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2005 Outback service

krispysimpkrispysimp Member Posts: 2
I took my car to a AAA Car Care Center for an oil change. They also have a list of items they inspect; upon their inspections he recommended 3 additional services:

Transmission flush
Throttle Flush
Power Steering Flush

The total for all this is roughly $415. Does this seem reasonable?

I bought the car used and it has almost 200,000 miles. I have no idea if any of these things have ever been done before.

Comments

  • bob192bob192 Member Posts: 19
    I'd try to find an independent guy in my home town. He has to sit next to you in church on Sunday. These big chains are as bad as the dealers. Sounds like a wallet flush to me.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Throttle flush? What? Are you sure?

    They are up-selling things that don't exist.
  • krispysimpkrispysimp Member Posts: 2
    Yea, he called it a "Throttle Body Flush" but I asked him to write it out and written down its called "Complete Injector and Fuel Service" = Complete fuel injector and induction system cleaning ... for that the quote is $130

    Power Steering fluid exchange quote is $100

    Transmission fluid exchange is quoted at $175

    Apparently all the oils/liquids are dark brown, almost black.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ok, that's better.

    I had that done to a 626 we had that was hesitating and it did help, but is yours running well now? I'm not sure I'd try to fix what ain't broke.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,759
    edited January 2013
    I would, however, change out your fluids! I don't think either of those (power steering or transmission) is unreasonable, as long as they aren't doing one of those power-flushing deals to them. You just need to get all the old fluid out and replace it with new.

    I'd take a close look at the brake fluid as well, as that imbibes water over time. If the transmission fluid was neglected, there's a good chance the brake fluid was also neglected. I would also throw the differentials into that mix. Basically, give yourself a new base line on the vehicle's fluids.

    At close to 200,000 miles, you don't want to neglect a vehicle or its lifespan is sure to be short. ;)
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No argument there.

    When I bought an 8 year old Miata, I bled the brake fluid, changed the oil, the gear oil in the rear diff, and the manual trans oil. I tested the coolant because it looked new (and the seller had receipts).

    The gear oil from the rear diff was in awful shape. The rest were OK. Luckily the limited-slip was not damaged.
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