Solstice assumed the role of redheaded stepchild in our long-term car family long ago, but whether it deserves that title or not is still up for some debate. What can't be argued is that it received enough attention to reach its 15,000-mile scheduled service.
We chose Boulevard Buick/Pontiac/GMC in Long Beach for its location. We pulled into the service drive on time for our scheduled 7am appointment and were pleased to see we were the only car in line. The optimist in us saw this as the line half-empty and was looking forward to the service finishing quickly and being on our way. It turns out that the line was really half-full because it wasn't until 9:30 that the keys were back in our hand and we were paying the bill...
Service items performed: change oil and filter, service emission system, rotate tires and a "Goodwrench" visual inspection of tires, belts, fluid levels, etc. Total bill for parts and labor, $225.96
Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Assistant
ahightower says:
12:15 PM, 10/10/06
Seems awfully pricey - what in the heck does "service emissions system" involve?
desmolicious says:
01:04 PM, 10/10/06
Yah, basically the same service for the Accord cost $45...
jstandefer says:
01:58 PM, 10/10/06
$225.96... eeek! The last time I had the oil changed, tires rotated, visual inspection, and fluids topped off on my '06 Miata, the bill came to just over $42. And that was at a dealership. Well, I lied... they also found a nail in one of the front tires, so add another $12 to that.
I recently paid less than that $225.96 to have a set of Eibach Pro-kit springs installed (installation cost only). I would double-check what they charged you, or what services were performed.
Service emission system? I do believe any repair or adjustment of the emission system is covered under a federally-mandated warranty.
firstwagon says:
02:58 PM, 10/10/06
A lot of money considering the only thing you actually get is an oil change and tire rotation. I can do that myself for less then $20 using name brand stuff.
I haven't had a car "serviced" at a garage in over a decade. Too much for too little.
billt9 says:
03:41 PM, 10/10/06
Oil, filter and rotate should be $45.
What is that "service emission system"? It's not on the Solstice maintenance schedule.
The Solstice does have a 25,000 mile "Exhaust System Inspection".
Is the dealer gouging on the initial purchase price, and service prices?
jerrywimer says:
05:32 AM, 10/11/06
Sounds like it. We just had the 15k service performed on my wife's van and it ran around $50. This is one case where I wouldn't be blaming the car..
anythngbutgm says:
04:50 PM, 02/ 6/07
GM has to make money somehow. Can't do it selling cars. Might as well screw people on the service.