Various benz's..... we just get new ones every year
As for her 2002 elantra with 135,000 miles..... I have never changed a timing belt.... for $385, parts and labor through the dealer, it was well worth the money in my opinion. It didn't need it.... just preventative maintenance. I searched online and most dealers charge $550-600 for this....$385 was a steal for us.
As for heater core....she showed up at my work and it had busted a leak... coolant into the passenger cabin. I've had heater cores out in the bird and chevelle and it is a PITA. For $800, well worth the money to have the dealer do it. Since I work long hours.....and do not have a garage.... the dealer was WAY more convenient.
The hyundai dealer we go to is DIRT cheap for labor per hour.... if they weren't, then we would go elsewhere.
Being in the car business for 8+ yrs..... this dealer has blown me away.... I am MORE than happy to spend our money there... I suspect that, due to their impressive service, we will buy a car from them soon.
After building this rapport with the dealer they replacement the exhaust manifolt/ catalytic converter on a 135,000 mile car for free.... yes, free.
Tires - local shop for mounting and balancing.... I don't have a tire mounter or balance machine
I'll do regular maintenance, basic upgrades to the cars, brakes, suspension yada yada yada.
I can't weld..... if you know me.... you would NOT want me to play with fire.... NUFF said!!!!
I also factor in what my time is worth. When I was younger I did more as I was poor...but as I am older....I make more $$$$... my free time is less and less. Taking her elantra to the jiffy lube for $25-30 (with a free car wash) is WAY better for me than doing the oil change at home and disposing the oil. Or the dealer for CHEAP and quality work.... well worth it in my opinion.
Again, since I work in the automotive industry for a luxury brnad.... I am EXTREMELY critical of dealers/ speed shops.
The bird and T/A stick to ECS (in the past) and stage 1