Wondering about cost of maintenance?

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Maintenance' started by Duck Johnson, Jan 18, 2022.

  1. Duck Johnson

    Duck Johnson Full Access Member

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    I just bought an sxt and loving it. The challenger has over 80k miles on it. I was a little Leary, but I checked it out and seems fine and runs like a beast. The dealership gave me a 3 year 36k mile full power train and same thing maintenance program. They also said that the oil change was recently done and the oil looked clean. I was wondering about how much some of you spent on scheduled maintenance? The dealership offered me a program for 6 oil changes and scheduled maintenance for $150. Does this sound good to you guys? Any responses would be appreciated.
     
  2. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    That's a good deal. Just $25 for every conventional oil change is worth it.
     
  3. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    The oil changes are worth it alone, so yeah, if you don't like doing your own stuff, go for it.

    I wonder what else their 'scheduled maintenance' includes? It would be nice if brake fluid changes and some other fluid changes, from coolant to power steering. Fuel filter? Air filter? It could be a really good deal.
     
  4. B5blueRT

    B5blueRT Full Access Member

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    $25 for each oil change is good. I assume it includes oil filters, shop materials and disposal but make sure first so there's no surprises. Maintenance should include tire rotation, but confirm.
    While you're at it:
    a. confirm type of oil so you know what you're getting: conventional, synthetic blend or or full synthetic.
    b. oil change interval they want you to follow: 5,000 mi. / 7,000 mi. / 10,000 mi. (again, so you know.)
     
  5. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    That sounds pretty fair to me ... as long as they're not tacking on a bunch of fees like @B5blueRT mentioned. If they are, search for a deal elsewhere or do it yourself. Just keep your receipts.

    The Owner's Manual calls for your change intervals not to exceed 10,000 miles or 12 months or 350 hours of run time. Your SXT takes 6 quarts of 5W-20 engine oil that meets Dodge's MS-6395 spec and the manual says you can use 5W-30 that meets MS-6395 if 5W-20 isn't available. Shouldn't be a problem to find 5W-20 as it has become a fairly common weight. LOTS of brands to choose from. Even Mobil 1 recommends some of their products for the 3.6L V6 in your Challenger. ;)

    At the 6 for $150 price I'm sure you'll be getting conventional engine oil and a basic filter. Your car left the factory with conventional (possibly a synthetic blend) so there's no need to use Full Synthetic ... though that's what many (me included) use to give our engines maximum protection.

    IF ... you see any signs of oil leaks, then you might consider using a High Mileage oil that's designed to reduce seepage. (I'll be switching to a High Mileage oil in my '05 Monte Carlo at the next change for this reason.)

    As a price reference ... my '15 Challenger SRT 392 takes 7qts of 0W-40 Full Synthetic. Shopping around I'm usually able to find a deal that allows me to do-it-myself using Pennzoil Ultra Platinum and a SRT filter for about $75.
     
  6. Duck Johnson

    Duck Johnson Full Access Member

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    Thanks for the good information. I’m really enjoying the input I’ve been given
     
    Wizard of Iz and NC20RT like this.
  7. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    The members are few but very helpful to me as well. I bought my R/T in Nov 2020 and I've learned so much in the past 14 months. I was out of the Mopar scene for decades and I'm so glad I'm back in one.
     
  8. Duck Johnson

    Duck Johnson Full Access Member

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    There has been a change, the dealership said it will cost $300 for six oil changes, filter and tire rotation. They said they would use the recommended synthetic oil for my car. It done at the dealership, so I think they would understand the car better. I haven’t been told that they would do an inspection. There is no time limit to do the six changes. I think it’s still a good deal. What do you guys think?
     
  9. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Synthetic oil costs about $5 per quart and a Mopar filter about $10. Even if you did the oil change yourself, it would still cost you $45 per change ($270 for 6 changes). So, $300 for 6 oil changes and tire rotations is still a good deal.
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2022
  10. B5blueRT

    B5blueRT Full Access Member

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    To get that $50/visit from a Dodge dealer is still a good deal. That's what I pay my independent repair shop for mine for the same service using full synthetic. I'm sure the dealer will do an inspection when the car's in for service hoping to get a little more business from you (other fluid changes, wiper blades, cabin air filter, etc.).

    See if they have a quick lube service line. My dealer has a dedicated bay just for oil changes, rotations, and simple maintenance. No appointment needed. Total wait time would be dependent on how many vehicles are before you waiting for the same service.