Snowskier13

Dealer sent me a card saying I am due for my 15K mile service. I see nothing in the warranty book that says anything about 15K except oil change and tire rotation.

I have free oil changes for life as part of vehicle purchase.

They want $169 for the 15K - 24.95(oil change) so for like 140 they do something to the fuel injector service. Sounds like a $140 load of crap.

Car is running great. Just got back from skiing at Snowshow, WV. Cincinnati to Snowshoe and back avg mpg for the trip 29.7. Scanguage rocks

So my question is since Subaru North America shows oil/filter change for 15K is there anything else you guys recommend I change?

2.5x_sleeper

If you're located in the States, register at MySubaru. They have the factory & the dealership recommended services. I'd stick with the factory services & consider the ones from your dealership as optional.

Bobby...

My MODding Journal

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'07 FSXT - COBB Surgeline dyno Protune - Stage 1+
'03 X +AVO turbo kit = XT (son's)
'95 Neon Sport

Lone Ranger

Stick with the maintenance schedule as recommended in your manual (factory scehdule). Dealers offer a schedule that is more frequent on all items, because this generates revenue for their service dept. They are in business to earn money so I do not fault them for this, but it is not necessary.

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2009 2.5X, Dark Gray Metallic

guroove

It's just a very expensive oil change and tire rotation. They also take a look around and make some adjustments if necessary. The fixed a boost leak when I took mine in for the 15k service.

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2005 Obsidian Black Pearl XT w/4eat

steamloco76

I used to think my dealer's service department was fair and not a "wallet flush" operation - until I opened my mail Friday.

"Your 2009 Subaru Forester should have approximately 14,692 miles and is due for its REQUIRED 15,000 miles service soon. We will change the oil and filter and inspect the following: Brakes/linings/fluid/operation,chassis fasteners, drive axles and boots,ball joints/toe rods/suspension components, engine air filter, cabin pollen filter, front and rear differential fluid, transmission fluid, exhaust system, tires and windshield wipers.

$195 plus taxthen in mouse type any additional parts,filters,fluids determined to be necessary are at additional cost. Tire rotation $6.95 extra.

We recommend a GENUINE SUBARU Fuel and intake system flush service every 15,000 miles to keep your Forester running to factory specs - just $79.95

So -they are going to try and soak me for $195-plus the cost of an air filter and cabin filter (which I just changed myself) plus $6.95 for rotating the tires they have to remove anyway to inspect the brakes, plus $79.99 for a fuel system service the car does NOT need.

I'm doing the service myself and will CHANGE the transmission oil and differential oil, plus oil and filter and engine are filter for a cost of about $65- using synthetic engine oil.

I hate dealer service departments- as they try to scare people into $$$$ bogus services.

Also at the end of the letter -"remember the performing of all required maintenance is necessary to keep your factory and Subaru Gold Extended warranties in effect"

I knew I shouldn't have spent the $900 for that damn Gold warranty FTD!!!

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'09 Steel Silver 2.5X 5 MT(sport box) & '06 Honda Element(box box)

crewzer

There are a few more items listed in the Maintenance Schedule’s 15K service.

Yikes! My local dealer’s 15K service for the ’09 Forester isn’t looking so bad, although the "*" items (my notation) are of course highly suspect:

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

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12 Forester 2.5X FB25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV
09 Forester 2.5X EJ25 5MT Premium AWP PZEV (sold 7/2011)

bellatech

That pricing def seems kind of high. But like others said, I would check out your service manual and follow accordingly.

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Everyday I'm hustlin....

2009 n/a Foz w/MXV4s

AlbertaCanadaMike

Pretty sure I saw in the dealer that the cost was ~$500, though can't honestly remember what that included. (24000km service)

Will have to check the manual. Funny, you never hear about 'manadatory expensive services' at the purchase time....and I do hope that I don't find this to be a cash maker for them....I don't mind doing what's required, as long as it's reasonable.

I emailed the dealer asking if it was required, as I had an appt for oil change and had received the card. No response...4 days later.

Time will tell!

Cheers,

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mike
2010 XT Ltd.
Paprika Red

trailangel

Interesting that I don't see any fuel system or injector "flush" on the factory maintenance schedule but dealers always say this is a must.
15 K miles... Oil and filter change.
Air Filter.
Rotate tires.
Cabin filter.
Inspect brakes.. fluids, hoses, suspension. etc.

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TrailAngel
2010 2.5X 5MT

bbottomley

More than just 'highly' suspect. IIRC there are no lube points on a Forester's chassis.

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2003 XS Premium MT >180k miles! ● 2005 Impreza 2.5 RS MT ● Robin-Subaru Powered Generator

moengel

What exactly is a "fuel and intake system flush?" Is this like a SeaFoam treatment? Fuel injection cleaner? In either case, it's not necessary and its a very easy $10 or less DIY task. I'm calling BS on the dealer's 15K service.

It's worth keeping in mind, though, that yes, dealers have an incentive to shorten service intervals but manufactures have an equal incentive to extend them. When shopping for a new car, a buyer is much more likely to purchase a car that requires less maintenence than one that requires more. Just something to think about.

Mark

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2003 Forester XS 4EAT 90,000 Miles

madhun

You all are lucky. Here in $eattle, the dealers are charging $360 for a 15K service !!

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2009 Forester 2.5x Base-model AT

Lone Ranger

Wow does it include a tube of K-Y?

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2009 2.5X, Dark Gray Metallic

zed2500

I don't think I've ever taken a new vehicle to the dealer for anything except warranty repairs. A couple months ago I bought a few oil filters at the local Subaru dealer and was shocked at the prices for the various service intervals listed behind the counter. Screw that. The only service I may take it in for is when the spark plugs are supposed to be replaced at around 50K miles (seems sorta early). Looks like a pain in the ***, lol.

Natedog

Excellent points and I'm registered.

Have to agree with you! IMO a good service interval is somewhere between the dealer's and the mfr's recommended.

x2...don't recall ANY lube points on my Forester or any other Forester or Outback that I've ever looked under!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF???

Must be, cause that's the only lube point in the whole Forester/owner interface. :/

My dealer wants $79.95 for AC filter srvice (read between the lines, they are going to replace the cabin air filter!), $39.95 for tire rotation (they are going to have the tires/wheels off already for the brake inspection, wtf?) and that is it...not real happy with this.

As per My Subaru, here's the 15k service:

Interval: 15,000 miles / 15 month service
Action Description
Replace Engine oil
Replace Engine oil filter
Inspect Disc brake pads and discs, front and rear axle boots and axle shaft joint portions
Perform Inspect brake lines and check operation of parking and service brake system
Inspect Clutch operation
Inspect Steering and suspension
Perform Rotate and Inspect Tires