What does a complete tune up on a car with 100,000 miles involve?

Question

I have a 2001 Hyundai Accent that has been having issues on/off. It just so happens that the check engine light is now OFF and the car is acting normal again.

So if I take it in to the dealership and ask for a tune up, what can I expect and how much should I expect to pay?

Would it be better to try to explain the problems I have been having and let them try to figure it out from there? Or just have the tune up first?

Thanks for your advice!

Answer 1

Do you have to take it to the dealership? They are going to cause you to have to take up a second job to pay for it. Are there any reputable shops in your area? It probably would be $550 at a dealership, or more. Yes, you must explain to the shop/mechanic what the problems you are having with the car, are. They may find other problems as well, depending on the state of the car. Your check engine light could be your oxygen sensor, and rich fuel mixture, or a burn problem in the engine. I'm not presenting a doomsday scenario, just trying to help you out and save you some money. When was the last time your timing belt was changed? Your struts? That's all going to be scrutinized, mainly so they can make more money. Go in there with a figure in your head of what you can pay and take it from there. For instance, let's say you have a figure of $600 in your head. And the shop says "well you need this and this and that, and it's going to be $1000". Then you say "I can't pay that, what can you do that definately needs done on the car for [your amount of money]?" Then they may say "well, you could wait on this or wait on that, would you like use to do THIS?!". Then you decide. Your other option if they high-ball you is to take it somewhere else and get a second estimate. This is not always that bad. You can take the one shop's recommendations and tell the other shop what they said, and see what they say. Prepare yourself for the negotiations table. Of course, none of this may happen and you may get it fixed for $375 and drive out of there. But I presented all this because you are at the magical 100K miles mark, where everyone looks to replace the kitchen sink. You'll do okay. Don't say "well I don't know about this or I don't know about that". You're the negotiator. You don't have to be a mechanic. Be courteous and scrutinize everything. Be savy. And if you think you may be getting bazooka'd, go somewhere else.

Answer 2

at 100K, you are due for new plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, all belts, transmission flush, check co2 sensor, radiator flush, and check hoses.  

1st things 1st. Do not have everything done at one time, the expense will be excessive.  Have everything checked 1st.  Replace anything that needs to be replaced, e.g. belts, hoses, co2 sensor.  Next, new plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor.  Next, transmission service.  Next, radiator service.

for future preparation, set aside $5 per week for preventive ma int. expenses, e.g. oil changes, tire rotation, etc.  

Answer 3

450 to 550 dollars for a 100K tune...get free scan when lite is on at advance,zone,o'reillys...[dealer gets 80 dollars or more]

Answer 4

I just had mine and my car needed a new water pump, filters, and spark plugs. It kinda depends on your car and what you will need. You may not need these if they have been recently replaced. There are also a couple other things that you may need like hoses and things but it is all what is worn down in your car. The only problem that you may have is that if you don't have a mechanic that you can trust to tell you what you need to replace, than the dealership might replace or "replace" things for you when they don't need replacing just so they can jack up the bill.

Answer 5

a tune up is always a good ideal, but spark plugs and wires aren't that expensive about $80.00 for good stuff. Also a top engine cleaning would be in order to get rid of carbon in the top of the engine. Cleaning the intake plate would be a good ideal too. Most shops will charge 120 dollars or more depending on where you live and what their rates are. As for taking it to the dealership you really don't have to do that. If you take it to where the mechanics are certified ASE then they can do one for you will less but get recomendations from some one in your area.