ they're buying prime rib and you're getting KFC.

Bomix · 02-07-2002, 05:48 PM

I got my S14 when it was only 58k, (2years ago)  so at 60k we're suppose to bring it to have a service checkup?  

opps..i'm at 107k now.  lol

Interesting...

240 2NR · 02-07-2002, 05:59 PM

I kind of feel the way most of you have said.  I have done a lot of work myself and plan to do more.  I have the FSM and everything I have done or will do seems to be covered in the 60k inspection.  Just wanted to check if anyone had it done and had any really good experiences.

I'm assuming the car was well cared for by the previous owner since it only had 48k and was absolutely perfect.  It looked showroom new, was always garaged, always seen mobil 1, and was serviced at a shop owned by someone who used to be a nissan tech before going out on his own.

Thanks for your opinions.  I have a feeling I will probably save the money for an exhuast or short shifter and do the work I planned to do myself.  I may still call nissan tomorrow just to see what the tech says.

Bomix · 02-07-2002, 06:02 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from twofortysx on 5:46 pm on Feb. 7, 2002
And when I say "look at the engine" I mean they open the hood, say "Yep, that's an engine alright" and close it.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Good one..i like that.. mad funny but soo true..
#### how am i double posting? urgh..server again?...

*Grant* · 02-07-2002, 06:37 PM

that's kind of steep, well yea they were kind of expensive. they charge $256 for doing an engine flush, changing my oil, clutch fluid, all my belts, and my crank seal. what a ripoff.

S13Grl · 02-07-2002, 06:50 PM

I work at a Nissan dealership. Here's what's included in the 60K service:

-Inspect Drive belts
-Change Air Filter*
-Inspect Vapor Lines
-Inspect Fuel Lines
-Service Engine Coolant
-Change Oil and Filter
-Replace Spark Plugs*
-Inspect brake lines and cables
-Inspect brake pads and discs
-Inspect transmission and differential gear oil
-Inspect steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
-Inspect steering linkage ball joints and front suspension ball joints
-Inspect Super Hicas linkage (if available)
-Inspect the all-holy Exhaust system... Ahh... Apex'i N1Dual (sorry...)

That's all...

chickenmanq · 02-07-2002, 07:58 PM

Note the actual work.

CHANGE AIR FILTER
SERVICE ENGINE COOLANT
CHANGE OIL AND FILTER
REPLACE SPARK PLUGS

Everything else is INSPECTED.  In other words, hopefully they'll find a problem to fix and charge you money.

Now lets see.

AIR FILTER - 5 bucks unless you have a K&N, then just 12 for a filter cleaning kit.  Approximate time: 2 minutes to 30 minutes for K&N.

SERVICE ENGINE COOLANT - Sticking a coolant protection measuring device (Plastic squeeze bottle for 3 bucks.) and checking to see if system is set for cold and hot.  In the event it needs changed, drain some out and put in new.  1 gallon of green antifreeze: 6 bucks.  Approximate time: 10 minutes.

Buy oil by case at Wal Mart.  Castrol 1.08/qt.  4 qts. and a NAPA Silver filter for 5 bucks.  Approximate time: 20 minutes.  Case: 13 bucks + 5 for filter.  = 18

Spark plugs:  Bosch Platinum + 4's: 5 bucks a piece, install time 15 minutes.  20 bucks.

TOTALS:

52 American dollars unless paying 12 for K&N filter kit, then it's 59.

Time:  Less than an hour if all materials are readily at your side.

HMMMMMM, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

zephyr · 02-07-2002, 09:19 PM

uhm..id say do it just because they know what theyre doing, they do inspect and if there is something wrong theyre more likely to find it than you plus theres the whole deal about if and when you sell your car you might want to show the buyer service records...it could save you money in the long run.

chickenmanq · 02-07-2002, 11:09 PM

Service records only depend on the dealership.  I had a girlfriend who bought a pickup with 3 years worth of service records.  It was a piece of shit, and the dealership basically ripped them off for 3 years.

Plus, if you're mechanically inclined, you'll find much more than the dealership would.  I'm completely anal about my truck, and I know I know more than the dealership when it comes to noises/leaks/etc.

02-07-2002, 05:26 PM	#1
240 2NR Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Denver Posts: 1,131 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	OK, so my car is about to roll over to the magical milage of 60k, where nissan has deemed it nessasry to take $300 of my money to perform a scheduled service. So any of you think this is worth it?  I have a 93 that was babied until I picked it up at 47900 miles and I have since put on another 8k.  A lot of milage, but still well cared for, I have replaced the brake pads, fuel filter, air filter (k&n), and will be racing in the spring so new plugs, wires, fluids, alignment, exhaust, bushings, spings and shocks are all in the works. I called up nissan service near me and it turns out to be more of a ford service shop that happens to take an occasional nissan (him: what kind of car is it? me: 240sx (this is shortly after I told him it was a 93 nissan earlier in the conversation)  him: is that a nissan?).  In all fairness to them, they do have a specialized nissan tech who had already left so I have his number and will call in the morning.   But what is your opinion?  I couldn't get an actual nissan specific answer, the guy just ran though some typical inspections.  If it included a compression test or timing chain adjustment, I could see the value in it, but to change my air filter, fuel filter, oil, coolant, etc. seems pointless.

02-07-2002, 05:35 PM	#2
chickenmanq Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,000 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Don't go in.  They'll keep sending you letters, and offering 15% off on genuine Nissan parts.  They usually assume (and correctly) that the 15% off on parts will be in conjunction with labor costs when you drop off your car.  However, if you're a do it yourselfer, you can get a lot of these notices and usually save a buttload on quality parts.  I still have two letters with 15% off on part.  Bought my clutch kit that way.  Only cost me 180 from Nissan.

02-07-2002, 05:39 PM	#3
Jeff240sx I hate you too... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Tampa, FL Age: 41 Posts: 5,828 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Jeff240sx Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I really dont know much about an s13, as I have an s14.  I would imagine they have the same or nearly equal ease of working on.  So, with that said, I mihgt be pulling this outta my ass. What is the $300 for?  I know that the s14 uses platinum plugs, and recommend them to be replaced at 60k miles.  Also, in Fl, at the Nissan dealership, I noticed a sign that said $59 for sparkplug changing.  That was rediculous, since I can do it in 5 minutes.  Also, there should be a tranny sluid change and a second radiator flushing.  Quicky-Lube charges $49 for the flushing of the radiator, and $59 for the tranny fluid / gear oil.  This too, is rediculous.  $5 for a can of radiator flush and about 15 minutes solved that problem.  As for the tranny fluid, mine is fine so I haven't checked on do-it-yourself prices on that. Then there is a possibility that they recommend the belts to be changed, as well as some other stuff. But, what I am saying is the KA engine is a fairly easy car to work on.  And so you should find out what they would do for $300, and see if you are mechanically inclined to do it yourself and save a buttload of cash. Whatever you can't do, take it back to them for it.... or ask how, and someone will tell ya. -Jeff

02-07-2002, 05:42 PM	#4
Bomix Zilvia Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PA/NJ Age: 42 Posts: 269 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I got my S14 when it was only 58k, (2years ago)  so at 60k we're suppose to bring it to have a service checkup?   opps..i'm at 107k now.  lol Interesting...

02-07-2002, 05:46 PM	#5
twofortysx Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 491 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Don't do it.  I got the official check up listing at my Nissan Dealer (I'm at 57k mi) and it was crap.  They change the oil and fluids, then look at the engine and charge you $300.  And when I say "look at the engine" I mean they open the hood, say "Yep, that's an engine alright" and close it.   $$$$ CHA CHING $$$$ they're buying prime rib and you're getting KFC.

02-07-2002, 05:48 PM	#6
Bomix Zilvia Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PA/NJ Age: 42 Posts: 269 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I got my S14 when it was only 58k, (2years ago)  so at 60k we're suppose to bring it to have a service checkup?   opps..i'm at 107k now.  lol Interesting...

02-07-2002, 05:59 PM	#7
240 2NR Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Denver Posts: 1,131 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I kind of feel the way most of you have said.  I have done a lot of work myself and plan to do more.  I have the FSM and everything I have done or will do seems to be covered in the 60k inspection.  Just wanted to check if anyone had it done and had any really good experiences. I'm assuming the car was well cared for by the previous owner since it only had 48k and was absolutely perfect.  It looked showroom new, was always garaged, always seen mobil 1, and was serviced at a shop owned by someone who used to be a nissan tech before going out on his own. Thanks for your opinions.  I have a feeling I will probably save the money for an exhuast or short shifter and do the work I planned to do myself.  I may still call nissan tomorrow just to see what the tech says.

02-07-2002, 06:02 PM	#8
Bomix Zilvia Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PA/NJ Age: 42 Posts: 269 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from twofortysx on 5:46 pm on Feb. 7, 2002 And when I say "look at the engine" I mean they open the hood, say "Yep, that's an engine alright" and close it. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Good one..i like that.. mad funny but soo true.. #### how am i double posting? urgh..server again?...

02-07-2002, 06:37 PM	#9
Grant Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: 聖地牙哥 Posts: 2,647 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Grant Feedback Score: 0 reviews	that's kind of steep, well yea they were kind of expensive. they charge $256 for doing an engine flush, changing my oil, clutch fluid, all my belts, and my crank seal. what a ripoff.

02-07-2002, 06:50 PM	#10
S13Grl Married to the Mob Join Date: Dec 2000 Age: 43 Posts: 3,670 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I work at a Nissan dealership. Here's what's included in the 60K service: -Inspect Drive belts -Change Air Filter* -Inspect Vapor Lines -Inspect Fuel Lines -Service Engine Coolant -Change Oil and Filter -Replace Spark Plugs* -Inspect brake lines and cables -Inspect brake pads and discs -Inspect transmission and differential gear oil -Inspect steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts -Inspect steering linkage ball joints and front suspension ball joints -Inspect Super Hicas linkage (if available) -Inspect the all-holy Exhaust system... Ahh... Apex'i N1Dual (sorry...) That's all...

02-07-2002, 07:58 PM	#11
chickenmanq Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,000 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Note the actual work. CHANGE AIR FILTER SERVICE ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE OIL AND FILTER REPLACE SPARK PLUGS Everything else is INSPECTED.  In other words, hopefully they'll find a problem to fix and charge you money. Now lets see. AIR FILTER - 5 bucks unless you have a K&N, then just 12 for a filter cleaning kit.  Approximate time: 2 minutes to 30 minutes for K&N. SERVICE ENGINE COOLANT - Sticking a coolant protection measuring device (Plastic squeeze bottle for 3 bucks.) and checking to see if system is set for cold and hot.  In the event it needs changed, drain some out and put in new.  1 gallon of green antifreeze: 6 bucks.  Approximate time: 10 minutes. Buy oil by case at Wal Mart.  Castrol 1.08/qt.  4 qts. and a NAPA Silver filter for 5 bucks.  Approximate time: 20 minutes.  Case: 13 bucks + 5 for filter.  = 18 Spark plugs:  Bosch Platinum + 4's: 5 bucks a piece, install time 15 minutes.  20 bucks. TOTALS: 52 American dollars unless paying 12 for K&N filter kit, then it's 59. Time:  Less than an hour if all materials are readily at your side. HMMMMMM, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

02-07-2002, 09:19 PM	#12
zephyr Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 356 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	uhm..id say do it just because they know what theyre doing, they do inspect and if there is something wrong theyre more likely to find it than you plus theres the whole deal about if and when you sell your car you might want to show the buyer service records...it could save you money in the long run.

02-07-2002, 11:09 PM	#13
chickenmanq Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,000 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Service records only depend on the dealership.  I had a girlfriend who bought a pickup with 3 years worth of service records.  It was a piece of shit, and the dealership basically ripped them off for 3 years. Plus, if you're mechanically inclined, you'll find much more than the dealership would.  I'm completely anal about my truck, and I know I know more than the dealership when it comes to noises/leaks/etc.