03 Impala LS Maintence To Do List

[ssandedoc]

I'm not a car expert, or really even somebody who does a lot with cars. Whne I took my Impala to my local GM dealer he gave me a priority checklist with the following items. I was just wondering whether you all agree/disagree and also if you know if I'm getting overcharged.


My car is an Impala '03 LS with 84,000 miles on it.


1. Replace Tag Light & Side marker light (what is this?): $25

2. Replace Wiper Blades $40

3. Service Transmission (every 50k miles) $130

4. Replace Fuel Filter (every 20k miles) $50

5. Flush Fuel Injectors (every 30k miles) $120

6. Replace Cabin Filters (are these air filters? every 15k miles) $65

7. Service Powersteering System (every 50k miles) $90

8. Service Brake System (every 50k miles) $90


Thanks for taking time to read this post and possibly reply. I'm just trying to double check the dealership and save money when I can, I'm a broke college student. But thankful for this car.


-Scott

[57chevyragtop]

Originally Posted by ssandedoc

I'm not a car expert, or really even somebody who does a lot with cars. Whne I took my Impala to my local GM dealer he gave me a priority checklist with the following items. I was just wondering whether you all agree/disagree and also if you know if I'm getting overcharged.


My car is an Impala '03 LS with 84,000 miles on it.


1. Replace Tag Light & Side marker light (what is this?): $25

2. Replace Wiper Blades $40

3. Service Transmission (every 50k miles) $130

4. Replace Fuel Filter (every 20k miles) $50

5. Flush Fuel Injectors (every 30k miles) $120

6. Replace Cabin Filters (are these air filters? every 15k miles) $65

7. Service Powersteering System (every 50k miles) $90

8. Service Brake System (every 50k miles) $90


Thanks for taking time to read this post and possibly reply. I'm just trying to double check the dealership and save money when I can, I'm a broke college student. But thankful for this car.


-Scott

I like that you used the term "broke" instead of poor in your statement. This at least tells me you understand it's a temporary condition. As for the list...several items can be done easily by you and at a much lower cost.
1. Tag light and marker, bulb replacement $10 replace as needed.
2. Wiper Blades, $12 - $30 depending on quality of choice. Replace only as needed, mileage is inconsequential on these.
6. Cabin filter, yes it is an air filter located under passenger side windshield cowl accessed from outside $20 yours may need done if not replaced earlier.
These are very simple and if you need instruction help on these just post as needed and just do what you can. Some autostores will help on these if clerk has the time but not all will do so...locally owned parts stores the more likely. May also depend on how busy they are at the time.

The rest are most likely not sevicable by you.
3. Trans service varys some and can be done for around $90 at some shops. 50K is good but not absolute, depends on type of driving norms for that car ie; mountains, heavy traffic, in town or highway differential or towing, 60-100K may be fine. Full flushing costs more. I don't recommend that just a filter/gasket kit and a refill of fluid drained, about 5 qts.
4. Fuel filter every 100K is my choice on this unless I am having issues that make it suspect of needed change.
5. Fuel injector flush, again wouldn't service this lest a problem develops and gives reason to suspect this need.
7. Power steering, same as above but should be checked at 100K.
8. Brakes, 50K is a good time to check condition, cost is variable from shop to shop and for quality of parts and weather or not rotors need attention or replacement. Cost can range from $150 to $350 in the midwest. I recently serviced my 2002 new rotors and pads for 180 but that is doing myself. Might be a good idea to check around campus to see if some other student does this type of work on the side for spending $$.