Thread: Do I really not need to service my Puma for 20,000km?

Agree the internal combustion engine retains the basics of design..
Materials and tolerances are better, designs in pistons etc greatly improved.
Fueling systems far more accurate reducing oil dilution issues.
Fuel cleaner as well...

Filtration quality has generally improved in oil, fuel and air filtration..


35 degrees is nothing... Dusty dirt roads are nothing... Unless you are eating someone else's dust...


While I definitely don't condone it, we had a mine Prado 150 that did 70,000km from new and never serviced (long story - remote site, no service bay for LVs and a Senior Mine guy who was in charge of the vehicle and that couldn't be bothered)..

The oil was saturated with carbon. Some new oil, a flush, some more oil and a couple of filters... and it was back in service. Its now pushing 300,000km and hasn't given a problem since.

That vehicle spent a lot of time idling, running, in temps up to in excess of 45 degrees for 10-12 hours.

It is now serviced by the book (although at the 70k service Toyota voided the drive-line warranty - I consider that justified!)

My vehicle (D4) and wifes (D90) get serviced just shy of the LR quoted distance and I take samples and have them analysed... So far I have no reason to be concerned for the longevity of either vehicle mechanically.

Our vehicles regularly run long runs above 35 degrees, and then in winter have desert temps (negative) to deal with...

Using the UK only as an example - their engines spend a lot more time in enrichment (extra fuel scrubbing bores, diluting oils) and short runs where engine tolerances are loose because they dont get up to temp as quickly.

I would take a hot climate vehicle of equivalent age over a cold climate (snow/ice type climate) with equivalent service records any day of the week.

Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

This might be a topic for another thread, but I enquired as to the cost of an intermediate (10,000Km interval, arduous use) 'B Service' at a LR dealer.
Ball park figure of around $1K, broken down as 3 hrs labour, replace oil / filter, brake flush, air filter and checking of other fluids.

For the bloke choosing not to DIY, regular servicing could become costly.

It cost me $1020 and they change everything,re-torqued all the suspension bolts,anti seized the wheel studs and alloy mounting points,adjusted,tested poked and prodded,they even refilled the washer bottle and added window cleaner,rotated the tyres,checked pressures etc etc and gave me a written report.It's worth every penny once a year or before a major trip. Pat

Originally Posted by PAT303

It cost me $1020 and they change everything,re-torqued all the suspension bolts,anti seized the wheel studs and alloy mounting points,adjusted,tested poked and prodded,they even refilled the washer bottle and added window cleaner,rotated the tyres,checked pressures etc etc and gave me a written report.It's worth every penny once a year or before a major trip. Pat

Thing is, I didn't get the impression that the service was going to be that comprehensive.
Don't get me wrong, I'll pay if I can see the value in it, and as far as selling the sizzle not the steak, I wasn't being sold much at all other than a $1K bill!

As we're coming up for our first service why do people use the dealer over independents?

Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

Thing is, I didn't get the impression that the service was going to be that comprehensive.
Don't get me wrong, I'll pay if I can see the value in it, and as far as selling the sizzle not the steak, I wasn't being sold much at all other than a $1K bill!

I normally do my own servicing, but I had the dealer do my scheduled Defender services only because it was complimentary for first 3 years. The road wheels didnt even get taken off, although it was on the service report/invoice.

Not very comprehensive!

my intention eventually is to do my own servicing when ive got use to it. But certainlt for the first in my ownership it will be going to a recommended mechanic.

Ive never taken any of my vehicles to a main dealer for any work unless its a factory recall. I think for what you get from a main steeler is nothing but a ruddy huge bill.....

but each to their own.......

I always use the dealer for main services..

Why?

Because I have had 2 out of warranty issues (seat bolster and dash noise) done outside warranty in good faith...

Because I was loyal they have been too...

Originally Posted by loneranger

As we're coming up for our first service why do people use the dealer over independents?

The dealer was cheaper than two indies I used. Pat