So it's time for my 30k tuneup on my '04 RSX Type-S and I called to get a quote on a 30k tuneup...$477!!!! I asked what's included and it basically sounds like a complete drain and refill of every imagineable fluid in the car, valve adjustment and oil change. The lady tells me that because I live in Utah I fall under "extreme road conditions" because it's dustier and the temperature extremes.

When I read the manufacturer's definition of "extreme road conditions" it says if your car MOSTLY falls under the following conditions then it's considered "extreme"...this being driving your car less than 5 miles per trip, driving in extreme temps...you guys know what I'm talking about.

I wouldn't think my car would fall under "extreme conditions" by just driving it normally like everybody else does. Sure it gets hot and cold here (up to 100 degrees in summer, maybe 15 degrees in extremem winter temps) but I'm not driving them in these temps all of the time.

Do you think she's just trying to sell me on their maintenance or is there some validity to this argument?

 

My manual for my '03 lists oil change, air filter replacement, and a whole lot of "inspect" this-and-thats. No mention of valve adjustments or replacements of all fluids. I tend to follow the severe driving schedule to be on the safe side since I don't just drive around in my livingroom. If you tend to neglect your vehicle's condition, their 'service' may be of value to you. For me though, it's a lot of "Did they really inspect this and that?".