Good morning all,

I just rolled over 98,000 miles in my '03 Dakota Sport. I'm planning to use my tax refund to get the ol' girl serviced. Any idea how much a 90k service will cost me at a dealer? I've tried emailing and talking to them, but they all want me to come down and "discuss" or they send me coupons for stuff I don't want, etc. I don't need a sales pitch for something I'm already willing to pay for. I know prices will probably vary from dealer to dealer, but what is a ball park estimate for a 90k service?

Also, while it's in there, is there anything else I should have done?

It's an '03 Dakota Sport with the 4.7 V8 and auto tranny

Thanks for all your help!

 

i'm not even sure what a 90k service includes.

 

Found this on a website, but it was specific to that dealership, hence the "World Class Inspection".

90k service:

Change Engine Oil
Change Oil Filter
World Class Inspection
Rotate and Balance tires
Inspect Brakes
Replace Air Filter
Service Battery
Install Battery Anti-corrosion Pads
Install premium oil & Fuel Treatments
Perform Transmission Fluid Exchange
Perform Cooling System Flush
Replace Spark Plugs
Service Rear Axle

 

It may also be noteworthy that I did not have a 60k service done.

 

It really depends on what has been done previously but here are some things you should look at:
Changing fluids in:
The rear differntial - front diff as well if it's a 4x4
Change transmission fluid - and service
coolant flush - inspect hoses - replace thermostat
change fluid in transfer case if 4x4
brake fluid flush - I have never done this but quite a few people reccomend it
power sterring fluid - I have never done this but quite a few people reccomend it
Oil and filter change
Spark plugs
02 sensors?
brake inspection
air filter
cabin filter
clean throttle body and IAC
inspect hoses (evap system)
inspect serpentine belt
U joint inspection
inspect seals - replace as neccesary
inspect ball joints, tierod ends
inspect shocks
wheel alignment
inspect sway bar links/ bushings

I know there is a lot there but well worth it to do the preventative maintenance if you plan on keep this truck for a while.

 

Haha, wow I love how the dealers phrase things. I'm sure its really "world class".

 

Spamms,

Save your money. You can easily do all of this yourself if you don't mind getting a bit dirty. Except for an alignment there is nothing "special" on the list that basic tools can't handle.

Even the transmission fluid, I wouldn't flush (exchange) fluid on it if it has never been done. I'd drop the pan, clean it out and replace the filters (use OEM).

Or just let the dealer do some of these. Tell them, this is what I want, no upsell.

 

I agree - it is all easily done if you are handy doing minor maintenance. I have done a lot of this stuff - for the first time with my truck. Between this forum, you tube and google - you can get a guide on how to do it. I documented a lot of my jobs so if you want any links, let me know. The list mentioned could get very costly very quickly at a dealership - or any shop for that matter.

 

Thanks for all the input. I'll take it all into consideration and see what I can sort out.

 

I finally got an actual response from a dealer. What do you think about the price?...

I received your request for service on your 2003 Dakota. The standard 90k
service on that vehicle includes oil change, air filter, wiper blades,
rotate and balance, battery service, tune-up, transmission fluid exchange,
rear differential service, coolant exchange, PCV valve, fuel injection and
throttle body service and a brake fluid exchange. That service runs
approximately $1050. We can also break those out individually, but you save
about $200 by doing it all at one time. Of course, if you have already had
some of those services performed, they may not all be necessary at this
time.