Is Minder 09 really worth $350 or am I missing something?

Hey all, just got quoted $350 for Minder 09 service, and I’m wondering if this is normal? I get the oil change part, but that price seems a bit high. Anyone else dealt with this or know if it’s all necessary?

This is why I just do my own oil changes. Saves a lot of money.

Jory said:
This is why I just do my own oil changes. Saves a lot of money.

Same here. I use a Valvomax adapter, makes oil changes quick and clean.

Merrick said:

Jory said:
This is why I just do my own oil changes. Saves a lot of money.

Same here. I use a Valvomax adapter, makes oil changes quick and clean.

I’ve got a Fumoto ez-valve. Just open it up from the engine bay and I’m good to go.

Jory said:
This is why I just do my own oil changes. Saves a lot of money.

I’d try doing it myself, but I’m worried it might void my warranty if I don’t follow their exact schedule.

@Lachlan
That’s not true at all. As long as the maintenance gets done, you’re fine.

@Lachlan
My warranty expired ages ago, so I’m not too concerned. But yeah, I get it, better safe than sorry!

@Lachlan
You can’t void a warranty just by changing your own oil. As long as you don’t mess up the engine doing it, you’re good. Honestly, paying $350 for something that costs $30 in parts at Walmart? Nah. I’ll stick to doing it myself.

@Bernard
Exactly. Just keep receipts and note the dates. If they want to argue about it, let them prove it in court.

@Lachlan
Yep, document everything you do and you’ll be fine. Pretty sure it’s illegal to stop someone from doing their own basic maintenance. Just check your local laws to be sure.

If the brake service includes flushing the fluid, it’s expensive but not crazy. But if they’re just doing a visual check, that’s a ripoff.

Casey said:
If the brake service includes flushing the fluid, it’s expensive but not crazy. But if they’re just doing a visual check, that’s a ripoff.

A full brake service usually involves more. They clean the pads, check for rust, clean the shims, and more. It’s a bit more labor-intensive than it sounds. Plus, they throw in a tire rotation and oil change with it.

Casey said:
If the brake service includes flushing the fluid, it’s expensive but not crazy. But if they’re just doing a visual check, that’s a ripoff.

Brake service should mean removing the calipers, cleaning everything up, lubing the sliders, chamfering the pads to prevent squeal, and more. If you’ve got rear drums, they’ll clean those up too. If they’re just glancing at the brakes, that’s overpriced.

Casey said:
If the brake service includes flushing the fluid, it’s expensive but not crazy. But if they’re just doing a visual check, that’s a ripoff.

In Canada, our Minder 09 service includes checking brakes, steering, suspension, tie rods, fluid levels, and more. It’s not just the oil and brakes.

Depends on what’s included in the brake service, but yeah, that sounds high.

Otis said:
Depends on what’s included in the brake service, but yeah, that sounds high.

This is the cost breakdown from my local dealer. And yeah, it’s in Canadian dollars, but it’s still around $300 USD.

@Lachlan
Tech here. Up north, we deal with a lot of salt and brine, so the brakes need extra care. They take everything apart, clean and lubricate it to avoid seizing. In places like California, you wouldn’t need this service as often, but in Canada, once a year is pretty standard.

@Zan
$150 to clean brakes sounds ridiculous to me though.

Toby said:
@Zan
$150 to clean brakes sounds ridiculous to me though.

For people who don’t have the tools or time, paying a mechanic to do it makes sense. Techs only get a small cut of that $150, so it’s more about paying for the labor and shop time.

You didn’t ask, but $47 for a tire rotation is outrageous.