Howdy!

I've got just under 50k miles on mine and just took it to the dealer for an oil change and the wiper motor issue recall.

I'm getting pretty annoyed with the dealer, though. I think they're being shifty.

At the 30k service, they changed the transmission fluid. After the fact, I realized the manual only calls for it to be changed at 120k/6years (normal) or 60k (severe). They also replaced the rear brake pads at that time ($211). I'm probably harder on cars that the average driver, but I've *never* had rear pads wear out before front pads.

Today, they charged me 1/2 of labor to check the front brakes and tell me that I need pads and rotors. For $545. Plus tax. Pads, sure. Rotors, maybe. I'm thinking about doing this myself, so if anybody has recommendations for rotors and pads, I'm listening. ;-)

Finally, they told me that I need to have the timing belt package (including water pump and coolant) done for $1080 + tax because even though I'm not at 60k miles, I'm at 6 years. I get that it's a big job, but I just checked the manual and it doesn't call for the timing belt replacement until 105k miles or 84 months/7 years (normal or severe).

I'd appreciate any thoughts on what this dealer is telling me as well as opinions on the timing belt - i.e. is it really tempting fate to push the 7 years if the mileage is well under 105k? Was the transmission fluid change at 30k just a scam to do unnecessary work? Is it typical for rear pads to require replacement at 30k?

I'm off to browse the forums now, so I my find some answers, but I wanted to introduce myself.

Thanks!

Brett

 

Second Opinion.

I had some similar problems with taking my Jetta for service but it was at a Napa facility. Took it in for an A/C charge and $1,100 later, I have cold air but I have squeaks coming from one of the pulleys that wasn't there originally. They told me it was the radiator fan and wanted me to spend another $500.
Well, I knew better. If it was the fan, it would have made noise when ever the fan kicked on.

The point of the story, find a Japanese auto specialty shop and take it there for a diagnostic. Most places will do it for free. And, it does sound a little shady to me. The wear of brakes has a lot of different factors, Have you checked the rotors/pads yourself?
Our forum sponsor TAS has some decent looking products for rotors and pads but I haven't tried them personally. Maybe someone will chime in and, Welcome to the forum!