Looking for some sound advice, gents (and ladies too if you're here - sorry). As always things go to heck at the worst times. Recently bought a 2000 with just under 34k on it - bought it from my old man who is moving and losing his 3-car garage - so I know it was extremely well cared for. Anyway, the day (Sunday) before I left for a month in San Antonio on business, I took the vette out for a drive and noticed a small oil puddle in the garage It looked like engine oil, but was dripping right behind the right front tire....? Had the wife take it to the nearest dealer (who I have no previous experience with). Turns out to be a leaking shock, so, obviously, should replace both. Here is where things are sketchy to me - he quotes:

$215/shock and recommends to change the fuel filter ($75) and tells her she should get the fuel injector cleaning ($125). I've always thought the injector cleanings were a scam (maybe unless you have problems..?).

The final breakdown was $1045 to replace the 2 front shocks, fuel filter, and injector cleaning. The car only has 36K on it and runs like a top. I can buy Bilstein HD's for $99/per. I'm fairly mechanically inclined - have done all the work on my motorcycles and boat. So, am I justified in feeling like this dealer is trying to take advantage of me..? I definitely do not have a warm fuzzy about the place. Thanks

 

PM sent.

Those additional cleanings are exactly what you called them. Unless your engine is coughing and sputtering your filter is fine. I'll have to go check but I believe these are self cleaning injectors.

 

If your even a little bit savy, I'd get the Bilstein shocks and put them on yourself. It's not rocket science and don't sweat the other items. They're in my opinion.

 

Replace the shocks yourself, it's not hard at all.

 

GM AC/Delco OEM fuel filter is $41.

 

Thanks for the replys, guys. Just to clarify - I didn't have any work done. My wife just took the car to get it looked at, since I'm 1200 miles away for a month. This is what the dealer told her over the phone. I at least wanted it looked at rather than sitting in the garage leaking oil for 30 days. Now that I have their diagnoses, I will pay for that, have the wife pick it up, and do the shocks myself - already ordered Bilstein HDs all around for just a bit more than the dealer was going to charge for 1! The fuel filter, in my opinion, is fine. Absolutely no running issues. If there ever are, I will change it myself and use some Techron (I use it in my Jeep - I believe it's good stuff). Car will just have to sit wounded until I return home in October. Thanks for the help

 

Sounds like you got it figured out

 

Always remember they are called "Stealerships" for a reason

 

and no offense to the wife..but I would advise against letting her deal with them...they see Vette..they see female...they see $$$$....trust me I know.

 

My thoughts, exactly.

 

 

 

I definitely agree with this line of thinking, but again, I found the oil puddle on a Sunday - leaving early Monday morning for 30 days. Didn't really want to leave it sit for a month leaking oil from an unknown location. I actually called them first thing Monday and explained my situation and how my wife will be bringing it by. I thought (maybe incorrectly) that at least my involvment would prevent the above - guess not... I called the dealership this morning to talk over the estimates and didn't get a total slimeball feeling. The service writer didn't take offense at all from me not having any of the work done - even said, 'yeah, GM is very proud of these shocks'. Now, it's always hard to tell where prices are coming from - dealer could just be using that as an excuse. Bottom line; vette is back in the garage, shocks are on their way, work will be completed as soon as I return home. Just makes me feel bad for those at the mercy of others for maintenance. $1000 bucks for 2 shocks and fuel filter - wow!!!!

 

All dealer "service writers" are "sales persons" trying to sell products and services in order to make a commission by adding to dealer profits. Additionally, new and used car sales are way down, car owners are keeping them longer, and dealerships are increasingly pressing their service departments to cover operating costs. Following this forum will keep you educated on Vette needs and save you money.

 

As the above posts say... dealer service is a huge profit center. I'm all in favor of business making a profit and being successful. But, there is the question of ethical behavior and down right cheating the customer, and GM/Chevy just look the other way. These dealers represent the product. The manufacturer doesn't come to deal with you they are only interested in what is best for the dealer network.

We have one of the super large Chevy dealers here, I've found on several occasions them nearly doubling the price of the part. The customer can actually walk out one door to another for the parts department and buy the part for half the price the service department sells it to the customer. That to me is shocking and when you point this out, their response is we don't care don't let the door hit you in the rear as you leave.

On a couple of occasions I've paid for the part myself and installed it, just to avoid going to the dealer and using my GMPP. For the difference of the $40. it wasn't worth the aggravation they cause in addition to shoddy work.

There are very few dealers in this country that try to be honest and do a good job at service. Very few.

 

you dont need to go for that ride

 

You should send your wife back there and have her say, "..you know, I've been hearing some weird noise when I turn on the car and when I press the pedal it gets louder back there..one of my friends said that it could be my muffler bearing..? How much are one of those?"