2003 Matrix never had a major service

[federal102]

I have a 2003 base Matrix with 100,000 miles. I have never had this car serviced other than to have the oil changed. Every time I have the oil changed they try and sell me a transmission flush as my transmission fluid is burnt. I wouldn't know burnt transmission fluid from burnt toast. I finally broke down and called my dealer to get a price on a service. They quoted me $750 including the transmission.

The service includes tire rotation, brake inspection, air filter, PCV valve for $450 and trans service for $300.

I don't need the tire rotation( just got new tires and brakes ) and I can replace the air filter myself.

My question is, should I have the transmission done there ( drain and fill ), have it done at Meineke ( flush ) or not touch it?

[camryvibe]

I wouldn't have anything done at a shop that's going to charge $450 for rotating tires, replacing the PCV and air filters, and looking at the brakes. That shouldn't take more than about half an hour and the filter and PCV are both pretty inexpensive parts.

But it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the transmission fluid changed - just not there.

[mikered30]

Can you do the drain a refill yourself? It takes 3.2 quarts/drain. Multiple drains and refills are ideal if you don't do a flush or line exchange. If you take it somewhere else, make sure they use a T-IV compatible fluid.

[edbso]

This is what it should cost...

Part DescriptionPart CostAir filter$22.80Air filter:
Coolant$8.00Coolant:
Engine oil$10.50Engine oil:
Oil filter$7.70Oil filter:
Spark plugs$10.00Spark plugs:
Total Estimated Parts Cost$59.00
Labor ActionItemLabor Cost
Replace Air filter$1.48Air filter:
Inspect Ball joints$4.95Ball joints:
Inspect Brake lines, hoses & connections$0.99Brake lines, hoses & connections:
Inspect Brake pads & linings$9.90Brake pads & linings:
Flush/replace Coolant$34.65Coolant:
Inspect boots & seals Drive axles$4.95Drive axles:
Change Engine oil$9.90Engine oil:
Inspect Exhaust system$2.48Exhaust system:
Inspect Front differential fluid$4.95Front differential fluid:
The liquid used for lubricating gears inside the differential.
Inspect Fuel filler cap$0.99Fuel filler cap:
Inspect Fuel system$4.95Fuel system:
Replace Oil filter$4.95Oil filter:
Inspect Serpentine belt$1.48Serpentine belt:
Replace Spark plugs$24.75Spark plugs:
Inspect Steering gearbox$4.95Steering gearbox:
Inspect Steering linkage$4.95Steering linkage:
Inspect Transfer case fluid$4.95Transfer case fluid:
Inspect Transmission fluid$4.95Transmission fluid:
Inspect Valve clearance$2.48Valve clearance:
Rotate Wheels & tires$14.85Wheels & tires:
Total EstimatedLabor Cost$153.45
Total Estimated CostsTotal Estimated Parts Cost For Your Area$59.00 Total Estimated Labor Cost For Your Area$153.45 Total Estimated Cost (excluding tax)*$212.45

Transmission flush ????

[Albuynp Ryeno]

Originally Posted by edbso

This is what it should cost...

Part DescriptionPart CostAir filter$22.80Air filter:
Coolant$8.00Coolant:
Engine oil$10.50Engine oil:
Oil filter$7.70Oil filter:
Spark plugs$10.00Spark plugs:
Total Estimated Parts Cost$59.00
Labor ActionItemLabor Cost
Replace Air filter$1.48Air filter:
Inspect Ball joints$4.95Ball joints:
Inspect Brake lines, hoses & connections$0.99Brake lines, hoses & connections:
Inspect Brake pads & linings$9.90Brake pads & linings:
Flush/replace Coolant$34.65Coolant:
Inspect boots & seals Drive axles$4.95Drive axles:
Change Engine oil$9.90Engine oil:
Inspect Exhaust system$2.48Exhaust system:
Inspect Front differential fluid$4.95Front differential fluid:
The liquid used for lubricating gears inside the differential.
Inspect Fuel filler cap$0.99Fuel filler cap:
Inspect Fuel system$4.95Fuel system:
Replace Oil filter$4.95Oil filter:
Inspect Serpentine belt$1.48Serpentine belt:
Replace Spark plugs$24.75Spark plugs:
Inspect Steering gearbox$4.95Steering gearbox:
Inspect Steering linkage$4.95Steering linkage:
Inspect Transfer case fluid$4.95Transfer case fluid:
Inspect Transmission fluid$4.95Transmission fluid:
Inspect Valve clearance$2.48Valve clearance:
Rotate Wheels & tires$14.85Wheels & tires:
Total EstimatedLabor Cost$153.45
Total Estimated CostsTotal Estimated Parts Cost For Your Area$59.00 Total Estimated Labor Cost For Your Area$153.45 Total Estimated Cost (excluding tax)*$212.45

Transmission flush ????

uhm no. those prices are wack.

Anyways OP, you messed up big time not doing anything besides oil changes. Your engine isn't everything. Now honestly you could neglect the coolant, brake fluid, power steering, water pump, timing belt, spark plug, etc. But engine oil and transmission fluid are big ticket repairs.

First you said your car broke down, what exactly broke down?

Second you need to start your car and while its running, pop the hood, take out the transmission fluid dipstick and see what color it is (use a paper towel). If its black and smells like toast, your screwed. Odds are if you change brunt transmission fluid, the cars tranny will suddenly break and if you dont change it, your car will break eventually.

Although if your car broke down because you neglected the transmission fluid, your going to need to rebuild the tranny, changing the fluid alone at that stage wont help.

[Christian87N]

ouch. Not having done a single tranny flush will rape you sooner than later. Do your shopping with different toyota dealerships, see what they can offer. Start with tranny flush, and engine and then work your way down with less important items.

[Stevo_Echohb05]

Trans drain + refill $68.00
tire rotation + oil change + full inspection $115.00
air filter $25.45
Toyota dealer in montreal