Getting The Best Out Of A Mechanics Service

[Haxorz]

Hey guys, I'm wondering how everybody gets the best out of a mechanics service, because basically I'm hesitant to get anyone do a good job.

I've tried a few different mechanics, and have even given them the log book and specifically asked to service it as per the book 'yeah sure no worries'.

The book stated it required air filters and the in cabin micro filter.

I get the car back to find out that they just blew out the air filters and pretty much ignored all the other stuff. Getting things like wipers done is a 'special request' where they have to order in the special blades and charge appropirately! I understand the in cabin micro filter is a rare thing, but the air filters! Come on!

Sure I can do the reaearch, find all the part numbers, call them up and book it in weeks in advance so they have the parts on hand (and overcharge me for!) and then specifically state all the things that need doing, but what a pain! I'm paying $400+ here, I shouldn't have to do any of this IMO.

Also oil - they charge $99 for 5L which I can buy from Big W for $50 (I know this is to mask higher labour costs). I'm not sure if I should supply this myself or if it will piss them off.

My car has a rough idle and I'm guessing could use a throttle body clean out, although I'm just read how important it is not to disconnect the sensor otherwise it'll screw things up - do I need to specify all this to them as well? I'm a little hesitant getting others to do this also.

My running costs are tax deductable and I don't have garage space so servicing at home is not an option (certainly not for jacking a car up and changning the oil).

I have previously taken my car to two well known Skyline performance guys here and I wasn't impressed either, little things like fuel filters and washer bottle top ups just don't get done again unless specified.

Any tips on how to get a good service? Would a Nissan dealer be better? Any suggestions for inner Melbourne shops?

[Plattsy]

  On 24/06/2013 at 1:38 AM, Haxorz said:

Hey guys, I'm wondering how everybody gets the best out of a mechanics service, because basically I'm hesitant to get anyone do a good job.

I've tried a few different mechanics, and have even given them the log book and specifically asked to service it as per the book 'yeah sure no worries'.

The book stated it required air filters and the in cabin micro filter.

I get the car back to find out that they just blew out the air filters and pretty much ignored all the other stuff. Getting things like wipers done is a 'special request' where they have to order in the special blades and charge appropirately! I understand the in cabin micro filter is a rare thing, but the air filters! Come on!

Sure I can do the reaearch, find all the part numbers, call them up and book it in weeks in advance so they have the parts on hand (and overcharge me for!) and then specifically state all the things that need doing, but what a pain! I'm paying $400+ here, I shouldn't have to do any of this IMO.

Also oil - they charge $99 for 5L which I can buy from Big W for $50 (I know this is to mask higher labour costs). I'm not sure if I should supply this myself or if it will piss them off.

My car has a rough idle and I'm guessing could use a throttle body clean out, although I'm just read how important it is not to disconnect the sensor otherwise it'll screw things up - do I need to specify all this to them as well? I'm a little hesitant getting others to do this also.

My running costs are tax deductable and I don't have garage space so servicing at home is not an option (certainly not for jacking a car up and changning the oil).

I have previously taken my car to two well known Skyline performance guys here and I wasn't impressed either, little things like fuel filters and washer bottle top ups just don't get done again unless specified.

Any tips on how to get a good service? Would a Nissan dealer be better? Any suggestions for inner Melbourne shops?

i took my 33 to dandenong nissan, they dfo a mega job. even washing and polishing the car. looks like its a bit of travel for you but hit em up if your willing. they will follow the book to the letter.

[ZRBE]

I'm in the same predicament.. I don't trust mechanics anymore, won't name any..

There are 4 that I will not go to again. Also this was not in a skyline or import, these were only a 93 festiva and an 83 corolla..

I'll start with the rolla, took it in just after buying the car for new spark plugs, full service. Gearbox/diff/engine.. Told them to also look at my brakes at the front (a little warped)

Got the car back and it was fine.

Next morning driving to work and hear a loud clunking noise coming from Left front wheel..

I live 400m from this mechanics workshop, so I slowly hobbled there after leavin my house, as I pulled up they were just opening and was watching me slowly coming down the road (he knew something didn't sound right) told me to drive into there garage, as I did my front wheel FELL OFF! And scraped along the ground a good 3m.. I told them someone must have not tightend up the nuts for my wheel.. Long story short.. I'm the one full of crap, they blamed ME for the wheel falling off..

Festiva is a whole other story at a different workshop...

Now I do not trust anywhere to take my skyline when I take her in for a service etc.

[scotty nm35]

Doing your own servicing is the best option, that way you know it is done correctly.

[Haxorz]

  On 24/06/2013 at 1:44 AM, Plattsy said:

i took my 33 to dandenong nissan, they dfo a mega job. even washing and polishing the car. looks like its a bit of travel for you but hit em up if your willing. they will follow the book to the letter.

Thanks for the tip #@Plattsy. How much does your average service cost down there and how long does it take?

I know FTG Nissan are one of the two 'premium' Nissan dealers in the state (only ones that sell/service GTRs) and were really good for the little I've had to do with them (getting a spare key reprogrammed).

Being a V36 I should also look at Infiniti dealers I suppose.

[Plattsy]

  On 24/06/2013 at 3:45 AM, Haxorz said:

Thanks for the tip #@Plattsy. How much does your average service cost down there and how long does it take?

I know FTG Nissan are one of the two 'premium' Nissan dealers in the state (only ones that sell/service GTRs) and were really good for the little I've had to do with them (getting a spare key reprogrammed).

Being a V36 I should also look at Infiniti dealers I suppose.

i could not tell you mate as i get fleet rates plus another discount. they have serviced my wifes kia twice and did the 100k service on the 33. they charged 200 for that but i supplied all the parts. timing belt, bearings, water pump etc.

[Haxorz]

  On 24/06/2013 at 3:49 AM, Plattsy said:

i could not tell you mate as i get fleet rates plus another discount. they have serviced my wifes kia twice and did the 100k service on the 33. they charged 200 for that but i supplied all the parts. timing belt, bearings, water pump etc.

And they are happy having you supply parts or were they a little miffed at it?

That to me seems like the way to go.

[Plattsy]

  On 24/06/2013 at 4:10 AM, Haxorz said:

And they are happy having you supply parts or were they a little miffed at it?

That to me seems like the way to go.

they where very happy mate! speak to the service manager there. his name his glen. explain that a guy you spoke to on a forum told you about the work they did on his 33. mention my name (paul) should be happy to help!

[NYTSKY]

Oil filter, oil and air filter changes are so easy to do on 95% of cars the thought of me paying someone to do it wouldn't even enter my head.

Do it yourself!

[Plattsy]

he said in the original post that he cant.

[NYTSKY]

You don't need a garage to jack a car up.

[scotty nm35]

^^ Exactly.

Or bring me a few Jack cans and borrow my hoist.

[Plattsy]

and he also asaid his maintainence is paid for. f**k it. if someone paid for my cars to be serviced i wouldnt do them myself either.

scotty. how many jacks to build me extractors! haha.

[scotty nm35]

I would only fabricate turbo manifolds for you, extractors are for teh gays.

Claiming tax for servicing doesn't 'pay you back' you are still wasting cash hand over fist for what is literally a 5 minute job in the case of dropping oil in the VQ's.

[Plattsy]

  On 24/06/2013 at 5:17 AM, scotty nm35 said:

I would only fabricate turbo manifolds for you, extractors are for teh gays.

Claiming tax for servicing doesn't 'pay you back' you are still wasting cash hand over fist for what is literally a 5 minute job in the case of dropping oil in the VQ's.

i wouldnt tt the ls1.

but if i table build an ls6..... mwahahahaha!

[ZRBE]

  On 24/06/2013 at 4:53 AM, NYTSKY said:

Oil filter, oil and air filter changes are so easy to do on 95% of cars the thought of me paying someone to do it wouldn't even enter my head.

Do it yourself!

I'm fine at oil filter, replacing oil, changing wheels, air filter etc.

Everything else.. I'm screwed and wouldn't attempt doing something I have no idea about..

[iruvyouskyrine]

  On 24/06/2013 at 5:24 AM, Zrobe said:

I'm fine at oil filter, replacing oil, changing wheels, air filter etc.

Everything else.. I'm screwed and wouldn't attempt doing something I have no idea about..

There is only one way to learn

Well that's not true at all but i do suggest at least having a go at doing servicings and stuff like that, its simple and really is a life skill worth having.

Edited June 24, 2013 by iruvyouskyrine