Log Book Service, Is It Worth It? Subaru Liberty 3.6r 2016

LNotOnThePBS on 20/05/2023 - 13:21
Last edited 20/05/2023 - 13:22

Hey Guys

Yesterday i got my first log book service. I have been driving for 5 years and i always did simple services myself (oil, filter, air filter) but decided to get a proper service for my car, it was a 112k service. Car is valued at around 25k

It cost me 2.7k. They did a lot of different things (decarbinisation, two tires, brakes for the rear, oil, filter, cabin filter, antibacterial clean of air con, Spark plugs, full safety check, even lubricated locks). They quoted me for a repair on the Gear box as well that was leaking from the oil pump (1.4k).

My Question is; Was it worth it? 2.7k is enough to build a new pc, latest samsung phone, second hand car??

Poll Options

  • 16
    Yes
  • 64
    No
Automotive Logbook Service

Comments

  • brownsound on 20/05/2023 - 13:58
    +4

    Do U have the itemised list of works done? If so, post it here so we can see exactly what was done

    • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 19:41
      +1

      Dealer service pricing is always astronomical compared with local mechanic.
      Some repairs are not always necessary or quoted and not done.
      Seen a few cases of this so not inventing anything.
      The only reason to go to a dealer is to satisfy the warranty conditions
      But OPs car is probably out of warranty and OP has been servicng the car himself.

      Much better when car is out of warranty to take it to your trusty local mechanic.
      They can carry out any logbook service and for probably 1/3 of the dealer cost.
      From what OP has listed of work done (supposedly) I estimate the local mechanic would have only charged $700-$800 or even less if they found some items were not necessary.

      So to answer OPs question - You got well and truly OVERCHARGED.
      But its too late now.
      Move on and next time take it to your trusty local mechanic

    • NotOnThePBS on 21/05/2023 - 21:12

      Hey! Thanks for asking. Here it is https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ASR8N8DPqrudMX1EybwT…

  • dtc on 20/05/2023 - 14:27
    +6

    Are you asking whether replacing worn out parts that no one has looked at for at least 5 years is worth it? Or are you asking whether the cost of that work was appropriate?

    Subaru publishes the fee for log book services performed by dealerships so you can look that up

    You also got tyres and brakes done. Probably other things from the sounds of it.

    • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 19:50

      Most of the work carried out is routine stuff that any mechanic can do.
      Definitely tyres are best changed at a tyre retailer. They get the best prices on tyres.
      You can haggle and shop around for the best price.
      Im sure OP was charged 3x as much as a tyre place and tyres maybe not as good.
      Safety check is part and parcel - many do this for free as part of the service.
      Indicative price is the cost of a registration inspection as that is a proper safety check.
      About $50 in NSW.
      Decarb is nothing special. They just spray a can of decarb down the throttle body…..
      $10-$15 a can and about 2 mins of labor.
      Same for antibacterial clean of air con
      About $30 a can which is sprayed into the cars interior air intake under the glove box and 2 mins of labor.
      OP could have done that himself as well as the oil and oil filter change. Probably got charged around $200 for that alone.

      Anyway I think Ive made my point

      • dtc on 22/05/2023 - 10:51

        You havent really made your point because we have no idea about the cost OP was charged for anything. To claim tyres were charged at 3X the price? Where does that come from (although I notice later on you say only 100% mark up). Good tyres can easily be $300. Was the safety check actually charged or just listed as performed? You dont know. What other work was done - you dont know.

        Every one of your assertions is based on an assumption that you have no idea whether is correct.

  • spackbace on 20/05/2023 - 14:34
    +5

    When the car was 2yo, you just did oil and filter?

    Even at 90/105k that seems risky. There's a reason those are expensive services

    • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 19:53
      -1

      yeah. Sure thing.
      Dealships charge $250/hr and use apprentices in training.
      Mechanics charge about $120-$140 and use fully qualified mechanics

      Dealership also quote and charge for unecessary work.
      Sometimes its not even done.

      eg A friend of mine had a 2 year old Hyundai Excel which had travelled 25,000km.
      he had it in for service and was called by the dealer to say that he needed new spark plugs.
      Problem with this recommendation was there nothing wrong with the way the engine ran and it had platinum plugs installed that are scheduled for change at 100,000km. Lucky I was with him when he got the call and told him to say NO!
      He would have been charged for the work and it wasnt required and probably would not have been done.

      • spackbace on 21/05/2023 - 20:23

        Why you replied to me I don't know. The cost difference between dealerships and mechanics has no relevance to my comment. OP serviced it themselves.

        Or did you just need to rant?

        • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:24
          -2

          Read your post and stop being a busy body!

          You said " There's a reason those are expensive services"

          I replied to that.
          Now for an apology

          • spackbace on 21/05/2023 - 20:25

            @HeWhoKnows: Busy body? 😂 Says the one responding to all the commenters on this post lol

            • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:25
              -2

              @spackbace: And?

              They are valid responses
              Now pls stop tailgating me

              • spackbace on 21/05/2023 - 20:26

                @HeWhoKnows: I'm responding to your responses. If that's a problem, don't post in a discussion forum.

                😂

                • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:28
                  -2

                  @spackbace: No you are not.
                  You are simply deliberatly irritating and annoying me because you are jealous to know that I know much more than you on this topic

                  Now pls 'backspace" and stay on the topic

                  • spackbace on 21/05/2023 - 20:30

                    @HeWhoKnows: I was, until you compared OP self-servicing to the cost of actual professionals doing the work

                    But it's ok, I get it, you're the guy who has to hang off every top comment. Says it all really

  • Hybroid on 20/05/2023 - 14:45
    +3

    You have not provided sufficient detail for anyone to consider the added value.

    For example: were the 2 tyres $100 each or $300 each? That makes a difference to perceived value.

    • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:01

      Tyres can range from $80 to $300 depending on size, width, quality and brand.
      Fitting and balancing charges too can vary a lot.
      So knowing the cost doesnt tell us anything really.
      In any case dealerships dont specialise in fitting tyres.
      They probably sent it down to the local tyre shop and marked up the cost by over 100%
      So OP would have been ripped off for sure.

  • JIMB0 on 20/05/2023 - 15:22
    +9

    I hope for that price they rotated the pistons to prevent them wearing out on the bottom.

    • Brick Tamland on 20/05/2023 - 16:28
      +1

      Dont they just rotate the entire engine?

      • JIMB0 on 20/05/2023 - 20:34
        +1

        That would be easier, maybe that's why the service was so cheap. In an aeroplane with a boxer engine I'm told they just fly upside down half the time.

    • Mechz on 20/05/2023 - 19:07
      +1

      Do you mean wearing out the base of the piston or the side closest to the ground? We are talking about a H6 here.

  • lachhelix on 20/05/2023 - 16:29
    +4

    Based on your list, some of that sounds like bullshit dealer service "up sell"

    Are you saying you've only ever serviced the oil, filter and air filter on your car in 5 years you've owned it??? 🥶

    • Mechz on 20/05/2023 - 19:11
      +5

      Yeah that decarbonisation, anti-bacterial AC clean and lubrication of the locks is a bloody rort.

      In 25 years of owning cars built from the 60s and onwards I've never had to lubricate any locks.

      OP got shafted.

      • lachhelix on 20/05/2023 - 21:00

        I get my car serviced at Kia and they always call and tell me my car is ready to be picked up in 10 minutes and whether I want to go ahead with the recommended "anti bacterial AC flush"

        If the car is ready to go in 10 minutes either the $300 they want for the flush is for 10 minutes of work OR they've done it anyway and are just trying to get extra cash out of their "capped" price servicing (which, may I add, is considerably more expensive than any other car I've owned)

        • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:18
          +1

          A/c antibaterial flush? seriously?
          What a load of hogwash
          They literally spray a can of a/c antibacterial spray ($20-$30 cost) into the internal air intake of the a/c system (under the glove box usually).
          Takes all of about 30 seconds
          And only necessary if you have an odd odur coming from your vents

          • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2023 - 20:46
            -1

            @HeWhoKnows:

            And only necessary if you have an odd odur coming from your vents

            It's best to do an A/C 'flush' every 6-12 mths to prevent mould. If you notice an odd odour then it will probably be more difficult to clean.

            • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:47
              +1

              @[Deactivated]: Its a good maintenance tip and not expensive if one does it themselves
              These dealerships charge like a wounded bull

              • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2023 - 20:50

                @HeWhoKnows: I do it using hydrogen peroxide. A mechanic once recommended Glen-20!

                • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:53
                  +1

                  @[Deactivated]: Yes almost any anti-bacterial spray will do.
                  They all do the same job.
                  Probably the ones for a/c use are more concentrated and inject the spray much quicker than a can of Glen20 would.
                  You dont want to be crouching down under the dash for 10 mins.
                  I used to be in the business of selling these sprays some 20 years ago.
                  I think BOC gases were one of the first to pioneer this service

      • dcep on 20/05/2023 - 21:14
        +4

        at least OP got lubbed before getting shafted

      • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:15
        +1

        Can of decarb cost about $12
        Can of antibacterial a/c spray costs about $30
        About 5-10 min labor at most for these 2 jobs.
        And lubrication of locks is only a few mins too

        Sounds like a big deal on paper but nothing really
        OP could have some some or all of this work himself for a few bucks

    • brendanm on 20/05/2023 - 19:57
      +2

      How do you know if someone drives an ev?

  • Boioioioi on 20/05/2023 - 17:16
    +2

    Dealer is usually a bit more expensive, but some subaru dealers have been well priced in my experience.

    Whether or not you do it yourself or get someone else to do it, you DEFINITELY should be replacing worn parts and servicing more than just oil & filter. Oil & filter is all thats required on most services, but not all. Read your service manual, it specifies when other items are required. Additionally as things wear out you will also need to replace them.

    If you are driving around on shit tires and worn brakes, think of it as 2.7k to prevent you getting into a nasty accident

  • plmko on 20/05/2023 - 17:50
    +5

    You saved money by doing the service yourself but then you've cost yourself big money when you're selling the car. No one will pay you fair price for your car now when your log book is empty.

  • saliya on 20/05/2023 - 18:07

    The 112k km service on a 2016 Liberty seems to be 'check things' ( https://www.mycar.com.au/servicing/book#logbook and fill in the blanks). On the surface, say 1 hour of workshop labour.

    I reckon there's about $1.5k RRP in parts for the extras you talked about (filters / spark plugs / 2 tyres / rear pads and rotors) and additional 2h in workshop labour. Say 3h workshop labour + $1.5k RRP parts total.

    If their quoted workshop labour rate is $400/hour then $2700 total is fair. Otherwise, you may have been overcharged for either parts or labour.

    "Was it worth it?" is an entirely different question; and is only answerable by you…

    • HeWhoKnows on 21/05/2023 - 20:22
      +1

      $400 /hr is fair??? For work probably carried out by an apprentice????
      Local (fully qualified) Mechanics charge $120-$160/hr

  • ol mate on 20/05/2023 - 18:18
    +5

    Spark Plugs on a Subaru is a PIA.

    Probably worse if you have 6

    • dcep on 20/05/2023 - 21:17

      i heard actual subaru service centre has special tools that enables access to spark plug change with ease.

      • ol mate on 20/05/2023 - 21:36
        +3

        The tools make it easier, but it's still a pain in the ar$e.

        Non-Subaru specialists/dealers will try lifting the engine out to do it…

        Off the top of my head, a 90k service (inc Spark Plugs) for a 86/BRZ is around $2k from Toyota, or $1300 from Subaru because Toyota lift the engine out whereas Subaru know how to do them properly in 1/2 the time

  • Euphemistic on 20/05/2023 - 18:37
    +7

    This sounds like a good reason to have your car checked by a mechanic at least semi- regularly. I’m all for diy oil changes, but it certainly pays to have an expert inspect the rest of the car.

    • Euphemistic on 20/05/2023 - 19:51
      +1

      For context:
      decarbinisation: depending on the itemised cost of this, they probably just threw in some ‘product’ worth $50/can retail. To do it properly you end to pull stuff sort and scrub it.
      two tires: probably needed, but it’s often better to fit 4 tyres at once to a Subaru AWD system. You don’t want to work the centre diff extra by it always dealing with slightly different rotational speed from front-rear. Centre diff costs a lot.
      brakes for the rear: may have needed doing. Probably could have got it done cheaper elsewhere
      oil, filter: standard service item
      cabin filter: dIy this it’s likely a 5min job and probably not warranted. Get one off your favourite online place for half retail at Subaru.
      antibacterial clean of air con: sprayed $2 of stuff down the air vents and charged you $50,
      Spark plugs: not an easy job on a scooby doo afaik
      full safety check - bit of a rort, but if they actually did fully look over the vehicle and test drive it it’s worth having a mechanic look over stuff.
      even lubricated locks: 2 min diy job.

      • dwillia on 20/05/2023 - 20:57
        +3

        decarb - They empty a can of Upper Engine Cleaner into the intake manifold with the engine running, takes 5 mins and a can is $25

        • ol mate on 20/05/2023 - 21:33
          +3

          I'm pretty sure Upper Engine Cleaner is part of the schedule service for a Subaru.

          You're on the mark re cost - $20-25/can from Subaru genuine parts.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 20/05/2023 - 20:02
    +6

    if you have never had a 'proper' service and dont have a annual logbook service your cars not worth 25k boss …..

    i an i know most people would touch a 2nd hand car without full service history i dare most ppl here might not admit it but they would be the same

    personally if i was you id just service myself now as all the money you have 'saved' from avoiding servicing you have already lost in car value on paper so you might aswell run it to the ground

    • spackbace on 20/05/2023 - 23:58
      +1

      Yeah, service from 2016 to 2018 then nothing in the book till 2023? Buyers are gonna run a mile from that

      • lachhelix on 21/05/2023 - 00:20
        +5

        Slightly related, I was on the hunt for a 2012~ Cayenne - went and saw one with 175k km and asked about the service history "yeah mate it's got a service history", checked the service books and it's had 2 services - one in 2012 and the next in 2014 and nothing up until now

        Imagine paying $150k+ on a Porsche and only getting it serviced twice in 10 years 🥶

        • Euphemistic on 21/05/2023 - 13:13
          +1

          Some people with expensive things don’t look after them, they just go buy a new one.

          Having said that, not filling out the log book doesn’t necessarily mean the servicing hasn’t been done, just that the logbook isn’t filled out. I’ve had a few mechanics not bother to fill out the book and have had to ask them to do so.

          Plus there are some people who don’t care if the book is filled out and look at the general condition of the car and just trust the seller if they say it’s been serviced. older, cheaper cars don’t always need a ‘service history’ - but I’d be pretty keen to see it for an expensive euro.

          • lachhelix on 21/05/2023 - 15:13

            @Euphemistic: Yeah - this is true. I would have imagined Porsche would stamp the books, but in saying that, whether it has or not, the fact it's not documented means can't tell for certain!

            If it was something cheap/older, I feel service history is less important like you said

        • Trying2SaveABuck on 21/05/2023 - 13:55
          +1

          Slightly related, I was on the hunt for a 2012~ Cayenne - went and saw one with 175k km and asked about the service history "yeah mate it's got a service history", checked the service books and it's had 2 services - one in 2012 and the next in 2014 and nothing up until now Imagine paying $150k+ on a Porsche and only getting it serviced twice in 10 years

          it is one of those common senarios where being 'cheap' costs you more money - sure you save on service but you loose signficant value in what your car is worth - esp if it is a European car in this case Porsche.

          the only time it is not worth keeping up with a log book service is if you never intend on 'selling a car' ie your riding it till it dies which i know ppl that do that

          the other common cheap but 'dumb' senario i read is people driving to some way out petrol station to get 5-6 cents cheaper fuel - any savings at the pump is negated by the additional drivig distance

  • Sinnerator on 21/05/2023 - 08:47
    +6

    lol $2.7k for a fluff service
    lol $25k for a 7 yr old liberty

  • BAM51102 on 21/05/2023 - 09:46

    either troll or muppet.
    "I have been driving for 5 years and i always did simple services myself (oil, filter, air filter)"

    So in 5 years and 112k km you have done only airfilters and oil/filter (i suppose engine oil/filter)?

    brakes wear? - meh, car still brakes.
    brake fluid replacement ? - never heard of this bullshit.
    oil in gearbox/reardiff ? - can't see drops on a ground = not leaking = oil still there = good enough
    cab filter? - aircon performing not as good? i'll just put fan on max
    condition of the steering/suspension - what it that?
    adjust parking brake ? - i do not use it. i use gear selector "P" instead
    tyres ? - could be bold as Peter Dutton's head , nevermind. good for burnouts.

    and many other things that wanna-be-mechanics have no idea about . drain the oil from engine and change the air filter as per youtube is good enough. Then car is getting sold to some other sucker as perfectly maintained vehicle , because "i was servicing it myself and knew what to do".

    • Euphemistic on 21/05/2023 - 13:11

      Having done DIY on a few cars, can condone that most of the items you mention may not really need attention in 100k km. However, of the cars I’ve diy’d they’ve required an annual inspection for rego so that will often pick up necessary items I’ve missed.

    • NotOnThePBS on 21/05/2023 - 20:58
      +1

      Yea i didnt give my car much attention, but you assumed a lot. Brakes and tires i check regularly, and replaced 3 years ago. All other items i had in mind but dont know how to do. I know at 100k spark plugs and belt need replacing/inspection, breaks need flushing along with power steering. I was surprised they didnt flush my radiator and reservoir. My question is, do i use Subaru, or a trusty local mechanic? But thanks anyway. I hope you when you go see a pharmacist, they don't try to make you feel stupid because it isnt your area 😂

  • payless69 on 21/05/2023 - 10:52

    Be glad You did not get the diesel: They carbon up even more than your 6cyl.
    Now dream on the middle headbolts as they self loosen….

  • skillet on 21/05/2023 - 10:54

    FYI some cars these days come with a digital logbook. Ie service data stored at the dealers. They don't provide logbook anymore.

    • RMBC on 21/05/2023 - 11:18

      Still logged in the car though, you can get it from the service screen on every car I'm aware of thay has a digital logbook

  • jrvb42 on 21/05/2023 - 13:50

    Meaningless comparison unless the 2.4k PC can drive you around town. Doing service yourself on modern car is false economy as you can't do many maintenance items and as you just found out, these mount up and may lead to other issues.

  • NotOnThePBS on 21/05/2023 - 21:08

    Hey guys
    Here is what work was done
    Apologies for the delay, recovering from covid
    https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ASR8N8DPqrudMX1EybwT…

    • eciuj on 01/06/2023 - 12:57

      $131 for a cabin filter replacement? Yikes! Cost me $25-30 (Bosch/MANN active carbon) and 10 minutes to replace on my cars.

  • redvaldez on 22/05/2023 - 12:43
    +2

    The standard 112,500km service is $1000 neat - I say this as a 2018 Outback 3.6R owner whose car is getting its 112,500km service next Wednesday. The spark plugs are part of that service.

    There's a bit of fluff on that invoice (the air-con sanitisation) and a bit of the stealership levy too (I replaced my cabin air filter myself with a $40 Ryco part in less than 10 minutes). But the work done seems legitimate to me. Don't forget that $620 of it was on tyres (fair price for a quality low-profile tyre) and then there was a wheel alignment (which you would have been desperately overdue for).

    If your complaint is about spending $2,700 on a $25,000 car - well, that's the nature of car ownership. I bought a $6,000 4WD and I've spend $1,600 on repairs/maintenance on it in less than 12 months…

    • NotOnThePBS on 22/05/2023 - 22:21

      Thanks for sharing, you have made some really good points and i appreciate your input. I agree with you, they did some essential and good work, but yes there was a bit of stealership. I was desperate as i work 6 days managing a small business and happened to have the day off so wanted to capitalise on what time i had, next time i will find a local mechanic and work it out with more thought, and as mentioned here by other replies, I will use the manual to see what services may be required and use that as a guide
      Thanks Red!

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