Question about 60k mile service

[MARKMAN99]

Hi all, 

Stats: 2013 Sub Impreza 2.0L base - approx 61k miles

My local Sub dealership quoted me between $1000-2300 for 60k service package (see attached - recommended $1700 mid package due to 'harsh' driving conditions). The Sub manual only says to "inspect and replace" most items except for the oil change but the dealership service guy said in his experience it's better to flush the key fluids (transmission, diff, etc.) at this point.

Questions:
1) Do you all feel 60k service package is a good idea? How much is a good price to pay?
2) Should I do the service at the dealership or would an independent shop be OK?
3) Are there any good independent shops with Subaru certified/trained mechanics in the Bay Area CA?

Thank you for any advice!

[laegion]

I want to preface this by saying that I have never had dealer service done and very little done at shops in any capacity; so this is just a comment, not advice

However to me this seems really high for what you're getting. The lower packages don't even include CVT service and none of them include a coolant flush. I don't know if that's because it was in the last periodic service or what, but if it isn't than it should be by 60k...

 

Hopefully someone who's more knowledgeable about dealer and mechanic service fees can illuminate the situation better. 

[idosubaru]

1. Repeat this to yourself - those maintenance packages are sales and marketing tools, not maintenance tools.  You should never choose any of those. 

Look through the owners manual and pick out the items that need done. 

You need spark plugs, brake fluid, and air fitler.  That's it.  Pay for that and nothing else. 

Yes have an independent shop do it - perferably subaru specialists or familiar.  Use stock plugs and filter only.  Aftermarket are lower grade. 

The "inspection" stuff is 100% bogus - they're "inspecting" any car that comes to the shop..  It takes 8 seconds to scan 100+ different items while you're loosening the oil pan bolt.  It's routine, never paid for - they're trying to find something to sell you and to make sure it's not goig to surprise you (it's a bad look if they change the oil and a day later you've got an issue they didn't tell you about).  

You don't need to change the brake fluid. 60k is very short.  If you're on an extended warranty do it.   If you're willing to skip - do it at 100,000 miles.  It's a closed system and a 2013 daily driver Subaru will never experience any performance enhancement by changing the brake fluid.  You won't even noticed any difference at 100k but that's a wise place to change it before it does get noticeably old. 

*technically* the brake fluid can be tested but very few places actually do that.  But you'd pass the test unless this is some rebuilt, auction car, theft deal, sat outside in the weather with the hood up for 5 years....or lid off forever...which is highly unlikely. 

Edited March 18, 2022 by idosubaru

[MARKMAN99]

1 hour ago, idosubaru said:

1. Repeat this to yourself - those maintenance packages are sales and marketing tools, not maintenance tools.  You should never choose any of those. 

Look through the owners manual and pick out the items that need done. 

You need spark plugs, brake fluid, and air fitler.  That's it.  Pay for that and nothing else. 

Yes have an independent shop do it - perferably subaru specialists or familiar.  Use stock plugs and filter only.  Aftermarket are lower grade. 

The "inspection" stuff is 100% bogus - they're "inspecting" any car that comes to the shop..  It takes 8 seconds to scan 100+ different items while you're loosening the oil pan bolt.  It's routine, never paid for - they're trying to find something to sell you and to make sure it's not goig to surprise you (it's a bad look if they change the oil and a day later you've got an issue they didn't tell you about).  

You don't need to change the brake fluid. 60k is very short.  If you're on an extended warranty do it.   If you're willing to skip - do it at 100,000 miles.  It's a closed system and a 2013 daily driver Subaru will never experience any performance enhancement by changing the brake fluid.  You won't even noticed any difference at 100k but that's a wise place to change it before it does get noticeably old. 

*technically* the brake fluid can be tested but very few places actually do that.  But you'd pass the test unless this is some rebuilt, auction car, theft deal, sat outside in the weather with the hood up for 5 years....or lid off forever...which is highly unlikely. 

Thanks for the advice.  I'm a bit confused though - you said I need brake fluid but later say I don't need to change the brake fluid at 60k?

Any advice for finding a Subaru specialist shop?

[idosubaru]

1 hour ago, MARKMAN99 said:

Thanks for the advice.  I'm a bit confused though - you said I need brake fluid but later say I don't need to change the brake fluid at 60k?

Any advice for finding a Subaru specialist shop?

You don’t need to change it. 

Brake fluid is listed in the 60k service interval. Therefore change it if you have an extended warranty (yours is probably too old to still be under warranty) or are a worrier.

I’d recommend 100,000 for brake fluid. practically and mechanically speaking, average daily driver Subaru brake fluid is never bad by 60k. 

Actually it doesn’t even go “bad”. 200,000 mile old fluid you just need to push the pedal 2” instead of 1”. Still works fine practically speaking. 

[laegion]

4 hours ago, idosubaru said:

1. Repeat this to yourself - those maintenance packages are sales and marketing tools, not maintenance tools.  You should never choose any of those. 

Look through the owners manual and pick out the items that need done. 

You need spark plugs, brake fluid, and air fitler.  That's it.  Pay for that and nothing else. 

Yes have an independent shop do it - perferably subaru specialists or familiar.  Use stock plugs and filter only.  Aftermarket are lower grade. 

The "inspection" stuff is 100% bogus - they're "inspecting" any car that comes to the shop..  It takes 8 seconds to scan 100+ different items while you're loosening the oil pan bolt.  It's routine, never paid for - they're trying to find something to sell you and to make sure it's not goig to surprise you (it's a bad look if they change the oil and a day later you've got an issue they didn't tell you about).  

You don't need to change the brake fluid. 60k is very short.  If you're on an extended warranty do it.   If you're willing to skip - do it at 100,000 miles.  It's a closed system and a 2013 daily driver Subaru will never experience any performance enhancement by changing the brake fluid.  You won't even noticed any difference at 100k but that's a wise place to change it before it does get noticeably old. 

*technically* the brake fluid can be tested but very few places actually do that.  But you'd pass the test unless this is some rebuilt, auction car, theft deal, sat outside in the weather with the hood up for 5 years....or lid off forever...which is highly unlikely. 

So you don't recommend CVT service? or just not at 60k?

[lmdew]

Change the CVT fluid to Amsoil CVT fluid for the life of the trans.  A good independent shop that knows Subaru.  Find one and stick with them for all maintenance.  You'll like it.

[GeneralDisorder]

Brake fluid is every 30k, along with clutch fluid if applicable. I would highly recommend you do it to avoid issues with the calipers and moisture in the fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air - this can then condense at the bottom of the system (calipers) and rust the piston bores. Also changing brake fluid is cheap. I have to disagree with idosubaru on this point. I have seen way too many caliper pistons seized and bleeder screws broken off because no one did the fluid maintenance regularly. 

A 60k at my shop also includes the CVT fluid and diffs - even with that it's about $1000. BUT you are in the bay area and my shop is in Oregon - expect to pay more. 

Everything listed on the two more expensive packages is what we call a "wallet flush". Does absolutely nothing. The exception might be the evaporator cleaning but that's only if you have a problem with bad smells from the HVAC. Subaru sells a can of foaming AC evap cleaner that you spray into the evap drain tube - you can do this yourself. 

GD

 

 

Edited March 19, 2022 by GeneralDisorder

[MARKMAN99]

15 hours ago, idosubaru said:

You don’t need to change it. 

Brake fluid is listed in the 60k service interval. Therefore change it if you have an extended warranty (yours is probably too old to still be under warranty) or are a worrier.

I’d recommend 100,000 for brake fluid. practically and mechanically speaking, average daily driver Subaru brake fluid is never bad by 60k. 

Actually it doesn’t even go “bad”. 200,000 mile old fluid you just need to push the pedal 2” instead of 1”. Still works fine practically speaking. 

Thanks got it

Do you have any tips for finding a good Subaru specialist independent shop?  I've tried just searching google for "subaru service" and found a few

[MARKMAN99]

25 minutes ago, GeneralDisorder said:

Brake fluid is every 30k, along with clutch fluid if applicable. I would highly recommend you do it to avoid issues with the calipers and moisture in the fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air - this can then condense at the bottom of the system (calipers) and rust the piston bores. Also changing brake fluid is cheap. I have to disagree with idosubaru on this point. I have seen way too many caliper pistons seized and bleeder screws broken off because no one did the fluid maintenance regularly. 

A 60k at my shop also includes the CVT fluid and diffs - even with that it's about $1000. BUT you are in the bay area and my shop is in Oregon - expect to pay more. 

Everything listed on the two more expensive packages is what we call a "wallet flush". Does absolutely nothing. The exception might be the evaporator cleaning but that's only if you have a problem with bad smells from the HVAC. Subaru sells a can of foaming AC evap cleaner that you spray into the evap drain tube - you can do this yourself. 

GD

 

 

Thanks for your comment.  So it sounds like you would recommend:  oil + filter change, air filter change, brake + CVT + diff fluids, spark plugs?

[Numbchux]

8 minutes ago, MARKMAN99 said:

Thanks for your comment.  So it sounds like you would recommend:  oil + filter change, air filter change, brake + CVT + diff fluids, spark plugs?

Yep, I'm sure that's exactly what GD is recommending, and I would, as well. The OEM service intervals don't mention changing CVT fluid, but there have been more than a few failures on these. My mom's 2012 Impreza is over 200k miles on the original CVT. She drives it like a little old lady, but also we've change CVT and diff fluids a few times.

 

 

The engine treatment, fuel system cleaner, induction cleaning, etc. is unnecessary expense, and the companies that sell those products, likely have some sort of cash kickback to the people at the shop for selling it.

[GeneralDisorder]

20 minutes ago, MARKMAN99 said:

Thanks for your comment.  So it sounds like you would recommend:  oil + filter change, air filter change, brake + CVT + diff fluids, spark plugs?

Yes. The only thing you missed is the cabin filter. We spray the cabin filters with this:

https://www.amazon.com/WEB-Filter-Charger-14-oz/dp/B000RGS4PU

It has a light citrus scent also - customers love it. 

GD

[NV Zeno]

4 hours ago, MARKMAN99 said:

Thanks got it

Do you have any tips for finding a good Subaru specialist independent shop?  I've tried just searching google for "subaru service" and found a few

It's been a lot of years since I lived in the SFO area, but I know there's a shop up in Santa Rosa that has done many car services and repairs for me, if you're in the North Bay.  There is also a "Subaru Specialist" shop in South Lake Tahoe that's really good, and "Independent Auto" on Bergin Dr. in Reno (maybe its Sparks) are all really knowledgeable.  My brain is kinda rusty about Bay area stuff, but I recall there was a shop in Sunnyvale with a good reputation, and another in Pleasanton.  Can't remember the names, tho.

 

Just my 2 bucks

[idosubaru]

14 hours ago, MARKMAN99 said:

Thanks got it

Do you have any tips for finding a good Subaru specialist independent shop?  I've tried just searching google for "subaru service" and found a few

Look at stars and reviews on Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Favor quantity when scouring reviews. In other words if an online Google and Facebook shows 4.5 stars and hundreds of reviews that’s a lot more robust than 3 anecdotal comments from friends or internet forums about how great a place is.