So I have a chevy cavalier 2004, bought it in december 2005 .. never really drived it much so is approaching 50k miles .. 49k to be exact
when i bought it it had 26,000 miles and all I have done to ti was oil changes every 5000 miles
im thinking about getting a tuneup but there are so many services available .. dont know much about cars but i want to learn
what things do i need to change in my car ??
for example i found this tuneup service at a shop .. $23
change plugs, scoop engine, set timing, check filters, belts, hoses and fluids, adjust carb if needed
is this good ?
or do i need to get a better tuneup? one that includes the replacement of air and fuel filter ?
is a tuneup really necessary at 50k miles .. i know a major tuneup is kinda expensive .. should i wait until i get to 75k ?
I would just replace the fuel filter, change oil, and inspect air filter & serpentine belt. plugs & coolant should go atleast til near 100k
"A goal without a plan is just a wish"
john bellucci wrote:
change plugs,
with the proper stock plugs costing $6 each that is more than the service, for that reason alone i'd say no.
Quote:
, scoop engine
this must be a new service. in my 10+ years in the feild, i've NEVER heard of this.
Quote:
set timing
there's no timing to set on our cars.
Quote:
check filters,
change that to REPLACE filters, and you're almost on the right track. no one CHECKS filters for $23.
Quote:
belts, hoses
easily done at home. is THE belt cracked/worn/shiny? no? then it's still good. hoses: any bulges/leaks/collapesd/soft spots? no? they're still good.
Quote:
and fluids,
again. takes five minutes for the entire last section, at home, for free.
Quote:
adjust carb if needed
lolno. what is this 1974?
Quote:
is this good ?
no. they're trying to get you into the shop. once you get there, they'll find "problems". and then they'll say "these are safety hazards, and we can't let you leave without adressing them." you wnet in for a $23 service, and you'll leave after a $800 bill.
JBO Stickers! Get yours today!
LOL
so what do u recommend then ?? when did you get your first tuneup ? at what mileage ?
thats the problem there are many shops trying to rip you off, especially young people that dont know much about cars and women, is hard to find a place where they do a good job and actually try to help you instead of trying to sell you things that u dont need
where should i go ? i dont have a trusted mechanic guy
with 49k on it... i wouldnt be too worried about pretty much anything... rich summed it up nicely.. but i wish i could find delco's for $6... lol... was more like 20 last i shopped for em, but canada eh...
And times are tough.. With many people becoming "back yard mechanics" for older vehicles or just buying a new car with a 10yr warranty, Many of these small shops are going under..
I dont agree with it AT ALL but you can sort of understand it... some people are so naive, it becomes hard not to fleece them when you're gonna lose your house or business...
You can sometimes find pretty good deals at the dealership surprisingly... Their oil changes are like $2 more then walmart but they check all fluids etc... word of mouth is usually the best bet, talk to your friends, find out where they go.. are they happy?
But in your case.. Do as stated above, check things over yourself... If it all looks good, then no worries.. I dont have a manual in front of me but i dont believe your due for anything other then the air filter.. But thats like $7 and very easily done yourself..
