F-150 Maintenance

I have an ’05 F150 that just went over 30,000 miles. At a scheduled oil change last week, the dealer suggested the 30K service package for @$450. I’m considering it since my vehicle will soon be beyond warranty.

Is this money well spent? Unnecessary? or are there better options?

I’ll list some of the checks included:

* Complete 3k service ($32)
* Check and clean battery
* Check tires for wear – air pressure
* Replace air cleaner element
* Inspect brakes, steering operation and linkage, front ball joints
* Inspect drive belts and pulleys
* Inspect rear brake linings
* Perfrom auto transmission/transaxle service
* Body lubrication, hinges, latches, locks, and doors
* Inspect fuel lines and hoses
* Rotate tires
* Check emergency brake
* Replace engine fuel filter
* Oil Change

If done now, I can purchase extended warranty at a discount. I plan to own this vehicle for at least another 4 1/2 – 5 years, at which I should be pushing 150,000 miles. Are extended service plans recommended? Anyone with experience in this area with this type of vehicle?

Thanks,

Eric
*

To me that seems like a lot of money for an oil change

and a transmission/transaxle service.

If you have the time you can perform a majority of the

listed items on your own.

The serpentine belt should last for around 60K.

You can get a free brake inspection just about anyplace

in town. While they have the wheels off to look at the

brakes ask them to rotate the tires!

I usually wait until I see they’re running a special on

this service or that.

It’s kinda of a scam because your paying double labor while

the tech. is waiting for the fluids to drain they are giving your truck a visual inspection.

What kind of a disc. would this net you on the extended warranty.

Dan

You might want to reach Corey Waller. He is our Ford guy here who has been working at the Hastings Dealership a long time. He would have the best advice for ya!

An extended warranty is s good idea. I suggest buying the best one with a $0 deduct. All it takes is one major repair, like a trans failure to cost the amount of the warr. Plus a warranty covers almost everything your factory warr covered.

Most extended warranty companies will look at maintance records before covering a major repair. There is not much maintance required these days on newer vehicles, mostly filters and fluid changes, brakes and tires. Sparkplugs/ wires and coolant are now 100k intervals on most vehicles.

You can always check your owners manual to see what the manufactor recommends for maintance and intervals.

Well all I’ve done in my ’01 is change the fluids, and drive it like I stole it, so far so good with 130K on the odo. YMMV

Does sound a lot like a $450 oil change…..

I checked and to have them services done here, We are a Dodge dealer, so I am using Ram 1500 prices, would run you $179.95 for the trans service. $32 for the 3K, which includes all the items listed, but the following (battery term service $22) (Air cleaner, $16.00 cost of filter only, no labor to install charged) (Rotate $19.95) rear brake insp ($9.95, discounted because of rotate already) The total would be $279.95. Hope this helps. I am surprised they do not recommend a Rear diff service. If you dip your boat in with this truck, and there is any chance of getting water in there, I would recommend that too. That service should be about $89.00. Good luck Eric.

big g

Ooops, just noticed change fuel filter. I do not know what they would charge for this. Guessing about $35.00 if it is an in-line filter.

I’m on my 4th F150, 3 have had over 150,000 miles and the one I now drive has 97,000 miles. Have not needed anything major “yet”. I figure I’m money way ahead. Maybe luck, but I have only replaced one computer module (at Fords expense) and one alternator. Change oil every 5,000 mi. and do their checkups at 75,000 mi. Trade before the next checkup.

i used to work at an automax and dealt with extended warranty companys frequently. most of them are a real pain to work with, and wont pay for alot of things. make sure you do some research before getting one.(they are a good thing to have- just be sure its the right company)

Re service ford f 150–have had fantastic service with these trucks with a 4.6 liter engine serviced as follows change engine oil every 6000 miles transmission every 55000–with this venue the 97 went 370K with 2 alternators–2 sets front brake pads 2 sets front shocks maintained the same belt –antifreeze–exhaust system etc. have a 99 and 03 with 160K and same venue–the first truck would still be running except someone run into it and totaled it out–good luck with yours–snagged

My 1999 F-150 is @ 202,000 Miles and still going strong , with very minimal money into her.

If one looks at what they’re really getting in this service package…it’s a rip off. Everything listed is either cheap to do or free to do and relatively easy. If a guy is able bodied and has a shred of common sense, it’s all simple tasks. How much of a discount is the extended warranty really when your getting screwed dry on the service package? Pass on the “service package”, pass on the extended warranty.

BIRDDOG

Sounds like many of you had the same suspicions I did when I heard the price. The dealership has been good to work with but $450 just seemed out of line. I think I’ll look to do some of the things I cannot individually and spread them out over time.

For some of these jobs, I’d be like Fletch looking for that fetzer valve!! Ball bearings, 3-1 oil and some gauze pads out to do it!

Thanks for the advice!

Eric

flush the trans and change the fuel filter.

Don’t let them BS you they check everything else evry time you have your truck in the shop. I know I’m a mech and that is the only way shop make money on oil changes is selling things they find bad.

By the time shops pay the tech and the oil and filter they make about 5 bucks on an oil change unless the higher paid techs have to do it then they are doing it for free.

I don’t know the pricing of maintenance at a garage because I do it myself. But I’d pass on the extended warranty. If you take care of the vehicle, it will take care of you.

I have been burned before by not getting the extended warranty. 37k on my chevy truck and had to replace the lower intake manifold and everything that went with it. Cost 2200$ Then the fuel pump went out and 600$ later I was pretty much done with chevy, and paying on a vehicle that isn’t warrantied. My current Ford, 03′ supercrew, has not had any trouble and when it does I will not be turning a wrench on it, bumper to bumper up to 75k or 2010. For the extra money it is a no brainer for me. But I’m an unlucky b@stard, and I hate coughing up major “unexpected” expenses.

Eric,
I have a 2001 F150 and I just got the following for $420.

Oil Change
Transmission Flush and Filter
New Plugs, Platinum
New Fuel Filter
Flush and Fill Radiator
Rear Differential

I am not seeing this value in your list. I would not do it there. You can go else where to find a better value.

I didnt get this done at the time but a few months ago I was quoted just under $200 for about the same deal, new fuel filter, oil, tire rotation, axle/tranny service, etc. This was at a Ford dealer in the metro. The one at 694 and Silver Lake Rd.

They may have been a special running, I cant remember for sure, but $450 seems way out of line.