I just took my 02' Z28 to the dealer for its 15,000 service. I was charged $220.00 to flush the transmission add a new filter, and service of the fuel injectors. Seemed pretty steep to me. Although I really like GM's Oil Fluid flush system.

Anyone here with a new car ever take their car for service outside of the dealer? If so, what has your experience been like?

 

I took my '98 Z28 somewhere else to have the rearend fluid changed at 6000 miles. They claimed to have the "correct" additive that GM calls for. I drove 900 miles home and everytime I turned a corner the rear end made a gawdawful clunking sound I took it to the dealer and when I told them where I had my rear end serviced they pulled the cover off, checked all the gears, axles, etc. and filled it with GM gear oil and the for sure CORRECT additive. No more clunk. I lucked out too, they did it under warranty ......... After that I figured it was worth the extra bucks to have the dealer do the required service for record keeping purposes and all........

 

No offence, and you may not have the ability to do this yourself, but those reasons above are precisely why I do all of the work on my cars myself. I know I have the correct aditive in my rear diff, I know that swapping the ATF in the manual tranny was done right (car warmed up, up on lift, drain for 45 minutes, fill right to the level) and everything else. Granted I have access to a lift and own the tools, but if you dont have tools, they are a worthwhile investment. Changing the tranny fluid/filter should cost you no more than $30 in parts/fluids and 2 hours on your back.