If you have time to give some advice please read.?

Question

I went to the car shop to get a oil change but I also got the deal where they look over everything in the car. This is the list of suggested work they say I should get done. I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am it has 112,000 miles on it..I know it's getting towards the end lol but I try to take care of it.

I am just wondering what I really "need" to get done and what can wait or doesn't need to be done at all. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks! Here's the list

Radiator Hoses (upper and lower)
Job Total: $212.43

Alignment check $19.99

Transmission fluid flush $109.99

Radiator system flux with new antifreeze $79.99

Fuel filter replacement and fuel system cleaning $158.48

AHH! I don't know what those hoses even are lol.

Answer 1

Hate to tell you this, but if you haven't had any of that stuff done before now- you're WAY OVERDUE on all of them. I know you're facing a big bill by having to get that all done, but personally- I think it's worth it. A Grand Am is a pretty GOOD car, & there's no reason why you can't DOUBLE the mileage you have on it if you take care of it. (And don't skimp; hoses need to be replaced on a regular basis!- like 25,000 miles ago!). Go for it, & happy motoring! :)

Answer 2

First of all, 112 thou isn't a lot of miles if you are taking care of your car. It could last to 250k it you change the oil regularly.

This is how these places make their money - the oil change was the bait.

The upper and lower radiator hoses MIGHT need to be replaced, but the price is high - $30 - 40 for the hoses and two hours.
Alignment is OK, but they will pretend to find things that you need to have fixed here too.
Tranny flush. They probably won't even drain the torque converter, so find someone that will for $100
Radiator flush and new antifreeze. Do you keep the antifreeze fresh every year and always have it topped off. If so, pass on this.
Fuel filter replacement and fuel system cleaning. This is bogus, they wont do anything except put a new filter on and put a bottle of HEAT in your gas tank. If it isn't exhibiting signs that would indicate a new filter is required, don't worry about it.

If you feel anything does need to be done, take it somewhere else.

Good luck

Answer 3

Do you have anyone in your family close by the could help you with the work because i GAURUNTEE that most of this can be done for real cheap. Ok try this on for size if you have some mechanical intuition:

Radiator hoses upper and lower: Just cost of the hoses themselves and half hour of time to replace and meanwhile go to walmart or somewhere and buy a flush kit splice it into the heater hose where it tells you in the instructions and flush your radiator at the same time total cost less than thirty bucks probably.

Alignment check is simple go down the highway and loosely let go of steering wheel if you car wants to wander to one side or the other you need an alignment.

Tranny flush start your car take out tranny dipstick and look at the color of the fluid. IF it is bright red you are fine. If it is like a darker red then you need to do it but shop around could be cheaper.

Fuel filter replacement and cleaning fuel filter cost about ten to twenty bucks you might need special tool to that costs a couple of bucks to get to get fuel filter off but can be done for less than thirty bucks. fuel system cleaning only needs to be done if you think that your car really runs like crap and gets very bad fuel milage.

BUt if you don't have anybody mechanically inclined i would do the hoses flush and anitfreeze for sure. the rest you decide off of what i have said previously.

Answer 4

Radiator hoses, (2-3 inches in diameter coming out of the large square behind the grill in the very front of the car) while replacement wouln't be a bad idea, check for bumps, bumps mean there about to bust, no bump no problem.
Alignment check, when your driving down a straight street take your hands off the wheel if it pulls to the side you need an alignment. With the miles on your car there may be suspension bushings that are worn out or missing that would make an alignment a waste of money.
Transmission flush, yes that should be done regularly, check a book for how often on your car.
Radiator flush, check the color in the plastic box you add coolant to. It should be gatorade orange although that is about the time they changed the kind of coolant made cars with, I dont think you ever have to change the orange.
Fuel Filter, yes once a year along with a general tune up. As far as the cleaning, for about 2.50 or $3 you can get a bottle of fuel system cleaner called lucas. when you stop for gas you pour that in then fill up your tank. that way it mixes with the gas. it works decent and might get some better mileage.
Good luck

Answer 5

Fuel Filter sounds a little to high. If this is at your GM Pontiac Dealer then it's Right.

With 112,000 milles I would Have the Water Holes changes and if your handy look around and get some of the vacumm lines that you can get to changed. Check your Belts and look at the sticker on the batery to.

If this is all your car needs then do it and if your car is harldly in the shop but just oil changes then this car has Lots of life left. if your the 1 and only owner this is very common with cars that have high milage. Just look at what you have done to the cars since you have owned it. Shocks, Struts, Brakes, Tires, whipers ,Alignment is all part of the general maintinence bill.

Answer 6

None of these services are "needed", unless your radiator hoses are brittle, swollen or cracked.

Don't panic.

These services have been suggested for preventative maintenance and for performance improvement. The above list of suggested services is, along with tire rotation and possibly a battery check, pretty much a standard way for a repair facility to keep your vehicle in good condition and raise revenue for the shop.

Unless your service consultant told you these services were "required" or "needed", there is nothing unethical about suggesting maintenance services. They could even save you money in the long run by keeping your vehicle in good running order.

If you have any questions, please ask your automotive professional. We are here to help.

You should do these services, but you do not have to do them.

Answer 7

That's why those places have those "special" deals-to bring in more money to the shop! Have a mechanically inclined friend check it out or a reputable shade tree mechanic. Chances are you don't need the repairs.

Answer 8

well I asked my boyfriend and he said that it doesnt need any of it right away unless its messing up your car and you should just start doing things one at a time but the sooner the better (because he doesnt know how bad they are so he cant tell you exactly how soon) well I hope this works

Answer 9

don,t be taken in by most of these shop,s........radiator hose,s for $214.43........that,s redicul,s.....alignment check only....$19.99.....absurd....rad.flush for $80.00.....a bit high.......fuel filter replacement & cleaning for $158.48....out ragous...........go to a reliable mechanic for a 2nd.oppinoin....if in doubt....contact the better business bureo.